We'll be in the Netherlands for nine days beginning April 19. First four days we'll be based in Amsterdam and last two days we're visiting family in Haarlem seeing Friesland. Our plan has been to base in Delft the middle three to shop and be based in southern part of country. We've heard a lot about how beautiful Bruges is. Should we skip the second night in Delft and go to Bruges instead? Or can we do a day trip from Delft to Bruges? Is it worth it? <BR> <BR>Also--while based in Ams we plan to visit Keukenhof, i.e. FLOWERS. We also want to hit at least one cool castle while there as have never been to Europe. Any suggestions? Should we do this while based in Ams or from Delft? I've heard there are some near Utrecht. <BR> <BR>Am I cramming too much in? Should we forget about Bruges?

When we were last in the Netherlands, we traveled to Brussels, spend half a day and a night there, and then went to Bruges for a couple days and nights. It is doable and worth it. Please note (as you may already know) that you could stay with family in Haarlem, and day trip into A'dam, or vice versa.

Lori, <BR>In my opinion a day trip from Delft to Brugge is not worth the trip because of the travel time, which is 2 hrs 49 min. If you are able to spend 2 or 3 days in Brugge, then do it but not for just one day.

If you take public transportation,it would be easier to go to Keukenhof from Delft,train to Leiden,and frequent buses to the garden.The garden is worth half a day to see everything.

One night in Delft is enough. Allow at least one night in Brugges. I am going this summer and plan to spend four nights there, and I've been there before. It's a long drive if you're going round trip. Are you flying out of Brussels? That would make sense. If flying out of Amsterdam, maybe save Brugge for another time when you can do it justice.