Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a unique and charming city with boat-filled canals, narrow brick row houses, world-famous museums, and a youthful atmosphere. Wander along the canals, head out of town to see the windmills and tulip fields, indulge your taste buds with a Rijsttafel dinner, or simply enjoy a stroopwafel with your coffee.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a unique and charming city with boat-filled canals; narrow, brick, row houses; world-famous museums; and a youthful atmosphere. Wander along the canals, head out of town to see the windmills and tulip fields, indulge your taste buds with a Rijsttafel dinner, or simply enjoy a stroopwafel with your coffee. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel V.A.T (Value Added Tax), city tax and service charges
- Gassan Diamonds factory tour and discount coupon
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Honeymooners
Museums, beautiful flowers, and good deals on diamonds.
Families
Festivals, art, and a fun-loving culture.
Couples
Romantic getaway weekends.
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
50° F |
60° F |
82° F |
69° F |
| Average Low |
16° F |
23° F |
40° F |
32° F |
| Average Rainfall |
2.7" |
2.6" |
2.8" |
2.0" |
The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn. Summers are dry and sunny, but sometimes very crowded; winters are damp and overcast.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers are not included in vacation packages to Amsterdam, but they can be purchased. Private car transfers are also available. Motorcoach transfers that run between the airport and most of the city center hotels can be purchased upon arrival. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is also connected via rail to the city’s Central Station.
Walking
Using one’s two feet to get around Amsterdam is a great way to see the city. The main tourist area of Amsterdam can easily be walked in a day. And with the many brown cafés and street stands, you can always stop for a little fortification along the way. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as most of the streets are made from cobblestones.
Bicycle
Bicycles are another great way to travel in Amsterdam. Streets have bike lanes and bikes even have their own traffic lights and special parking areas. Sunday mornings are usually quiet and a good day to try out the cobblestone streets of the city before the traffic picks up. Bikes can be rented from several companies located near the Central Train Station.
Bus
Trams and buses are yet another inexpensive mode of transportation and the best way to get around Amsterdam. Pick up a copy of "What’s On in Amsterdam." Inside is a transit map showing the location of all the major tourist sights and the routes of all the trams. Tickets can be purchased in single-ride tickets or the more economical strip tickets with up to 45 ticket units. More than one person can use a strip card, as long as it is stamped for each passenger. There are 17 tram routes, 11 of which begin and end at the Central Station, so you can always get back to there if you get lost. Most bus routes begin at the Central Station, as well. Children 3 and under ride for free; kids 4-11 ride on reduced-rate tickets.
Subway
Amsterdam does have a Metro, consisting of four lines. The routes run out to the suburbs, so for transportation to tourist sights you are better off walking or taking a tram.
Taxi
Taxis are expensive. However, if you must take one, they can be picked up at stands near the train station, major hotels, and major squares. Water taxis are also available.
Car
Renting a car is not recommended within the city. With a jumble of one-way streets, narrow bridges, and no parking zones, a rental car is more of a hassle than a convenience. Also, parking can be very difficult and expensive.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Dining in Amsterdam is much more international than most people might think. Be sure to try a rijsttafle, an Indonesian meal (or rather a feast) made of numerous small dishes of food and bowls of rice. Out on the street there are numerous falafel stands for a quick bite. For traditional Dutch treats, try bitterballen, deep-fried breaded meat balls served on a toothpick and dipped in mustard. Here are some other restaurants to possibly try while in the city:
- Christophe
A Michelin-rated restaurant, Christophe is an elegant, intimate restaurant serving delightful French fare highlighted with North African flavors. Expensive but worth it.
- De Bakkerswinkel
A wonderful Dutch bakery with mouth-watering baked goods. In addition to the scones and fresh-baked breads, enjoy quiche, soups, tarts, and light sandwiches.
- De Knijp
Located near Amsterdam's concert hall, the menu features traditional Dutch cuisine as well as international favorites in a cozy, casual atmosphere.
- Restaurant VandeMarkt
Highly fashionable, VandeMarkt features a menu based on the day's fresh ingredients and specialties such as venison, chicken, duck, and quail.
