11-Day European Road Trip: Almere to Barcelona, Paris, Switzerland, Cologne, Belgium, and Italy

Day 1: Departure to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on April 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a hearty organic breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this popular chain known for its communal dining atmosphere.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Brussels

Start your road trip with a scenic drive to Brussels, approximately 2 hours.
N/A, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Grand Place

Visit the stunning central square of Brussels, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Savor renowned mussels and fries at this classic brasserie, a must-visit for local cuisine.
EUR25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Atomium

Explore this iconic building and museum, shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
EUR16, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Pain Quotidien

End your day with a simple but delightful dinner at a bakery restaurant offering fresh and healthy options.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Amigo

Relax at this luxury hotel located just steps away from the Grand Place.
EUR200, 1 hour

Day 2: Paris Exploration

Paris, France on April 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Delight in a traditional Parisian breakfast of croissants and coffee at this historic café.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Paris

Set off for Paris, about a 3.5-hour scenic drive.
N/A, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Le Marais

Enjoy gourmet sandwiches and pastries in the vibrant Le Marais district, a hot spot for foodies.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Louvre

Spend the afternoon wandering through one of the world's largest art museums, home to the Mona Lisa.
EUR17, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Procope

Indulge in refined French cuisine at Paris' oldest café, famous for its history and charming atmosphere.
EUR45, 2 hours

8:30PM

Seine River Cruise

Cap the night with a scenic boat cruise on the Seine to see the illuminated Paris landmarks.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Travel to Lyon

Lyon, France on April 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Partake in an exquisite breakfast featuring hot chocolate and pastries at this chic Parisian tea house.
EUR18, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lyon

Embark on a 4-hour drive to Lyon, known as the gastronomy capital of France.
N/A, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon

Explore this famous market and finger food vendors for a delicious taste of local specialties.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Vieux Lyon

Wander through the charming old town filled with Renaissance architecture and narrow alleys.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Villa Florentine

Stay at this luxurious hotel offering panoramic views of Lyon.
EUR220, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bouchon Les Lyonnais

Experience traditional Lyonnaise dishes at this charming restaurant.
EUR40, 2 hours

Day 4: Scenic Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland on April 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hôtel de Ville

Savor a delightful breakfast buffet at this delightful hotel in Lyon before departing.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Geneva

Head on a scenic 2-hour drive to Geneva, Switzerland, known for its beautiful lake and stunning views.
N/A, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Jet d'Eau

Visit the famous water fountain in Lake Geneva, a must-see landmark of the city.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café du Centre

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes at this charming bistro with a lovely terrace.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the United Nations Office

Take a tour of the European headquarters of the UN for insight into global diplomacy.
CHF15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Bristol

Rest at this elegant hotel located near Lake Geneva.
CHF200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Les Armures

Dine at this historic restaurant known for its Swiss specialties such as fondue.
CHF45, 2 hours

Day 5: Zurich Discovery

Zurich, Switzerland on April 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Bristol

Enjoy a delightful breakfast buffet at your hotel in Geneva.
CHF25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Zurich

Embark on a short 3-hour drive to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hiltl

Indulge in a delicious vegetarian buffet at the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Old Town

Wander through the beautiful streets of Zurich's Old Town, lined with shops and cafés.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at B2 Boutique Hotel

Stay in this unique hotel within a converted brewery featuring a spa.
CHF250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes in a lively beer hall atmosphere.
CHF40, 2 hours

Day 6: Excursion to Milan

Milan, Italy on April 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at B2 Boutique Hotel

Start your day with a quality breakfast from your hotel in Zurich.
CHF25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Milan

Head out early for a 3.5-hour drive to the fashion capital of Italy.
N/A, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Luini

Don’t miss the famous Panzerotti at this popular local spot for quick bites.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Duomo di Milano

Visit Milan's iconic cathedral and enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Spadari al Duomo

Relax in this welcoming hotel located near the stunning Duomo.
EUR180, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo

Indulge in fine Italian cuisine in a classy setting, perfect for a memorable dinner.
EUR60, 2 hours

Day 7: Enchanting Venice

Venice, Italy on April 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Spadari

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast spread at your hotel before departing for Venice.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Venice

A scenic 3-hour drive will take you from Milan to the spectacular canals of Venice.
N/A, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Savor traditional Venetian cuisine in a cozy trattoria known for its authentic flavors.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Take a Gondola Ride

Experience the charm of Venice by taking a romantic gondola ride through the picturesque canals.
EUR80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture and history of one of the world's most iconic cathedrals.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Danieli

Relax in this luxurious hotel located near St. Mark's Square.
EUR400, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Alle Corone

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience with traditional Venetian dishes.
EUR80, 2 hours

Day 8: Cultural Cologne

Cologne, Germany on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Danieli

Start your day with a lavish breakfast at this upscale hotel.
EUR40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Cologne

Journey for about 10 hours to Cologne.
N/A, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Gaffel am Dom

Savor traditional German dishes at this lively restaurant near Cologne Cathedral.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Admire the stunning gothic architecture and climb the tower for panoramic views.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Hilton Cologne

Stay at this centrally located hotel with comfortable accommodations.
EUR150, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Päffgen

Enjoy hearty German meals and local Kölsch beer at this popular spot.
EUR35, 2 hours

Day 9: Discover Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hilton Cologne

Have a filling breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Antwerp

Enjoy a convenient 1.5-hour drive to Antwerp, a city rich in art and fashion.
N/A, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Explore this stunning Gothic cathedral home to remarkable works of art, including Rubens' paintings.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at De Groote Witte Arend

Indulge in traditional Flemish dishes at this charming restaurant known for its local beers.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Museum aan de Stroom

Visit this impressive museum dedicated to the city's history and culture.
EUR10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Julien

Stay at this stylish hotel located in the heart of Antwerp.
EUR150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bier Central

Enjoy a casual dining experience with a vast selection of Belgian beers and hearty meals.
EUR30, 2 hours

Day 10: Return to Almere

Almere, Netherlands on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Julien

Enjoy your breakfast at this modern hotel before heading back home.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Almere

Set off on a 2-hour drive back to Almere, reminiscing about your amazing trip.
N/A, 2 hours

11:00AM

Unwind at the local park

Take a relaxing stroll through the local park upon return to feel refreshed and grounded.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy a comforting lunch at a local café in Almere.
EUR15, 1 hour