The Netherland's oldest city, Maastricht has a history that stretches back to 50 BC when the Romans set up camp on the bank of the River Meuse. Fortification walls still partly surround the city, and you can explore a 10km labyrinth of tunnels on the city's western outskirts. The Hague is the seat of the Royal family, and a curious mix of history and modern commerce. The Parliament Buildings and Knight's Hall, dating from the 13th century, form the centre of the country's political life. The Mauritshuis Museum is also exemplary. Many tourists find their way to the quaint little village of Delft for its distinctive blue-and-white pottery. The experimental postwar architecture of Rotterdam is interesting, but by and large it is a working city and Europe's busiest port. An hour's train ride from Amsterdam is the fine old city of Haarlem, steeped in Dutch tradition, and both vibrant and attractive.

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