In Amsterdam’s Red Light District, it is safe to walk the main streets with the other gawkers and fellow tourists. While coffeehouses do sell marijuana, it must be consumed on the premises — it is illegal to sell, buy, or use any type of drugs on the street.
For a list of events, pick up a copy of "Day by Day/What’s On in Amsterdam", which is published by the Amsterdam Tourist Office. This monthly magazine is full of details about art exhibits, concerts, theater performances, plus lists restaurants, clubs, bars, and more. While not free, it will only set you back a couple of dollars.
Where should I go shopping?
Store hours are regulated in Amsterdam and open only one night a week — Thursday is reserved for late shopping. However, that is slowly changing and many stores are open later and later. Prices are fixed in Holland, so going from store to store to find the best bargain is usually futile. Diamonds, antiques, art, and flower bulbs are good buys in Amsterdam. If buying bulbs, make sure to get a U.S. agriculture sticker. Schiphol Airport has the most variety and best prices of any duty-free shopping area the world. Some other places for great shopping include:
- De Bijenkorf
Amsterdam’s best-known department store and the one with the best variety.
- Metz & Co
Owned by Liberty of London this department store sells furniture, fabrics, and other traditional items, along with offering a excellent café.
- Vroom & Dreesman
A no-nonsense department store with a wide range of everyday goods at everyday prices.
- Bell Tree
A wonderful store for the kids, selling toys made from wood.
- The Waterlooplein
This flea market stems from the days of the pushcart trade and continues in its lively character. You won’t find much of value, but the experience is well worth the visit.
- Bloemenmarkt
Located along the Singel canal where permanently moored barges sell flowers and plants.
An art market is held on Sundays if the weather is good, from April – October on Thorbeckeplein and from April – November at Spui.
When are the local events?
Amsterdam is a thriving city, full of world-famous museums. For the latest on what’s happening, make sure to pick up a copy of "What’s On in Amsterdam." Here are a few events known at publishing time.
Elfstedentocht
January. Not held every year, but when the weather is cold enough to freeze the many rivers and canals of the Netherlands, the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) is the center of attention. Last held in 1997, the Eleven Cities Tour is an ice skating marathon.
Koninginnedag (Queen's Day)
April. A nationwide holiday celebrating the House of Orange with a 24-hour street carnival. You’ll see orange ribbons, hair, and faces everywhere to accompany the Dutch flags.
Amsterdam Pride
August. The big event in Europe’s most gay-friendly city. 150,000 people gather to watch elaboratly decorated boats cruising the canals.
Travel tidbits
Eat Like the Dutch
To truly immerse yourself in the Dutch culture, you'll probably find yourself cycling everywhere you go. And with that comes a healthy appetite and an urge to eat like the Dutch, which means round-the-clock. Start your day with a breakfast of fresh bread with butter and cheese, ham or chocolate sprinkles. At 10:30 it's time for the traditional cup of coffee. Lunch is another bread and butter meal but perhaps served with thinly sliced cold meats. Tea time is 4pm with Dutch pastry. At 5pm it's time to enjoy the "borrel" or drink. Grab a glass of beer, a nip of Dutch jenever (Dutch gin), a glass of wine or sherry and pair it with cheese, nuts, crackers, or bitterballen. International dishes are served at dinner time and are followed with a cup of Dutch coffee or tea.
Holland or the Netherlands?
There is often confusion about the name Holland. Some people call the Netherlands "Holland," but it is not the same. Holland is divided into two provinces, North Holland and South Holland, and are only a smaller part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. As for the Dutch, this term can relate to citizens of the Netherlands, as well as Nederlander, or to descibe an ethnic group decended from various Germanic tribes forming the majority of the population of the Netherlands.
