my wife and i have 1 week to tour netherlands and belgium. What are the must do's?

Belgium: the cities Brussels and Brugge

the Netherlands:

Go for a canalboat trip in Amsterdam,

Visit the Cheesemarket in Alkmaar

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/BirthChildrenAndF...

Visit the historical city Delft,

Visit Zaanseschans (preserved traditional village with all the Windmills etc.)

http://www.zaanseschans.nl/

It kinda depends what you are into, the above are the very traditional touristy things to visit

I haven't been to Belgium.

In the Netherlands try to visit the old towns and places in staid of the tourist centers mentioned here. If you can not walk many miles to explore the inner city's on good luck, then rent bikes. You can travel by train for € 42,90 per day if it should be further then 250 kilometer. € 39,50 for two persons first class (if available) per day untill September 13. You may want to walk trough Amsterdam, other ancient towns are Den Bosch, Deventer and Maastricht down south, perhaps Den Haag for shopping and Groningen, a smaller town up north are worth visiting. In the north of Holland you may explore small unspoiled villages and cultural landscapes but I did not say this would be easy. On bike there are good tourist routes everywhere. Ask with tourist information points called VVV.

Edit: I have this agenda with money saving and tips for things to go to. August 22 is the Canal Festival in Amsterdam, carry an empty wallet... and September 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday) something that we call "open monumenten dag" so quite the same as in English. This has also a specific theme which now is: On the Map. http://www.openmonumentendag.nl/ I believe Open Monument day is an international event in Europe at the same day. A number of old buildings and museums should be open for free visit. Check their local agenda and make reservations if necessary. I hope you find maps interesting but myself I think this is not a very good subject for many people and organizations to participate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlBDKAO4BXA Open mill-day was May 13 but every mill has its own open days. After the summer towns have their cultural festivals in a sort of carnival way, look for them as the place to be.

A days ride by train can be expanded with bus and also to be bought cheaper for five days. This is what happens when you sleep over it. Have a nice stay. Be home before the Mexican flue, in Oktober to be expected.

Belgium: Brussels - go to the Grand Place. See Mannekin Pis.

Bruges - admire the artwork and lace

In Belgium, be sure to get some fine dark chocolate; in Netherlands, make for sure to visit Dampkring Coffee shop, they have some of the finest bubble hash you'll ever sample.

have fun now :)