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The Best of Amsterdam: A Dream Destination for the Cultured
So many people head to Amsterdam to sit in a coffee shop and indulge in some space cakes, stroll around the red-light district looking for trouble, or endlessly bike up and down the canals.
But I was looking for a more refined and tailored experience for my first trip to the Netherlands. I wanted to soak up the gorgeous historic 17th-century architecture that speckles the city and reminds us of the Golden Age. But more than that, I wanted to feel like I was part of the Dutch royal family myself. I wanted an itinerary reserved for those with an eye for art, a taste for innovative European cuisine, and a passion for the finer things in life.
A Souvenir That Represents Creativity and Culture
Of course, Amsterdam has some highly visited museums that only a fool would pass up. No art aficionado could visit the city without seeing some of the most treasured artworks created during the Netherlands’ cultural boom. So. first up was a trip to the Van Gogh Museum, home to an impressive collection of 19th-century painters like Van Gogh himself, as well as Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Maurice Denis.
Next, I strolled around next door at the Rijksmuseum, known as one of the finest art museums in the entire world. Nearly a mile’s worth of halls is decorated with masterpieces from the Netherlands’ finest artists from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. I saw works of art from some of the most revered artists in history, like Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer, each piece more extraordinary than the last.
Feeling truly inspired – albeit a little exhausted – I wanted to bring a piece of Netherlandish art home with me as a sophisticated souvenir that would genuinely bring joy into my life upon returning home. So I told my driver of my dreams, and he pointed me just across the street to the charming neighborhood of Spiegelkwatier. So off I set, determined to find just the perfect work of art that spoke to me.
I floated down the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, feeling high from the rush of endorphins I was experiencing as I moseyed through the endless galleries and boutiques. Then, at last, I found myself in Galerie Mia Joosten, home to exhibitions of classic-modern and contemporary art. In this magnificent gallery, I found the perfect piece of art to take home with me – a memento that will forever remind me of my magical Amsterdam sojourn.
An Endless Array of Michelin-Starred Restaurants
After a long day of strolling through museums and curating a piece to take home with me, I was feeling fatigued. It was time to refuel, and I wanted more than just a meal – I wanted an experience. My driver told me that Amsterdam was home to countless Michelin-starred locales and that it would be much harder to get a reservation than to find one I liked.
Luckily, my Amavio Travel agent predicted I might have a taste for fine dining and made me a reservation ahead of time. While the obvious choice might have been one of the creative culinary options with two Michelin stars, like Ciel Bleu or Spectrum, they had made me a reservation for one of the finest sensory gastronomic experiences at Bougainville, tucked away in Hotel TwentySeven. And boy, did they hit the mark!
From the moment I stepped in, I knew this would be an evening I wouldn’t soon forget. The dining room was dripping in bronze and black, creating a romantic ambiance fit for royals. Out the windows, I was treated to a phenomenal view of Dam Square.
My seven-course meal was served with the precision of a well-trained and highly experienced service staff. Chef Tim Golsteijn did not disappoint. Each dish was expertly plated to accentuate the gorgeous colors and creative combinations. And, of course, the sommelier skillfully chose a wine pairing for each dish. The entire experience, from start to finish, was truly exceptional.
An Uncommon View of the Tulip Fields
I I was up early the next day for the part of my trip I was most excited about. I purposely visited Amsterdam in April to see the endless brightly colored tulip fields that would be in bloom that spring. The tulip fields are a dazzling experience for anyone who gets to visit, but seeing them from above was a unique experience I will never forget!
As the helicopter lifted off the ground, I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my body! We went up, up, and away and to my surprise, we got to see much more than just the flower fields. We also had the chance to soak in the sights of small Dutch towns, uniquely constructed farm homes, classic dutch windmills, miles of coastline, and even sand dunes!
Eventually, we reached the famous Keukenhof flower gardens that we had all come to see. Our incredible pilot flew the helicopter up and down the tulip fields as we all enjoyed the bird’s eye view of the vibrant colors of the iconic Netherland tulips, a symbol of the country.
These first two days were just the beginning of an absolutely incredible and expertly crafted itinerary that was created just for me and my desires! The team at Amavio Travel really listened to me a designed a once in a lifetime Amsterdam adventure for me. Every time I look up at my new art piece, I reflect on this journey that was fit for a queen.
