| Don't be deceived by its intoxicated backpackers and | | | | for the duration of the trip. |
| drug-clad coffee shops; Amsterdam offers far more | | | | We then relocated to the tour's more relaxing latter |
| than some rowdy itinerants might suggest. Intrinsic | | | | half: the boat tour, which traversed the city through |
| charms and an enchanting culture pervade the | | | | its network of beautiful 17th century canals. A |
| Netherland's capital city; brimming with romantic | | | | highlight of our honeymoon, I found the boat tour |
| canals, fabulous art galleries, and enchanting historical | | | | captured the city's placid, romantic nature. We |
| buildings, Amsterdam is truly a honeymooner's delight. | | | | meandered along Amsterdam's calm waters, enjoying |
| My husband Elliott and I had considered several | | | | optimum views of the city's charming edifices and |
| European cities before finally settling on Amsterdam: | | | | bridges. The tour ended in verdant Vondel Park |
| London for premium museums and theatre, Italy for | | | | where Elliott surprised me with decadent chocolate, a |
| the pristine Mediterranean coastline, and Prague for | | | | bottle of champagne, and several warm kisses. |
| the Jewish quarter and charming Old Town Square. | | | | We rented canal bikes, and pedaled through the |
| But Amsterdam ultimately prevailed, as the small | | | | waterways; visited Anne Frank's House as well as |
| metropolis seemed the perfect destination for | | | | the inspiring Van Gough museum; and enjoyed the |
| romance, culture, and some much-needed revelry. | | | | perfumed air of Amsterdam's vibrant Bloemenmarkt |
| Once we had recovered from the jet lag (little over | | | | (flower market). We lent our evenings to the city's |
| a day), we commenced our trip with a charming | | | | steamier side, roaming the Red Light District and |
| 5-hour boat and bike tour. (Since we had | | | | even indulging in a coffee shop or two. |
| honeymooned in spring, these special tours were still | | | | For five days and four nights, Elliot and I were |
| being offered). We spent the first few hours biking | | | | engulfed by the city's undeniable charm. It would be |
| around town, exploring famous sites like Dam Square | | | | unfortunate to discount such a magical city because |
| and the Anne Frank House (which we would later | | | | of any word-of-mouth fabrication; romance certain |
| revisit). Bike riding was a pleasant surprise and, as our | | | | abounds in this quaint yet bustling city. It really is a |
| guide informed us, is apparently the quintessential | | | | fabulous destination to celebrate your vows. |
| Dutch experience. We would proceed to use bikes | | | | |