The châteaux, towns, and villages of the Loire Valley are within easy reach of Blois—but there’s more to this hillside city than its Loire River location. Its royal château, the one-time favorited stronghold of kings, is the star attraction, and there’s enough gardens, churches, and medieval old town lanes to fill any itinerary.

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.