When I open the cabin drapes this morning, I’m treated to a view of the heart of Amsterdam. The Central Station is just a walk away! The surprising shape of the EYE Film Museum glows even in the early light, and the Dutch are already zipping by on their bikes. This is one of my favorite cities in Europe and I’m excited to see it ‘glammed’ up for Christmas. Some passengers will be heading out to the …
In about a month, I will be traveling to Holland to take a romantic barge trip through the tulip fields, to visit some of the small villages along the canals, and to spend a few days in Amsterdam and then in The Hague. I’m not worried about packing – I’ll take a small carry-on and minimal clothing – but I am very interested in being intellectually prepared. I would like to have read the books, visited the …
We have just a partial day to see a bit more of Amsterdam. The crew from European Waterways is scheduled to pick us up at Central Station at 4:30. There’s not a lot of time, but with the I Amsterdam card, we can use the tram service to get where we want to go fast. I have been to Amsterdam several times and have seen most of the major attractions. If this is your first time, don’t …
There are those who may come to Amsterdam and pick up various addictions – this is, after all , the city of weed cafes and red light ladies, but I got hooked on a different habit: Dutch french fries! These babies are to die for! We stopped at a small shop, not much bigger than a closet, called vers gesneden friet, which I think means real fresh-cut fries. In Amsterdam, french fries are referred to as either …
The Hotel Ambassade (www.ambassade-hotel.nl) sits demurely on the edge of the Herengracht Canal, the gentlemen’s canal. The hotel occupies ten seventeenth century canal houses, all tied together and renovated but retaining their historic character. It’s a hotel I would come back to in a heartbeat. It is situated within easy walk of the flower market on the Singel, it’s not very far from the ‘Dam Square, and it’s close to the tram which can take you all …
I’ve found vacation nirvana for teenagers and it’s a place parents will like just as much as teens do. Welcome to Amsterdam. It’s got everything, including teen-safe clubs, terrific outdoor markets that, despite the weak dollar, offer some bargains, world-class museums and the chance to explore it all by bicycle. In Amsterdam, everyone seems young, fit and, most important to the teens, hip and there’s the appropriate mix of culture, history and quirkiness in a city where …
Amsterdam. In exploring alternative accommodations in Amsterdam after our cruise, I settled on the Het Lam apartment on the Prinsengracht in the Spiegel Quarter, within walking distance to the Rijksmuseum and van Gogh Museum. The apartment is in short walking distance of two grocery stores, shops, and many restaurants (which we did not find particularly interesting). Should you care to partake in Amsterdam’s marijuana culture, two Marijuana cafes are located close by. The area appeared to be …
Day 1. We met our guide at 10 AM at the Paris Est train station to board a high-speed TGV train bound for Metz, founded 3,000 years ago by the Gallic tribe of Mediomatrici from which it derives its name. The Old Town is grouped around arcaded Place St-Louis with its characteristic stone-buttressed houses from the 14th to 16th century. It’s a quite charming city and is famous for its yellow limestone architecture, due to the extensive …
I love a Christmas cruise, the lights, the festivities and the spirit aboard a ship during the holidays is just a delightful way to celebrate. AMAWaterways has just posted a great deal for guest who book one of their two special Christmas/New Years cruises: a complimentary stay in Amsterdam. This free stay is offered on the following cruises: “Christmas and New Year’s Cruise aboard the MS AmaLyra.” A 2-night Prague pre-cruise program followed by an 8-night Nuremberg …
By Frank Farber Special to AllThingsCruise First, a little housekeeping. Thick terrycloth robes and slippers are provided in the cabins. Hot water comes right out — no waiting — and the showers are very nice, providing three levels of water height. For the men, the best shaving water I think I’ve ever dealt with. There are no children on board. A wonderful adult cruise. After breakfast we went on a morning tour of Arnhem. A major World …
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