If you want to truly experience the history and current life in Amsterdam you MUST do this tour. Raphael isn't just a resident of Amsterdam, he also has the unique perspective of being an immigrant to the country and has experienced it's changes, it's politics, and it's history from an outsider's perspective and is so well traveled that he can see how Dutch life is both similar and different from other European country's cultures. As an American trying to understand what life is like in this very laid back city (compared to SO many of our U.S cities), Raphael manages to bridge the gap of understanding how things like drugs and prostitution which are part of this city's culture are integral parts of it's history as well. And as most of us Americans simply have so little understanding of life elsewhere around the world he really helps you understand what makes this place so special and unique. Raphael also lost most of his tour attendees due to a scheduling issue so it was just me and my fiancee and Raphael never seemed irritated to have to give a private tour since this was clearly not planned. He gave the same energy and attention to detail as he would have if there were 20 of us. He made us feel so appreciated and special and it's something we'll never forget. Raphael made our visit to Amsterdam truly memorable and he will...If you want to truly experience the history and current life in Amsterdam you MUST do this tour. Raphael isn't just a resident of Amsterdam, he also has the unique perspective of being an immigrant to the country and has experienced it's changes, it's politics, and it's history from an outsider's perspective and is so well traveled that he can see how Dutch life is both similar and different from other European country's cultures. As an American trying to understand what life is like in this very laid back city (compared to SO many of our U.S cities), Raphael manages to bridge the gap of understanding how things like drugs and prostitution which are part of this city's culture are integral parts of it's history as well. And as most of us Americans simply have so little understanding of life elsewhere around the world he really helps you understand what makes this place so special and unique.
Raphael also lost most of his tour attendees due to a scheduling issue so it was just me and my fiancee and Raphael never seemed irritated to have to give a private tour since this was clearly not planned. He gave the same energy and attention to detail as he would have if there were 20 of us. He made us feel so appreciated and special and it's something we'll never forget. Raphael made our visit to Amsterdam truly memorable and he will for you too, I guarantee it!!! Thanks again Raphael!!!More