11-Day Scenic European Journey: Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Versailles & Zurich Itinerary with Amsterdam Return

Day 1: Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Begin your day with traditional Dutch pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, open from 8am, to energize for city exploration.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:45am

Anne Frank House

Visit the moving Anne Frank House museum (9am-7pm) to learn about WWII history and Anne Frank’s life.
EUR14, 2h0m

12:00pm

Canal Cruise

Take a 1-hour boat tour through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, capturing the city’s unique architecture and charm.
EUR18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Foodhallen

Enjoy a variety of street foods at this vibrant indoor market open 12pm-11pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rijksmuseum

Explore Dutch masterpieces including Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum (9am-5pm).
EUR20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Dine on refined Dutch dishes in a 17th-century setting; dinner service starts at 6pm.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 2: Bruges Medieval

Bruges, Belgium on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Train Amsterdam to Bruges

Depart Amsterdam Centraal early to reach Bruges by train in about 3 hours.
EUR40, 3h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Relax over fresh pastries and coffee at this cozy café near Bruges’ center, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:15pm

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry tower (9:30am-6pm) for sweeping medieval city views.
EUR14, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Savor local dishes paired with fresh house-brewed beer in this historic brewery, open 11am-7pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bruges Canal Boat Tour

A 30-minute boat ride offers picturesque views of Bruges’ waterways, available until dusk.
EUR10, 0h30m

4:00pm

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Visit this historic basilica (open till 6pm) that houses a revered relic from the Crusades.
Free, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at 't Brugs Beertje

Enjoy hearty Belgian specialties in a cosy pub setting; open 5pm-10pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 3: Train to Paris & Explore

Paris, France on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Train Bruges to Paris

Travel from Bruges to Paris via Brussels in about 3.5 hours.
EUR50, 3h30m

11:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Classic Parisian café experience; pastry and coffee haven, open from 7:30am.
EUR20, 1h0m

12:45pm

Louvre Museum

Explore world-renowned art collections at the Louvre, open 9am-6pm.
EUR17, 3h0m

4:00pm

Seine River Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seine’s historic banks and browse nearby bouquinistes.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Procope

Experience one of Paris’s oldest restaurants serving traditional French cuisine, open until 11pm.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 4: Versailles Day Trip

Versailles, France on May 30, 2025

8:00am

RER Train Paris to Versailles

Catch the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche, travel time about 1 hour.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:15am

Breakfast at La Petite Venise

Enjoy a light breakfast near the palace, open from 8am, perfect for pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Palace of Versailles Tour

Tour the palace’s lavish rooms and extensive gardens; open 9am-6:30pm.
EUR20, 4h0m

3:00pm

Gardens and Fountain Show

Stroll vast gardens with fountains and sculptures; fountain shows typically on weekends and holidays.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Paris

Take the RER train back to Paris to rest and refresh.
EUR7, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Sample classic French dishes in a bustling bistro atmosphere, open till 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Paris Iconic Sights

Paris, France on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Angelina

Known for its decadent hot chocolate and pastries, Angelina opens at 8am weekdays.
EUR22, 1h0m

9:30am

Eiffel Tower Visit

Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views; open 9:30am-11pm, pre-book tickets for fast access.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Champ de Mars

Enjoy classic bistro fare near the Eiffel Tower with charming terrace seating, open 11:30am-3pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Musée d'Orsay

Visit this museum filled with Impressionist masterpieces in a former railway station, open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR16, 2h0m

4:00pm

Montmartre Exploration

Explore Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica (open 6am-10:30pm) in the late afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Refuge des Fondus

Enjoy an entertaining fondue dinner experience open until 10pm in Montmartre.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 6: Paris to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Train to Zurich

Departure from Paris Gare de Lyon to Zurich Hauptbahnhof on a direct 4-hour train ride.
EUR70, 4h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Hiltl Zurich

Taste Zurich’s renowned vegetarian cuisine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, open 11:30am-10:30pm.
CHF25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Old Town Walk

