Using my FF's and not having other options due to procrastination and high season, I can go to Amsterdam and back in mid July. I have never been to Amsterdam, and thought this might make a lovely trip. I also want to take a day class at Cordon Blu (s) in Paris. I wouild also like to experience Bruges. The flight arrives at 9:45. My thoughts include taking the train first to Paris (getting a sleeper and sleeping off the jet lag). After spending 4 days in Paris, heading back to Bruges for several nights and then back to Amsterdam for the rest of the time. Does this make sense? How long is the trip from Amsterdam to Paris. Or should I stay in Amsterdam first, head to Bruges, then Paris and take the overnight back to PAris to catch the flight home (fight back to Phila leaves t 12:40).<BR>I need to make my decision quickly as I may have trouble finding lodging.

The Thalys train from A'dam to Paris takes 4 hours. After the last direct train around 7pm the options require a change,usually with a prolonged stop. Theere is not sleeper train that I can find. I'd go into A'dam, get a hotel right downtown and get to Paris the nextmorning.

There is a sleeper beginning April 26. It leaves Amsterdam Centraal at 22:23, and Schiphol at 22:40.

Thanks for the correction jahoulih.<BR>And if it leaves from Schipol -- well that's too convenient for words

Only problem is, if the flight arrives at Schiphol at 9:45 pm, that might be cutting it too close for a train 55 minutes later. Maybe it would be better to do the route in reverse, and end by taking the sleeper from Paris to Amsterdam.

I wondered about that too ... my pown preference would be for the swift Thalys the next morning after a good night's sleep in a non-moving bed. But then that's me