One month art/history focus trip August/September 2025

That looks like a lovely trip! I do wonder about the short stay in London, followed by your longest stay in A'dam. Given that your first day in London will be jet lagged, and there is SO much to see and do there, that you might consider taking a day from A'dam and giving it to London.

I would definitely fly from Paris to Florence. Personally, I would skip Belgium, spend less time in Amsterdam and spend more time in Italy and do day trips from Florence to Orvieto (stunning facade of cathedral) and Siena. People on this forum will say don't, but I have done long day trips from Rome to Pompeii twice and it was fine.

I do love art history and Florence is my favorite place in Europe, with London being #2. You should be sure to go to the Museo San Marco in Florence to see art in its original location. The San Clemente Church in Rome is a must-see, in my opinion, because of the layers of history you can see there.

Because you have a year to plan, I suggest casting your net very wide at this stage, each making a list of the specific places you want to visit, without regard to practicalities at this point. A Google doc that you can both edit is a great way to share this. I use a spreadsheet that eventually becomes a very detailed itinerary, including links to sights and activities.
Art and history are broad categories. Choosing an era of history or a style of art/architecture might help with editing. I highly recommend a shared reading list, both for planning and for during-trip "book clubs."
Take a look at organized tours to see what is available. You might find one that suits your interests, and you can build the trip around that. You will also get itinerary ideas from organized tours that might make it easier to structure yours. Of course, this site is loaded with Rick's itinerary suggestions (although they are mostly country-by-country, as far as I can tell).
Find out about the Jubilee in Italy and if/how that will impact your plans. As your trip gets closer, find out about other special events you want to attend (or avoid).
And take a look at seat61.com to plan your train journeys and help you make the decision about flying or training between Paris and Florence (or Paris and London for that matter). Be open to getting a car (or car and driver) for a day or two here or there to get to an out-of-the way place.
Finally, I always recommend finding the best transatlantic flight ("best" being super subjective, of course; could be cheapest, shortest, uses miles, whatever) and planning around that. For example, I just got back from a trip to Ireland that started with three nights in Germany (Mosel Valley, highly recommend) because the best flight for me was a lie-flat business class one into Frankfurt that I could pay for with my miles.
Have a great trip!

Hi mariart!

What are must sees for art and history lovers?

I see by your previous threads that you have already been to London many times, and have already done some delving into attractions for the art and history lover in Amsterdam and Belgium. I also see that your eldest is (or was) a fine arts student so I'm guessing she might have a pretty good handle on what she wants to see as far as art goes ? It's OK if she doesn't; the gang here can make good suggestions. :O)

As you've previously been to Paris too it might be helpful if you could tell what you've already seen in that city and London so we don't duplicate suggestions? Also, as you've been to both, I might suggest cutting London entirely, taking a night from Paris, and splitting those nights between Florence - which offers an insane amount of fabulous art - and Rome. You could probably take a night from Amsterdam too; 7 nights is a lot of that one, IMHO. We loved Bruges - lots of history and art there - and day-tripped to Ghent so I think you're OK with what you've allotted for those. I would try to get into either city you choose as a base in good time from Amsterdam so you have a good chunk of arrival day for sightseeing.

"Must see" history can be a tough one as that could cover any number of different themes/eras. Can you help us drill down a little more on that subject?

You are going to get many suggestions and advice, but I am going to present just one day trip because I think it is often overlooked by art lovers traveling to Paris.

Easy day trip - Chateau de Chantilly - 2nd largest collection of art works outside of the Louvre. (Also chateau and grounds, and The Living Museum of the Horse if you are interest in that - horse show demonstrations on premise). You can see it all in one comfortable day, train access, walkable from station.

https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/chateau/the-art-galleries/

Sounds like a great trip!!

Please plan a day trip from Paris is to visit Giverney and see Monet's Garden. I think you have an excellent plan. Flying Paris-Florence makes sense to me, unless you want to investigate the adventure of a night train.

Hi everyone, such great advice!

