On the surface, there’s not much to the tiny, petite province of Utrecht, save for charming Utrecht City itself – its tree-lined canals and medieval quarter hog the limelight, making the province virtually a city-state. Yet, like Doctor Who’s Tardis, there’s more to discover if you care to poke around. The splendid Kasteel de Haar on the city’s doorstep is one of the country’s most beautiful castles. Amersfoort, a really pretty walled town in the northeast corner, oozes medieval character. Then there’s Oudewater in the southwest, synonymous with witchcraft (Monty Python fans will dig it). Utrecht is also home to palatial mansions to the southeast in Doorn, where a defeated German Kaiser went into exile, and in Amerongen, seat of well-to-do aristocrats since the 13th century

The Domtoren is 112m high, with 465 steps and 50 bells. It’s a tough haul to the top but well worth the exertion, given that the tower gives unbeatable city views; on a clear day you can see Amsterdam. The guided tour, in Dutch and English, is detailed and gives privileged insight into this beautiful structure