Getting up at 3am on a Sunday
morning for a day trip to Amsterdam, I must be crazy or a travel
agent – I’m both! Quick shower & I’m out the door,
passport and Euros at the ready. A big plus on a day trip is no
suitcase to worry about just the huge handbag carrying all the “just
in case” items. Parking at the airport was quick and simple, a
short walk to Bristol airport terminal to be greeted by 3 Servisair
check-in staff. All could have definitely done with an extra few
hours in bed, not being able to summon up a smile between them.
Security was surprisingly busy but only took about 5 minutes to
filter through. The new Servisair Lounge was easy to locate, much
larger than its predecessor with a quiet area, choice of seating and
zoned areas.
The flight was comfortable with
adequate legroom in a 3-3 configuration, tea/coffee and a light snack
were served en route by the very pleasant KLM staff. The flight was
punctual and arrived to a bright, clear Amsterdam day. We were met
by Michael Rainford, KLM Account Manager together with another 4
Kanoo staff who flew from Birmingham & Manchester. Off we all
went like the seven dwarfs for our “days work” in Amsterdam
airport and the city itself. What an airport Schipol is, like a
complete village it has everything you could possibly think of….
shops, cafes, restaurants, casino, spa, library, meditation centre,
relaxation area, kids area complete with cots for sleepy babies, even
a small version of the Rijks Museum. You can completely understand
why the Dutch come to the airport for a day out it’s like a huge
Mall – very impressive. The signage for terminals and gates are
clearly displayed with walking times to help passengers, as well as
banks of self service ticket machines throughout the airport should
your flights be delayed. The KLM system will have already protected
passengers on an alternative connecting flight allowing them to print
new boarding passes and therefore avoiding long queues at ticket
counters. The rail station is directly under the airport allowing a
seamless journey in to Amsterdam.
Directly opposite Amsterdam city
rail station we step straight on to a tourist sightseeing boat for
our one hour canal cruise around the waterways of the city.
Fascinating architecture, quaint little streets, thousands of bikes,
houseboats galore and a laid back atmosphere – a wonderful start to
our visit, watching the city float by. A short walk from the rail
station took us to our lunch venue the Koepelcafe in the Renaissance
Hotel. The food and location were spot on – our Dutch Bitterballen
group starter was particularly delicious and enjoyed by all. It was
agreed a good walk would do us all the world of good after lunch, so
off to the seedier side of the city we went to view a few aspects
that make Amsterdam famous. A good hour and half later and feeling
wide-eyed we found ourselves in Dam Square amidst the throngs of
tourists and locals taking advantage of the fabulous weather. An
outdoor bar/café was located where we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon
people watching in the true style of European café culture before
ambling back to the rail station to catch our flights back to the UK.
In summary KLM
offers a slick professional on board service with an absolutely
seamless user friendly product in Schipol airport. The airport
itself has literally thought of everything to ensure passengers are
totally catered for. Amsterdam city is great for a day trip, very
easy to get around with activities for all tastes!
Mia Newton
Travel Consultant at Kanoo Travel
for more information about Amsterdam, and other unique travel experiences please visit www.kanootravel.co.uk, or call us on 0800 458 3412, or email webbookings@kanootravel.co.uk
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