Amsterdam (Jan 2-5, 2026):
Paris
Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans
Edam
Volendam
A brief history of Amsterdam:
Origins:
Amsterdam originated in the 12th century as a small fishing settlement next to a dike (“Amstel dam”) built to control the waters of the Amstel River. It soon gained city rights and began to grow thanks to river trade.
Middle Ages:
During the Middle Ages, it consolidated its position as a key commercial center in Northern Europe. Its port became a strategic point for the exchange of grain, fish, and textiles, which boosted its urban and economic development.
19th Century:
Amsterdam underwent a profound modernization: canals were widened, large public buildings were constructed, and infrastructure was improved. Its financial and industrial role was also strengthened, further connecting the city with Europe.
Present:
Today, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, known for its iconic canals, world-renowned museums, and multicultural atmosphere. It is an innovative, sustainable city and one of Europe's major cultural and economic centers.
It's absolutely worth it. It's a beautiful city with many charming villages to explore nearby. The people are very friendly, the public transport is good, and it's a vibrant city. There is one major danger, though: bikes rule, so be sure to look both ways.
We can only say that we were disappointed by the Red Light District and the Anne Frank House from the outside, as it has no character whatsoever. We couldn't see the inside (you have to book tickets well in advance).
Amsterdam is full of bars and pastry shops everywhere. If you like those typical cozy bars with soft lighting where you can have a coffee, a glass of wine, or whatever, I assure you this is one of your places.
We can recommend the following by the hour: Sweet Atelier breakfast, which is small but has very good service, quality products and does not disappoint.
Eetcafe van Beeren is the place to eat or have dinner, serving typical food that feels great in the cold.
And to take a break to recharge. Cafe Het Bruine Paard.
They're not cheap compared to ours, but they're within the normal price range. In this last case, we had two glasses of wine and a cheese platter for €19.50. The wines were quite full, though; they really filled your glasses.
Flight+hotel package with Destinia: 1.370€ total.
Madrid – Paris: with Transavia France
Paris – Amsterdam: with Transavia France
Amsterdam – Madrid: with Air Europa
Hotel Paris: Best Western Saint Louis (2 nights)
Hotel Amsterdam: NH Amsterdam Noord (3 nights). Very average, large rooms but poor cleaning. It's great to take the free ferry to the city center.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport/ID: Both are valid.
Visa: It is not required.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
European Health Insurance Card: It's necessary, it's free and very easy to request online and they send it to your home. Request.
Travel insurance: We always stick to these three; it depends on the location, one might be better than others in terms of price and conditions.ions: Iati, Heymondo or Globalfine.
Badge: Euro (EUR).
Payment card/currency exchange: We always travel with Revolut.
Roaming: YEAH there is.
GPS: The one you usually use.
International driving permit: No It is necessary.
Where to eat: If you want to eat at a restaurant, there's also the app. TheFork which has many discounts. If you book with the code 7C1B79A3 When you are finishing the booking, you will get 1000 Yums = €10 discount at your next meal. In addition to other special offers they often have, or simply to accumulate points and use them for discounts on your next payments.
Click here to download the guide.
The guide also includes links above each map. Simply tap them on your mobile device to open them in Maps, with all the points already marked, so you don't have to search for them one by one.
If you want it in Word format for your notes/modifications, just ask us.
Day 1 (Free).
Other destinations in the Netherlands: 