Good to Know:
Schiphol Airport
AMS |
| April – October |
| November – March |
| Euro |
| Amsterdam is 7 hours ahead of Central Time |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| The Dutch government requires that service charges and taxes are included in the prices at restaurants and even taxi fares. Your restaurant bill should say "inclusive BTW en service" somewhere; if in doubt, ask the waiter. If you want to do as the Dutch do, round the bill up to the next Euro or two, or 5-10 if the bill was for a large amount. |
| Amsterdam is very casual and also trendy. When in doubt, wear black. The cobblestone streets can be hard on your feet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. |
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Amsterdam:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars from Hertz offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want.
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Rail - Eurail Selectpass 4 Countries
Unlimited first-class rail travel on the national rail networks of 4 adjoining countries, for number of days purchased (maximum of 5 days within 2 month period) that are connected by train or ship, when purchased in conjunction with air and hotel package. Origins:Combos:- Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)/ Germany/France/Italy
- Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)/ Germany/France/Spain
- Above country combinations can be used in any order
Note:- Passes must be validated prior to train journey on first day of use
- Travel days need not be consecutive
- Pass must be validated within 6 months of issue
- Residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Alergia, and Tunisia are not eligible to purchase or use the Eurail Selectpass
- Refunds, subject to 15% cancellation fee, will be paid, if a pass is returned to Rail Europe totally unused and in its original jacket. This must be done before the first day of validity of the pass, and within 1 year of issue. The Eurail Selectpass is not refundable if lost or stolen.
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Rail - Netherlands Eurail Selectpass
Unlimited first-class rail travel on the national rail networks of 3 adjoining countries, for number of days purchased (maximum of 5 days within 2 month period) that are connected by train or ship, when purchased in conjunction with air and hotel package. Origins:Combos:- Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)/ Germany/France
- Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)/ France/Italy
- Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg)/ France/Spain
- Above country combinations can be used in any order
Note:- Passes must be validated prior to train journey on first day of use
- Travel days need not be consecutive
- Pass must be validated within 6 months of issue
- Residents of Europe, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Morocco, Alergia, and Tunisia are not eligible to purchase or use the Eurail Selectpass
- Refunds, subject to 15% cancellation fee, will be paid, if a pass is returned to Rail Europe totally unused and in its original jacket. This must be done before the first day of validity of the pass, and within 1 year of issue. The Eurail Selectpass is not refundable if lost or stolen.
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Transfer - One Way Private Car Transfers
This option cannot be booked online, please contact our reservation department. Private car transfers between airport and hotel or vice versa. Includes meet-and-greet service and baggage handling Gratuity will be expected, approximately 15 percent. Private car transfers can accommodate up to eight people.
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Transfer - Roundtrip Private Car Transfers
Roundtrip private car transfers between airport and hotel. Includes meet-and-greet service and baggage handling. Gratuity will be expected, approximately 15 percent. Private car transfers can accommodate up to eight people.
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Tour - 100 Highlights Canal Cruise
Tour is guided by a multilingual guide (approximately 3-4 languages) who will take you through the city of canals. While gliding through the old centre of the city you will see elegant merchant's mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history dating back to Holland's Golden Age. Tour is approximately 1 hour. Departures:- Daily from 10am-6pm, every 30 minutes from November through mid-March
- Daily from 10am-6pm, every 15 minutes from mid-March through October
- Daily from 6pm-10pm, every 30 minutes from mid-March through October
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Alkmaar Cheese Market and Windmill Tour
You will see a time-honored Dutch tradition, the taste-testing and weighing of cheese in 750-year-old Alkmaar. Watch four teams from the Cheese Carriers' Guild compete for the fastest time and perfect handling of tons of the tender produce. The tour continues with a drive through polder landscape to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans where you will visit a wooden shoe factory and a windmill (entrance fee included). Tour is approximately 4.5 hours. Departures:- Fridays at 9:30am from early April - early September.
