My husband and I (both mid-30s) are travelling to Belgium and the Netherlands for 2 weeks in August. We've got the basics of our itinerary set - 4 nights Brussels, 3 nights Bruges, 6 nights Amsterdam, 1 night back in Brussels before our flight home.

We have 1 of the days in Brussels earmarked for a day trip outside the city, and are looking for recommendations about where to go. We plan to visit Ghent on the way from Brussels to Bruges, and Antwerp on the way from Bruges to Amsterdam. Also, while in Bruges, we will likely visit Oostend to get a feel for the Belgian coast.

We are thinking that we might like to head east one day from Brussels since the rest of our trip will be oriented west and north. Any ideas?

As for our interests - great scenery, the outdoors, castles and fortifications, beer, architecture, history, local culture, festivals.

Thanks

We enjoy visiting Lille and do so couple times a year. It is possible as a day trip from Brussels.

Paris for a Day! Why not?

nov

chalk up another country..Luxemburg would be a good day trip, coupled with the lovely town of Spa, sample the waters at the old spa or the rnate casino, and visit Bastogne of WWII Battle of the Bulge fame..I particullarly enjoyed a visit to Waterloo (museum, the hill, etc.)and the famed WWI battlefield...where Napoleon surrendered to The Duke of Wellington.(Took the local bus for a half hour ride through pretty suburbs, etc.

stu t.

I am planning to take a trip to visit friends in Brussels in the next year. They recommend Leuven and Mechelen for good day trips.

Hi november_moon; For us that would be an easy choice. Visit Maastricht in the southern most part of the Netherlands. A little over one hour from Brussels. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/maastricht ENJOY Iris