Winter European Vacation: April 4‑9, 2026

Day 1: Arrival in Paris & Evening Seine Cruise

Morning: Depart Atlanta on Delta Airlines and enjoy a comfortable transatlantic flight. Upon arrival at Paris‑Charles de Gaulle, take the RER B to your hotel in the 1st arrondissement and settle in.

Afternoon: Stroll to the iconic Eiffel Tower, snap photos from the Champ de Mars, and grab a light lunch at a nearby café. Walk along the Seine to admire the winter‑lit bridges.

Evening: Board a romantic Seine river cruise, where illuminated landmarks like Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the Louvre create a magical backdrop. Return to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Paris Museums, Lego Store & Montmartre

Morning: Visit the Musée d’Orsay to see Impressionist masterpieces; allocate about two hours for the highlights.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Notre‑Dame Cathedral (exterior, as restoration continues) and then head to the flagship Lego Store Champs‑Élysées for a quick browse of exclusive sets.

Evening: Take the funicular up to Montmartre, wander around the Place du Tertre, and enjoy dinner with a view of the city lights.

Day 3: Train to Brussels – Grand Place & Chocolate

Morning: High‑speed Thalys train (≈1.5 h) carries you to Brussels. Begin at the stunning Grand Place, marveling at its gilded guild houses.

Afternoon: Dive into Belgian culture at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, then visit the Lego Store Brussels at Rue des Bouchers for limited‑edition bricks.

Evening: Savor a guided chocolate tasting tour, sampling pralines while learning about the city’s confectionery heritage.

Day 4: Day Trip to Bruges – Winter Canal Cruise & Ice Skating

Morning: Guided bus departs Brussels for Bruges (≈1 h). Wander the medieval Market Square and admire the Belfry.

Afternoon: Enjoy a cozy winter canal cruise, then glide on the outdoor rink at Patinoire de Bruges for a classic winter activity.

Evening: Return to Brussels; free time to explore the vibrant nightlife or relax at a local brasserie.

Day 5: Train to Amsterdam – Museums, Lego Store & Canal Dinner

Morning: Intercity train (≈2 h) brings you to Amsterdam. Start at the Van Gogh Museum, immersing yourself in the artist’s vibrant works.

Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Rijksmuseum for Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, then pop into the Lego Store Amsterdam on Kalverstraat for a quick look.

Evening: Dine on a canal cruise, watching historic houses glisten with festive lights as you glide through the water.

Day 6: Ice Skating at Museumplein & Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely skate on the outdoor rink at Museumplein, framed by the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Afternoon: Last‑minute souvenir shopping and a light lunch near the hotel before heading to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport via train.

Evening: Board your Delta flight back to Atlanta, concluding a memorable winter European adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Delta round‑trip flight (ATL‑CDG‑AMS‑ATL) – 14 hrs total, $1,200
• Paris hotel (5 nights) – 5 hrs per day, $150/night, $750
• Eiffel Tower (ticket) – 2 hrs, $30
• Seine cruise – 1 hr, $25
• Musée d’Orsay – 2 hrs, $18
• Lego Store Champs‑Élysées (shopping budget) – 1 hr, $50
• Thalys train Paris‑Brussels – 1.5 hrs, $70
• Grand Place (free) – 1 hr, $0
• Belgian Comic Strip Center – 2 hrs, $12
• Lego Store Brussels (shopping budget) – 1 hr, $40
• Bruges guided bus tour & canal cruise – 4 hrs, $55
• Patinoire de Bruges (ice skating) – 2 hrs, $15
• Intercity train Brussels‑Amsterdam – 2 hrs, $60
• Van Gogh Museum – 2 hrs, $20
• Rijksmuseum – 2 hrs, $22
• Lego Store Amsterdam (shopping budget) – 1 hr, $45
• Canal dinner cruise (Amsterdam) – 2 hrs, $85
• Museumplein ice rink (Amsterdam) – 2 hrs, $12
• Amsterdam hotel (1 night) – 5 hrs, $150
• Amsterdam‑Schiphol train – 30 min, $10
• Miscellaneous meals & transport (local) – 6 days, $250
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,849

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Berlin to explore its museums and the historic Brandenburg Gate, or a weekend ski excursion to the German Alps via night train. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Bruges day trip and spend the extra time enjoying a longer evening in either Paris or Amsterdam, allowing for a more relaxed pace and additional dining experiences.