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Anne Frank House, Diamond Factory, and Canal Cruise
By bus, travel to the most important monuments of Amsterdam and make a picture stop at a windmill. Continuing on, see how rough stones become sparkling jewels at a Diamond Exhibit. Continue by boat to enjoy a leisurely cruise through Amsterdam's charming canals and the city's harbor. The boat cruise ends in the Jordaan quarter with a visit to the attic where a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank, and her family hid during World War II. Includes entrance fee for Anne Frank house and cruise boat. Tour is approximately 4 hours. Departures:- Friday and Sundays at 2:30pm from mid-March to early November
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Antwerp and Brussels
You will travel by motor coach three hours to Belgium through the Dutch countryside to visit the city of Antwerp, a commercial and cultural center. Here there will be free time for lunch (not included) or shopping near the Cathedral. The tour then continues on to the capital city of Brussels for an extensive city tour including the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Grand Place, and the world famous Manneken Pis. More free time is given in Brussels before heading back to Amsterdam. Tour is approximately 11 hours. Passport is required. Departures:- Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30am from July-August.
- Mondays at 9:30am from May - June.
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Bruges
Travel by motor coach for three hours to Belgium, through the beautiful Dutch countryside, to visit historical Bruges. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to shop, cruise ancient canals, watch lace makers ply their bobbins near the Beguinage, visit the Lake of Love, visit museums, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Lunch is not included. Tour is approximately 12 hrs. Passport is required. Departures:- Saturdays at 9:30am from mid-March through October
- Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30am from July - August
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Candlelight Cruise
This romantic evening cruise through Amsterdam's enchanting canals is a memorable experience. Passengers relax in glass enclosed comfort, while gliding through the canals. Each table is provided with a variety of cheeses and red and white wine. Soft drinks are also available. During the cruise a multilingual host or hostess will gladly answer your questions and give you information about the city's places of interest. Tour uses the Holland International Pier in front of the Central Railway Station. Tour is approximately 2 hours. Departures:- Nightly at 8:00pm from November through mid-March
- Nightly at 9:00pm from mid-March through October
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Dutch Countryside Tour
Tour covers the magnificent area of Dutch polder landscape north of Amsterdam, marked by windmills, dikes, and ditches. Visit the picturesque villages of Edam and Zaanse Schans where there is the opportunity to visit a windmill and wooden shoe factory. After a stop to taste some traditionally made products at a cheese farm, continue to Volendam and Marken, fishermen's villages along the former Zuiderzee. Marken used to be an island until it was connected to the mainland by a dike. Some residents still wear the traditional costumes. Includes boat trip from Volendam to Marken, and entrance fee to windmill. Lunch not included. Tour is approximately 7 hours. Departures:- Saturdays at 9:30am November through mid-March
- Daily at 9:30am from mid-March through October
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Evening Cruise
This is a guided tour through the beautifully illuminated canals and the Red Light District of Amsterdam. Drinks and cheese may be purchased during the cruise. Tour is approximately 1.5 hours. Departures:- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00pm through March 18, 2009
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen’s Brthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Grand Holland Tour Deluxe
The first stop on the tour is Aalsmeer, the center of flower culture, where a visit to the flower auction is included. (The flower auction is closed on Sundays when a visit to a traditional wooden shoe factory is offered instead.) The tour continues on to Delft, a lovely 17th-century town, to visit the famous "Delft Blue" pottery and make a stop at the historical city center. Free time for lunch (not included). Continue to the Hague to see the Houses of Parliament and the Peace Palace. Finally, the tour continues on to the North Sea town of Scheveningen and to visit the miniature town of Madurodam. Tour is approximately 9 hours. Departures:- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30am from November through mid-March
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:30am from mid-March through October
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Keukenhof and Tulip Fields
A day of extraordinary beauty. Travel by motorcoach to Keukenhof, a 65-acre park filled with daffodils, narcissi, hyancinths, and tulips. Tour is approximately 4.5 hours. Departures:- Daily at 9:30am and 2:30pm from mid-March through mid-May only
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Orange Bike Historic City Tour
See the fascinating city of Amsterdam by bicycle. An experienced guide will show you the highlights, as well as some of the hidden treasures of Amsterdam. Bike rental is included. Tour is approximately 3 hours. Not recommended for young children. Departures:- Daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours Note: Starting point is the Orange Bike office, Gelderse Kade 37 (next to Schreierstoren).
