Mini Break to Amsterdam
We flew to Amsterdam on the KLM Fokker 50 aircraft and we were lucky enough to be upgraded to business class - which on a short flight like this ensures that you have an empty seat next to you on the journey. On arrival at Schiphol everyone on the flight was presented with a tulip memento of being on the first flight from Belfast City to Amsterdam.
Then it was off on our "whistle-stop" tour of Amsterdam, with our first stop being the Van Gogh Museum. Using the audio visual aids you can look at the amazing collection of the great artists work at your own pace. This is a great museum and ideal for art lovers! After our visit we walked the short distance to The Blue Boat Company and joined our canal boat for our tour of the Amsterdam waterways. This is a great way to see this fascinating city and learn of its great history. The commentary on-board is provided in a variety of languages and earphones are included.
After the canal cruise we had another short walk to our restaurant the Brasserie Harkema which is in a converted tobacco factory where we had a super meal and superb service. Finally after dinner it was back to the airport for our overnight stay before our flight home the following morning. We stayed at the citizenM Schiphol Airport Hotel which is a new boutique property only a short walk from the airport terminal. This hotel is quite different to traditional airport hotels and perhaps not ideal for everyone, but for single travellers and couples wanting an airport stay it is ideal. The open-plan room is controlled by an iPad and includes free movies. The 24/7 bar/restaurant or canteenM as the hotel calls it is very welcoming with hot food and drinks available whenever you want, ideal for anyone perhaps jet-lagged after a long flight. It was also a very welcoming and popular area for all the hotel guests and I would recommend a stay here.
The following morning, a quick breakfast followed by catching the morning KLM flight back to Belfast.
Overall I would really recommend a stay in Amsterdam (although I suggest a few days at least as my trip was far too short) and the KLM flights were super, great service and really convenient from Belfast City.