Back to where we started – Amsterdam – a truly beautiful city, where our river cruise began. We are overnighting here on the ship and departing after breakfast the next morning.
Coaches transported us to a point where we boarded small canal boats that took us on a wonderful tour through the myriad of canals around Amsterdam. These long, narrow vessels were fully enclosed by glass panels, although some of the more hardy chose to stand on the open back deck. I found I could get better photos here and braved the elements. We had been so fortunate throughout the tour with mostly clear days and bright sunshine. I took more than 4,000 photographs during our seven-night cruise!
There was an optional tour in the afternoon to Edam and Volendam, and before dinner there was a cheese-tasting and presentation. Dinner was almost a sad event as we were saying our goodbyes to the many new friends we had made on this wonderful river cruise.
Believe it or not, one of the most popular optional tours was held this evening and, yes, it was a tour of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Many people hurried through their desserts to take this tour. I preferred to stay on board and have a second dessert.
The seven days went all too quickly. My only negative comment, which I believe relates to all river cruises run by different companies, is that the 8.30am included tour departures should be put forward to 9am, thus allowing for less rush and a more leisurely breakfast. The 12 noon lunch would then become 12.30 p.m., still allowing plenty of time for optional tours in the afternoon.
