Dortmund / Amsterdam / Brussels

About the destination: Dortmund is situated in North Rhine - Westphalia and is the eighth largest city in Germany, with a population of nearly 600,000. This city of contrasts and immense charm is worth exploring for both its historical and modern aspects, providing an intriguing experience. Plus, you can always enjoy the beer, a true passion of the city and a significant source of income. The city's rich history is evident in its numerous religious buildings that have stood the test of time. Marienkirche is Dortmund's oldest gothic church, while Reinoldikirche is named after the city's patron. The main altar of Reinoldikirche, a late Gothic masterpiece, holds significant artistic value. Dellwig House, a beautiful water castle built in the early 13th century, is undoubtedly one of Dortmund's most interesting architectural sites. Despite being repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over its long history, the castle's facade presents an intriguing blend of various architectural styles. Dortmund also boasts a wide range of museums, including the Industrial Museum and the Brewing Museum, where you can learn about the traditional foamy beverage. Despite the scars left by war, Dortmund is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural and nightlife scene, as well as captivating museums. However, one of the city's most renowned features is its parks and green spaces. So much so, that it has earned the nickname of the region's green metropolis, with the expansive Westfalia park being the prime example.

About the destination: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that consistently enchants visitors with its captivating canals, historic architecture, and lively culture. This stunning city has something for everyone, from art enthusiasts and history aficionados to food connoisseurs and party animals. One of the most emblematic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a boat tour or saunter along the canals to appreciate the scenic bridges and vibrant houseboats that line the waterways. The city also hosts many globally recognized museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which boasts an extensive collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those seeking some retail therapy, Amsterdam offers a plethora of options. The city's primary shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you can find everything from luxury fashion to eccentric boutiques. When it comes to food, Amsterdam is a gastronome's dream. From traditional Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from every corner of the world, there's something to satisfy every palate. As the sun sets, Amsterdam comes to life with a vibrant nightlife. Venture to the infamous Red Light District for a glimpse of the city's more daring offerings, or visit one of the many bars and clubs scattered throughout the city's streets. Regardless of your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable experiences.

About the destination: From its awe-inspiring medieval heart to its 21st-century shrine to Surrealism, the new Magritte Museum, Brussels provides visitors with much more than just beer and chocolate, defying its unfortunate dull reputation as the home of EU bureaucrats. In fact, Brussels is a vibrant, innovative city. Its compact city center is filled with bars, restaurants, and museums lining cobblestone streets. Unsurprisingly, most tourists flock to the Grand-Place. With its elaborate Flemish guild houses, imposing Town Hall, and lively ambiance, it would be hard to find a more stunning square in all of Europe. It rightfully holds a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the city’s crowning glory. Venture next to the nearby Royal and Sablon districts, bustling with art galleries and antique shops. Ditch your map and wander down countless side streets, uncovering flea markets, art-deco houses, and boutique shops. The Bruxellois take pride in their modest, intellectual sense of humor, underlined by a deep appreciation for the absurd. The city has a longstanding romance with the Surrealist art movement, led by René Magritte, and with classic comic strips, embodied by Hergé's boy hero, Tintin. There's a poignant irony in the fact that the city's most famous landmark is the Manneken-Pis, a small statue of a urinating boy. Meanwhile, all of this coexists with world-class art collections, exquisite cuisine including mussels, fries, waffles and whelks, some of Europe’s finest and unique beers (literally, there are thousands of varieties), and master chocolatiers. The city’s cultural calendar is filled with events for everyone, from the massive, boisterous Foire du Midi street fair every July brimming with stalls and fairground attractions to the legendary Christmas Market that takes center stage in the Place Sainte Catherine with 240 stalls, a skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and numerous rides. One of the biggest events is Art Brussels, showcasing the city’s edgier, creative side and a hub for art connoisseurs from around the world. If you’re a Euro-loving national, check out the European Quarter, centered around Schuman and the Berlaymont. Its most vibrant part is the Place du Luxembourg: all its bars fill up around 6pm on weekdays with some of the 20,000 diplomats, politicians, and civil servants who live in the city after Brussels became the center of international politics following WWII. Open your eyes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all that Brussels has to offer.