Page 17 - Demo

17Historic towns and cities of the IJssel LakeCreated by the damming of the Zuider Zee in the 1930s, the IJssel Lake has many charming towns along its shores, some of which date back to the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, when the nation%u2019s naval prowess dominated international trade. This includes the Dutch East India trading town of Enzhuizen, with its well-stocked Zuiderzee Museum, and the harbour town of Hoorn, which features many historic buildings on account of its seafaring wealth.From spring to summerOur all-inclusive cruises along the Dutch and Belgian waterways offer a variety of experiences throughout the year. Spring brings mild weather and fields of colourful tulips, perfect for visiting gardens, such as world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Summer%u2019s long days, when the surrounding fields come alive with agricultural activity, allow for extended sightseeing in places such as Amsterdam, Brussels and Ghent, with warmer evenings to enjoy the Sun Deck of your ship as you sail on to the next destination. Beautiful Belgian citiesA cruise into Belgium offers the perfect opportunity to visit some of the country%u2019s cultural cities. In Belgium%u2019s capital, Brussels, contrast the UNESCO-listed central square, Grand Place, with its Gothic architecture and wide cosmopolitan avenues surrounding the old town, where you can see the Palais de Justice and the headquarters of the European Parliament. While Antwerp was a centre for the arts in the Renaissance period, with Rubens and Van Dyck both living and working here.