Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!

Nicknamed the “Manhattan on the Maas,” Rotterdam is truly a world-class city. You’ll find traces of Old Rotterdam that survived the Luftwaffe in Delfshaven (Delft Harbor) and Oude Haven (Old Harbor). As well as in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to some of the nation’s most iconic windmills. Come home with some Delft pottery to commemorate your visit.

ANTWERP, Belgium

ANTWERP, Belgium

The entire city center of Bruges has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with Flemish and Renaissance architecture made all the more beautiful when reflected in the city’s many canals. Shop for legendary lace, or a pint of Belgian beer.

This historic harbor town has a long history of fishing and shipping, and is filled with old canals, well-preserved merchants’ houses, and 17^th century warehouses. Wander through town to the 18^th century City Hall and wait for the next hour or half hour when the carillon will chime its pretty melody, or enjoy a pleasurable scavenger hunt as you search for gable stones. These carved and often painted stone tablets were set into the walls of buildings in olden times to help people navigate the streets before the advent of house numbers. Many give you clues to the building’s former purpose.

Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, where more than 1,500 bridges arch gracefully over scenic canals. The stately 17^th century homes of Dutch merchants line the canals and museums are everywhere, filled with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Most of the sightseeing essentials are conveniently collected in the Canal Ring, the central area of the city which is designated as a UNESCO site. Here you’ll find the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, the Red Light District, and most of the museums. Mind all the bicycles!