Hi--I just booked a trip for this coming June, so of course I'm starting to madly obsess about all my options.
I have a good idea of our options for day-tripping from Brussels, but I'd like to know more about some of the options and pros and cons about the days we can use as we make our way to Amsterdam.
I've thought about taking the via-Maastricht way--and taking a day or two there. I have an interest in history and especially US/Operation Market Garden ties to Netherlands (and I've spent some time in Eindhoven).
Or, is Aachen worth the longer train ride to Amsterdam? I don't tend to like to spend too much of a day en route to a place, but if Aachen is recommended, --and I can add the "and I went to Germany" notch in the travel belt, that's fun too.
The third idea floated was to take a couple of days and go to Luxembourg City from Brussels before Amsterdam, but I think that might be pushing our time line a bit--i.e.--not wanting to lose a day in a city for the en route travels.
The 'layover' town would really just be 24-36 hours as we make our way to Amsterdam from Brussels. I'm leaning toward the eastern way since we were in Antwerp a few years ago and am looking for a different way 'round.
Our travel priorities are walking side streets, taking pictures, outdoor people watching, sipping lovely beverages, stumbling upon quirky museums, wandering through crazy historic churches, arguing about making decisions for where to eat/drink, and following some historic trail of medieval events.
Anyone want to add your two cents so I can add more obsessing to my google -doc planning? :)
Thank you!
--Jonelle