By Michael Gebicki
Other attractions may be added to a visit to the Netherlands to see Dutch orchestra leader Andre Rieu in action.Credit: Alamy
WE WILL BE STAYING IN MAASTRICHT FROM JULY 3-7 FOR AN ANDRE RIEU CONCERT, HOW CAN WE FILL IN OUR STAY? WE HAVE VISITED AMSTERDAM SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. OUR INTERESTS LAY IN VISITING QUAINT SEASIDE TOWNS. WE HAD ALSO THOUGHT ABOUT A TRAIN TRIP INTO BELGIUM.
C. FLETCHER, COAL POINT
Maastricht is a fetching place, one of the oldest cities in Holland , packed with history and great architecture, wonderful pubs and cafes and it's small enough to get around on foot. The Basilica of St. Servatius on lovely Vrijthof Square has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries, and the Basilica of Our Lady is another must-see. The Cafe in Den Ouden Vogelstruys is a popular joint with outdoor seating, highly recommended for warm weather dining and close to the city centre.
Just a few kilometres east of Maastricht, Valkenburg aan de Geul is a the very incarnation of quaintness, a historic town built around a ruined castle and surrounded by lovely countryside. The countryside around Maastricht is Holland's major winegrowing area and City Sights Maastricht (citysightsmaastricht.com) does a wine tour. They also do a free guided walking tour of the city every Saturday and Sunday, a great introduction.
You could spend a relaxing day on a cruise along the Meuse River. Local cruise operator Rederij Stiphout (stiphout.nl) has a number of options and my pick would be the trip from Maastricht to Liege, part of Belgium's Walloon-speaking region. If you do it on the Sunday you can take in Liege's wonderful flea market. En route you'll pass through the Ternaaien Lock, for a height difference of almost 15 metres.
Head to the Holland website (holland.com) and you'll find plenty more suggestions to fill in your time in Maastricht.
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