12-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of the Netherlands and Belgium

Day 1: Amsterdam Highlights

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes near Central Station to start your day with a delicious local breakfast.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:30am

Rijksmuseum Visit

Explore Dutch masterpieces including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer in this grand art museum open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Sample a variety of street food dishes in this indoor food market located in a renovated tram depot, open until 10:00pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Anne Frank House

Visit the historic secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary; book tickets in advance as it opens from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
EUR14, 1h30m

4:30pm

Canal Cruise

Relax on an iconic Amsterdam canal boat tour to see the city’s scenic waterways and architecture, with tours operating until early evening.
EUR18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Experience traditional Dutch cuisine in an atmospheric 17th-century canal house, serving dinner from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Rotterdam Modernity

Rotterdam, Netherlands on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bagels & Beans

Enjoy fresh bagels and coffee to fuel your day in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, open from 8:00am.
EUR7-10, 45m

9:30am

Markthal Rotterdam

Visit this architectural marvel and indoor market offering local produce and diverse culinary options, open from 10:00am but viewing the exterior and nearby Cube Houses available earlier.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Cube Houses

Explore the unique tilted cube apartments and visit the show house to learn about the innovative design.
EUR3, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Foodhallen Rotterdam

Taste diverse international street food at this popular indoor market, open from 12:00pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

1:30pm

Euromast Tower

Get panoramic views of the city from the observation deck, open 10:00am to 8:00pm. Consider having a drink at the café.
EUR10, 1h

3:00pm

Maritime Museum

Discover Rotterdam’s seafaring history; the museum is open till 5:00pm and offers interactive exhibits.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant De Jong

Relish modern Dutch cuisine with local ingredients in a cozy setting, open for dinner from 6:00pm.
EUR40-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: The Hague Culture

The Hague, Netherlands on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bleyenberg

Start the day with artisanal coffee and breakfast with a city view, open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:30am

Mauritshuis Museum

See iconic paintings like Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’; open 10:00am to 6:00pm, arrive early to avoid crowds.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:30am

Pleasant Walk in Binnenhof

Explore the historic parliamentary complex and beautiful square in the city center freely.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at De Basiliek

Enjoy a mix of French and Dutch cuisine within a former church building, serving until 3:00pm.
EUR25-35, 1h

2:30pm

Madurodam Park

Visit the miniature park showcasing landmarks of the Netherlands; open until 6:00pm.
EUR17.50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Beach Walk at Scheveningen

Relax at the beach promenade enjoying fresh sea air and seaside views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Simonis aan de Haven

Savor freshly caught seafood in this popular harbor-side restaurant, open until 10:30pm.
EUR40-60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Bruges Medieval Charm

Bruges, Belgium on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Bruges

Depart The Hague early by train or car for Bruges, approximately 3-4 hours journey to maximize sightseeing time.
EUR40 approx, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at 't Brugs Beertje

Try traditional Flemish dishes and enjoy a vast selection of Belgian beers in this cozy pub, open from noon.
EUR20-30, 1h

1:30pm

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the 366 steps for panoramic views over Bruges old town, open 9:30am to 6:00pm.
EUR14, 1h

3:00pm

Historic Centre Walking Tour

Stroll through cobblestone streets, canals, and market squares to absorb medieval architecture and atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood

Explore this beautiful church housing a revered relic, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at De Stove

Enjoy locally sourced Belgian cuisine in this intimate restaurant, open until 10:00pm.
EUR35-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ghent Cultural Vibe

Ghent, Belgium on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Notes

Begin with fresh pastries and great coffee in a modern café open from 8:00am.
EUR8-12, 45m

9:30am

Gravensteen Castle

Tour this well-preserved medieval castle with interactive exhibits, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

St. Bavo’s Cathedral

Visit to admire the famous Ghent Altarpiece and Gothic architecture, open until 5:00pm.
Free, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vrijmoed

Experience creative Belgian-French fusion cuisine in a Michelin-starred setting, book in advance; open for lunch Thurs-Sat only.
EUR45-70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat Tour of Ghent Canals

Relax and discover the city’s architectural highlights from the water with tours ending around sunset.
EUR10-15, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Graslei and Korenlei

Enjoy scenic views of historic guild houses on the riverside while exploring lively streets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Graslei

Dine overlooking the water with traditional Belgian dishes and good local beer, open until 10:00pm.
EUR30-45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Antwerp Fashion and History

Antwerp, Belgium on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffènation

Savor expertly roasted coffee paired with fresh pastries, open from 7:30am.
EUR8-12, 45m

9:30am

Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Explore Antwerp’s maritime and cultural history with panoramic rooftop views, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Antwerp Zoo

Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Frituur No. 1

Experience classic Belgian fries with various sauces and snacks in an informal setting.
EUR10, 45m

2:30pm

Rubens House

Visit the home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, showcasing Baroque art, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping in Fashion District

