Netherlands & Belgium: A 12-Day In-Country Tour of 10 Cities

Netherlands & Belgium – A 12-Day Journey Across 10 Cities

12 Days

€5,351~ /Per person (when sharing a double room)

• Included in the Price
  What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodation for 11 nights (including breakfast)
  • Train tickets as indicated (second class)
  • Private canal cruise in Amsterdam (English)
  • Private food tour in Amsterdam (English)
  • Ferry from Marken to Volendam
  • Canal cruise in Ghent (English)
  • Private walking tour in Bruges (English)
  • Private food tour in Brussels (English)
  • Brussels waffle experience
  • Admission fees for the facilities as listed (8 locations)

• 

  Included in the Price
  What’s Not Included

  • International flight tickets
  • City tourism tax
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Other personal expenses such as travel insurance or souvenirs
  • Tips

Trip Highlights

Itinerary Details

• Day 1

  

  Arrival in Amsterdam

  From the airport or train station, you will take a train to your hotel in central Amsterdam.
  
  The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is a quaint and beautiful city where you can encounter maze-like canals, narrow streets, and historic buildings throughout.
  It is also known as a port city famed for its maritime trade, where getting around by bicycle or on foot is a delight.
  
  First, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll enjoy the beautiful cityscape that has evolved since the 17th century while learning about its rich history and culture.
  
  Once you explore the city, you’re sure to discover a great restaurant where you can enjoy a delightful dinner.
  
  Breakfast: × Lunch: × Dinner: ×
  Accommodation: Amsterdam

• Day 2

  

  Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, Food Tour

  Breakfast at the hotel.
  
  Your day begins at the Netherlands’ most famous museum, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
  The museum houses works by renowned Dutch painters, including Rembrandt’s 'The Night Watch' and pieces by Vermeer from the 17th century, among others.
  
  In the afternoon, embark on a private walking food tour!
  An English-speaking local guide will lead you on a 4-hour tour through Amsterdam’s historic culinary district, the Jordaan. Once home to the working-class of the 17th century, this area features many flower-lined streets and a variety of charming shops and eateries, with stops at around six venues where you can savor a range of authentically Dutch delicacies.
  
  
  Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Optional (Food Tour); Dinner: Not included
  Accommodation: Amsterdam

• Day 3

  

  Sightseeing in Marken, Volendam, Edam, and Zaanse Schans

  Breakfast at the hotel.
  On Day 3, you’ll tour the northern towns surrounding Amsterdam to see iconic Dutch symbols such as wooden shoes, fishing traditions, cheese, and windmills.
  
  First, you’ll be driven to the town of Marken, located by Lake Marker, where you’ll visit a quaint wooden shoe factory in the village. 　
  
  From Marken, you’ll take a ferry to the village of Volendam, renowned for its harbor filled with historic fishing boats. If the opportunity arises during your trip, be sure to sample the freshwater fish caught in Lake IJssel.
  
  Next, you’ll visit the famous Dutch cheese market, celebrated for its dairy heritage! Although the actual market is only open on Wednesdays during July and August, even visiting the square on other days is well worth it—especially given the astonishing variety of cheeses that you wouldn’t imagine finding in Japan.
  Finally, you’ll visit the windmills of Zaanse Schans. In the 17th century, during a period of rapid industrialization, over 600 windmills were built to grind spices, produce paint, cut wood, and manufacture oil. Today, it remains a beautiful spot that continues to attract visitors.
  
  Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Not included; Dinner: Not included
  Accommodation: Amsterdam

• Day 4

  

  Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House

  Breakfast at the hotel.
  
  In the morning, visit one of the Netherlands’ highlights, the Van Gogh Museum. Here you can admire masterpieces by the renowned Impressionist giant Van Gogh, including 'The Potato Eaters,' 'Sunflowers,' and 'Wheatfield with Crows,' part of his extensive collection of over 2,000 paintings.
  
  In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Anne Frank House.
  This is the building where a young Jewish girl, whose famous 'Diary of Anne Frank' has been read around the world, hid with her family for over two years during World War II.
  Today, it is preserved as a museum that continues to convey the tragedies of war.
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Amsterdam

• Day 5

  

  Amsterdam → Delft

  After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take a train heading about one hour south from Amsterdam to the city of Delft.
  
  
  Delft is renowned as the city where the 17th-century painter Vermeer lived.
  The city, which has spread alongside a waterway since the 12th century, is a popular destination featuring a grand church, historic buildings, charming squares, an impressive city hall, and many pubs.
  
