BEST OF HOLLAND & BELGIUM

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles, cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs, or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but nevertheless holds plenty of exciting attractions for visitors and is far less crowded than other Belgian cities.

The city was once the heart of the cloth trade and one of the largest medieval cities in northern Europe. Today, the old centre boasts many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts (a turreted castle with a moat and bell tower, which make for great views), the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.

Ghent's city centre is wholly modern however, and the city's large university population mixes with an eclectic blend of expats and artists to give the city a diverse and cosmopolitan air.

Despite being off the beaten track for many tourists, Ghent offers good museums, lively nightlife and excellent restaurants serving the best in Flemish cuisine.

Belgium's small size ensures that Ghent is less than a 40-minute train ride from major cities such as Bruges and Brussels, and within easy distance of other interesting tourist destinations, like Courtray and Ostend. A weekend in Ghent is the perfect way to cap an idyllic holiday in Belgium.

Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.

Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.

Antwerp is perhaps best known for its diamonds, and the city's sparkling allure attracts the glitterati with a thriving fashion and entertainment culture. The city also has countless shopping opportunities, trendy bars and nightclubs for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.

As the second-largest city in Belgium and a major European port, Antwerp has a more modern face than many of its neighbours. Much of the city was destroyed in World War II, but its history is present in its beautifully-preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture. At the centre of the city is the Grote Markt, with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. The work of baroque sculptor Pieter Paul Reubens is visible all over the city, most notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

A visit to Antwerp is a must on any Belgian holiday. Indeed, the city does a uniquely European balancing act of old and new, offering plenty of pretty sights, good museums, family attractions and sidewalk cafés.

Dordrecht is a charming Dutch city located in the southwestern Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of South Holland and has a population of just over 118,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful canals and medieval architecture, as well as its many museums and art galleries.

Dordrecht is located on the confluence of the rivers Oude Maas and Merwede, and is therefore an important hub for inland shipping. The city has a long history, dating back to the 9th century when it was first mentioned in a document. In the Middle Ages, Dordrecht was an important trading city, and many of its historic buildings date from this period.

Today, Dordrecht is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to admire its beautiful canals and architecture. The city also has a lively cultural scene, with several museums and art galleries. There are also many good restaurants and cafes, making Dordrecht a great place to visit for a day or two.

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles, cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs, or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.