A couple of things to add: our dates in Amsterdam are already set as August 19-26 as we’re also going to Sail Amsterdam (as if Europe in summer isn’t already going to be crowded enough!)..,we’ve booked an apartment hotel already. Being from the middle of the prairie in Canada and miles from the ocean we couldn’t turn down a chance to see the tall ships…

Flights of course are unknown at this time but in general our best flight options here tend to be into London or Paris. We’ve both seen London several times and love it but if prices end up being better we’d skip London this time and start off in Paris, then Belgium then Amsterdam then fly to Florence etc. This would give us a few more days to play with but moves our trip to more August rather than late August and early September … I’m wondering about the weather especially in Italy for then? Plus I was thinking that we’d have better flights to Florence from Paris than Amsterdam? Not sure…

Yes we’ve been to Paris before for a week but saw maybe three galleries so going back to Paris is essential for us. I ‘negotiated’ with artist daughter to only going to Paris for 6-7 nights so not sure id be able to convince her to do less…I think Monet’s Givernay was one of our day trip ideas and certainly staying longer in Paris allows for that. Chantilly is a new suggestion for me but I’ll research…

Similarly Belgium with Ghent etc was non negotiable for daughter so some days there are a must for art and history. And I can’t argue with that as Belgium appeals and I’ve never been.

Yes ‘adding’ Italy to this trip certainly stretches our budget and itinerary (our original thought was to save Italy for another time…). We’ve been to the north of Italy but some time in Florence and Rome (just to get a taste of Italian art and history really) seems like a likely addition. I appreciate the info on the ‘other’ Florence cathedrals too.

And I confess being non Catholic I didn’t even think about the Jubilee in 2025 and crowds … although if I timed the visit correctly I might miss one of the listed specific Jubilee days as we’d be there in early September… anyone been to Italy during a Jubilee year to comment on how impactful this would be? I like the day trip idea to Pompeii….Italy certainly checks all the boxes for art and history if heat and crowds are tolerable in early September …thoughts? Thx again!

This would give us a few more days to play with but moves our trip to
more August rather than late August and early September … I’m
wondering about the weather especially in Italy for then?

There's going to be little-to-no difference in weather between a few-day shift of later August and early September to plan around. My guess? It's going to be hot in Florence and Rome.

About that Ghent altarpiece: my wife paid to see it; I didn't. She's glad she did, but said that one is kept so far from the painting that one cannot see brushstrokes or detail. The viewer is kept 12 to 15 feet away, viewing the work through a thick protective glass.

Given those facts, and given that many excellent photographs of the work are available to view online, I'm glad I didn't waste my money. Different perspectives.

It's a 25 euro ticket to fly from London to Amsterdam. Why on earth would you take the train?

And how is an art lover going to pass on places like Nancy, and the Art Deco movement? Or Arles? Or Giverny? And I realize Paris is a big draw, but the Alte and Neu Pinakothek in Munich are fantastic.

And you should consider the cathedral in Reims as a destination. The historical place for crowning the king of France and fantastic windows by Chagall. Easy to get to from Paris.

And don't forget the really old art, like the caves at Lascaux. At 30,000-12,000 years old a few days in the Dordogne can cover a lot of history.

I really like Bruges but can't see 4 nights there.

Flying to Florence makes a lot of sense.

As has been noted August can be difficult. It's 95 here in the Alsace today, and there's no AC. Plus everybody seems to be on vacation, so getting things done is challenging.

I highly recommend you look at booking places to stay with a washer/dryer for laundry, or plan on paying a premium to have it done. Or shop as you go along. Pack light, it sucks fighting luggage when it's hot or raining.

When I saw the Ghent alternpiece it was encased in glass but we could get close enough and walk all around it. I'm so glad we saw it.

This seems like a wonderful trip for an art lover. I would take a night away from Belgium to add to Italy.

I am not an art specialist, but know these are top notch museums to visit in the Netherlands:

In Amsterdam besides the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are Rembrandthuis and for contemporary art: Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. H’ART museum with an exhibition about Kandinsky till the 10th of coming November.https://www.hartmuseum.nl/en/exhibitions/

Utrecht: Museum Catharijnenconvent about religious art from the early Middle Ages till today. https://www.catharijneconvent.nl/visitor-information/

The Hague: Besides Mautirshuis to visit are Escher in Het Paleis and Kunstmuseum Den Haag. https://www.kunstmuseum.nl/en/masterpieces?page=5

Rotterdam: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is closed for renovation but part of the collection is on display in the nearby Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Kunsthal Rotterdam about contemporary art.
https://www.boijmans.nl/en/depot
https://www.kunsthal.nl/en/#tijdlijn-2024-08

Kröller Müller Museum with it’s extensive Van Gogh collection (and much more) north of Arnhem. https://krollermuller.nl/en

