connecting the dots belgium-france-england...with teenagers for their first European trip

The trip to the south of France is a big detour to make just to see Roman ruins, especially if you plan to see Hadrian's Wall. If you still decide to do it, it's a long trip by train from Brussels - look into flights from Brussels to Marseilles as well as the train.

I personally wouldn't stay in Marne-la-Vallee, but instead stay somewhere in central Paris and make the trips to Versailles and to Disneyland from there.

Are you absolutely sure that Disneyland is a major item for them? Anaheim or Orlando could be a separate trip to save a European day for something more unique. (And possibly cheaper. )

Laura had the same thought I did. If your kids have been to a U.S. Disney, the European one may be a big letdown.

Hello Michelle. In Great Britain : I recommend being at London four whole days. That could include a day trip to Windsor castle and the town Windsor, and a relaxed day at Kew Gardens. In your remaining days in England, I recommend going to two destinations, such as the Cotswolds (Chipping Campden) and Warwick Castle. Teenage boys like being at Warwick castle. I did not like the Blemheim palace. Going to several places in a short period of time is hectic and stressfull.

Ron - Why didn't you like Blenheim Palace?

Even though you have 3-4 weeks, I think you're trying to see too many far-flung places in that time. You can do it, if you want to spend the money on flights, and if you don't mind changing hotels all the time. But that gets old fast. So, I'd advise you to cut down the number of destinations. I understand your desire to see all these places, and I'm not saying they're not worthwhile. But your kids, being young, will get to come back to Europe; they don't have to see "everything" on this first trip.

If you are going to detour to Arles and Nimes, spend some more time there, and don't miss the Roman Theater in Orange, with its huge, intact theatrical wall. But I agree that this is an obvious geographical outlier.

In your situation, I'd be sure to get your boys' input as well. I'm sure their first impulse is to see it all, but have them do some research of their own, and have them rank their own "must sees." Put it on the basis of "If we can't see everything this time, what do you want to do on this trip, and what can wait until the next trip?"

Michelle, I like some of the other posters wonder why you would spend precious time in Europe at Disney. I would recommend looking into visiting Mt. St. Michel instead. My sister in law and her family lived in Europe for several years and ALL of her boys said Mt st. Michel was their absolute favorite place to visit. We have been twice with my sons who both loved it also.

There are Roman ruins in Tongeren, about 2 hours from Bruges; and in Tournai, about 1 hour. They may not be as spectacular as those in the South of France, but they are worth seeing if you're interested in Roman ruins in general and much more accessible, considering the other distances you want to travel during your trip.

Some 25km west of Bruges in Oudenburg is the Roman Archeological Museum and at the same distance more east in Aardenburg in the Netherlands the Archeological Museum. Nice places, but lesser attractive if looking for something more spectacular.
To my opinion the best place closest to Bruges for Roman remains is Trier in Germany with Porta Nigra, Basilica, St. Petersdom, Römerbrücke, UNESCO listed amphitheatre, etc.. You can combine it with a visit to Tongeren which has some (mainly archeological) Roman remains and the worth to visit/consider Gallo-Roman Museum (temporary Viking exhibition from October till March 2015) . You can use the UNESCO list for other places somewhere else.
As said before Southern France has the more spectacular sites, but to avoid a time consuming detour, Trier is to my opinion spectacular enough and certainly worth to consider and is btw the birthplace of Karl Marx (museum).