Belgium:

Belgium Trip

September 2012

Belgium

This European River Cruise included visits to the Rhine & Mosel Rivers. Along these river routes, we stopped at cities, ports and picturesque, quaint villages. These neat little villages are located at the base of striking valley moutainsides covered with vineyards. We covered 6 countries in 3 wks: Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland. We began this journey with 4 extra days in Brugge, Belgium and ended it with 4 extra Days in Lucerne Switzerland.

BRUGGE: This city is defined by canals. It has been an important trade center in Europe based on textile/wool industries and the finest lace making. It is a treasure trove of fine architecture. Its specialities are great mussels, Belgian fries, waffles… and, of course, chocolate.

ATLANTIKWALL IN OOSTENDE: Belgian coast open-air museum of the infamous wall built by Germans during WWII. Thousands of bunkers with artillery and anti-aircraft guns were built to protect the ports from an Allied attack.

DAMME is a charming seaside town….took a boat ride here & sampled different varieties of Belgian beer while cruising.

Then, we went on to GHENT, an important center of medieval cloth trade. Ghent is an old 12th century city port with beautiful preserved guildhouses. It’s famous for the Treaty of Ghent that was signed here in 1814, ending the 1812 War w/US and England.

ANTWERP…Belgium’s major port….suffered much damage in WWI and WWII. it still remains a city of beautiful architecture…a well-preserved old town w/its Grote Markt and beautiful guild houses and old town hall. It’s one of Europe’s busiest ports and also a major diamond ctr. It became a thriving hub of the European cloth industry. Today, it is undergoing a widespread program of rebuilding and renovation. It has a reputation as a key European Center of cutting- edge fashion design.

BATTLE OF THE BULGE: This began when Hitler’s desparate attack through the Ardennes attempted to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle has been called the greatest American battle of WWII. It raged from 12/16/1944 thru 01/28/45.

US: 8,447 killed; 46,170 wounded; 20,905 MIA or in prison Germany: 10,749 killed; 34,439 wounded; 32,487 MIA or in prison.

Belgium Photo Gallery

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