The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a “princely region” with magnificent gardens and castles. The nearby historic cities of Amersfoort and Utrecht will surprise you pleasantly, particularly as regards arts, culture and culinary delights!

• Utrecht: very attractive ancient city centre, unusual museums, e.g. ‘Centraal Museum’, ‘Catharijne Convent’ and ‘Rietveld-Schröderhuis’, culinary delights and a real shoppers’ paradise!

• Amersfoort: historic town centre with unique wall houses, ‘Mondriaanhuis’, pleasant street cafés and good shopping

• Wijk bij Duurstede, Doorn and Rhenen: picturesque villages with old farm houses, galeries, attractive shops and fairytale castles

• Amerongen: beautiful, picturesque village on the bank of the river Rhine, with old farm houses, galeries, attractive shops and Amerongen Castle, a splendid water castle with a moat and surrounded by magnificent, mature trees. Currently, the castle and its interior are being restored, but visitors are still welcome!

• ‘Huis Doorn’ (Doorn Manor): visit the residence-in-exile of the former German Emperor, Wilhelm II. Walking in the deligthful grounds is a real pleasure.

• ‘Kasteel Broekhuizen’: interesting castle near Leersum.

• ‘Oudheidkamer Renswoude’, antiquities' room

• ‘Omroepmuseum’ (broadcasting museum), Hilversum

• ‘Paleis ’t Loo’ (palace built by William and Mary), Apeldoorn: set in wonderful formal gardens. Admire the museum’s sublime collection.

• Arnhem: enjoy a lovely day out in the lively town of Arnhem and visit the National Open Air Museum or Burgers’ Zoo.