getting around amsterdam

Cliff,

I found that the small OV chip cards work well for getting around Amsterdam by Tram. As I recall, they have to be "tapped" on the reader both when boarding the Tram as well as disembarking. You may find this website helpful - http://goamsterdam.about.com/od/Get-Around-Amsterdam/p/Amsterdam-Public-Transit-101.htm

For tram, bus, and metro in the city, not regional trains, you also have the option of a pass for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days, sold right onboard the trams. 72 hours = €16.50 and 96 hours = €21. You would buy train tickets separately (issued on temporary chip cards).

Edit: Dawn alerted me to this link, which indicates the larger passes are not sold onboard trams. (I only bought the 2-day version on my last visit.)

The 72 hour day pass is the best for your needs. You can buy at the GVB office across the tram tracks in front of Centraal Station (next to the TI office). It will just cover trams, metro, buses within Amsterdam. For the trip from the airport and Alkmaar you'll have to pay cash for those tickets the train station.

They now have a combined train from Schiphol + local transportation in Amsterdam combined ticket

Costs:
1 day: € 15
2 days: € 20
3 days: € 25

More info here: http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/arrange-and-buy/tickets-and-passes/amsterdam-travel-ticket.html