Overview
Experience a world of traditional medieval architecture, wooden windmills, top-notch art museums, and bustling pedestrian centers in one of Europe’s most progressive regions. Stroll along the canals of Amsterdam and Bruges, visit the world-renowned Keukenhof gardens, and learn about the crafts of Ghent as you travel across scenic countryside.
Days: 12
Best time to visit: April-October
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Amsterdam
Arriving in the morning, settle into your hotel in the heart of Amsterdam and then start exploring this historic city of canals, outdoor markets, and lively cafés. Visit the stirring exhibits of the Anne Frank House with a skip-the-line timed reservation and learn about the Frank family and the city during the German occupation in WWII.
Day 2 – Canal City Walking Tour
Meet your guide this morning for a private, half-day walking tour taking you through 800 years of the Amsterdam’s history. Stroll along the tree-lined canals and winding lanes of 17th-century houses in the historic center, visit the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood, the flower market, Royal Palace, Dam Square, and so much more. This is a city made for walking and cycling, and you will find fascinating architecture and cultural landmarks everywhere you wander.
Day 3 – Art & History in Amsterdam
Today, join your private guide for a half-day tour of the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Home to some of the most famous works of renowned artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt, the Rijksmuseum showcases the development of Dutch art from the origins of the republic through the Dutch East India Company and beyond. Next, head over to the Van Gogh Museum and delve into the life and the works of Van Gogh’s enigmatic and experimental career.
Day 4 – Flowers & The Hague
Check out of your hotel early this morning and take a private transfer to the flower auction in Aalsmeer, about an hour away from Amsterdam. The largest center for plant and flower trading in the world, Aalsmeer is a colorful, bustling marketplace and an unforgettable experience. Next, head to the airport nearby to pick up your rental car and drive towards The Hague, stopping to visit the magnificent 70-acre garden complex of Keukenhof and the historic town of Leiden along the way. Continue to The Hague where you will spend the next two nights.
Day 5 – Government & Royalty Walking Tour
Begin your day with a private, half-day walking tour of The Hague, the center of the Netherlands’ government and home to the royal family. A city dotted with parks, wide boulevards, and impressive architecture, The Hague is filled with historic buildings like the 13th-century Knight’s Hall, and the Mauritshuis, which houses artwork by Rembrandt, Steen, and Vermeer. The city is also home to the International Court of Justice, located in the Vredespaleis, or Peace Palace. After your tour, enjoy the remainder of the day free to explore on your own.
Day 6 – Delft & Ghent
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Ghent, Belgium, making some scenic stops along the way. Visit the historic center of Delft, with its gabled houses and narrow canals spanned by pedestrian bridges. Famous for its blue and white pottery, the city also boasts strong artistic and political roots—the New Church is the resting place of the monarchs of the House of Orange. Arriving in the late afternoon in Ghent, drop off your rental car and enjoy the evening on your own.
Day 7 – Walking Tour of Ghent
Get to know this university and port town on a private, half-day walking tour of Ghent, beginning in the charming Old Town. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, with the van Eyck brothers’ famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb—a 12 panel 15th-century altarpiece with a history of misadventure. Stroll along the medieval Graslei port and canal, lined with elegant 12th to 17th-century houses, and soak up the vibrant waterfront scene. After your tour, explore the historic Gravensteen Castle on your own.
Day 8 – Ghent to Bruges
Check out of your hotel and head to the rail station for the 30-minute journey to the UNESCO-listed city of Bruges, whose historic heart is filled with medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Spend the afternoon exploring the market stalls and landmarks around the Markt square, like the 12th-century Belfry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Bruges is a great place to experience delicious Belgian chocolates, artisan cheeses, and pastries.
Day 9 – Venice of the North
This morning, meet your private guide for a half-day walking tour exploring Bruges’ medieval past. Stroll along the network of canals past decorated guildehouses; tour the art collections of the Groeninge or Membling museums; visit the Choco-Story Museum for an in-depth look at the history of chocolate, and a tasting too. With so much to see, your guide will craft the tour to fit your interests.
Day 10 – Bruges to Brussels & Panoramic Tour
This morning, make your way to the rail station to catch a train to Brussels, the cosmopolitan capital of Belgium. When you arrive in Brussels you will be met at the station for a private, 4-hour panoramic tour. Drive by the Palace of Justice, the Royal Square and Royal Palace, and the Houses of Parliament before exploring the Cinquantenaire district. Here you will find the Triumphal Arch, an array of world class museums, and a splendid array of Art Nouveau houses.
Day 11 – Explore Brussels
Spend today exploring the city on your own. Visit the Grand Place central square, which is lined with ornately decorated Baroque and Gothic guild houses and hosts a daily flower market during warmer months. Nearby, wander through a maze of streets named for the shops that once sold specific products—butter, meat, and herring. Relax in the gardens of Petit Sablon, explore the archaeological collection of Coudenberg, and take a walk along shops and cafés of the pedestrian Rue De Boucher.
Day 12 – Departure
Head to the airport in the afternoon for your flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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