  First, at the Vermeer Center, you will get a glimpse into Vermeer's life and learn how he lived in the 17th century. At the center, you can see Vermeer's masterpiece ‘The Milkmaid’.
  
  Next, visit one of Delft’s must-see spots: the Delft Blue pottery workshop. Renowned for its traditional blue-and-white ceramics, the workshop still operates today and is famous as a local specialty of Delft. You can even watch as the pottery is decorated in person.
  You’re sure to find the perfect item for a souvenir!
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Delft

• Day 6　

  

  The Hague (Den Haag) – Day Trip

  After breakfast, you’ll take a train for a day trip to The Hague (Den Haag), the third-largest city in the Netherlands.
  
  The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and serves as the de facto capital, featuring both a historic area with classical buildings and a modern district that houses international organization headquarters.
  
  First, visit the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer’s world-famous ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’ The museum is also known for displaying three of the only 37 Vermeer paintings in existence, in addition to many other celebrated works.
  
  If the weather is nice, it’s recommended to hop on a tram and extend your visit to the coastal town of Scheveningen, where you can stroll along the North Sea beach.
  Of course, you can also return to Delft early and explore the town on foot.
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Delft

• Day 7

  

  Delft → Ghent

  After breakfast, check out of your hotel and cross the border into Belgium.
  The enchanting, fairytale-like city of Ghent—also known as Gent or Gaan—is Belgium’s third-largest city located in the north. It is also home to historic buildings that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites ‘The Belfry of Belgium and France’ and ‘The Beguinages of Flanders.’
  
  In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the historic center with a private guide (in English). Along the way, you’ll be introduced to local shops selling regional specialties—great for souvenir ideas. Be sure to try the local raspberry candy, famously known as ‘Ghent’s Nose.’
  Use this tour as an opportunity to learn plenty from your guide so that your days in Ghent will be even more memorable.
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Ghent

• Day 8

  

  Ghent

  After breakfast at your hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Ghent on your own.
  
  First, visit the Count of Flanders’ castle, constructed in the 12th century. Ghent was ruled by successive Counts of Flanders from the 9th to the 18th century. With an audio guide available, you can learn about its astonishing history—from knights in shining armor to battles with Vikings and even tales of underground dungeons.
  
  Then, take a boat ride through the canals to view Ghent from the water.
  You will receive a list of recommended spots, so you can sample some of Ghent’s delicious cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely and uniquely delightful time in Ghent by eating and drinking at places that catch your eye.
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Ghent

• Day 9

  

  Bruges – Day Trip

  After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day trip by train to the city of Bruges, which is about a 30-minute ride away.
  
  Bruges began to be inhabited in the 9th century and thrived as a center for the wool trade until the 15th century, but it later became known as a town where time seems to have stood still, as ships from the North Sea were no longer able to enter.
  The historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering beautiful European streets that seem to breathe the spirit of the Middle Ages.
  To truly enjoy Bruges, a walking tour with a private guide is the best option!
  The tour takes you along cobblestone streets past numerous small squares and monuments, making it a truly special experience.
  
  Afterwards, learn all about Belgian chocolate at the Choco Story Museum.
  
  After a day of enjoying Bruges, you will return to Ghent by train.
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Ghent

• Day 10

  

  Ghent → Brussels

  After breakfast at the hotel, take a train from Ghent to Brussels.
  
  Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is also known as a culinary city.
  On the afternoon of your arrival, set off on a private food tour!
  This tour gives you the chance to enjoy the true taste of Belgium, beyond the well-known waffles, fries, beer, and chocolate.
  You will also get to savor foods such as "choesels", "bloempanch", "stoemp", and "plattekeis", as well as a variety of desserts.
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes; Lunch: Yes (food tour); Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Brussels

• Day 11

  

  Brussels

  It’s best to have a light breakfast this morning so that you can fully enjoy the activities planned for Day 11!
  
  In the morning, take part in a Belgian waffle workshop.
  This intimate workshop, designed for a small international group, gives you the chance to actually make and enjoy Belgian waffles.
  
  The afternoon is free, so feel free to explore Brussels, shop for Belgian souvenirs, or visit the World Heritage site, Grand Place—whatever catches your interest!
  Of course, you can also choose to add an optional tour if you like!
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes; Lunch: Partial (waffles); Dinner: No
  Accommodation: Brussels

• Day 12

  

  On the way home

  Breakfast at the hotel.
  After check-out, you will depart from Brussels on your respective journeys.
  
  
  
  Breakfast: Yes Lunch: No Dinner: No
  Accommodation:

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