help me decide what to do when first arriving in Europe (Brussels)

I'd stop in Brussels and have lunch and a glass (or 2...) of Belgian beer at a café in the Grand Platz. It's a 'must see'!

The Grand Place in Brussells is worth a visit.Id arrive and travel to Grand Place and spend some time.Then train to Amsterdam or to Haarlem which is where I think you will stay.Its a short train ride from the RR station.

Does the tour start the day you arrive in Europe? If so, if I were doing it, I'd get to Amsterdam, get checked in, take a nap, and join the tour group at 4 or 5 PM, or whenever it starts. I don't enjoy myself much when I am hauling my luggage around. I know you're travelling light, but still. And you don't want to miss the start of the tour.

We did a RS tour in Italy and had a great time.

No, it doesn't start the day I arrive. I'm planning on getting to Europe 2 days earlier to have time to get over jet lag and to provide a cushion in case a flight is canceled or something.

Mike,

Since your tour is starting in Amsterdam with the Rick Steves group, I wouldn't spend your own time exploring Amsterdam. I'd go to Brussels and Bruges and then head up to Amsterdam in time for your tour to start.

Roxanne

I would suggest staying in Brussels for the first 2 nights. By staying in Brussels, it will be that much easier to catch the train to Amsterdam. On the first day, see Brussels. The next day, you could take a day trip to Brugge. The day that your tour starts, take the train to Amsterdam. That day, you could check out any interesting sights in Amsterdam that are not part of the tour, or take a quick trip to Haarlem. As to the Ambien, I've found airplanes to be too noisy and cramped to try to get a good sleep, regardless of the sleep aid. I save my Ambien for the first 2-3 nights in Europe, thereby quickly setting my internal clock to Europe time.

I arrived in Brussels from LAX at 8AM (took an Ambien on the flight), easily took the train (on the bottom level of the airport) to central Brussels and stored my bags at the attended luggage room. I walked around the glorious Grand Place, had lunch and a beer. Then I retrieved my bags and took the train to Bruges for 2 nights before going to Amsterdam. Bruges is a great place to recover from jet lag, highly recommend!

Does you RS tour start in Amsterdam or in Haarlem?
They are not the same city although they are close to each other. I took a RS Best of Europe that began in Haarlem and flew from Seattle to Amsterdam on NW airlines, went straight to Haarlem on the train, arriving in late afternoon, and went right to bed. I go to bed right after I get to Europe every year after finding out that staying up did not work for me. A nap of an hour or two, then dinner, a walk, and then back to be works best. Different strokes for different folks as they say.
I did so enjoy staying in Haarlem that time but I am now going to Amsterdam to stay this August. Happy travels

Charles, the trip actually starts in Haarlem. I haven't decided yet if I will stay at the tour hotel the extra days or look for something else;.

I concur with Cathie and Rick--don't miss an opportunity to see Brussels and Brugges. The people are congenial, and the Grand Place is glorious. You can easily see the high points in Brussels in a day, and then see colorful Brugges in a partial day. On the Grand Place, try a restaurant that serves moules and frites and try a great Belgian wheat beer. If you love chocolate, wander into the small chocolate boutiques on the Grand Place. Rick recommends a small unusual hotel where the rooms have travel themes--we stayed there, were comfortable, and found the staff and the owner really friendly and helpful. There is a beautiful music museum in Brussels, and the European union building is spectacular. Have a wonderful trip!
Susan Rebillot, FL USA 7/14/07

I would definitely tour Brussels and/or Bruges.

As for jet lag, I'm usually tired when I get to Europe (from central time zone) but it quickly goes away bc I'm on a first day "i'm in europe" high. The advice to get moving and get outside actually works to cure me of any sleepiness.

I also like the recommendation to stay in Brussels or Bruges the first couple of nights. That way when you get there the first day you can sightsee or if you are just miserable you can check into your hotel for a nap.