Maastricht (name comes from the Roman Trajectum ad Mosam = crossing the Maas)has had a long history of bringing things together. The city not only combined Roman, Frankish and Renaissance influences but it also united the countries of Europe into the European Union (this is where the treaty was signed). Linger a few minutes in the main square (Vrijthof) to soak up the city’s international atmosphere. Afterward stroll the cobblestone streets and visit the oldest market in the country. We were impressed by the silver trove in the 1 000-year-old St. Servaas Basilica. Maastricht has a wide variety of hotels, one official youth hostel (Dousberg) and several campings. Don’t leave without trying a bonbon from Bruudsje Stols. Not far away are the marl caves of the St. Pietersberg quarried for more than 2 000 years. 125 mi/200 km south of Amsterdam.
