Hilton - Travel should take you places

Belgium

Belgium is the modest yet magnificent heart of Northern Europe. What makes it special? For some it's the friendly atmosphere; for others, it's the variety of cafes that never close. And for many, it's the classic collection of art and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Or maybe it's just the irresistible chocolates!

Brussels captures this combination perfectly. The capital of Belgium and the unofficial capital of Europe, the city fans out from the breathtaking Grand Place, the heart of the medieval "lower town". One of Europe's most beautiful city squares, it boasts excellent terrace restaurants, and busy, colourful markets. Brussels is also a great place for shopping, with the designer fashion district rapidly expanding. While the museums and galleries worth a visit include the Belgium Comic Strip Centre and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

Antwerp, Belgium's second largest city, rivals Brussels for its blend of traditional elegance and modern design. The world's centre for diamond processing, the city is most famous for the work of Rubens and the Fine Arts Museum is where you'll find the largest collection from the great master. Antwerp's mix of architecture also provides a stunning backdrop for its bustling bars and clubs. And when you want to sit down and simply soak up the city's atmosphere, head for the Grote Markt and its many terraces.

Hotels

Hilton Antwerp

Hilton Brussels

Conrad Brussels

Hilton Brussels City

France

Lose yourself amidst France's temptations. From the tree-lined boulevards of its capital, to the enticing golden sands of the Cote d'Azur, and the snowy heights of the Alps, every region offers you a different experience.

For centuries, France has promised romance and seduction, and nowhere is this embodied more than in the capital of Paris. Take in the EiffelTower, Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur, before contemplating the world-renowned art of the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. Then unwind in one of the many fine restaurants and savour the city's wonderful cuisine.

If you are in search of tranquility, try Evian-les-Bains, one of France's leading spa resorts, located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva. Explore the mountain scenery, enjoy the spa facilities or simply relax in the hotel.

For a charming blend of art and entertainment, you need look no further than Lyon, renowned for its galleries, cuisine and vibrant nightlife. While Strasbourg, situated on the eastern border between France and Germany, offers a more relaxing pace of life. Famous for its wine and medieval villages, it has a fascinating blend of styles, architecture and cuisine.

Hotels

Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe

Hilton Evian-les-Bains hotel

Hilton Lyon

Hilton Paris

Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Hilton Paris La Defense

Hilton Orly

Hilton Strasbourg

Luxembourg

Protected by three walls, forts and miles of underground caverns, Luxembourg City was known to many as the 'Gibraltar of the North'. Much of the old fortifications and battlements remain, promising some truly fascinating sightseeing.

Located on a rocky outcrop, the Old Town is home to many bijou art boutiques and cafés, as well as the National Museum for History and Art. The Grand Duke's Palace and classic 17th century architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral are also well worth a visit. And don't forget the Casements, several kilometres of underground tunnels and galleries carved deep in the rock.

Once you've explored the city, sit back and savour Luxembourg's excellent beers and fine wines in the tree-lined Palmes d'Armes. For food lovers it's a must - the city boasts more Michelin stars per square mile than anywhere else.

There's also plenty to see outside the city - just minutes away is the magnificent Grunewald Forest or why not take time to enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Moselle river?

Hotels

Hilton Luxembourg

Netherlands

Beautiful landscapes, with windmills and fields of tulips, wonderful art collections, lively cities and nightlife - the Netherlands has something for everyone to enjoy.

With more than a thousand bridges spanning the canals, Amsterdam is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. Enjoy world-class art, including the Van Gogh Museum or the enormous Rijksmuseum, with its amazing collection of Rembrandts and Vermeers. Soak up the city's laid back atmosphere, with its quietly gliding trams and bicycles. Make time for the flea and flower markets; and after the sun goes down, a vibrant nightlife awaits.

Combining a dynamic atmosphere with a sophisticated edge, Rotterdam offers plenty of excellent cafés, bars and restaurants. A leader of cutting-edge architectural design, Rotterdam boasts many curious and delightful buildings, including the Luxor Theatre, Erasmus Bridge and the city's famous Cube Houses. For a panoramic and memorable view of the entire city, head to the top of the 185 metre Euromast.

Located in the beautiful wooded hills of Utrecht, Soestduinen is a perfect rural retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside of heath lands and forests.

Hotels

Hilton Amsterdam

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Hilton Rotterdam

Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen

Portugal

The Algarve is a haven of sunshine, fabulous beaches, intimate bays, striking cliffs and invitingly warm seas, with a landscape dotted with olive groves and vineyards, and beautiful wooded hills inland.

The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for browsing the markets, which are full of local produce, and then sitting back and savouring the delicious local cuisine.

Vilamoura is Portugal's glittering gem on the sun-drenched coast of the Algarve, and a resort like no other. It boasts perfect sandy beaches, the country's largest marina and four championship golf courses.

The Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Resort & Spa nestles in beautiful gardens, with exquisite pools, hanging gardens, cascading waterways, and grottos providing a sensuous tranquillity.

Hotels

Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

Spain

Spain offers a wonderful mix of culture and nightlife. Its traditional festivals, vibrant streets and warm climate provide all the ingredients for a perfect break. And when you visit this lively country, don't forget to order some of the local 'tapas'- a selection of small dishes served in most bars, and perfect for sharing.

Barcelona, capital of the Catalonia region and located on the north-east coast of Spain, is one of Europe's most exciting destinations. As you take your first steps onto the city's waterfront or buzzing streets, it's easy to see why. It has fantastic beaches, entertaining street theatre in Las Ramblas and plenty of opportunities to sample tapas or the city's wonderful seafood.

Barcelona embraces design, colour and individuality, celebrating its famous artistic sons Gaudi, Dali, Picasso and Miro. And it's not just iconic architecture, such as Gaudi's unfinished cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, that does this. In Barcelona, even the streetlights are modernist works of art!

Valencia sits on a glorious stretch of the Mediterranean coast, and famous for its irresistible local speciality, paella. The city is alive with cultural attractions, restaurants and a rich nightlife. Full of flamboyant Spanish charm, it is also home to Europe's largest leisure complex, the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencas, which includes an opera house, botanical garden, oceanarium and IMAX theatre.

Hotels

Hilton Barcelona

Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

Hilton Buenavista Toledo hotel

Hilton Valencia

Hilton Madrid Airport

Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca