Historically, Belgium’s fertile lands have been hotly contested by France, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Austria-Hungary, resulting in its diverse tongue and distinctive culture. In the 1650s Bruges was the chosen hiding place of England’s exiled King Charles II and his reasoning is plain to see. Much of its architecture remains unchanged, allowing you to discover the fairy tale charm of this regal refuge for yourself. Further inland is Brussels, which is capital of the country and the European Union and, in contrast with Bruges, it offers a much more contemporary Belgian experience. From the world’s diamond centre of Antwerp to the cosmopolitan city of Ghent, Belgium really is much more than beer and chocolates.