7 Night Tulip Time (Smithsonian Journeys)

Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Read more about Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kampen is a municipality, a city and an old Hanseatic city at the lower reaches of the river IJssel in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Kampen has one of the best preserved old town centres of the Netherlands, including remains of the ancient city wall and numerous churches. Then there are the nearly 700 nationally and locally listed buildings, that recall the prosperity of the Hanseatic period. Read more about Kampen, Netherlands

Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders Province, is located at the junction of the Scheldt and Lys rivers in the Flemish region of Belgium, and is regarded as one of the premiere travel destinations in Europe. Archaeological evidence shows human presence going back as far as the Stone Age and the Iron Age, as well as settlements by the Celts and Romans. Amazingly much of the city’s medieval architecture remains well preserved and restored. Read more about Ghent, Belgium

In the region of Flanders the city of Antwerp, situated on the eastern bank of the river Scheldt and joined to the North Sea by an estuary, is a major destination of Belgium. It claims to be the ‘world's leading diamond city’ and it has every right to do so, as more than 70% of all diamonds are traded here. Due to its long and culturally rich history, the city houses buildings built in varying historical periods with an interesting variety of architectural designs. Read more about Antwerp, Belgium

Rotterdam - located at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea - is the largest port in Europe, and a perfect starting point for excursions to the cities of Holland. Few cities rebounded as quickly as Rotterdam following the Nazi invasion, which levelled the medieval heart of town, burning most of it to the ground. Today some of Europe's most bold contemporary architecture, such as the unique Cube Houses, can be found amid classic 18th and 19th C buildings in this, the greatest comeback city in the world. Read more about Rotterdam, Netherlands