My husband and I are taking the 13 day RS Germany tour next year, probably June, then spending a week in Switzerland. I have 5 days left to add to our trip before we head to Amsterdam for a couple of days before heading home. Ideas? We love history, architectural, beautiful scenery, of course food. But not wine ( I know, right?) nor museums. Thinking we will have had our fill of hiking and poking around, maybe an area with bike or walking tours, cooking class or some kind of activity? I would love to take my husband to Rome as I know he would be fascinated by the history, but should probably wait for another time. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Have you been to Amsterdam before? If not, you could easily spend the time there, with day trips to Haarlem and other places nearby.
I agree about Rome -- wrong direction, too much moving around.
Posted by
OP
Portland,Oregon
250 posts
Yes, we have been to Amsterdam. Maybe Belgium? Eastern France? Not quite sure logistically where to visit in order to get to Amsterdam in an easy fashion. We like the trains, but don’t want to waste all day on one...may need to fly.
Posted by
San Francisco
14916 posts
Hi,
Yes, certainly. Eastern France is well worth your time, ie, going to Alsace-Lorraine in terms of culture and history, and the cuisine!
Posted by
8180 posts
You have many choices.
1) Strassbourg, France and the Alsace region as well as Friberg and Triberg in the Black Forrest.
2) On the way to Amsterdam, stop at Heidelberg, Germany, then take a short Rhein cruise from Rüdesheim. Then move north to Cologne to see the wonderful Cathedral, then on North stopping at Arnheim in Netherlands to see the Bridge to Far, then north to Amsterdam.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
Belgium for us last year was the pleasant surprise on our trip...most likely because we went with no expectations. (We went between being in Amsterdam and Dordrecht and heading to Paris). We stayed in Gent for 3 nights and visited Antwerp for a few hours (on the way to Gent) then did a day in Ypres and Bruges, then a quick run around Brussels while waiting for the train to Paris. And there is chocolate...EVERYWHERE! I can't wait to get back someday for a bit longer.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1883 posts
Maybe add a day or two in Berlin where the RS tour ends? The RS Germany guidebook lists a number of sights to see and the tour only spends a full day and part of an afternoon there.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Paris is enroute from Switzerland to Amsterdam. Easy rail connections. Just sayin'.
Posted by
OP
Portland,Oregon
250 posts
Thank you all for your input! We are already adding days in Berlin, have been to Paris and are already adding days to Amsterdam. Thinking may be a change of climate, like the French Riviera could be an option...I do like the idea of Strausbourg as well. Looks like more research!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11842 posts
Lake Como....? fly from Milan to AMS
such a 'problem' to have :-) !
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
You never said in which city you will end your Switzerland trip, that would logistically matter to decide where to go next. Look for direct flights from that city and chances are good there will be a flight to Schipol also. If you don't mind adding two travel days flying to your itinerary, you can go to Rome if it fits the direct flight criteria that I mentioned.