samandlibby

We were in the same situation. Our top options included Honfleur, Rouen, or Giverny.

We stayed at the Renaissance in April 2022 and found it in a very good location. It was close to the Central train station and we just walked from station to hotel upon arrival (we fly carryon). We also went to Keukenhof and Haarlem one day by train, so again, the location was convenient to the train station. The location was close to a tram stop so made it easy to get to museums like Riks and Van Gough. We also embarked on a river cruise and wasn't quite sure where the longboat was ported so we did decide to take a taxi. We feel like we got ripped off and would do something different next time. The rooms and breakfast at hotel were great. Concierge was awesome also.

Thanks! I would like to see Stonehenge BUT, I’ve heard very mixed reviews. So, not enough time to do everything and have to make tough choices🙂

I’ve never used this company but we are considering using them PRE-CRUISE for Windsor Castle. https://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/shore-excursions-and-cruise-transfers.html#tour-tab2

The times are pretty accurate that Princess posts. However, we had one port In Turkey last summer where the Turkey authorities were on board and wouldn’t give the all clear for almost an hour. People had the stairs, Deck 4, elevators jammed waiting to get off. So, I’m times of Covid or foreign security requirements, you can’t be 100%. We had booked a private tour and all the various tour vendors were all lined up waiting for us to get off.

We went to Amsterdam prior to a cruise in April 2022 and went to Keukenhof on our own. We went to the Keukenhof website and purchased tickets directly from website. We purchased tickets for a timed entry on our own. We were staying in Amsterdam so purchased a regional travel ticket that allowed us to catch an express bus to the gardens in the morning. Afterwards, we went to Haarlem, and then back to Amsterdam Central Station by rail in the afternoon. I would definitely advise to get tickets early in morning as the gardens get crowded as the day goes on. From Rotterdam, I would suggest a cab to the Rotterdam Central Station> train to Leiden>Bus to Keukenhof. It will probably be 1-1.5 hrs travel. I'm sure there are other options. You might go to the Keukehof website and contact them for the best suggestions as they know the special bus routes that will be available at that time of year.

Azamara has several Norway port intensive cruises that we are considering at some point--not sure which one OP has booked

Agreed....we have booked a tour of the Colosseum/Forum in the early afternoon that includes the catacombs. We're considering a 2 hour early evening walking tour that goes to different areas--seems low key and a nice way to wind down.

We only have about 6 hours of "tourist" time in Rome on the day prior to embarkation. Any suggestions on what to priortize in that time? It seems many of the tours break up the Coleseum/Forum vs the Vatican/Sistine Chapel.