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Tour - The Hague, Delft, and Madurodam
The first stop is at Delft, a well preserved old Dutch town known for its blue pottery. Then proceed to The Hague, the seat of the Dutch Government, for a sightseeing tour of the city center, including the Houses of Parliament and the Peace Palace. Then on to the lovely beach of Scheveningen with its spacious promenades and silvery beaches, which attract many sunlovers. The final stop is at the miniature town of Madurodam, where you will have time to discover all of Holland on a small scale. Tour is approximately 4.5 hours. Departures:- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:30am from mid-March through October
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - The Ultimate Cruise
This tour provides a live guide while cruising the river in a glass-covered boat. You'’ll get a great view of characteristic Amsterdam along with Rembrandt highlights and see the Eastern Docklands. Soft drinks are included. Tour is approximately 1.5 hours. Departures:- Daily at 11:00am and 1:00pm from mid-March through October
- Saturdays only at 11:00am and 1:00am from November through mid-March
Black Out Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday-all afternoon tours.
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Tour - Ultimate Amsterdam Tour
On this extensive bus excursion, the whole variety of impressions Amsterdam offers will be shown. From the monuments to windmills and modern architecture, you'll enjoy all the sights of Amsterdam. A picture stop at a windmill is included, as well as a visit to a diamond factory. The tour is approximately 2 hours. Optional add-ons include a visit to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum (supplements for special exhibitions are not included), or a 1-hour canal cruise. Departures:- Daily early November through mid-March from Rokin 10 at 1:45pm and Paulus Potterstraat 8 at 2:30pm.
- Daily mid-March through October from Rokin 10 at 8:45am and Paulus Potterstraat 8 at 9:30am.
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours Note: There is no shuttle service available for this tour
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Tour - Volendam & Marken
This tour is an interesting excursion to Volendam, an old picturesque fishing village on the shore of former Zuiderzee and then on to Marken. Marken has been joined to the mainland by a dike. The inhabitants of both places still wear the traditional costumes. On the way you will visit a cheese farm and return through the typical Dutch scenery via Monnickenndam, one of the small historical cities on the Zuiderzee. Tour is approximately 4 hours. Departures:- Daily at 2:30pm from mid-March through early November
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday- all afternoon tours
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Tour - Windmills & Edam
This tour visits Zaanse Schans, a small community north of Amsterdam on the edge of the Zaan River. Zaanse Schans has about 40 houses made of green timber. The area used to have over 700 windmills, but now only has five. A stop at a windmill and wooden shoe factory are included. You will also visit Edam, a medieval town known for its cheese, before returning to Amsterdam. Tour lasts approximately 4 hours. Fridays between early April and early September, Edam is replaced by Alkmaar. Departures:- Daily at 9:30am from mid-March through early November
Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen's Birthday - all afternoon tours
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Tour - Windmills, Volendam and Edam
This excursion takes you to the countryside north of Amsterdam and to the edge of the river Zann where you visit the windmill village of de Zaanse Schans with it's characteristic green wooden houses. At the turn of the 18th century, this district was an industrial area with approximately 700 windmills in use. Today only five remain. Visit a windmill (entrance fee included) and wooden shoe factory before continuing through the scenic Dutch countryside to the medieval town of Edam for a city walk. See the traditional fisherman's village of Volendam situated on the shores of the former Zuiderzee where some of the inhabitants still wear traditional Dutch costumes. This tour also includes entrance fees and a visit to a cheese farm. Tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours. Departures:- Daily at 9:30am from early November through mid-March
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Tour/Pass - Day Pass on Canal Bus
Using the Canal Bus is the perfect way to get around Amsterdam. Regular service is on three lines with 14 stops near the major points of interests such as museums, shopping areas, and other attractions. The Canal Bus uses comfortable boats and while onboard a guide offers intriguing commentaries about Amsterdam. The pass is good on the Green, Red, and Blue lines until 12noon the next day. This services allows you to hop on and hop off as you please. The Canal Bus runs daily, starting around 10:00am at the Central Railway Station and from in front of the Rijksmuseum. Pass to be picked up at Keytours Office. Blackout Dates: April 30th every year for the Queen'’s Birthday - all afternoon tours
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