around amsterdam
 

Hi everybody, <BR> <BR>I am attending a meeting in Amsterdam at the end of May. We found that we could fly to Brussels and leave from Amsterdam. What would be a suggested itinerary for about 10 days around this area? (We have been to Paris, and other places farther from that region) <BR> <BR>Thank you all in advance <BR> <BR>Olga

I think my question got buried so could you please give us some suggestions? this forum has never let us down yet... <BR> <BR>thanks again

Can't stand seeing you being let down, so here are some ideas based on our experiences last fall. We took a train west from Brussels to Brugge where we spent three night, then on to Antwerp by train (only an hour) where we spent two nights, then back to Brussels where we rented a car and drove southeast into the Ardennes, working our way north via Maastricht, Arnhem, and back to Schipol Airport at Amsterdam. Much depends on what interests you. We found the countryside to be very interesting and the B&Bs and hotels most accommodating.

Be sure to allow enough time for Amsterdam itself! I found it to be a great place to wander about, discovering little jewels like Beguine Court and the City History Museum. Sorry I can't be of more assistance; I spent my time in that area in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Volendam (an old style settlement) was a nice trip out from there.

You are very fortunate. I was there in 1996, spending a week in Amsterdam. On the last day we rented a car at the airport and drove to Belgium, spending the first night in Delft, which was very nice and convenient along the way. Then we spent two nights in Brugge -- I recommend three nights if you can. We drove across Belgium on the southern end -- very nice; the landscape reminded me a lot of Virginia where I had lived for a while. There were castles to visit and charming places to stay. We did not have advance reservations. One night we crossed the Belgium/Germany border and stayed a night in a picturesque town whose name escapes me at the moment, but I will do some research and add here later. If I were to take the trip again, I would definitely add Antwerp and Ghent to my agenda. Brussels did not do much for me, but I know some people like it.

The name of the town on the Belgium/Germany border is Monschau. Check out www.monschau.de <BR>The site is in German, but you'll get an idea from the photos.