I know we're talking slow travel, but I won't have that luxury. I am an older woman on a shoe string budget who may never have a chance to come back. I want to spend my energy touring and not dealing with hassles like how to get to my hotel, finding where the tour bus leaves, etc.

I have 2 full days to spend in Amsterdam in December. This is my first trip and I am thinking I will spend 1 day doing a bus tour, then spend the 2nd day going back to a few things I want to spend more time at, using one of those tours that let you hop on and off at will.

So, these are my questions:
1. What is the best 1 day tour of Amsterdam? (Inside, like a bus. It's going to be COLD.)

2. What is the least expensive hotel that will offer transportation to and from the airport AND that is right near where you can catch a bus tour?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Since you don't indicate exactly what price range you'd consider, it is a bit hard to make recommendations. Also, people's preferences differ. I'd suggest you read any reviews on SlowTravel and also go to both venere.com and TripAdvisor, see what's available at an acceptable rate when you plan to be there, check the ratings, and read the reviews. That way, you'd get a good overall picture of the possibilities.

I don't think finding a good tour anywhere in the center would be a problem. However, I'd suggest you take a canal boat tour rather than a bus tour. Almost all boats are covered, so December weather shouldn't be an issue. After all, it is Amsterdam! Then, for your evening meal, I'd recommend that you try Reistafel at a convenientaly located Indonesian restaurant.

For your second day and if you are at all interested in art, I suggest that you divide your time between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. They are quite close together. Then, if you have any time at all left and aren't totally exhausted, you might take in the Anne Frank House.

Good luck!

Ann