Scenic 3-Day Road Trip from Utrecht Exploring Dutch and Belgian Highlights

Day 1: Dutch Village & Historic Towns

Utrecht - Giethoorn - Zwolle, Netherlands on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Broodje van Eigen Deeg

Start your day with fresh Dutch pastries and coffee at this popular Utrecht bakery, known for its quality bread and cozy atmosphere.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Giethoorn

Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to 'Venice of the North,' famed for its canals and car-free village charm.
Fuel cost approx EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Boat Tour in Giethoorn

Discover Giethoorn by boat, gliding through peaceful canals surrounded by quaint thatched cottages. Tours typically last 1 hour.
EUR25 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at De Grachthof

Enjoy traditional Dutch dishes with canal views, serving fresh local ingredients in a relaxed setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Zwolle

Travel 30 minutes to the lively Hanseatic city of Zwolle for a dose of culture and historic architecture.
Fuel cost approx EUR5, 0h30m

3:00pm

Explore Zwolle Old Town

Stroll through Zwolle’s charming medieval streets, visit the St. Michael's Church and Museum de Fundatie art gallery (open until 5pm).
Museum €15, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Librije’s Zusje Zwolle

Dine at this starred Michelin restaurant offering modern gastronomy with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a memorable evening.
EUR100 per person, 2h0m

7:30pm

Overnight stay in Zwolle

Check into a centrally located hotel such as Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch for rest and comfort.
Approx EUR120, Overnight
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Day 2: Belgian Culture & Canals

Zwolle, Netherlands - Bruges, Belgium on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to start your journey towards Belgium.
Often included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Bruges

Set off on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the beautiful medieval city of Bruges, Belgium’s 'Venice of the North.'
Fuel cost approx EUR35, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at De Vlaamsche Pot

Sample authentic Flemish dishes like carbonnade Flamande in this traditional, charming restaurant near the historic center.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Canal Boat Tour Bruges

Enjoy a one-hour boat tour through Bruges’ canals to admire medieval architecture and historic sites from the water (operates until 8pm).
EUR12 per person, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Belfry of Bruges

Climb the historic Belfry tower (open 9:30am–6pm) for panoramic views of Bruges and surrounding countryside.
EUR14 per person, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Markt Square & Chocolate Shopping

Wander through Bruges’ bustling main square and visit famous chocolate shops like The Chocolate Line for a sweet treat.
Free to browse, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro Den Huzaar

Relax with classic Belgian cuisine in a cozy setting just off Markt Square, offering hearty meals and local beer.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:30pm

Overnight stay in Bruges

Book a charming hotel like Hotel de Orangerie overlooking the canal for an authentic Bruges experience.
Approx EUR150, Overnight
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Day 3: Historic Ghent & Back To Utrecht

Bruges - Ghent - Utrecht on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast before heading out to Ghent.
Usually included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Ghent

Travel 45 minutes to Ghent, a vibrant university city with impressive medieval architecture.
Fuel cost approx EUR10, 0h45m

10:15am

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Tour the medieval Gravensteen Castle (open 9:30am–5pm) to explore its ramparts and learn about Ghent’s history.
EUR10 per person, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at 't Klaverblad

Enjoy flavorful Flemish dishes in this quaint and friendly restaurant located near the city center.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei

Walk along these picturesque riverfront streets with stunning guild houses and vibrant cafes.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive back to Utrecht

Begin the approximately 3-hour drive back to Utrecht for your final night, ensuring plenty of time to rest.
Fuel cost approx EUR30, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner in Utrecht at Stadskasteel Oudaen

Wrap up your trip enjoying traditional Dutch meals in a historic castle setting located in the city center.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Utrecht

Stay overnight to rest after your road trip at a comfortable hotel such as Mother Goose Hotel.
Approx EUR120, Overnight
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