Netherlands Limburg

Maastricht is known in the Netherlands and beyond for its lively squares, narrow streets, and historical buildings. The city has 1,677 rijksmonumenten (national heritage sites), more than any Dutch city, outside Amsterdam. The entire city centre is a protected cityscape ("beschermd stadsgezicht"). The tourist information office (VVV) is located in the Dinghuis, a medieval building overlooking Grote Staat. Maastricht's main sights include amazing ancient buildings, beautiful rivers, several museums, annual events and festivals, as well as many sprawling incredible city parks.

Valkenburg is situated in a part of the Netherlands that is known for its natural beauty and many historical buildings. The area, although quite hilly, is perfectly suited for walks or bike tours.These days Valkenburg is especially known for its many tourist attractions, its chalk houses and the attractive countryside. It is home to many interesting historic sites, including several castles and stately homes, as well as old churches and cathedrals. Parts of the city walls and city gates still stand. Several former marl quarries offer guided tours. Valkenburg is also home to Thermae 2000, a sauna and wellness resort; a Holland Casino branch; and 2 amusement parks.

Thorn is a town in the municipality of Maasgouw, in the Dutch province of Limburg. It lies on the rivers Meuse and Witbeek. It is known as 'the white village' for its white-washed brick houses in the centre of town. Originally, the region of Thorn was a swamp. But the region was drained and in about 975, Bishop Ansfried of Utrecht founded a Benedictine nunnery. This monastery developed since the 12th century into a secular convent.