I'm planning another trip to Holland and was thinking of Utrecht as one of the day trips. After reading some of the letters, I'm getting the feeling that I should skip Utrecht and go to Maastrict instead. Anyone have any insight for me? Also, is Delft and Den Haag doable in one day? For my last question...Naarden(sp?), anyone been there?<BR><BR>Thanks

Utrecht was all torn up - - redredging canals and the like - - but this was about 6 years ago. It might be somewhat yuppified now - - but that could be cool, too.<BR><BR>Maastricht seemed much closer to "quaint/cool" on my one (way too brief) encounter there (in 1991). I would really like to back sometime. You probably already know this, but Maastricht is actually closer to Belgium/Germany - - makes a good complement to Brussels (Bruxelles), Leuven (Louvain), Liege (Luik), Aachen (Aix la Chapelle) and Cologne (K&ouml;ln). What a hodgepodge of English, French, Dutch and German names!<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Billy - I was in Utrecht a couple of weeks ago and it was beautiful, chilled. Sat by the canal and enjoyed a sunny afternoon. Had never been before and much preferred it to central amsterdam. Can't speak on Maastrict - never been there

topping<BR>

Both cities are nice, Maastricht has an almost "foreign"feel to it because it is so close to Germany and Belgium. Please note that Amsterdam to Utrecht is 30 minutes, and Amsterdam to Maastricht is 2 1/2 hours. I believe www.visitholland.com has city guides for both cities.

topping for Billy

Maastricht is my favorite Dutch city, even considering Amsterdam. I just like the ambience, the feeling in the central town, the openness of the big square, the churches, and the architecture. I know Utrecht is lovely also. As for the Hague and Delft, it is certainly possible to visit them in one day. I liked Delft, but I enjoyed Gouda even more. Enjoy your trip.

Billy:<BR><BR>Delft and den Haag are easily do-able from Amsterdam, more so than Maastricht which is further away ( 2 1/2 hr trip). I am in the minority here- I do not like Maastricht all that much. I'd vote Utrecht over Maastricht- go to one of my favorite museums in Utrecht, the "Music Box to Barrel Organ" housed in an old church. Some of the dance organs fill a whole wall and they play them for you during the tour... Also den Haag has the "Maritiushus Museum"... if you like painting, it is to me, the best musuem, period....three Vermeers alone, inc Girl with the Pearl Earring... but Vermeer is just the beginning. <BR><BR>Delft is a good town to visit for a small town feel-canals, cobbled streets with gabled houses, churches, pottery -the Porcelain Vles (sp) has a nice tour of the pottery-out door markets, etc. Charming place and easy to reach by bus or train.<BR><BR>Judy in Germany

<BR><BR>To the top!