We are taking a Viking River Cruise departing on 11/3 from Amsterdam to Basel. We are planning to arrive in Amsterdam on the morning of 10/31 to give us a few days to unwind and see the city. On occasion Rick will list his favorite guides in various countries along with their contact information so we can hire them to help us. I have the latest Netherland guidebook but cannot find any guides in Amsterdam. We arrive at 08:30 on the 31st and board the ship at 12:00 on the 3rd, so we essentially have the equivalent of three full days there. I'm wondering if any of you have used one of his recommended guides in that city, or perhaps could refer any others you may have used? I was thinking about maybe an all-day guided experience, or maybe two half days.
On another note, I am a long time Hilton Honors member and found a Doubletree Hotel near the train station and pier where we will board our ship. We typically stay in smaller, more centrally located hotels, but in this case the Doubletree seems more convenient for a short stay. I don't care that there is not much nightlife nearby since it seems that we can walk or take a tram from the train station to find whatever we want. Any thoughts on this strategy? Also, we are staying in Switzerland for three nights at the end of the cruise, thinking mostly about Lucerne and flying home from Zurich on 11/14. If you too have done that, I would appreciate any suggestions you have. Thanks.
Jim