If you want to discover a lesser-known part of Belgium, the Flemish city of Hasselt in the province of Limburg is the perfect place to begin your journey. You can fly into Brussels Airport, travel the 1hr trip by train east to Hasselt, pick up your rental car and set off to explore the region.

Highlights include Europe’s largest Japanese garden and historic landmarks like St. Quentin Cathedral and Herkenrode Abbey. Beyond Hasselt, the wider province of Limburg is renowned as a destination for walking and cycling and its fruit-growing centre has earned it the nickname ‘Tuscany of the north’.