After a somewhat turbulent year of online learning, there is no greater time than the summer holidays to nourish Zoom-fatigued minds, of all ages, with an immersive adventure in Europe far-far-away from any hint of laptops, iPads or screens.
Belgium is home to a nation of comic lovers, and in the capital families can explore a trail of comic murals dotted around town, as well as the more official Belgian Comic Strip Centre. An ode to the country’s many internationally loved cartoon characters, including Tintin and The Smurfs, the museum’s exhibitions explore the step-by-step process of creating comic strips and animated films.
The fame of Tintin, the much-loved cartoon character created by Hergé in 1929, and his adventures are appreciated worldwide by readers of all ages. Located in the heart of Brussels on the spectacular Grand Place, Hotel Amigo offers an exceptional service for families and is the ideal place to enjoy an insider's tour with Moulinsart, the company that manages Hergé's work and the Hergé Museum. It is indeed the only hotel to offer an experience in the company of Tintin and the colourful characters imagined by the famous author, such as Captain Haddock, Dupond and Dupont or the incredible Bianca Castafiore. For the ultimate immersive experience, book the "Tintin" Signature Suite, the only Tintin themed suite in the world officially approved by Moulinsart, and an interconnecting room if needed.
In the children’s room, you’ll find the reporter's faithful companion, Snowy, standing guard. Little guests are literally immersed in a world of adventure with themed bed linen, pillows, towels and imagery, as well as an array of exciting activities to choose from. In addition to colouring books and comic books, children can enjoy a fun "treasure hunt" with the ‘City of Brussels' comic book trail, provided by Hotel Amigo.
As the seat of the European Union, Brussels is also an inspiring location for families to bring medieval tales of Europe, followed by centuries of constantly evolving politics to life in an engaging, immersive setting. Ask our concierge to arrange a grand tour of the continent in several hours with a visit to Mini-Europe, located in Bruparck at the foot of the Atomium, which is made up of an impressive display of around 300 tiny models of famous European sites such as the Berlin Wall and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Here, a host of interactive games and hands-on exhibits make for a fun-filled afternoon for the family.
The innocent charm of daily life in Brussels makes visiting the city a joy for all age groups. The locals have a wonderful tongue-in-cheek sense of humour - see the city’s mascot for reference - and a superb appetite for creativity. Rediscover the magic of learning with a treasure hunt through the ancient ruins of Coudenberg Palace, once the medieval centre of Europe and home to some of the region’s greatest rulers, to assume the role of Charles V and uncover a whole new world beneath the city centre.
The Museum of Natural Sciences is home to a wonderful collection of interactive exhibits spanning science and nature, with insightful content aimed at families with children. Here, you can admire an extraordinary display of Europe's largest dinosaur gallery, which makes for a memorable lesson in prehistoric life on Earth.
Our expert team can help you plan exciting activities for children and teenagers, including pasta workshopswith our Chef or a chocolate masterclass with Laurent Gerbaud. For cultural immersion, we can also arrange tours of the Royal Palace, open only between 23rd July and 25th August, the MOOF (Museum of original figurines), Train World and the Planetarium. Teens will adore an adrenaline-fueled Escape Room, while fashionistas will enjoy the Smile Safari, the biggest Instagram and TikTok museum in Europe. Discover Brussels by scooter, or trotinette, or book in for a yoga class created especially for children at Hotel Amigo.
The year 2021 is dedicated to Tintin’s adventures in America. To plan an exciting adventure for your little ones, get in touch with our team at Hotel Amigo by emailing enquiries.amigo@roccofortehotels.comor calling +32 2 547 4747.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
They say the lobby is the beating heart of any hotel; where first impressions linger, inspiring journeys begin and end, and friends and lovers reunite. Upon entering Hotel de Rome, an immediate sense of calm is restored, as light pours in from the glass atrium and plants and palms breathe new life into the space. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, shares her inspiration behind the hotel lobby’s new look.
