Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium

Zaandam is a medium-sized city just north of the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The surrounding area makes for an interesting visit whether by driving, biking, boating over the Zaan River, or even walking. It is home to a great mix of old style architecture unusual for the Netherlands. Read more about Zaandam, Netherlands

Zaandam is a medium-sized city just north of the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The surrounding area makes for an interesting visit whether by driving, biking, boating over the Zaan River, or even walking. It is home to a great mix of old style architecture unusual for the Netherlands. Read more about Zaandam, Netherlands

Veere is a picturesque village in SW Netherlands, located on Walcheren island in the province of Zeeland (‘Sealand’, large parts of which are below sea level; and has given its name to ‘New Zealand’). It lies close to the southern part of the North Sea, and 30 km north of Belgium. The city faces Veerse Meer inland lake that was blocked off in 1961 from the North Sea by Veerse Gat 5km to the north, built as part of the Delta Plan to prevent flooding following the disaster of 1953. Read more about Veere, Netherlands

The port of Dordrecht lies on a river delta system about 25 km upstream from Rotterdam, and 50 km from the North Sea. ‘Dordt’ is a well sheltered river harbour and was the first city in Holland to be given city rights, in 1220. Defined by its beautiful historic buildings, the docks, and the canals, the atmosphere is most welcoming. Read more about Dordrecht, Netherlands

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

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

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, serving as the de facto capital of the European Union. It hosts major EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament. The city is renowned for its historic architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, and its diverse cultural scene. Read more about Brussels, 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

Zaandam is a medium-sized city just north of the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. The surrounding area makes for an interesting visit whether by driving, biking, boating over the Zaan River, or even walking. It is home to a great mix of old style architecture unusual for the Netherlands. Read more about Zaandam, Netherlands

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