Old Towns of Holland

The seat of the Dutch government, The Hague is a city rich in culture and history. The small streets surrounding the Binnenhof are considered the cultural heart of the city. Here, you’ll find many of its most impressive landmarks, including the famous Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), home to the International Court of Justice; the Binnenhof, the political center of the Netherlands; the Mauritshuis, a museum of Dutch masterpieces; Noordeinde Palace, the working palace of the king; stylish shopping districts; Madurodam, a miniature version of the Netherlands; the Gemeentemuseum, showcasing centuries of culture under one renowned roof; the Peace Palace with its symbolic eternal flame; the Escher Museum, where optical illusions come to life; and Panorama Mesdag, offering a magical 360° view.

After Amsterdam, Leiden has the most canal water. A popular canal route winds through the old city, past grand mansions, café terraces, peaceful waterways, and tree-lined streets. With 88 bridges,many low,it’s ideal for open boats like barges or sloops. Explore historic buildings, churches, parks, and the Hortus Botanicus.

Once a humble fishing village near a dam on the Amstel River, Amsterdam grew wealthy during the Dutch Golden Age. This era saw the construction of its iconic canal belt and elegant merchant houses. The city’s canals were dug for land drainage and transport, with the soil used to elevate and stabilize the surrounding areas , a foundation for the narrow houses seen today. With its rich history and world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, vibrant neighborhoods like Jordaan, and lively markets and nightlife, Amsterdam offers endless discoveries. Explore must-see sights like Dam Square, the Westerkerk, Vondelpark, and the historic Red Light District.

Utrecht, the Netherlands' fourth-largest city, boasts medieval heritage and a lively atmosphere. Explore the remains of the Dom Cathedral after the 1674 storm, stroll along canals lined with verdant terraces, and marvel at the unique wharf cellars (werfkelders) along the Oude Gracht. This split-level canal system makes Utrecht a one-of-a-kind boating destination.

Heusden Vesting is a beautifully restored fortified town in the Dutch municipality of Heusden (North Brabant), located on the Bergsche Maas river. A true gem on the Meuse, Heusden offers charming shops, art galleries, spacious harbors, and welcoming terraces. Shops are open on Sunday afternoons, and guided walking tours are available at 2:30 p.m. The town developed around one of Northwestern Europe’s oldest water castles and was among the first Dutch towns to be entirely walled. Today, the town’s medieval past has been brought vividly back to life. From the ramparts, you can admire sweeping views over the Brabant and Gelderland countryside, the Bergsche Maas, and the restored town. As you stroll through the quaint streets and narrow alleys, you'll see beautifully preserved buildings and centuries-old facades in stone that enhance the town’s charm. Despite its 134 historical monuments, Heusden is no open-air museum,it’s a living town, vibrant with daily life. The street plan dates back to the Middle Ages. With its defensive walls, cannons pointing over the Meuse, old mills, fortified port, and cobbled streets, Heusden exudes an authentic historic atmosphere.

Final return to Kerkdriel If you choose to return to Kerkdriel via the Zandmeren, you can swim at a sandy beach, walk or cycle, and relax at cafés like Le Dukdalf, Pavillon 212, or Brandend Zand (meaning “burning sand”).