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8-Day European Adventure: Christmas Markets in Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels, and Paris

Viewed by 152 travelers

Day 1: Discover Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Winkel 43

Start your day with a slice of their famous apple pie and a coffee, giving you the fuel needed for a day of exploration.
Walk to the nearest tram station to head to the Anne Frank House.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Anne Frank House

Immerse yourself in the history and legacy of Anne Frank in this poignant museum.
Walking distance, 15 minutes.
EUR12.50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Stroll through Jordaan District

Enjoy the charming canals and local shops in the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood.
Walk to nearby shops.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at De Silveren Spiegel

Savor classic Dutch dishes in a historic setting while enjoying views of the canal.
Take a 10-minute walk.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s artworks, placing you in the heart of Dutch art.
10-minute tram ride from the restaurant.
EUR19, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Amsterdam's Christmas Market at Museumplein

Get into the holiday spirit as you stroll through the market stalls, featuring local crafts and festive treats.
Walk to Museumplein.
Free entry, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

Indulge in traditional Dutch cuisine at this cozy, authentic restaurant.
A short tram ride from Museumplein.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 2: more Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Bakery

Start your day with Dutch pancakes, topped with your choice of sweet or savory delights.
Walking distance.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Marvel at the masterpieces of Dutch art, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, in this stunning museum.
10-minute tram ride.
EUR20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Stach

Grab a quick and delicious lunch to fuel up for the rest of your adventures.
5-minute walk.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Canal Tour

Take a scenic cruise through Amsterdam's historic canals, providing a unique view of the city.
Walk to the canal cruise departure point.
EUR18, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Kalverstraat

Enjoy some retail therapy in one of Amsterdam's busiest shopping streets, adorned in Christmas decorations.
A short walk from the canal tour's end.
Free (shopping costs vary), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Visit the Ice Village Christmas Market

Experience the festive atmosphere with ice-skating and local stalls of crafts and treats.
Short walk from the shopping area.
Free entry, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Cafe de Jaren

Finish the day with splendid views of the canal while enjoying organic dishes.
Walking distance.
EUR20, 2 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Cologne

Cologne, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Relish another round of divine pancakes before departing Amsterdam.
Walking distance to tram.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Cologne

Board an early train to Cologne, enjoying the scenic journey through the Dutch countryside.
Take the IC train from Amsterdam Central to Cologne.
EUR40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive and Lunch at Franziskaner

Savor traditional German schnitzel in a historic setting upon arrival in Cologne.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Marvel at one of Europe’s great Gothic masterpieces and its breathtaking stained glass windows.
Walk to the cathedral.
Free (donations appreciated), 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Cologne Christmas Market

Dive into the festive spirit at the magical Christmas market located in the cathedral square.
Just outside the cathedral.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Brauhaus Sion

Enjoy local dishes with a glass of Sion beer, complete with a cozy atmosphere.
Short walk from the Christmas market.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at the Christmas Market

Return to the market for evening festivities and enjoy some glühwein.
Same area.
EUR5, 1 hour
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Day 4: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast of organic breads and pastries.
Short walk from the hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Brussels

Travel to Brussels by train, capturing the scenic views as you go.
Board the train from Cologne.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Grand Place

Marvel at one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by stunning 17th-century architecture.
Walking distance from the station.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Dive into some delicious moules-frites, a local specialty, in this lively eatery.
Walk to lunch.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Brussels Christmas Market

Experience festive cheer while shopping for unique crafts and enjoying local delicacies.
Just outside the Grand Place.
Free entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Atomium

Head to this iconic building and enjoy panoramic views of Brussels and its historic sites.
Take a metro to Heysel station.
EUR16, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Roy d’Espagne

Enjoy a traditional Belgian meal with a view over the Grand Place, perfectly ending your day.
Return to the metro for a ride back.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Start Parisian Adventures

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paul

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee, gearing up for a day in the City of Light.
Short walk from hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Paris

Travel from Brussels to Paris, excited for everything France has to offer.
Take the train from Brussels Midi.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Kick off your Paris adventure with breathtaking views from one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Walking distance from the metro.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Campana

Enjoy lunch at the Musée d’Orsay, overlooking the Seine while indulging in contemporary French cuisine.
Near the museum next.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Musée d’Orsay

Wander through this museum, admiring masterpieces of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Walk next door.
EUR16, 2 hours

5:30PM

Stroll along the Seine

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Seine, taking in the sights and sounds of Paris as evening falls.
Walking along the Seine River.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Savor traditional Parisian dishes in this charming brasserie.
Take the metro to Pigalle.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 6: Paris Exploration

Paris, France

8:30AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Indulge in a rich hot chocolate and pastries at this famous Parisian café.
Short walk to the café.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Climb up to this stunning basilica located in Montmartre, offering gorgeous views of the city.
Take the metro to Anvers station, then walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Consulat

Experience traditional cuisine in the bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre.
Walking distance from the Sacré-Cœur.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Louvre Museum

Marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa in one of the world’s largest art museums.
Take the metro to Palais Royal.
EUR17, 3 hours

5:30PM

Explore the Latin Quarter Christmas Market

Embrace the festive atmosphere and taste local delicacies at this charming market.
Short walk from the metro exit.
Free entry, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Le Procope

Dine at one of the oldest cafés in Paris, known for its historical significance and delightful cuisine.
Take a bus to the café.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Paris

Paris, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Enjoy the ambiance of this iconic café while feasting on fresh croissants and coffee.
Walking distance.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Palace of Versailles

Stroll through the stunning gardens and opulent rooms of this historic palace.
Train from Paris to Versailles.
EUR20, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Le Restaurant de la Petite Venise

Indulge in lunch within the grounds of Versailles before exploring further.
Walking distance from the palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Paris

Head back to Paris via train and prepare for an evening of relaxation.
Take the train back.
EUR10, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Luxembourg Gardens

Unwind in the beautiful gardens, taking in the serene atmosphere of Paris.
Walk to the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Explore Champs-Élysées Christmas Market

Stroll down this famous avenue, filled with shops and dazzling lights.
Metro to Champs-Élysées.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Farewell Dinner at La Coupole

Conclude your journey with an elegant dinner at this iconic brasserie.
Walking distance.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 8: Departure Day

Paris, France

9:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Enjoy a final breakfast at this renowned café, reminiscing about your wonderful trip.
Walking distance.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Last-minute souvenir shopping

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your European Christmas experience.
Walking distance from the hotel.
Varying prices, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check out of your hotel

Prepare for departure, ensuring all personal belongings are packed.
Hotel checkout.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Departure from Paris

Head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination, concluding your unforgettable trip.
Pre-arrange a taxi or shuttle to the airport.
Varying prices, 1 hour
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