8-Day Schengen Europe Adventure: Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels & Paris

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with delicious Dutch pancakes topped with a variety of sweet and savory options at Pancakes Amsterdam, a local favorite.
Walk to the nearby canal area.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Canal Tour

Hop on a canal cruise for a unique perspective of Amsterdam's beautiful canals and iconic architecture.
Board the boat at one of the canal tour docks.
EUR18, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Rijksmuseum

Explore the masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the famous Rijksmuseum, immersing yourself in Dutch art and history.
Take tram 2 to the museum stop.
EUR20, 2 hours

2:15PM

Lunch at De Silveren Spiegel

Enjoy lunch at this charming restaurant offering traditional Dutch cuisine in a historic building.
Walk to the restaurant, about 15 minutes away.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Anne Frank House

Visit the Anne Frank House for a poignant look into history and learn about Anne's incredible story.
Return by tram 13 to the house.
EUR12.50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Stroll through Vondelpark

Relax and unwind with a leisurely stroll through Vondelpark, the city's largest park where locals enjoy biking and picnicking.
Walk to Vondelpark, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

For dinner, savor traditional Dutch dishes with a modern twist in an elegant setting at Restaurant Greetje.
Take a tram or walk to the restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours

9:00PM

Evening Canal Walk

End your day with a serene evening walk along the canals, experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of Amsterdam at night.
Walk from the restaurant along the canals.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Art & Culture

Amsterdam, Netherlands

9:00AM

Breakfast at Albert Cuyp Market

Begin your day with fresh pastries and coffee at the bustling Albert Cuyp Market, immersing yourself in local culture.
Take tram 16 to the market.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Van Gogh Museum

Spend the morning exploring the largest collection of Van Gogh's artwork, soaking in the beauty of his genius.
Walk to the adjoining museum area.
EUR19, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Loetje

Try the famous Dutch steak at Café Loetje for a hearty lunch that will fuel your afternoon adventures.
Take tram 2 to the café.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Jordaan District

Wander through the charming Jordaan district, filled with independent art galleries, antique shops, courtyard gardens, and atmospheric bars.
Walk through the streets from the café.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Heineken Experience

Discover the history of Heineken beer through interactive exhibits at the historic brewery, complete with tastings!
Walk to the location or take tram 24.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lanskroon

Finish your day with a dinner featuring Dutch specialties and tasty sandwiches at this cozy eatery.
Walk back to the restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Cologne

Cologne, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the train station.
Check out and head to Amsterdam Central Station.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Cologne

Board your train to Cologne as you enjoy the scenic ride of roughly 2.5 hours through the Dutch and German countryside.
Take an NS Intercity train from Amsterdam to Cologne.
EUR45, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Peters Brauhaus

Upon arrival in Cologne, enjoy lunch at Peters Brauhaus, known for its local Kölsch beer and hearty German fare.
Walk to Peters Brauhaus from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe.
Walk from the restaurant to the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Romano-Germanic Museum

Dive into the city's ancient history at the Romano-Germanic Museum, home to impressive Roman artifacts.
Short walk from the cathedral.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll Along the Rhine River

Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River promenade, enjoying views of the city and the iconic Hohenzollern Bridge.
Head towards the river from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Taku

End the day with fine dining at Restaurant Taku, offering an exquisite culinary experience with Asian flavors in a modern atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant from the river.
EUR60, 2 hours
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Day 4: More of Cologne

Cologne, Germany

8:30AM

Breakfast at Café Zuckerguß

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at Café Zuckerguß, popular with locals.
Short walk from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cologne's Chocolate Museum

Indulge your sweet tooth while learning about chocolate's history, with tastings included at the Chocolate Museum.
Walk to the museum from the café.
EUR13, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Old Town Exploration

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Cologne's Old Town, where colorful buildings and quaint shops abound.
Walk around the nearby neighborhood.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gaffel am Dom

Savor traditional German dishes and local beer at Gaffel am Dom, conveniently located near the cathedral.
Walk towards the restaurant from Old Town.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Museum Ludwig

Explore modern art collections at the Museum Ludwig, featuring works by Picasso and Warhol.
Short walk from lunch to the museum.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax in Rheinpark