Explore Antwerp’s renowned fashion boutiques and designer shops in the city center.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Jane

Indulge in an exceptional Michelin-starred dining experience with innovative cuisine; reservations essential.
EUR150+, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Brussels City Tour

Brussels, Belgium on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic breads and pastries in a warm setting, open from 7:30am.
EUR10-15, 45m

9:30am

Grand Place

Marvel at Brussels’ stunning main square with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, open to public any time.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Manneken Pis

See the famous small statue of a boy, a quirky Brussels symbol very close to Grand Place.
Free, 15m

11:00am

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Discover the history of Belgian comics including Tintin, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chez Léon

Taste Belgian specialties like moules-frites in this lively, traditional restaurant open daily for lunch.
EUR25-35, 1h

2:00pm

Atomium

Visit this iconic 102-meter tall structure and exhibition center with views across Brussels, open until 6:00pm.
EUR17, 1h30m

4:00pm

Royal Palace and Park

Stroll the beautiful park and view the Royal Palace exterior, open grounds are free to explore.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Roue d’Or

Enjoy classic Belgian cuisine in a cozy Art Nouveau style restaurant near Grand Place, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Leisure and Daytrip Options

Brussels, Belgium on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Peck 47

Enjoy trendy and healthy breakfast options in this popular café, open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 45m

9:30am

Daytrip to Waterloo

Take a short train or guided tour to the historic battlefield of Waterloo; visitor center open 9:30am to 6:00pm.
EUR20-30, 5h

3:00pm

Return and relax in Brussels Park

Unwind in the city’s oldest park with beautiful green spaces, free and open anytime.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Noordzee Mer du Nord

Casual seafood dining at the outdoor stalls near the city center, perfect for fresh tastes and quick bites.
EUR15-25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Leuven and Abbey

Leuven, Belgium on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Leuven

Depart Brussels for a short 30-minute train ride to the historic university city of Leuven.
EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Else

Start in this trendy bakery known for creative breakfast dishes, open from 8:00am.
EUR10-15, 45m

10:00am

Visit the University Library & Bell Tower

Explore the rebuilt library and climb the tower for city views; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:30am

Walk around Grote Markt

Admire the ornate town hall and lively square filled with cafes and bars.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Domus

Enjoy traditional Belgian brews and hearty meals at this renowned brewery restaurant, open until 3:00pm.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Abbey of Park

Visit this serene 12th-century abbey and its peaceful grounds just outside the city, usually open until 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Brussels

Travel back to Brussels for evening and dinner plans.
EUR8, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Comme Chez Soi

Indulge in fine Belgian gastronomy at this prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant; reservations needed.
EUR100+, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Leisure and Markets

Brussels, Belgium on May 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Mokafé

Relax with excellent coffee and pastries near Grand Place, open from 7:30am.
EUR8-12, 45m

10:00am

Visit Marolles Flea Market

Explore antique treasures and local artisan stalls open on weekends until early afternoon.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Fin de Siècle

Enjoy traditional Belgian dishes with a lively crowd in this cozy bistro near the market, open for lunch till 2:30pm.
EUR25-35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Magritte Museum

Delve into surrealism with René Magritte’s works; museum open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Chocolate Tasting at Pierre Marcolini

Sample gourmet chocolates at this celebrated chocolatier in central Brussels.
EUR10-20, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Brigittines

Savor classic Belgian cuisine in a charming Art Nouveau setting, open till 11:00pm.
EUR35-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Belgian Castles and Gardens

Leuven / Belgium Countryside on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Arenberg Castle

Visit the Arenberg Castle on the KU Leuven campus and its beautiful park grounds, generally open to public.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Visit Groot Begijnhof Leuven

Tour this UNESCO-listed historic beguinage with charming streets and quaint gardens, open all day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Meerdaal Forest for Nature Walk

Enjoy a scenic hike in one of Belgium’s largest forests with trails suitable for all levels, open all day.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch in the Forest

Pack or purchase local delicacies ahead of time to enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by nature.
Variable, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Brussels

Travel back to Brussels for final evening relaxation.
EUR8, 30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hôtel Amigo’s Ristorante Bocconi

Celebrate your last night with exquisite Italian and Belgian cuisine in a luxurious setting, open till 10:30pm.
EUR70-100, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure Preparation

Brussels, Belgium on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Saint-Antoine

Enjoy a light, relaxed breakfast with fresh breads and excellent coffee near your accommodation.
EUR8-12, 45m

10:00am

Last minute shopping and stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Brussels shopping streets and local markets, picking up souvenirs and gifts.
Variable, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Leonidas Café

Enjoy light sandwiches and famous Belgian chocolates, perfect for a casual last meal.
EUR10-15, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Brussels Airport

Allow ample time for transport to the airport for your departure flight.
EUR10-15, 1h
View Hotel Availability