7 Day Belgium and Netherlands Tour Packages

Belgium And Netherlands itineraries for 7 days

Compiled by

SteffBelgium and Netherlands travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Days in Netherlands & France, incl. Amsterdam and Paris

  Amsterdam's canals, Zaanse Schans windmills, and medieval Bruges highlight this 3-day Benelux tour. Traditional Dutch villages of Volendam and Marken charm visitors, while diamond workshop demonstrations and evening entertainment in Rembrandtplein round out the experience.

  

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  • Day 1

    Amsterdam Arrival

    Take the direct train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal. Trains run every 15 minutes, cost €5.50 and take 20 minutes. Use your first afternoon to explore the city. One traveler suggests: "Start with a walk around the Jordaan neighborhood—the narrow streets are less crowded in the evening, and the canal houses look magical at sunset."

    
  • Day 2

    Dutch Countryside & Amsterdam

    Get an early start at 8:30 AM to visit Zaanse Schans. The working windmills are quieter before 10 AM. Next, drive 30 minutes to Volendam and catch a ferry to Marken (€10 round-trip, running every 30-45 minutes). Bring good walking shoes since Marken's wooden walkways can get slippery. Return to Amsterdam for a diamond cutting demonstration at Gassan Diamonds. End your day at Rembrandtplein for dinner but book ahead since restaurants fill up after 8 PM.

    
  • Day 3

    Amsterdam to Paris via Bruges

    Pack breakfast for the 3.5-hour drive to Bruges. Plan to arrive by 11 AM to avoid the crowds. A visitor notes: "The line for the Belfry Tower moves quickly before lunch—climb the 366 steps early, then reward yourself with Belgian waffles." From Bruges it's another 3 hours to Paris. Consider staying in La Défense for a quieter experience with good Metro access.

    
  • Day 4

    Versailles & Montmartre

    Catch the first RER C train to Versailles at 7:05 AM. The palace opens at 9 AM and early arrival makes a big difference. Spend your afternoon in Montmartre. You can take the funicular up or climb the steps for better Sacré-Cœur photos. Take a city tour to finish the day and sit on the right side for the best Eiffel Tower views.

    
  • Day 5

    Paris Highlights

    Your ticket includes second floor access to the Eiffel Tower. Book a morning slot when security lines are shorter. On your Seine cruise, sit left to see Notre-Dame. The afternoon is free to explore Le Marais where shops stay open late and streets get lively after 3 PM.

    
  • Day 6

    Paris Departure

    Flying from Charles de Gaulle? Take the RER B train (€10.30, 45-60 minutes). Add extra time for Terminal 2 since the airport shuttle between terminals takes 15 minutes.

    

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• 7 Day Netherlands & Belgium Itinerary, incl. Rotterdam and Antwerp

  

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  • Day 1

    Cologne to Zaandam

    Board the DCS Amethyst 2 at Cologne's riverside port in the afternoon. The port is just 15 minutes from the main train station. The ship begins its journey in the evening and sails overnight through the Rhine delta to Zaandam. Consider arriving in Cologne a day early to visit the Cathedral. It's only a 10-minute walk from the dock.

    
  • Day 2

    Zaandam and Dutch Countryside

    You'll wake up in Zaandam which opens the door to Holland's windmill country. The Zaanse Schans open-air museum is 3km from the dock. Rent a bike for a quick ride there and catch the morning light for great windmill photos. Head back to the ship for lunch before cruising through the North Sea Canal to Rotterdam.

    
  • Day 3

    Rotterdam

    The ship arrives early in Rotterdam, Europe's biggest port city. Start your morning at the unique Cube Houses and Markthal food hall before they get busy. Take a water taxi across the Nieuwe Maas river for excellent skyline views. Most attractions are within walking distance of the ship's dock near the Erasmus Bridge.

    
  • Day 4

    Ghent

    You'll arrive in Ghent ready for breakfast. The medieval center is easy to walk around. Get to St. Bavo's Cathedral early to see the Ghent Altarpiece without crowds. Looking for Belgian chocolate? Skip the tourist spots in Bruges and check out the shops on Mageleinstraat.

    
  • Day 5

    Antwerp

    The ship pulls right into the heart of Antwerp near Central Station. Visit the Diamond District in the morning before it gets crowded. The historic center and Grote Markt look best in afternoon light for photos. Keep in mind that museums typically close on Mondays.

    
  • Day 6

    Nijmegen

    The Netherlands' oldest city blends Roman history with modern Dutch culture. The ship docks close to the center so you can explore on your own. Take a morning walk along the city walls and visit the National Liberation Museum later. Watch the sunset from the riverside promenade.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Cologne

    Your final cruise back to Cologne offers great Cathedral views around 10 AM. The ship arrives for an 11 AM departure, giving you plenty of time to catch connecting trains or flights.

    

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• 6 Day Benelux Itinerary, incl. Brussels and Amsterdam

  Belgium and Netherlands reveal their treasures over 6 days, from Bruges' Minnewater to Amsterdam's canal district. Ghent's medieval harbor, Dutch windmills, and central Brussels hotels await. Daily breakfast and expert guides enhance the experience.

  

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  • Day 1

    Brussels Arrival & Old Town

    After arriving at Brussels Airport head to your hotel in the city center where you can check in from 3 PM. Spend your first evening exploring the historic Grand Place which looks spectacular after sunset when lights illuminate the baroque guildhalls. A recent visitor noted: "The hotel's central location made it easy to walk to Grand Place for dinner and see the buildings all lit up at night."

    
  • Day 2

    Brussels Discovery

    Start exploring Brussels on the hop-on-hop-off bus starting at 9:30 AM. Visit the Comic Strip Center first to beat the crowds then make your way to the Atomium in the afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photos. Visit the Royal Quarter after 3 PM when most tour groups have left and the Place Royale area is quieter.

    
  • Day 3

    Bruges & Ghent Day Trip

    Leave Brussels at 8:45 AM for a 10.5-hour trip to medieval Ghent and Bruges. Get to St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent early to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece before crowds arrive. Head to Bruges after lunch and take a canal cruise. One visitor shared: "Bruges feels like stepping into a fairytale but book the canal tour before 4 PM when lines get long and the light is still good for photos."

    
  • Day 4

    Luxembourg & Dinant

    Begin this 12-hour trip at 8:15 AM. The drive to Luxembourg takes about 2.5 hours so bring something light to eat. Start at the Palace of the Grand Duke before the midday crowds arrive. Visit the Casemates underground fortifications in the afternoon when it's cooler. End your day in Dinant the birthplace of the saxophone.

    
  • Day 5

    Amsterdam Day Trip

    Leave at 8:15 AM for the 3-hour drive to Amsterdam. Stop at a traditional cheese farm on the way. Skip the busy Dam Square and explore the charming Jordaan neighborhood instead. Remember your bus leaves Amsterdam at 8 PM so plan your evening carefully.

    
  • Day 6

    Brussels Departure

    Check out of your hotel by noon. For late flights store your bags at the hotel and visit the Musical Instruments Museum or take photos at Petit Sablon garden. A traveler called it "a hidden gem that most tourists miss."

    

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