Netherlands

Amsterdam, one of Europe's most picturesque capitals, is renowned for its charming canals and seamless blend of historical allure with vibrant city life. This makes it an ideal pre-cruise destination. The Amsterdam Cruise Port serves as a significant hub for cruises departing to and traversing Northern Europe. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, just east of Amsterdam Centraal train station, the port offers easy access to the city center, making it exceptionally convenient for cruise travelers. Having experienced life in Amsterdam for two years, I invite you to explore the highlights of this captivating city before you set sail.

Visiting the Christmas Markets in Europe was a bucket-list trip, and I finally took the plunge. After considerable research, I decided an intimate River Cruise along the Rhine was the perfect way to see Christmas markets in Switzerland, France & Germany. I wanted to extend our time before and after the cruise so booked a night in Basel, Switzerland followed by a full day and evening in Amsterdam (not nearly enough time as we fell in LOVE with this amazing city in the Netherlands). While there are a few River Cruise Lines that do these European tours, I chose Ama Waterways and was not disappointed.

I cannot express enough how pleased I was with my overall experience on an Avalon River Cruise. Being a foodie, the cuisine was exceptional. I also enjoyed the excursions which allowed me to tour cities at port with a group. I was a solo traveler and it really took a lot of the pressure off. I also did a little solo exploring. The oversized balcony was such a lovely part of my state room. I spent many hours sitting on my balcony enjoying the countryside and villages as we passed by. The music and entertainment onboard was also fun and I met several lovely people with whom I participated in activities. There was ample time at each port to take in the sights, eat and shop. I highly recommend this experience!

There’s something magical about springtime in the Netherlands, when the landscape bursts into a sea of colorful tulips. Seeing the fields stretch endlessly under the open sky is like stepping into a real-life painting. Whether it’s wandering through Keukenhof’s perfectly curated gardens or biking past miles of blooms in the countryside, this experience feels uniquely Dutch in the best way. It’s a destination that combines natural beauty, culture and history, making it an unforgettable trip for any traveler.

Amsterdam is a dream and one of my favorite cities to visit. You can unlock the magic of Amsterdam in just three days. The city has something for everyone to enjoy!

There is something romantic and historic about traveling city-to-city in Europe by sleeper train. It's also efficient, sustainable and comfortable. The experience might just be a highlight of your trip. We're living in a true renaissance for overnight train lovers, as low-cost carriers recently threatened to eliminate sleepers entirely. Now, new routes are flourishing, classic city pairs are back and train operators are investing in state-of-the-art train cars with smart amenities and modern touches. Driven by a loyal fan base and an important focus on sustainability, you'll find getting from capital to capital super easy, and a perfect addition to your European journey.

As an American living in Stockholm, I've found Amsterdam to be an incredibly accessible and enjoyable getaway. With its well-connected international airport and so many friends wanting to visit, we have had the chance to explore this vibrant Dutch capital several times over the past year. Amsterdam seamlessly blends trendy hotspots with historic charm, offering an endlessly entertaining city break. From cozy bruin cafés (brown bars) to cutting-edge cocktail dens, there's something for everyone in this lively destination. Here are some of the top highlights from my recent visits.

Amsterdam is full of charm with its winding canals, cobblestone streets and colorful tulips. However, it's more than just museums, flowers and the Red Light District — there are excellent hotels with world-class dining that will surprise anyone who has only traveled there during their college study abroad program. Amsterdam is a a diverse and exciting food destination that has the hits (warm stroopwafels!) and unexpected surprises in its food halls and fine-dining restaurants.