turtlelog

We will be in Amsterdam Nov. 1-4, 08. We don't often have opportunity to travel so making the most of this journey is a goal. We would like to take day trips by bus,train or rented car whichever can get us to the most interesting destinations within 2-3 hrs.Ideas and advice welcome. Our interests include the visual and performing arts,history,architecture,wine and dining,and sporting events

gruezi

dear turtle,

I know there are those who disagree, but there are so many things to do in Amsterdam that suit your interests your days may go very quickly... Do you arrive the 1st and leave the 4th? If so, I'd skip the day trips.

I only went to Keukenhof (sp??) but that won't be good to do in Nov. I know there is good art in the Hague if you zip through all the good art in Amsterdam...I have heard there are some fun bike excursions as well.

Have fun!

gruezi

doonhamer

You'll find a lot of places in the Netherlands are within a couple of hours train ride. The Hague, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Utrecht are all within that timescale. Closer to hand, there are escorted coach trips from Amsterdam to places like Edam, Zaanse Schans, Marken, Volendam, Hoorn and many more - try http://www.lindbergh.nl for an idea of what's out there.

WillTravel

I've done daytrips to Leiden, Haarlem, Rotterdam, den Haag, and Antwerp. All have aspects that would fit at least some of your interests.

yk

With such a short time in Amsterdam, I would limit the # of daytrips to just one at most. If it were me, I'd pick Delft hands down.

danon

Amsterdam is much more interesting than small towns near by. I would stay put.

MomDDTravel

turtlelog - Haarlem is close by and if you like history you might want to visit Corrie Ten Boom's home.

turtlelog

Thank you all for the suggestions. I will google your suggested destinations for more info.Does anyone know the time to get to Antwerp by Thalys train and availability of early departure and late return?

PalenQ

Don't take the Thalys train IMO

reservations mandatory and Byzantine pricing structure means you may well pay twice as much or more than by taking the nearly as quick InterCity (IC) trains that go hourly Amsterdam to Antwerp and you have a flat fee you can buy just before the train.

No reason to hassle with the Thalys which is more for folks doing Amsterdam to Paris

WillTravel

I booked the discount Thalys tickets from Amsterdam to Antwerp roundtrip for 28 Euros total, which is cheaper than any other option, including the local trains. I did this on the Belgian Thalys site.

As discussed on other threads, Thalys gives very little time savings for this route, but it is actually cheaper if you prebook.

The trip was supposed to take just over 2 hours, but was about 15 minutes delayed due to traffic stalls around Rotterdam. Someone came on the loudspeaker and explained we had stopped due to traffic. On the way back, it adhered to schedule.