Wendy Bangma's Emotional Journey Through Holland and France
When I decided to book a river cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam, followed by a second voyage along the Seine, I knew I wanted more than postcard views. As a travel advisor, I needed to feel what my clients would feel, to walk where they would walk, and to understand the rhythm of this kind of European adventure firsthand. What I discovered exceeded every expectation I had.
The journey began with Riviera's Amsterdam itinerary, which included pre-cruise excursions to The Hague and Rotterdam before we even stepped aboard. But the moment that truly stopped me in my tracks came at Keukenhof gardens. The colors were absolutely stunning, rows upon rows of tulips in every shade imaginable creating a living tapestry that photographs simply cannot capture. I found myself lingering, taking it all in, feeling genuinely peaceful in a way that surprised me.
Where History and Emotion Collide
After our Amsterdam cruise, we took the train to Paris for our Seine River voyage. The train travel itself became part of the adventure, and I was struck by how easy European rail really is once you experience it yourself. The connection was seamless, and suddenly Paris was ours.
Nothing prepared me for Normandy. I knew the history, of course. I had read about it and seen the documentaries. But standing on those beaches, walking among the rows of white crosses marking where so many young men made the ultimate sacrifice, the emotion overwhelmed me. It was moving in a way I simply could not have anticipated. That day made me reflect deeply on the life we are able to have because of their courage. I came away changed, and I know my clients will too.
Paris itself surprised me in wonderful ways. I had heard warnings about the city, concerns about safety and difficulty navigating. What I found was entirely different. The city is remarkably walkable, and the public transit system is efficient, affordable, and, yes, completely safe. A transit worker came right out of the ticket booth to help us purchase our tickets and guided us through the gate. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. My advice now? Skip the Ubers entirely. Walk and use the Metro. You will see so much more of the city that way, and you will feel the energy of Paris in a way a taxi window never allows.
Gardens, Cookbooks, and Unexpected Discoveries
One highlight I keep returning to is our visit to Monet's gardens. Like Keukenhof, there was a serenity there that settled into my bones. I even picked up a cookbook featuring history about Monet's life alongside some of his famous recipes. It is now one of my favorite souvenirs, a tangible piece of the experience I can revisit in my own kitchen.
Cafes on every corner, the walkability, the sense of total safety throughout both Amsterdam and Paris. These are things I can now speak to from personal experience, not from something I read online. I have my own photographs to share, my own stories to tell, my own honest recommendations about what to expect.
Who Should Go (And What to Know)
This type of journey is perfect for anyone passionate about history, art, culture, or food. If you want to immerse yourself in the depth of European heritage while enjoying the comfort of river cruising, this is your trip. That said, I do want to be honest about accessibility. The cobblestones can be challenging, and those with limited mobility should pack excellent walking shoes and set realistic expectations. Wheelchairs and walkers would face significant difficulty on these uneven surfaces.
Having lived this adventure myself, I now possess the confidence to guide my clients through every detail. I know the emotional weight of Normandy, the joy of Keukenhof in full bloom, and the surprising ease of Paris. I cannot wait to help you experience it for yourself.