Unwind in the beautiful Rheinpark, featuring expansive gardens and scenic views of the Rhine River.
Take the tram to the park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Fonda

Satisfy your hunger with delicious Mediterranean tapas at La Fonda, a perfect prelude to your continued journey.
Take the tram back to the city center.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the station.
Collect your belongings and leave for the station.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Brussels

Catch the Thalys train from Cologne to Brussels, a quick and efficient journey to explore the Belgian capital.
Take the train from Köln Hauptbahnhof.
EUR28, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Dine at Chez Léon, an iconic Brussels restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious moules-frites.
Walk towards the restaurant, about 10 minutes distance.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Grand Place

Discover the stunning architecture of the Grand Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk from the restaurant to the square.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Manneken Pis

Check out the quirky and famous Manneken Pis statue nearby, a must-see in Brussels.
Stroll from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

3:30PM

Visit the Royal Palace

Walk to the Royal Palace and explore its beautiful surroundings; entry to the palace is free during the summer.
Short walk from Manneken Pis.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire, admiring its arches and gardens.
Take a tram to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Pain Quotidien

For dinner, relish organic dishes and freshly baked bread at Le Pain Quotidien, a cozy spot for a relaxed meal.
Take tram back to the city center.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Discover Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Antoine

Start your day with a famous Belgian waffle and coffee at Maison Antoine, renowned for its authentic flavors.
Walk to the waffle shop from your accommodation.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Atomium

Visit the iconic Atomium, an architectural marvel and museum, offering panoramic views of the city.
Take the metro to Heysel station.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

After your morning adventure, enjoy seafood specialties at Chez Léon, famous for mussels.
Return by metro to central Brussels.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Magritte Museum

Dive into the surreal works of René Magritte at the museum dedicated to this iconic artist.
Walk to the museum from the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

Browse the beautiful shops in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, renowned for its elegant architecture and luxury boutiques.
Short walk from the Magritte Museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center

Explore the whimsical world of Belgian comics and create your own comic at this interactive center.
Walk to the center from the gallery.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Nuoc Vietnam

Savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a cultural fusion at Restaurant Nuoc Vietnam, offering delightful dishes.
Take a short walk to the restaurant.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Paris

Paris, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast in Brussels before checking out and heading to the train station.
Pack up and make your way to the train station.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Paris

Seamlessly board your Thalys train to Paris in just over one hour, setting off for a new adventure.
Catch the train from Brussels Midi Station.
EUR55, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Café de Flore

Dive into Parisian culture with lunch at the historic Café de Flore, famous for its literary history and delightful menu.
Take a short walk from the station.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Spend the afternoon at the Louvre, one of the world's largest and most visited art museums, home to the Mona Lisa.
Stroll over to the nearby museum.
EUR17, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Tuileries Garden

Relax in the Tuileries Garden right next to the Louvre, enjoying the serene atmosphere and beautifully designed landscaping.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit the Musée de l'Orangerie

Check out the stunning water lilies by Monet at the Musée de l'Orangerie located within the Tuileries.
Walk back to the museum.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Savor steak-frites served with secret sauce at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, an iconic Parisian restaurant.
Take a short metro ride.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 8: Final Day in Paris

Paris, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Start your day with a luxurious hot chocolate and pastries at the elegant Angelina, renowned for its confectionery.
Walk from your accommodation.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Head to the iconic Eiffel Tower, allowing time for photographs and perhaps a trip to the summit for spectacular views.
Take Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim.
EUR25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Consulat

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Le Consulat, located in the charming Montmartre neighborhood.
Metro to Abbesses station.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched atop the highest point in the city and offering magnificent views over Paris.
Short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wander through Montmartre

Take the rest of the afternoon to wander through the artistic streets of Montmartre, filled with charming cafes and shops.
Walk around the nearby area.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Enjoy your final dinner in Paris with traditional French comfort food at Bouillon Pigalle, offering a nostalgic atmosphere.
Short walk to the restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Seine River Cruise

Conclude your European adventure with a serene evening cruise along the Seine River, admiring the illuminated landmarks.
Board the cruise from the designated dock.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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