Update: Thanks to all the great feedback, I think I have rough idea formulated. Please let me know what you think of this:
Week 1: Fly into Brussels and transfer to Namur, capital of the Walloon Region. A week exploring Wallonia
Week 2: Up to Brussels for a week; daytrips, etc.
Week 3+: Probably a couple nights in Rotterdam first, then onwards to Zwolle and a week focused the historic Hanseatic cities. Also Park Hoge Veluwe (h/t @Tim)
Week 4: Leiden and daytrips. Fly home from Amsterdam.
Thoughts? Additional ideas? Cautionary tales? Thanks in advance!
Original Post: So, I've got a good travel planning challenge for the Forum (at least I hope it is good!) Here are the parameters:
- An autumnal month (i.e. any time September through November) in Belgium and Holland, with the four weeks spread out over four one-week, apartment-based stays.
- Ideally the four cities link up from one to the next with relative ease by train, i.e. no two- and three-transfers to relocate week to week. We will NOT have a car for any portion of the trip
- The week at each city should be a combination of an interesting and scenic base, with access to a variety of direct daytrips by train or bus (up to 90 or so minutes away). Our interests are history, art, architecture, food, drink, photography, walking/hiking, and natural history. In our 60s, still actively walking and reasonably fit. Not interested in massive crowds, nightlife, lager louts, 420 tourism, discotheques, extreme sports, or becoming internet influencers.
- We're those weirdos who actually really likes Brussels, so one of the four will be Brussels. But it can be at the beginning, end, or middle.
- I assume we'll fly in and out of either Amsterdam or Brussels. Don't worry too much about that. We can also add padding to account for an airport hotel or transfer at the beginning or end.
- In addition to Brussels, we have also visited Ghent, Bruges, Kortrijk, and Tournai. Any of those are still on the table for a week-long stay, but just noting that up front. Also, we're hoping the four stops provide a mix of experiences and variations of themes (typography, history, cuisine, etc.)
I think that covers it but lob questions if not. Otherwise, I'm really curious what you think are four puzzle pieces that go well together to create a terrific month in the Low Countries. Thanks in advance!