Fanning out in concentric circles of canals, bridges, and avenues crisscrossed by cobbled or brick side streets, Amsterdam invites exploration, but you'll have to stay alert.
Pedestrians share the narrow thoroughfares with cars, trams, and many bicycles.
On the banks of the River Amstel in the city, the Victorian Hotel de l'Europe served as our home away from home. The lovely 100-room hostelry, furnished with antiques, is a fine incentive and small meetings property. 500 for receptions. Highlights of our trip included a visit to the Museum Van Loon, a 17th-century patrician mansion, the Rijksmuseum, housing paintings from the Dutch golden age and much more, and the former stock exchange Beurs van Berlage. All are available to groups.