milliebest, did you ever write the trip report for China? We would like to go in the fall, usually do not travel on tours, but feel this time we should. Any thoughts?

milliebest,

if you like middle age architecture, canals, and a good castle you will LOVE Ghent.. it's like going back in a medieval time machine. Sint Pietersstation is only a 30 minute train ride from Bruxelles Zuid. from there tram 1 takes you to the Korenmarkt where most of the attractions are

Leuven and Beersel are also very close to Brussels. good places for beer and the latter features a castle as well

I am away right now. I thought I had done a China report but I cannot find it. We went with China Odyssey for their 17 day treasures of classical China. It was wonderful. The price was fantastic. The guides were all great. We arrived in Beging, flew ti X'an, flew to Guillin,took the boat down the Li River to Yanshuro, biked there two days.Flew to Huongsho, bused to Huanshan, climbed Yellow Mountain (stayed overnight),visted Honcun and Xiadi, flew to Shanghai and drove to Shuzo and back to Shanghai then home. Please excuse all the spelling errors- I do not have my book with me. Our tour consisted of just my husband and I. We had a private guide and driver in each location. The hotels were all great. The entire trip was less than $5500.We paid for our own airfare from NY to China round trip.We did about three things not included. I was so happy with the entire trip.

I am still working on this trip. I bought an open jaw ticket into Amsterdam and out of Brussels so that is set. This is how I rearranged the days:

Arrive Amsterdam on August 28th (AM)
Amsterdam- 4 nights
Delft - 3 nights (Do Harlaam, Rotterdam, and Hague)
Otterlo-2 nights
Bruges- 3 nights
Antwerp- 2 nights
Ghent- 2 nights
Brussels- 4 nights
Home Sept 17th AM

I have been reading so many interesting things that people have posted that I am looking forward to not rushing through the trip but I am still open to suggestions. Now I must go over these places and book hotels or B&Bs.