Have you heard of the Dutch port city of IJmuiden? (Yes, they really spell it with a capital I and capital J… so let’s be proper!) This is a gateway to the iconic Amsterdam, which was once one of the world’s most prosperous cities. While things have changed since the 17th century, many of the city’s Golden Age treasures are well-preserved for visitors of today! One is the city’s elaborate system of canals, which continues to capture the imagination — and feature in the photography — of visitors. On dry land folks will find some of the finest art museums anywhere, including both the Van Gogh and the... Read More

Have you heard of the Dutch port city of IJmuiden? (Yes, they really spell it with a capital I and capital J… so let’s be proper!) This is a gateway to the iconic Amsterdam, which was once one of the world’s most prosperous cities. While things have changed since the 17th century, many of the city’s Golden Age treasures are well-preserved for visitors of today! One is the city’s elaborate system of canals, which continues to capture the imagination — and feature in the photography — of visitors. On dry land folks will find some of the finest art museums anywhere, including both the Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdamers love to get around by bike and the city boasts nearly 250 miles (around 400 km) of bike paths. This family-friendly city has a flavor about it, and you’ll always find something to your taste, whether it’s a casual bite of hot, fresh stroopwafel or a laid-back visit to a bruine kroeg (brown café), a unique breed of establishment known as much for their hospitality and character as their food. Read Less