Traveler Spotlight: Connie & Jerry’s Poignant Visit to Amsterdam
When Connie reached out to us about a potential trip to Amsterdam, we were thrilled to assist. Longtime travelers with RCS, Connie and her husband, Jerry, have embarked on approximately 15 journeys with us over the years, and planning their adventures is always a pleasure.
This particular trip held special significance. Connie and Jerry were invited to join a dear artist friend as he viewed his exhibit at the newly opened National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam. His powerful installation features wooden suitcases inscribed with the names of schoolchildren from his elementary school who perished in the Holocaust. Thanks to his special connection with the museum, Connie and Jerry received a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and its educational center.
Beyond this meaningful experience, their itinerary included must-visit landmarks such as the Anne Frank Museum, the city’s historic Portuguese synagogue, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. A private saloon boat ride through the canals provided a perfect capstone to their time in Amsterdam.
A surprise highlight of the trip came during their VIP visit to Royal Coster Diamonds — an experience that quickly turned into a VERY VIP moment. Connie, a jeweler, was thrilled to witness a diamond being cut firsthand, a rare and unforgettable opportunity. Their guide also arranged an impromptu meeting with an on-site expert, who presented an extraordinary collection of large-carat and raw stones for them to examine.
Venturing beyond Amsterdam, Connie and Jerry spent a day exploring Gouda and Rotterdam, accompanied by a warm and knowledgeable driver. For future R. Crusoe travelers considering a trip to the Netherlands, Connie highly recommends visiting Rotterdam, particularly the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, where guests can view the reverse sides of canvases and observe the intricate restoration of masterpieces in progress.
From the beginning, R. Crusoe worked closely with our in-country partner to select the ideal guide for their journey, and we’re pleased to say we succeeded. When travelers and guides exchange emails and photos long after a trip ends, we know we’ve done our job well. Connie and Jerry described their guide as beyond helpful and flexible, even joking that they wished they could “fold her up and take her home.”
Would you like to visit Amsterdam?
The details of each R. Crusoe journey are unique and special — much like an architect’s renderings or a chef’s secret sauce. Have one of our real human travel planners send you your own private copy of the fully customizable itinerary via the form below, including day-by-day activities, accommodations and base pricing. Don’t hesitate to ask them your questions—they’ll also be your personal travel concierge from the moment you get in touch.
Check out our Low Country sample itinerary page where you can also find more information about visiting the Netherlands – and don’t forget Belgium!