Jinky

Nytraveler, we are taking UK trip next year and spending much more time in London. Also the oldest daughter scheduled an important appt there to do some some artwork, so we figured we'd work it into our plans and stay for a few days. I'm just not willing to pay $1000 *plus* in airline fees, just to spend a few more days in London. Next time, you can be sure I will be much smarter when it comes to planning.

Also, I will admit I made the mistake of thinking we'd want more days in Amsterdam. Fine for my husband and I, as we love day trips, riding bikes, beautiful scenery, etc.. However with two teen girls, it's now all about Paris! Of course they want to see Amsterdam and the museums there, bit of course there is so much more in Paris.



As

stokebailey

I bet you'll find tons of fun things to do, wherever you are.

justineparis

Oh in PAris look up Fat Tire Bike Tours, you and your teens will have so much fun, really, they are easy and fun, try the one to Giverny , it was my favorite, or the Night Bike tour, which includes a night boat cruise! Just google for website, its run by Americans so no trouble dealing with them language wise.

artstuff

While in Amsterdam your daughters might enjoy going to the Museum of Bags & Purses.

http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/en

I've never had a chance to visit the museum, but it does sound interesting.

And since you will be in the Netherlands during April, please do take time to visit the Keukenhof. It's tulip time in Holland, and the gardens are a must.

http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/

Don't under estimate Amsterdam and it's surroundings, especially in the spring time.

Robyn

PAplumber

Amsterdam is a great city and well worth 8 days at tulip time or any time.

spaarne

<i>
Taking teen daughters to London, Paris and Amsterdam .. advice please!
Posted by: Jinky on Nov 12, 12 at 10:16pm Posted in: Europe Tagged: France , Netherlands , United Kingdom. We will be in London 4 days, Paris 6 days, and Amsterdam 8 days. (in that order). The girls will be 15 and 18 when we take the trip next April.</i>

First, congrats on taking your daughters on your trip. This will be a highlight of their lives.

I've been to all three cities multiple times, and have lived in Paris and Haarlem, close to Amsterdam. Your itinerary looks good to me. You can't see and do everything in a short time in any of those cities anyway. For Amsterdam 8 days is shorting it but you will love the slower pace after the busy hustle in London and Paris.

As mentioned by artstuff, Keukenhof is a must see for Holland in April. Your timing is about as good as it can be. See my photolog of a bike trip from Haarlem to Keukenhof at http://tinyurl.com/y8hltjl for an idea of what to expect. I suggest visiting on a sunny afternoon. The tulips close up for the night and open as the day warms up. Spend some time in Haarlem also. It is a beautiful city with a number of sights.

Also, April 30 is Queen's Day. This is robustly celebrated in Amsterdam resulting in a totally crazy day. See my photolog of this event at http://tinyurl.com/yln3hrp.

For low cost accommodations in London I recommend Rosebery Hall of the London School of Economics. See http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ for information.

I suggest that you get the Michelin Green Guides to each city and Holland and let the girls help select activities. That way they buy into the program and will enjoy it more.

Jinky

Thanks everyone!

The biking in Amsterdam and Paris looks awesome, we would all love that.

Robyn, thanks for those links, looks fun!

spaarne, I updated the trip and we will be in Amsterdam 5 full days, not 8. We wanted to spend more time in Paris. However, after seeing your photos, we really want to do the bike trip from Haarlem to Keukenhof. What a lovely way to spend a day! I am enjoying your blog - so glad you posted!

I'll check out the Rosebery Hall in London, as we are still looking for places to stay there. Thank you again.

spaarne

Jinky,
Also see my posting at http://tinyurl.com/aag37vw.

HappyTrvlr

We rented an apartment in London for three nights..www.basilstreetapartments.com, view of Harrods from our windows.Very nice. Not cheap but we saved a lot as there were six of us, a 3BR apt, over staying in a hotel.

ParisAmsterdam

For AMS, Priceline can still be a great option... at the prices you can often get, 2 hotel rooms can be had for $200 a night or less. Our teen daughter was thrilled when she had her own room for a couple of nights in the Loire. See my previous post for details on NYOP.

TraceyA

In Paris, be certain to do the Fat Tire Bicycle tour. I would recommend it on the evening of your arrival as it is a wonderful introduction to the city and a great way to start acclimating yourself to the time change. They can be found at the base of the Eiffel Tower.