Thanks to everyone who posted the valuable info that helped us have a wonderful vacation. Here is our itinerary (Aug 9-18):
Amsterdam
Delft
Antwerp
Ghent
Bruges
Farm/Chateau stay in Belgian countryside

Day 1 -Amsterdam-

Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic)- a very interesting Catholic church hidden in the attic of a 17th century manor house. We toured the house and the church in about 1 hour.

Canal boat ride - this was my 9 year old daughter's first trip to Amsterdam so we just had to do this. I actually enjoy it every time we visit in spite of the inaudible narration.

Anne Frank's house - I'm so glad we bought advance tickets online. There were only 5 of us waiting in the advance line, while the general admission line was wrapped around the corner. And this was at 530pm on a Monday.

Dinner at the Pancake Bakery - many here recommend it. I keep dreaming about my bacon and cheese pancake!

Hotel - CitizenM - You can read my thoughts about this funky hotel in an earlier post.

Note: We also visited Muiderslot on our way to Amsterdam. This 13th century castle is about 15 km from Amsterdam. The town of Muiden is very picturesque with small shops and cafes lining the canals and marina. The castle had no English explanations but there were lots of interactive activities that my daughter loved: simulation of dropping lead balls in the moat, dress up in medieval clothes, a jousting game where you sit, bounce and aim, wear a suit of armor (very heavy!!)and lift a real sword.

Day 2 -Delft (on the way to Bruges)

We loved Delft and ended up spending more time there than I had planned. Plan on having a drink on one of the floating cafes in the picturesque canals and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

We visited both the Oude Kerk where Vermeer is buried and the Niew Kerk with the impressive tomb of William the Silent.

We also climbed the Windmill de Roos on our way out of Delft. If the blue flag is flying, it is open to visitors. It was built in 1679 and has lots of steeps steps - practically vertical stairs. But the view is worth the climb and it is interesting to see the inner workings of a windmill.

Lunch in Delft at Cafe 'T Raedthuys right on the main square. A pleasant and inexpensive place to relax and dine - especially in nice weather at an outdoor table as we did.

Oh I almost forgot to mention the Stroopwafelen - I think I am addicted to these thin waffles with caramel inside. I actually bought some as a gift but now that I am home I don't think I will share these with anyone.

My daughter kept a "frites log" where she noted and rated all the fries that she ate on this trip. I'll let you know the winner in a later edition. She had fun being a mini-food critic.

Gotta run so I'll post more later.

I can't wait to read the rest of your post as my husband and I arrive in Amsterdam Oct. 16,stay about 5 days, with plans for a day trip to Delft, then on to Brussels where we'll meet a guide to Bastogne, then a day trip to Bruge. We're still working out this part of the trip, as we're going on to Paris. I've been to Amsterdam and Delft, can't wait to show my dh, and we've both been to Paris, but the Belgium part is new, we're history buffs, especially WWII. Any and all info will help. Thanks.

I'm enjoying reading your trip report as we've already travelled to most of the places on your list.

I was glad to see someone else has visited Muiderslot. On one of our trips to Amsterdam, we took the bus out to Muiden and visited the castle. But somehow, we missed all the neat interactive stuff.

Looking forward to the rest of your report.

Robyn >-

I too am glad to see someone visiting Muiderslot. I'm not sure where you came from that it was on your way to Amsterdam, but it is an interesting place to visit, especially for kids.

Hetismij - we flew into Dusseldorf because of availability of frequent flier seats. I go where the free seats are!

Challiman and Artstuff - Glad you are enjoying. I'll post more this afternoon or tomorrow.

Pommefrites, enjoying your report. I don't blame you for not sharing the waffles with caramel inside; if I knew where you lived, I'd be there stealing them.

Hi pommefrites-

Don't know how I missed your trip report last month. But what happened to the rest of your trip? Would you be finishing it at some point?