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Enchanting Christmas Markets in Amsterdam and Beyond

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Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your hotel, Hotel Estherea, located along the beautiful Herengracht canal, perfect for exploring the stunning city.
Hotel is in the city center; walking distance to many attractions.
EUR150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit the Amsterdam Winter Paradise

Kick off your visit with the Amsterdam Winter Paradise, a festive area filled with Christmas stalls, an ice rink, and live entertainment.
Take tram number 12 from Central Station to the event.
EUR5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Stach

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Stach, known for its freshly made sandwiches and seasonal salads.
Walk 5 minutes from Winter Paradise.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Nine Streets

Stroll through the famous Nine Streets, enjoying boutique shops and unique Christmas decorations.
Walk 10 minutes from Stach.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Café Loetje

Savor a traditional Dutch dinner of steak at Café Loetje, a local favorite.
10-minute walk from Nine Streets.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Amsterdam

Day 2: More Amsterdam Highlights

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Start your day with delightful Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, located near Centraal Station.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rijksmuseum

Explore one of the most famous art museums in the world, featuring masterpieces from Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Take tram number 2 from nearby stop.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vondelpark3

Enjoy lunch at a cozy café located in Vondelpark, surrounded by nature.
Take tram or walk to Vondelpark.
EUR18, 1 hour

1:30PM

Canal Cruise

Relax on a scenic canal cruise to see Amsterdam’s charming architecture and festive lights from the water.
Board at the nearby canal cruise dock.
EUR25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Dam Square Christmas Market

Explore the festive Christmas market at Dam Square, filled with holiday treats and local goods.
Short walk back to the square.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Seafood Bar

Indulge in fresh seafood at The Seafood Bar, a popular dining spot in Amsterdam.
5-minute walk from Dam Square.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day ahead.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Utrecht

Catch a morning train to Utrecht, where you will explore one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands.
Train departs from Amsterdam Central.
EUR10, 30 mins

10:00AM

Stroll the Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Christmas market at the Dom Square, featuring local artisans and festive treats.
Located at the Dom Square, walk from Utrecht Station.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Stadsgenoot

Enjoy traditional Dutch fare at this cozy café overlooking the canals.
1 block away from the market.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Railway Museum

Discover the rich history of rail travel in the Netherlands at this fascinating museum.
Short tram ride from the café.
EUR14, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Amsterdam

Head back to Amsterdam by train, reflecting on your day.
Catch a train from Utrecht Central.
EUR10, 30 mins

5:00PM

Dinner at NENI

Dine at NENI, a vibrant restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Located near your hotel.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Utrecht

Day 4: Rotterdam Discovery

Rotterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a delightful breakfast spread in your hotel before heading out.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Rotterdam

Catch a train to Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and cultural vibrancy.
Train departs from Amsterdam Central.
EUR15, 40 mins

10:00AM

Explore the Markthal

Visit the stunning Markthal for its unique design and an array of gourmet food stalls.
Walking distance from the train station.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Christmas Market

Explore the festive Christmas market at the Binnenrotte, a delightful locale filled with holiday cheer.
Easy walk from Markthal.
FREE, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fenix Food Factory

Indulge in lunch at Fenix Food Factory, a trendy market filled with culinary delights.
Short walk from the market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Kunsthal

Spend the afternoon at the Kunsthal, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and art.
Take tram or bus from Fenix.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pannenkoekenhuis

Taste delicious Dutch pancakes at this renowned pancake house.
Short tram ride back to city center.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotterdam

Day 5: Journey to Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for your journey to Ghent.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Ghent

Travel by train to Ghent, a city steeped in history and culture.
Departing from Rotterdam Central.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Gravensteen Castle

Visit Gravensteen, a medieval castle offering stunning views and insights into Ghent's history.
Short walk from the station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Take a charming lunch break at De Graslei, enjoying riverside views.
Just a walk away along the river.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Discover the Ghent Christmas Market

Enjoy the delightful Ghent Christmas Market showcasing unique gifts and local culinary treats.
Located near St. Baafsplein.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant De Graslei

Wrap up the day with dinner at Restaurant De Graslei, known for its local Belgian specialties.
Located along the river.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ghent

Day 6: Exploration of Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing for the picturesque city of Bruges.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Bruges

Travel from Ghent to Bruges, a charming city with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
Short walk to the station.
EUR10, 30 mins

9:30AM

Visit the Markt

Explore the Markt square, renowned for its historic buildings and its famous Christmas market.
Walking distance from the train station.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Canal Tour in Bruges

Take a scenic canal tour to soak in the beauty of Bruges from the water.
Board at the water near the Markt.
EUR12, 30 mins

12:30PM

Lunch at 3D - De Lijn

Savor a unique lunch experience at 3D - De Lijn, providing local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Walk back to the Markt area.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Choco-Story Museum

Dive into the world of chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum, with tastings included.
Short walk from the restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at 't Zwart Huis

Indulge in a warm Belgian meal at 't Zwart Huis, known for its cozy ambiance.
Located near the city center.
EUR30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bruges

Day 7: Brussels Exploration

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Bruges, getting ready to explore the capital city.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Brussels

Travel to Brussels, where the magic of the city awaits you.
Depart from Bruges station.
EUR17, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Grand Place

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels, especially beautiful during the holiday season.
Around 15 minutes walk from the station.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Christmas Market

Discover the famous Brussels Christmas market, featuring unique gifts and delicious treats.
Located near Grand Place.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Dine at Chez Léon, famous for its moules-frites (mussels and fries) in the heart of Brussels.
Short walk from the market.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Atomium

Explore the iconic Atomium, a unique building and museum shaped like an atom.
You can take the metro from the city center.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Vincent

Experience traditional Belgian cuisine at Restaurant Vincent, known for its seafood and ambiance.
Return to the city center for dinner.
EUR30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Brussels

Day 8: Cultural Day in Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast before your trip to Antwerp, known for its rich history.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Antwerp

Head over to the beautiful city of Antwerp, famous for its diamond district and fashion.
Depart from Brussels station.
EUR15, 45 mins

10:00AM

Explore the Cathedral of Our Lady

Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, home to masterpieces by Rubens.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Antwerp Christmas Market

Wander through the Antwerp Christmas market, filled with local crafts and culinary delights.
Located near the Cathedral.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at De Groote Witte Arend

Savor local dishes at this well-known restaurant in Antwerp.
A short walk from the market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Rubenshuis

Explore the former home and studio of the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens.
Few minutes walk from the restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Jane

Indulge in a culinary experience at The Jane, one of the finest dining spots in Antwerp.
Reservation recommended; walking distance from the Rubenshuis.
EUR90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Antwerp

Day 9: Return to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Antwerp before heading back to Amsterdam.
At the hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Amsterdam

Travel back to Amsterdam, ready to share memories from this epic journey.
Depart from Antwerp station.
EUR25, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping at De Negen Straatjes

Spend your last hours in Amsterdam shopping for unique souvenirs in the charming Nine Streets area.
Easily accessible on foot from the station.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Broads&Butter

Grab a light lunch at Broads&Butter, known for its delicious sandwiches and cozy atmosphere.
Walk a short distance from the shopping area.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Jordaan District

Discover the charming streets of the Jordaan District, filled with local boutiques and cafes.
Short tram ride or a walk from the restaurant.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

End your incredible trip with a farewell dinner at Restaurant Greetje, known for its authentic Dutch cuisine.
A short taxi ride from your area.
EUR40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Amsterdam
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More About Christmas markets

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58-day Trip: New York → Chicago → UK (rugby) → Portugal → Europe by train → Budapest (Christmas markets) → Singapore (3 nights)
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