Amazing Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a great city break option that's only 50 minutes flight from Manchester .
On arrival into Schipol airport it is so easy to get to the city centre. You come out of passport control, follow the signposts for the station, purchase a ticket from the machine to Amsterdam Central station and you're there in 15 minutes - the trains run every 10 minutes.
We were staying in The Movenpick, only 10 mins walk from the station. The hotel was located away from the main attractions but still within walking distance and right next to the cruise terminal! The rooms were lovely and we were allocated one with an amazing view of the city. Tea and coffee making facilities and great bathroom with all the amenities.
On the first day we were taken on a walking tour of Amsterdam showing us some of the main attractions including a fly by of the famous red light district - a must-see! We finished with a lovely lunch in s traditional restaurant. After lunch we walked and walked, admiring all the pretty canals and buildings. We had a lovely drink in the De L'europe restaurant which had a lovely terrace next to the canal where we watched all the boats pass by, one of which included a brass band.
Before heading back to the hotel we went to Doubletree by Hilton Skylounge for another amazing drink with views across the whole city! It was a quick dash back to the hotel for a change and shower ready for our dinner cruise on the canal!
What an amazing experience this was. The boat was all dressed up with tables set beautifully. We sailed around for a couple of hours passing all the beautiful houseboats and all of Amsterdam looking so pretty lit up in the evening. The dinner was fabulous; a four course affair with our glasses never empty as they were constantly filled.
After a hectic day it was straight to bed ready for the next day - a visit on the Holland and America ship Ms Koningsdam.