It may be a little country, but it is a lovely one. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris, and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually treated as a stepping stone to the English Channel or, at most, a quick stop-over for a look-see in the capital, Brussels.

Beyond the city of Brussels is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns and the inland wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals, winding waterways, and cobbled streets, proving a favourite with visitors.

After a busy day exploring it all, evenings are best spent experiencing Belgium’s fantastic cuisine and delighting in the country’s variety of 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for their gracious hospitality, no doubt due in part to the country’s location, which has created an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this, Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity.