Both Belgium and Italy are trendy and friendly destinations. Grand palaces, historic monuments, delicious chocolates, mouth-watering waffles and fine Belgian beer are trademarks of Belgium. The legacy and grandeur of the Renaissance, a rich history, traditional culture and delectable cuisine define Italy.

Irrespective of the destination you choose, you’re guaranteed an enriching and fulfilling European holiday in Belgium or Italy. Read on for more highlights…

Belgium

Brussels
Charming and elegant, the vibrant city of Brussels is a tourist delight. Most landmarks in a city are either cathedrals or historical monuments. Only in Brussels will you find a famous statue of a little boy relieving himself in a fountain known as the Mannekin Pis as a main attraction. One of Europe’s’ most beautiful squares and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is the city’s centre where you will find ornate baroque and gothic buildings. Concerts, events and a daily flower market in the summertime is a big attraction here. Other significant monuments worthy of a visit in Brussels include the 13th century Town Hall, the Royal Palace, which is home to the Belgian king and Atomium, shaped on the model of an elementary iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times and undoubtedly the country’s most iconic symbol. 

Read more: Brussels Travel Guide

Antwerp
The bustling city of Antwerp is home to iconic museums and cathedrals. Irrespective if you have somewhere to go or not, visit the Central Station, a multi-level terminus built using iron and glass and deemed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Another public masterpiece is De Stadsfeestzaal, which houses retail outlets in a converted dance hall complete with a sweeping marble staircase, golden glass dome and a mosaic floor. For some bling, head to the Diamond District where you can see diamond dealers and stone cutters at work while art lovers will enjoy a day at the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens.  
 

Ghent
Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, the city of Ghent is known for its medieval architecture that can be seen in its monuments like Saint Bavo Cathedral, which houses the Ghent Altarpiece comprising 12 panels designed and constructed by the Van Eyck brothers. Visit the Belfry and Cloth Hall where you can take an elevator up to the Belfry's upper gallery and see the giant bells toll as you feat your eyes on a panoramic view of the city. Ghent also has several museums, namely MSK with its collection of Flemish paintings and sculptures, SMAK, which displays contemporary art and MIAT, the Museum about Industry, Labour and Textile that is situated in an old cotton mill. 

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Virgin Atlantic, Swiss Air, Air India, Jet Airways and Lufthansa operate flights from India to Brussels. Check for available flights from your city here.

Italy
 

 

Rome

Rome was once caput mundi or the capital of the world for a reason. Discover why as you explore the charming streets and majestic sights in this Eternal City. Centuries old basilicas and historic monuments are found in abundance here. The historical Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine is Rome’s most prominent structure.  The Pantheon is an architectural marvel that was built to honour the Gods. It’s the largest unsupported and reinforced dome in the world. Locally known as Scalina Spagna, the Spanish Steps are always bustling with locals and tourists. The Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly one of the most iconic fountains in the world. Representative of Baroque style architecture, toss a coin in to the fountain and make a wish. Visit Rome to live and breathe an air of history!

Venice

Venice is built on an archipelago of 118 islands formed by about 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. These islands are connected by about 400 bridges and the resulting waterways and walkways define beautiful Venice. The most notable sites include St. Mark's Square with St. Mark's Basilica reflects Venetian wealth and power from the 11th century, the Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal and the grand Gothic palace, Palazzo Ducale, the  residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice.

Milan

Milan is where history and art come together. While here, visit the Duomo, the world's largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in Europe and the Piazza del Duomo, a colossal spire cathedral built in the shape of a cross.  Art lovers will enjoy the Ambrosiana Library and Picture Gallery with its collection of art from masters such as Botticelli, Raphael and Da Vinci and Santa Maria delle Grazie where Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Last Supper painting is housed.  Don’t leave Milan without taking an excursion to the Italian Renaissance church in the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, which is the centre of Christianity and home to the Pope. This is also where you can view the grand Sistine Chapel, the ornate frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo. Milan also counts as one of the most frequented fashion capitals of the world.

How To Get There

Major international airlines including Alitalia, Air France, Air India, Jet Airways and Etihad Airways operate flights from India to Rome. Check for available flights from your city here.

Destination	Brussels, Belgium	Rome, Italy
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 6,308* per night (Standard room at Dansaert Hotel) Rs. 9,994* per night (Standard room at Metropole Hotel Brussels) Rs. 11,661* (Superior Double room at The Hotel, Brussels )	Rs. 6,528* per night (Standard room at Verona Hotel) Rs. 8,815* per night (Standard room at Hotel Colosseum) Rs. 14,251* (Classic room at Hotel Majestic Roma)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 4,400* per day	Rs. 3,000* per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 158* per ticket	Rs. 100* per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 4,500* per day	Rs. 3,500* per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Belgium and Italy are unique gems on the European map. They’re a foodie’s delight, a shopper’s thrill and a culture seeker’s dream come true. To pick one over the other is a hard-pressed choice to make so how about making it easy by saving enough to be able to visit both these fantastic destinations.