Spring 2011 trip to the Netherlands, Brussels and London
 

My husband and I (early 60's/late 50's) would appreciate advice in planning a 12 day trip next spring to these three areas. We thought we might fly into Amsterdam, take a train(?) to Brussels and fly home to the US from London. Anyone with thoughts on an itinerary for this trip? We're not sure what is the best/most economical way to get from each city to the next or even if we have them in the best visiting order. Are we trying to cover to much in seeing these three cities in 10 actual visiting days? (We have been to London, but love going back for more.) We love to see the sights, mix with the people and enjoy their culture.

If there are suggestions for hotels that are more modernized (need a lift for sure), and closer to tube/bus stops, sights, we'd appreciate that too.

Try to see Keukenhof. Here is my photo log of 2008, http://tinyurl.com/y8hltjl. If you are in party, LOL, or garage sale mode be in Amsterdam for the annual Queen's Day celebration. Here is my photo log of that great event, http://tinyurl.com/yln3hrp.

I suggest Antwerp and Brugge rather than Brussels, and stay in Haarlem rather than Amsterdam.

oh no, spaarne got in before me.

i wanted to be the first to suggest you go to the Keukenhof gardens.

ditto the rest of what s/he says too.

We saw Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam last summer with 14 days, so I think you can do Amsterdam, Brussels, and London in 10, esspecially since you have been to London before.

Brussels or Bruges? We liked them both very much. I think the choice depends on whether you want a small, quaint town or a larger city. Of course if you have time, it is easy to day trip from one to the other. If you do choose Brussels, the Hotel Windsor and Le Meridien are very convinient to the central train station and the Grand Place. Both are modern with elevators.

Amsterdam or Haarlem? We debated that as well, but ultimately chose Amsterdam to be in the thick of things. It was the right choice for us.

For transportation, we flew in and out of Brussels and took the train, which worked out very well. We talked with a couple in Bruges who were visiting from London for the weekend - they came on the Eurostar train and were happy with the choice. On the otherhand, the flight from London-Heathrow to Brussels (or the reverse) is pretty quick and easy.

Just one slight modification . . .

I'd fly into London, take the Eurostar to Brussels and then fly home from Amsterdam. Main reason -- flying home from A'dam will be cheaper than flying out of London. UK departure taxes/fees are very high.

Plus a minor consideration would be getting over the jet lag in a place where you are more comfortable/familiar w/the lay of the land.

Thank you all for your advice; good idea to land in London first and recoup before going forward plus save $ on taxes. We are thinking of Brugge over Brussels, but need to read more about what is in Brugge to see/do. Is Brugge walkable? By that I mean paved sidewalks vs. cobblestone? Any suggestions on more modern hotels in Brugge--nice, but not the most expensive in town? Spaarne, your pictures were fabulous and we wouldn't want to miss that sight. But in late April or early to mid May, what will our weather be like?

<i> But in late April or early to mid May, what will our weather be like?</i>

As you can see in the photos the weather was perfect on my visit in 2008. HOWEVER, the day before my Keukenhof expedition, May 2, it was raining with wind. Be flexible in scheduling outdoor activities in Holland at any time of the year.

BTW, I suggest an afternoon visit to Keukenhof. The tulips close up for the night and then open up as the day warms up. This is one place where you don't want to be an early bird. Go to Haarlem in the morning, have outdoor lunch at the Brinkmann on the Grote Markt, and then to Keukenhof. If you get there by 3 PM you still have hours of sunlight. You can see the whole garden in about two hours of leisure walking. At around 5 or 6 they let the bicyclers ride in. I don't understand that. I like to take my time and get up close with the flowers.