Pre-Tour Amsterdam & Venice
We knew that we would wanted to arrive in Europe few days prior to the beginning of our tour. Seattle-Amsterdam-Venice would be our best flight route to get to the tour starting point of Padua, Italy. Since our Amsterdam connection included a long layover already, we decided we could easily extend the layover for 36 hours, and have nearly two full days to explore Amsterdam. While we had been to Venice on our RSE Best of Europe tour, and knew we could easily spend an additional day or two exploring the area. We therefore decided to spend our final pre-tour nights in Venice, before taking the short train ride from Venice to Padua.
Let the journey begin.
AMSTERDAM
With the long flight behind us, and no sleep inflight we planned to stay active earlier in the day, then slowly shift down our activities by early evening. We arrived at our hotel for a pre-requested early check-in, did a quick refresh, and then headed outside to started our Amsterdam adventure.
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Pre Tour Day 1:
RSE Audio Amsterdam: Jordaan Walk
13:45 Anne Frank House (pre-purchased)
Early Dinner
16:00 Canal Wine and Cheese Cruise
Done for the day!
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Pre Tour Day 2:
After a good nights rest and some breakfast
we again headed outdoors...
10:00 Morning Countryside & Windmill Bike Tour
Time for further exploring & lunch in the Jordaan District
Back to hotel for quick refresh, and a pre-arranged late check-out before heading by to airport, and on to Italy!
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When in a key European city check for any RSE audio tours.
They are available for several major cities, and tourists sites.
Travel. Tip:
Always book directly with the hotel. Then communicate special requests directly with the hotel prior to your arrival...such as early check-ins, and late check out.
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VENICE, ITALY
Travel Tip: Avoid over run tourist spots during peak times. Instead:
Get off the main streets and wander off the beat path.
Get up early and experience a town or village as the sun comes up, and then be the first to a popular site.
Having previously been to Venice during our RSE Best of Europe trip, and with our late arrival the night before, we planned to have a slower day. Our goal: the nearby islands of Murano & Burano, and later the big event -- a reunion dinner for the two old college roommates.
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Pre-Tour Day 3
The Islands of Murano and Burano
Laura and Tom Reunion Dinner
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Tour Day 1
Morning walk around Venice
Travel to Padua, Italy via vaporetto and train.
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