It is easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny little country dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium, when planning a tour of Europe. If it is thought of at all, it is probably as a rather unexciting place full of important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats. This little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, and if you are going to travel through it, don’t hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages.

The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, but there is a lot in this small package. The Ardennes region is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge. The Mullerthal area is great for hiking with its curious sandstone rock formations among waterfalls and forest, the Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines, and Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a setting that is unique and strangely beautiful. As if that were not enough to attract attention, bear in mind that the Grand Duchy also has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other country in the world.

Luxembourg’s long history is concerned mainly with warding off and withstanding invasion, occupation and siege, which is perhaps why its people seem a little more conservative than their neighbours, with a national motto that reads: “We want to remain what we are”. However Luxembourgers do enjoy their traditional parades and processions, and there are some jolly bars and cafes in the city where beer flows with good cheer.

MOSELLE:
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares an important asset with neighbouring Germany - the wide, navigable Moselle River, tributary of the Rhine. Along the Luxembourg riverbanks are vineyards that produce a wine that connoisseurs rate as among the best in the Moselle Valley. A wine tour through the quiet villages and wine cellars of the region is a scenic and relaxing experience.

Mondorf-les-Bains

In the Moselle region in the southeast of Luxembourg, nestling in the hills, lies the spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains, where thousands of visitors come every year to enjoy the verdant surrounds and thermal springs of what is billed as the most modern balneotherapy centre in Europe. The resort consists of a thermal park set in 50 hectares of parkland, offering a variety of sports facilities and a balneotherapy pavilion with saunas, swimming pools, waterfalls, whirlpools and geysers. Visitors can also be pampered with massages and mud baths. There is a casino in the town, as well as some interesting frescoed churches, a Roman fortress and some Art Nouveau-style houses.

Grevenmacher

The principal town of Luxembourg's Moselle wine growing region is linked to the German bank of the river by a bridge. Grevenmacher is an old town with narrow streets, the remains of medieval fortifications, and a 13th century Belfry. The town's claim to fame is the wine cellars of Caves Bernard-Massard, whose sparkling wines are internationally acclaimed. The cellars are open daily for tastings from April to October from 9.30am to 6pm. There is a small museum in the town, and an exotic butterfly garden. Grevenmacher is also an embarkation point for regular scenic river cruises on the Moselle, which call at other quaint villages in the region

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Time:
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Electricity:
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.

Language:
The official language is Letzeburgesch, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used, and English is widely spoken.

Health:
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.

Tipping:
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge. Porters and doormen in smarter hotels appreciate a tip of €1 to €2 and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.

Safety:
Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and trouble free. Take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft.

Communications:
The country code for Luxembourg is +352. There are no area or city codes. The outgoing code is 00, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country is amply covered by GSM mobile phone networks and there are several Internet cafes in Luxembourg city.

Airports: Luxembourg Airport (LUX)
Location: The airport is located four miles (6km) east of Luxembourg city. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +352 4798 1. Flight Information: +352 4798 5050. Transfer to the city: An airport shuttle connects to the main Luxembourg city railway station, operating between 6am and 10.45pm, and there are taxis available at Arrivals. Car rental: Car hire firms Avis, Budget, Eurodollar, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty are represented at the airport.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a bank and bureau de change that are open from 7am to 7.30pm. There is a post office, restaurants, a newsagent, duty-free shop and bar in the single airport terminal. Website: www.luxair.lu/en/airport

Currency:
Money: The currency in Luxembourg is the Euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change. Major hotels will also exchange cheques and currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months if holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas). In all other cases, a visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a valid passport (valid up to 3 months of stay) and a visa for travel to Luxembourg.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Passport/Visa Note: All passports must be valid for at least three months after period of intended stay. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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