Get ready for an unforgettable day as you explore Amsterdam at your leisure, with freedom to go wherever you please. 

You can take a hop-on hop-off bus and enjoy the sights and sounds of this charming city.

From the stunning canals and bridges to the historic buildings and cultural landmarks, Day 2 gives you all emotions amazing. 

At 2 p.m., we will meet up as a group for a canal boat tour with drinks. Take a seat and relax as you cruise along canals, and enjoying a refreshing drink.

As the sun sets, the rest of the evening is yours to do as you please. 

Today you're checking out of your hotel in Amsterdam and heading to Rotterdam by train.

It should only take us about an hour to get there. 

When we arrive in Rotterdam, you have the option to join a walking tour with a Guide to get a feel for the city and see some of the highlights.

Rotterdam is a port city, and one unique way to travel around is by taking a water taxi.

After the optional walking tour with a Guide, the rest of the evening is free for you to do as you please.

Whether you want to grab some dinner, do some shopping at the famed Lijnbaan Shopping Centre, check out the Rotterdam nightlife, or just take it easy and relax at your hotel, the choice is yours. 

Tip: we suggest you also check out the Market Hall, a large indoor market with lots of commercial stalls and tons to see.

To get around Rotterdam, you can use Uber, bicycle, bus, taxi, tram lines, or a water taxi. 

It's Friday, 7 July 2023.

The venue is Rotterdam Ahoy.

From the North Sea Jazz Festival 2023 website, we're sharing a few of the names in the lineup awaiting to entertain you:

Little Simz, Mavis Staples, Alabaster Deplume, Cha Wa, Mononeon, Edkom's Funky Music Trip, Stormzy, and many more musicians.

The festival attracts thousands of visitors and features more than 1,000 artists. 

So, come and let your hair down. See your loved musician perform live on various stages. There'll be a wide range of mouth-watering options and drinks for you to choose from.

Tip: We suggest you sign up to the North Sea Jazz Festival email newsletter to stay in the loop.  

"I got possessed by music as an infant" - Hugh Masekela

Saturday, 8 July 2023 

As the North Sea Jazz Festival website states, the second day of North Sea Jazz Festival has, in its lineup, Jill Scott, Tom Jones, Jacob Banks, Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra, Lucas Santana 5TET, Olivia Dean, and many more acts.

The festival continues on its second day with thrilling performances from world-renowned and upcoming artists.

"Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life" - Art Blakey

It's Sunday, July 9 2023.

Today is the last day of the Amsterdam North Sea Jazz Festival. We sure hope you enjoyed your time through music, food, drinks and other activities offered on site. 

Later today, we will go for dinner and drinks to seal our deal with a Goodbye Meal.

"Blues is a tonic for whatever ails you. I could play the blues and then not be blue anymore" - B. B. King

Today is the day of departure. 

For those returning home (AMSTERDAM + ROTTERDAM ONLY package), we are filled with gratitude that we got the opportunity to spend time with you in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, sharing unforgettable times and cherished memories that will stay with us forever.

Thank you!

To those who booked AMSTERDAM + ROTTERDAM + PARIS package, today you're taking a train to the fashion capital of the world where you will spend 2 nights.

Upon arrival in Paris, and given the wide variety of experiences that Paris has to offer, you are going to enjoy this! 

No trip is complete without visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower which gives you grand views of the city from its observation deck. 

And why not explore the Louvre -  one of the world's largest and most famous museums, with an incredible collection of art, including the Mona Lisa. 

We don't know about you, but we love to people-watch. And strolling along the Champs-Élysées which is a famous avenue lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes is a great place to people-watch and take in the sights. 

And if you're not one for the crowded tourist sites, why not check out the La Petite Ceinture: this abandoned railway line circles the city and has been converted into a green space with walking paths, gardens, and street art.

We truly recommend that you and your loved one indulge in the intoxicating aroma of love and embark on a scented journey at the Paris Perfume Museum or Cologne-making class - where passion and creativity blend seamlessly to create unforgettable memories.

While in Paris, and you feel like quiet, do visit the Cité Florale. This hidden neighbourhood is filled with charming houses and gardens, and is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

While is Paris, and you feel like galavanting, do visit the Pigalle/Montmartre. This area is known for its cabarets, music venues, and nightclubs. The famous Moulin Rouge is located here, as well as many other clubs and bars.

And while in Paris, and you feel like shopping and seeing some swag, check out Avenue Montaigne: this avenue is home to many luxury fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.

To the AMSTERDAM + ROTTERDAM + PARIS travellers, we'd like to extend out heartfelt gratitude to you, and for the time we spent together. 

We wish you a safe and pleasant flight home. You rocked Amsterdam, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and Paris too. Look at you!

If you booked AMSTERDAM + ROTTERDAM + PARIS + ROME package, today it's local flight / trains from Paris to Rome. 

On arrival in Rome, you will check into your hotel.  

As is often the case, flying can tire the body. Maybe have this day as your rest day and rejuvenate in your hotel room over Netflix.

And if you didn't fly all the way from South Africa to Rome for sleep, you can consider visiting the Colosseum, or explore the Vatican City: The Vatican City is a city-state located within Rome and is home to some of the world's most famous art, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

There is also the Trevi Fountain: this iconic fountain is known for its beautiful design and is said to bring good luck to those who throw a coin over their shoulder into the water.

Plan it. Do it. Enjoy it. 

Whatever it is you want to do, this is the day to do you in Rome.

Our suggestion would be to visit the Spanish Steps: these famous steps lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church and offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

This day too allows you plan and pick an activity you'd like to tackle.

It could be a:

- Walking tour with a Guide to get to know the history and what makes Rome Rome. 

- Or you can decide to go and eat your way through the city - Rome is known for its delicious food, so be sure to try some traditional Italian dishes like pasta carbonara, pizza, and gelato.

Okay, guys. Today we say bye to Rome. And we're flying back to Johannesburg.

Thank you for sharing your precious experiences with us.

From Yellow Hat Travels and team, much appreciated!   

Whenever you can, please revisit our website in the near future to check out more trips. We have some cool staycation trips you might want to see.