The Benelux region takes its name from the initials of the 3 countries which make it up; Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Be-Ne-Lux). All 3 countries are small in size, but big in history, culture and heritage, making them perfect for a journey exploring the region by car.

Head to our Great Journeys page for more detail on how to arrange a tour of the Benelux region, or read below for some of our suggested highlights.

Amsterdam

One of the most famous and unique cities in the world, with a culture packed with wild contrasts. Amsterdam is rich in heritage and history, with wonderful architecture and museums which might suggest a stuffy, conservative city. This, however, could not be further from the truth, and Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most progressive and liberal cities, famous for its laid-back atmosphere and its love of a party.

Do your sightseeing in Amsterdam by canal boat, with a variety of themed cruises to choose from, including pizza, cheese and cocktail cruises, then head to one of the city’s famous brown cafes and bars, or its multi-cultural selection of restaurants. Spend the next day shopping in the city’s cobbled streets or large department stores, and relax with a coffee and a stroopwafel, before heading south to The Hague.

The Hague

While Amsterdam is easy-going, despite the hustle and bustle of the small streets, The Hague has a sense of kingliness about its wide, continental promenades, so it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that its nickname is the Royal City by the Sea. As well as being the centre of the government for the country, The Hague is also home to the Mauritshuis Museum, which houses Vermeer’s famous Girl with a Pearl Earring.

Stop off for a coffee in the wide, open streets, perfect for people watching, or head to Scheveningen beach and see why it’s one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country. Take a stroll down the promenades before taking the trip 80 miles south to Antwerp, the city of diamonds.

Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s second city and is probably the coolest area in the country. A stunning architectural contrast between the classic and the modern, Antwerp is home to both quaint market squares and sleek, modern buildings. The city has a famous fashion scene, and plenty of boutique stores to discover, where you can pick up one-off items sure to make your friends back home jealous!

Bruges

One of Belgium’s most popular tourist destinations, Bruges is famous for some of the finer things in life; chocolate and beer!

Head to the De Halve Maan brewery for the best brewery experience in the city, with a free tipple at the end of the tour and a stunning panoramic view of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.

Bruges is home to over 70 specialist chocolate shops, including many which are certified by the Guild of Chocolatiers, so look out for their guarantee of quality.

Brussels

The capital of Europe and European democracy, Brussels is as international and cosmopolitan as you would expect. There is a huge and varied selection of bars and restaurants to choose from in the city, offering food from all over the world, but be sure to check out local delicacies such as moules et frites at a restaurant while you’re in town.

Brussels is home to over 40 museums, with everything from fine art to comic strip culture covered, so you’re sure to find something to cater to your interests, no matter how diverse!

Luxembourg City   

The capital of the tiny nation of Luxembourg, visiting Luxembourg City is often referred to as “going En Ville” by the locals. The city centre, Haute Ville is a gorgeous, quaint area with town squares and old buildings, showing off the country’s rich heritage. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its beauty, and you can learn more about the history of the city in the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg.

Luxembourg is also home to a large American cemetery from the Second World War, which makes for a haunting and poignant reminder of the conflict which shook not only Europe, but also the world.