route from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam

There is a metro station at the cruise ship terminals direct to Rotterdam Centraal Station. From the train station there are inter-city trains to Amsterdam every 15 minutes or so. Travel time is about one hour; no advance reservations needed. For the quickest train take the ones that go "via Schipol Airport". At Amsterdaam Centraal Station your in the heart of the city, all the major tourist attractions are within walking distance or a quick tram ride away.Since you limited amount of time see a couple of sites which interest you depending on your interests; like the Rijks Museum, and the Anne Frank House: http://wikitravel.org/en/Amsterdam

Have a read of the RS book for Netherlands and Belgium. If you plan carefully the day can be quite smooth. Agree with the post above on the route.

Hello Nigel, Thank you very much for your reply. So appreciated. This is a part of our trips that I always enjoy but have been astonished (as I said) at the prices tours are charging. They must believe the mythe about the American Dream. Not all of us own oil wells. We are a dedicated and faithful Fan of Rick Steves and have loads of his DVD's and know he travels via all the possible transportation choices. It is just that because we have just a measly 11 hours in the port of Rotterdam and want to see Amsterdam we want to know how to see what is possible and want to pack it in accordingly. What ever you suggest or recommend, would be appreciated. I will be researching what we want to see. O course to see the Anne Frank House is high on the list tho I have heard that it is vacant of furniture. so what do you see? I am thinking, imagination will play a lot into what one might feel and think, fear and reflect. We will of course also want to see the celebrated district of Amsterdam. any way, Nigel, thank in advance for responding. We shall happily await your reply. Sincerely,
Deborah !

So, Deborah, we can make this work and you can send me the €500 for my trip there (well, Germany and including there) next week. ;-) What appeals to you? Why have you wanted to go there? Is it the canals? The architecture? The "naughtiness" of the place? The beer? The trams (got those in San Diego - can't be that)? The art? Museums? - The Netherlands has the best and most prolific museums of anywhere I've ever seen. Museums on Stoves; Toothbrushes; sex toys; Rembrandt; the Resistance; art; cheese; anything you can imagine. Seeing old buildings about to fall over? Anyway - what do you think of when you think of Amsterdam? Let us know and with your reading of the RS book, the D-K book - great photos - and the experience of others here on the helpline we can make that day absolutely sing. BTW - Delft and Rotterdam are close to you with their specific charms but I would stick just to Amsterdam if I were you. So put that €500 away (or slip it my way... nah, not for SD folk) and let's sort this out... We have a couple of weeks to plan. BTW - while I am happy for PMs you're better to plan here in public so we all work together...

Hey Nigel,
thank you for your reply. I will get busy and think up a day's packed full event and see what then is realistic. Many thanks. Will be able to reciprocate itinerary wise if you travel this way. Deborah

You do need to get an advance reservation for A Frank's house. Find four people to split the 500E fee.

Thank you Frank. A good tip. Did you enjoy it? Was it a vacant room? What was your impression? Could you feel their presence or their emotion? Did you feel the experience of this tour was what you expected? Thank you in advance. I shall appreciate your reply. Deborah

I've got to run to get to work... The Anne Frank house for my wife and me was very very moving. You move from room to room, in various floors and in the house and the one next door. The tree outside died recently. There is a big interpretation area/research area/shop at the end. Make plans to avoid the queues. Book ahead, and as you can start so early in the day I would suggest that first. Gotta run...

Thank you both on information about the A Frank House. Have always wanted to go there. Even more now. Thanks so much. We have gotten ourselves busy this week with family visit so will be postponing all planning until next week. Enjoy your weekends. Sincerely,
Deborah