Leiden is a charming university town situated about 30 miles south of Amsterdam (just two stops on the Sneltrain). Traversed by picturesque canals, the town is a tourists' dream. It is also a mummy master's dream as well.

Leiden not only has a world class Egyptian exhibit, it also has the Grillroom Nefertiti and the Grillroom Sphinx, both down the street from the train station (there's also the Camp David Grillroom). After dinner, you can see a movie at the Luxor Cinema .

To the left of the museum (as you face it) is an excellent book shop which carries many hard to find books about Egyptian life and mummification (some in English). And Leiden also has a museum on the Pilgrims (since many lived in Leiden before setting sail for America). Finally, Leiden is situated close to Schiphol Airport (one train stop to the south) and makes an excellent (and much quieter) base for visiting Amsterdam.

If you arrive by plane in Amsterdam, take the train south to Leiden. I suggest the Golden Tulip Hotel, almost directly across the street from the station.