I signed up for this trip for the opportunity to see the Tulips in Amsterdam during their beautiful full bloom. My vision was totally fulfilled as far as the tulip garden, the smaller private tulip garden, the beautiful fields of tulips, the amazing flowers. It was absolutely incredible in Amsterdam.
One of the things that I was disappointed in was the number of people on the tour. Our picture in Giverney has 16 people in it. I was under the impression that most of the tours scheduled between eight and 12 people maybe average 10. Prior to booking, I checked your Women Exploring World Facebook page and looked at the pictures there and noticed that most fell into that category
I think 16 people in crowded tourist areas is just too many people. With small sidewalks packed, other tour groups moving in and out between us and our line stretching farther and farther apart we would routinely have to stop and regroup and find people who veered the wrong way which was so time-consuming, and took away from some of the joy of the trip. We were unable to go into Monets home and studio because of underestimated crowds and long lines. A disappointment.
Sixteen women roaming all over a packed gift shop and then waiting in line to purchase, 16 women using the bathroom, 16 women catching Ubers to a restaurant, 16 people ordering at a restaurant, it’s very very slow which, in turn made us constantly struggle to keep our schedule together. I personally prefer a smaller group and am willing to pay more for that, but therefore probably won’t go on any more WEW tours. Sara did a great job organizing the Amsterdam trip, but I thought it was unwieldy with 16 people.
The windmill home tour was a highlight. The Dutch dinner was my favorite meal of the trip. The gardens in Giverny and the photos in the private tulip family garden were also highlights.
Our arrival back in Paris was also complicated. We were to walk 15 minutes from the train station with our luggage after sitting for four hours. It was quite a hike for tired and hungry women through crowded areas with a different populus than we had ever experienced in Paris or Amsterdam. One woman could not do the walk, one woman’s suitcase wheel broke making it extremely difficult and several women stayed behind for these women’s security. Trip Advisor comments that the hotel neighborhood is “sketchy at night”
I don’t recommend this hotel.
Our hotels in early Paris and Amsterdam were wonderful.
In summary, I totally enjoyed the tulips and the group of women on the tour. I will always speak highly of my trip. But I will definitely caution interested travelers to be aware of the high numbers of people who may wind up on your smaller tour.
Feel free to call me if you’d like to discuss any of this with me. Have a great year!
Eileen Trixie Thurman