M&T

OK. Thanks.

It is a bus ticket that one uses in one day to go to several towns of your choosing North of Amsterdam. We will visit Volendam, Marken, Broeck in Waterland and Monnickendam. If you go to your browser and type in any of these town names, you will see pictures. The ticket is 10 euros. You use the EBS buses. Go to their site and use the planner to enter where you want to go. In that way, you find out the bus numbers. You go get on the bus and buy the ticket on the bus.

The first day we arrive around 8 on Sunday the 13th of April. We plan to take the canal bus that day. Then, the next day, we will use the tram to go to the Rijksmuseum and other places all day. The next day we will go to Keukenhof, if tulips are peak, or the waterland towns. We will get the Waterland ticket. Is it still 10 Euros? Then, we will be gone for several days and back for a day and a half. The half day we might use the tram not sure yet. Then, for the whole day, we will either do waterland or Keukenhof. Thank you so much.

I hope it is OK for me to add my question here. I am confused by the ticket situation. There talk about a chip card that has to be purchased then loaded with the pass. You have made it simple. I do not have to buy a chip card. I just get on my first tram and buy the 24 hour pass, correct. Now, I have to scan the pass when I get on and off? Thanks.

I would love to hear more from Vantage cruisers about what they like so much, more details. We have friends who love Vantage and think it offers more cultural and hands on experiences. I thought this might help people trying to decide. Thanks.

I posted questions on the link but they are not showing. I really want to know the answers. Is the editor still here? I leave for work in 15 minutes. Thanks.

Thanks. I appreciate that information about Obernai.

Ok. Thanks. Our cruise is sailing from Basel April 6.

I had the issue. At first, I was confused because it talked about Basel but the last port was Kinderdijk. It is a great blog.

Thanks. I will check there in a couple of days.

It is actually Amsterdam to basel. The first line talks about disembarking in Basel. The person started with Kinderdijk and then added the next port above the first. If you want to read it in order you start with the last paragraph.

Notamermaid, I am wondering what to do in Koblenz. Sounds as if you might be able to give me some ideas of what to see or do.

Also, is there a website to check on river levels? Thanks.

Thank you everyone. These are helpful questions and thoughts. Peg, I was hoping you would respond because I have been following your contributions for over a year. I knew you were wondering about this excursion because of your husband. I wanted to hear your detail. I will either stay on the boat or go and take pics from the bus lot. Thanks again.

I am interested in hearing more about the walking from the bus to the castle and inside. I have a disease where I am sometimes not able to walk much and need to access whether I will do this. I want to and will probably try. I won't decide until the day when I see my condition. Thanks for your assistance.

You mentioned Obernai. It is an optional tour for us and we are considering. It looks like a very cute town. Since it is optional, is there a fee? Also, thanks for the great and detailed trip report.

Peg, the reason I am concerned about stores being open is that I looked some up and they close at 6. We are not scheduled get there until 630. I think you said you arrived around 430. That would be nice. I also wondered about ships schedules changing their hours. Wow! 8 ships! It must have been really crowded.

I love all of your detail. Were stores open. Places may have been open later due to the Christmas Markets. Do you know what anyone else did?

And, Koblenz looks like it has a nice old town. I always look at photos of places I am going to have an idea of what I want to see.

I am very anxious to Colmar. It looks really cute. Thanks again.

Peg, I'd like a copy of the blog too mkb0669@aol.com. I am enjoying your slideshow.

We are on the Viking Getaway Basel to Ams. What did others do in Rudesheim. I notice we arrive 630 pm and sail next day 8 am. It looks like most stores close at 5 or 6. We will be there in April so no Christmas markets.

Also, what did you and others do in Koblenz. Thanks.

My husband and I are on Viking Basel to Amsterdam sailing April 6. Once we get to Amsterdam, we will spend several days in Brugge then Amsterdam. We are hoping for the averages to be normal because we want peak tulip time.

Thanks for the ideas of what to wear and photo ops. We will not let the weather keep us from exploring. I do hope there will be some blue sky days even if it is cold.

I guess you know I meant ops (opportunities). Was it coat weather the whole time and sometimes sweatshirt and coat? I have a coat with a heavy fleece/bulky lining. I am deciding whether to take the the bulky liner or a thinner fleece jacket and coat. Thanks.

Thanks. I will let my husband know about the photo pops and light. I looked at weather through the years. It appears that low to mid 50's is normal. With wind and damp, that would feel cold. I also noticed that on 4/15/07, it was 82. We are in deep freeze now like most of the country. Monday and Tuesday, it was -13 and -39 with wind chill. It was amazing!

Thanks again. I was hoping it would not be so cold, but we have to take what comes along. It will be a great trip.

Do you dock right at Kinderdjik? My husband is wild about photography. I hope we will be there long enough to suit him.

We have been trying to decide how warm of clothes we will need. We will be there a month earlier. I guess layers is always the best way to pack.

We are in the cabins with French Balconies. I sure it will be an amazing trip for us. We have timed it to be in Amsterdam after the cruise for peak tulip time. Thanks for all the information. How long did the ship dock at Kinderdjik?