Travelling in dec/january and would like to know would it be better to visit amsterdam and then take a train elsewhere to paris, london, etc. or visit istanbul? Does anyone have experience travelling to these countries during these months? Any other destination suggestions?
I ask this because both are going to be cold during those months - we are short on days (5 days and the 6th day would be used to travel out of the country) and because its peak season it is becoming hard to find flights reasonable tickets.
Well to be honest its a very decision to choose between these two cities I have been to both and stayed there for quite a while, however, if you choose Amsterdam you can see a lot more than just Amsterdam like you mentioned you want to travel via train I have done that all of these years and it's a great idea.
Istanbul is excellent city too, however, you wouldn't be able to see other connecting cities and about the weather don't worry Istanbul is cold in these months as well I mean not much as Holland but not too different either.
Istanbul, if it's peaceful by then Insha Allah. Wouldn't touch Amsterdam since there are much better choices in Europe within a stone's throw if I have to.