Amsterdam is a European cultural hub, known for its diverse culture and laid-back attitude. Canals criss-cross the city, and boat tours are a great way to explore. However modern the city may be today; the capital city of the Netherlands offers an abundance of historically significant sights. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum offer an unrivaled collection of artworks, while a visit to Anne Frank’s House is sure to provide an unforgettable insight into the dark history of WWII. Whether explored by day or by night, a trip to Amsterdam promises to offer something for everyone.

Around 70,200 people live in Hoorn, on a promontory in the IJsselmeer. The attractions of the 12th Century medieval town includes several churches, the city gate, and well-preserved houses from the 17th and 18 Century. Thanks to its location in the southern part of the IJsselmeer is a popular excursion harbor.

Dordrecht, besides Amsterdam and Rotterdam, is the third largest city in the Netherlands. Dordrecht Island is on the Three Rivers Corner, the busiest waterway in the country. Local attractions include the Grote Kerk (a Gothic church with an unfinished tower) and the National Park De Biesbosch.

Rotterdam, with around 590,000 people, is the second largest city in the Netherlands. It also one of the three cultural centers in the country. The city is the known for its skyscraper skyline and its many museums, festivals and events.

The small town of Kinderdijk in the Netherlands is located about 15 kilometers south of Rotterdam. The town is best known for its windmills, and is on the 1997 UNECO World Cultural sites list.

The former Hanseatic town of Wesel lies on the northern edge of the Ruhr area and only a few kilometers from the border with the Netherlands. Here you can admire several historic buildings, which include the number of beautiful churches, such as Willibrordi Cathedral. Wesel is also home to the well-preserved old Rhine bridge, which can be best observed directly from the ship.

Nijmegen, with its 163,000 inhabitants near the border of the Lower Rhine region of Germany. The 13th Century St. Stevenskerk church is one of the attractions, as well as the National Cycle Museum and Valkhof archaeology museum.

The city of Maastricht, with over 100,000 inhabitants, boasts some of the most picturesque sights in the country. Among the sights are the old town hall, the well-preserved city wall with its adjacent park, the Medieval courthouse and the many romantic squares. The beautiful harbor, and a number of romantic spots around the Meuse, are also worth a visit

Overnight

In the north of Belgium, along the Scheldt river is Antwerp, a city known worldwide for the important role it plays in the processing and trading of diamonds. Antwerp has its very own Diamond District, visitors can partake in walking tours to learn more. The historic center of Antwerp is characterized by many well-preserved buildings from the late Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Antwerp is also known for the vast array of markets which take place in the city, offering items such as antiques, flowers, local produce and much more.