Amsterdam is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must - if only so you can say you’ve been there. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveler can have, and the Van Gogh Museum boasts a sensational collection of works.

Holland's most modern city began as a fishing village in the 13th century. It was developing into an industrial and trading power when German bombers destroyed the city center and harbor in 1940. However, Rotterdam's unique architecture now brings many visitors to bike around this urbane, cosmopolitan city. Old Dutch-style houses can still be found in historic Delfshaven, from where the pilgrims set sail in 1620. Cultural offerings from summer's carnival to classical music give Amsterdam competition.

Historic Domburg has been a destination for seaside vacationers since the mid 18th century. Wide beaches, sandy dunes and bustling boardwalks make this a popular summertime vacation spot. Renowned artists like Piet Mondrian have taken inspiration from the picturesque scenery. The beach-weary can walk or bike around De Manteling nature reserve, which opens serendipitously onto Westhove Castle.

Touching Belgium on its west and just a few miles from Germany to the east, Maastricht is the capital of Holland’s southernmost region, Limburg. A town rich in history and culture, Maastricht boasts two wonderful town squares: Vrijthof, with Sint-Servaas Church, Sint-Jan's Cathedral and many bars, cafes and restaurants; and Markt, home to the town hall and, on Wednesday and Friday mornings, a fantastic vendor market. The city’s Vestigingswerken, or old town fortifications, are another big draw.

Eindhoven is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, but you’d never know it from the high-tech industry and cutting-edge design it’s currently known for. If you have kids obsessed by all things wheeled, they will love the trucks at the DAF Museum.

This ancient and historic city houses many buildings going back to the early Middle Ages. Until it was overtaken by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden age, Utrecht was the most important city in the Netherlands. It was and still is the See of the Archbishop of Utrecht, the most important Catholic leader in the Netherlands. The University of Utrecht is the largest in the Netherlands. One of the unique features of the city is the wharf system in its inner canals. Before the city was fully canalized, parts of the Rhine River flowed through the city center. Most prominent of the historic buildings is the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, the construction of which lasted for almost 200 year, beginning in 1254.

Zandvort is to Amsterdam what Brighton is to London--a large seaside resort easily reached by train. It takes half an hour to get there from Central Station. It has a long sandy beach and, in common with the rest of the Netherlands coastline, an expanse of sandy dunes which serve to protect the low lying country from the sea. In the summer months, beach bars catering to all tastes line this beach. It is also the site of the Netherlands' most important car racing circuit.

A sizable city in its own right, Arnhem is best known today as the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II. Given city rights in 1233, it has long been at the center of conflicts because of its strategic location on the banks of the Rhine River. The Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden, was fought in September 1944. Advancing Allied forces, in large part due to a series of mistakes, failed to secure a key bridge and suffered defeat, delaying the Allied advance into Germany until the following spring. The 1977 movie "A Bridge Too Far" was based on the events here.