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70 | belgium Famous for its waffles and chocolate sold in more than 2,000 specialty shops, this country is full of sweet surprises: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; over 200 museums; 650 types of native beer; and 5,000- plus friteries, purveyors of the original "French" fry. More annual street and music festivals than any other European country prove that the cloth of belgium is cut from something as intricate as its signature lace. In bruges, canals connect cobblestoned streets and historical buildings, from charitable (46 blocks of whitewashed almshouses) to authentically pedestrian ('t Zwart Huis, a pub predating 1482) to simply stunning (oft-photographed Rozenhoedkaai). Here, 130 performances fill the air with music at the Concertgebouw, and seven Michelin-rated restaurants make dining especially fine. In the capital, brussels, tongues are more in cheek, starting with the iconic Mannekin-Pis, who models 900 outfits for 36 annual occasions. Avant-garde expression is also embraced, evident in the 300 Art Nouveau-style buildings; within the Atomium, built for the 1958 World Fair; and Surrealist works peppered throughout. BelGiuM unexpectedly sweet 2 10 111 G E R M A N Y F R A N C E L U X . G E R M A N Y N E T H E R L A N D S B E L G I U M Brussels North Sea Bruges 0 20 miles 0 20 km VACATION ENHANCING TOURS BrusseLs • City sightseeing • Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour • Ghent & Bruges Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. belgium is an artistic tour-de-force; pre-arranging your tour is a fantastic way to ensure you receive its full impact. bElGIUM / bRUGES keMPINskI HOTeL Duke's PALACe o o o o o This 15 th century castle, situated in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city, boasts 93 magnificent rooms, including 22 exquisite palatial suites. Restaurant Manuscript offers fine Belgian cuisine. Cultural experiences await at the Duke's Art Gallery, situated in the garden. Relax after at the spa with an indoor swimming pool. The hotel's professional team members will ensure an unforgettable stay. bRUSSElS sOFITeL BrusseLs Le LOuIse o o o o o This modern six-story hotel is located near the prestigious Avenue Louise, where a broad array of luxury shops and designer boutiques are only a short walk away. Antiques shops and art galleries are also in the vicinity. The 109 guestrooms and suites are stylishly decorated, and have all the latest in contemporary amenities. PuLLMAN BrusseLs CeNTre MIDI o o o o Hotel Pullman Brussels Centre Midi is an upscale four-star hotel located in the heart of Midi station. The hotel is only five minutes by metro or a 15-minute walk from the historical heart of Brussels. Featuring 237 rooms and suites with state-of-the-art technology, guests benefit from free WiFi, Quadriga multimedia entertainment system, and a Bose ® docking station in the room. sTeIGeNBerGer WILTCHer's BrusseLs o o o o o This grand hotel benefits from a strategic and privileged location in the heart of the famous Avenue Louise, in the city's most fashionable shopping district. Each of the 267 fully renovated luxurious guestrooms offer all the modern amenities. The restaurant serves a diverse range of international and local specialties. Enjoy a cocktail or snack in the relaxed and convivial atmosphere of the Loui Bar.