Discover Zurich’s medieval old town with historic streets and Grossmünster Church.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Lake Zurich Promenade

Enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk or a short boat cruise (boats run until early evening).
CHF8, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zeughauskeller

Savor traditional Swiss dishes in a historic armory building, open 5pm-10:30pm.
CHF45, 2h0m
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Day 7: Zurich Museums & Alps

Zurich, Switzerland on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Babu's Bakery & Coffeehouse

Delight in fresh baked treats and rich coffee, bakery opens at 8am.
CHF15, 1h0m

9:45am

Kunsthaus Zurich

Visit one of Switzerland’s premier art museums showcasing modern and classic art, open 10am-6pm.
CHF23, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sternen Grill

Try Zurich’s famous sausages and Rösti at this popular eatery, open until 3pm.
CHF20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Uetliberg Mountain

Take a quick train ride to Uetliberg for panoramic city and alpine views; hiking opportunities open all day.
CHF10 (train), 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Zurich

Return to city center to rest and prepare for dinner.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kronenhalle

Enjoy sophisticated Swiss dining surrounded by original art from famed painters, open until 11pm.
CHF70, 2h0m
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Day 8: Zurich Leisure Day

Zurich, Switzerland on June 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Taste Luxemburgerli macarons and premium coffee at this iconic café, opening at 8am.
CHF18, 1h0m

10:30am

Swiss National Museum

Discover Swiss heritage through exhibits in an impressive castle-like museum, open 10am-5pm.
CHF10, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Markthalle Zurich

Savor diverse cuisines at this lively indoor market, open 11:30am-3pm.
CHF25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bahnhofstrasse Shopping

Explore Zurich’s famous shopping street filled with luxury boutiques and unique shops.
Free (shopping optional), 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Maison Manesse

Enjoy innovative Swiss-German cuisine in a modern setting; open from 6pm, reservations recommended.
CHF80, 2h0m
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Day 9: Zurich to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Train Zurich to Amsterdam

Depart early for a roughly 8-hour scenic train journey back to Amsterdam with a transfer in Basel.
EUR100, 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your accommodation, unwind after the trip.
Included, Remainder of afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Greetje

Enjoy traditional Dutch cuisine with locally sourced ingredients; open 5pm-10pm.
EUR45, 2h0m
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Day 10: Amsterdam Leisure

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Start your day with New Zealand-style breakfast and strong coffee, open from 7:30am.
EUR18, 1h0m

10:00am

Van Gogh Museum

Explore the life and works of Vincent van Gogh; museum open 9am-6pm.
EUR19, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Seafood Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood in a casual setting, open 12pm-10:30pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vondelpark Leisure Walk

Relax with a stroll or bike ride through Amsterdam’s largest city park.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping in De Pijp

Explore trendy shops and boutiques in the vibrant De Pijp neighbourhood.
Free (shopping optional), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Breda

Dine on innovative contemporary Dutch cuisine, open from 6pm; book in advance.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 11: Amsterdam Leisure

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Scandinavian Embassy

Enjoy excellent coffee and Nordic-inspired breakfast fare, café opens at 8am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Stedelijk Museum

Discover modern and contemporary art and design, museum open 10am-6pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at De Kas

Relish farm-to-table dining in a greenhouse setting; open 12pm-3pm, reservations suggested.
EUR50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Jordaan District

Wander through this charming neighborhood known for art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Café Loetje

Enjoy classic Dutch steak dishes before preparing for departure; open until 9pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Preparation

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Café

Have a light breakfast at a nearby café to start your final day.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute Shopping & Relaxation

Spend the morning acquiring any final souvenirs or enjoying a leisurely walk around central Amsterdam.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Winkel 43

Famous for its apple pie, open from 9am, a great final meal spot in Amsterdam.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Hotel & Pack

Prepare for your departure the next day, rest and pack your belongings.
Free, Rest of day
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Day 13: Fly Home

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 8, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast & Airport Transfer

Enjoy a quick breakfast then travel to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight to Ottawa.
EUR15 + EUR5 train, 2h0m
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