Further well known in the Netherlands: Museum Voorlinden about contemporary and modern art north of The Hague with an exhibition about Ron Meuck till the 17th of coming November. And Singer Laren east of Amsterdam.
https://www.voorlinden.nl/?lang=en
https://www.singerlaren.nl/en

Hi everyone! Such great info ! Some itinerary revisions based on suggestions above:

We’ll look at flights from London to Amsterdam too but if we book Eurostar 6 months ahead it’s not much more expensive than flights with even one baggage allowance ($150 Eurostar advance purchase 4 hour direct train vs probably $150 air fare with one carry on). Factor in airport commute and check in and flight maybe will still take 3 hours? At least when I checked Ryanair as they seem to really charge high for that little carry on bag…St Pancras train station is a bit easier to commute to over any London airport which might take us an hour or more to get around (especially if Heathrow which should be its own trip trying to navigate there!) Few hours ‘lost’ either way on that travel day really I think…got to love the journey that day and train for a few hours isn’t terrible I think but I’ll check options too.

Yes we’re definitely going to have laundry access at least at every second base city. I have apartments lined up for Amsterdam and Belgium but would love suggestions for Italy and Paris apartments? I have some shortlisted ones from Booking for those places but nothing chosen…

If we can afford it we’re going to add one (or more) days to Florence to add one of day trip to either Perugia, Pisa and Ravenna. Would love to add Ravenna as another base but trying to keep overnights to a few places if possible. So day trip it is…artist daughter is all in! And keeping few days in Rome because we can’t not go … it has so much and is so close to Florence…. we’ve seen Venice and Murano (we have family in Verona) a couple of times so that’s why it’s not on our list for 2025…

And we’re keeping the same 7 days for Amsterdam (to see some but unfortunately can’t see all) of suggested Netherlands galleries as well as Sail. Seven days not nearly enough but it’s a taste…also may cut Belgium by one day but Ghent alter piece is a must so still going. We’ve become accustomed to only seeing artwork from a distance, behind glass, with crowds blocking the view etc. We’ll still get to see it…it will be magnificent all the same I’m sure.

We’ll keep to September travel as much as possible to avoid holiday closures and heat in Italy. I’m still unsure about the impact that the Jubilee will have? Thoughts?

I’d absolutely love to see the Dordogne caves, Reims also Arles/Aix region (and Moorish Spain, Greece or Türkiye…just to name a few) but I think another trip idea for those. ..

But I love everyone’s suggestions…and welcome more!

I just keep adding travel days to the itinerary so I’ll need to win the lottery for sure now… But it’s great to hear your ideas…Thx! Maria

I really like Bruges but can't see 4 nights there.

We all are interested in different things but we spent 4 nights there including one day in Ghent (very easy by train) and didn't run out of things to do. Mariart, here are just a few of the things I'd recommend for you and your daughters to check out:

The Groeninge Museum:
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/groeningemuseum
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/collections/browse?repository=groeningemuseum
We enjoyed the art collection in this one very much.

The Gruuthuse Museum
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/gruuthusemuseum
It was closed for renovation when we were in town or we absolutely would have done it.

Sint-Janshospitaal
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/sint-janshospitaal
This one was really interesting; a fascinating combo of history and art. It has recently been renovated.
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/sint-janshospitaal

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk Museum
This one had a cameo in the 'Monument's Men' because of a ham-sized 'Madonna and Child', chiseled by Michelangelo, that resides in this church; the first of his sculptures to leave Italy. But the individuals resting in the tombs in front of the altar, Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy, are important players in the Bruges story. I can send you a piece I put together on them if you're interested?
https://www.museabrugge.be/en/visit-our-museums/our-museums-and-monuments/onze-lieve-vrouwekerk

Jeruzalemkapel
The private chapel of the Adornes family, who have a very long history in Bruges. The day we visited we bought our tickets and were briefly shown about by a member of the 17th generation (if I counted right) of this family, and who was married in this little church. We were the only visitors here on the day we stopped by.
https://www.adornes.org/en-home
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/jeruzalemkapel-jerusalem-chapel
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/adornesdomein-adornes-estate

Basilica of the Holy Blood
https://www.holyblood.com/homepage-of-the-basilica-of-the-holy-blood
A 12th-century church (lower) and 15th-century (upper). The yearly "Procession of the Holy Blood" - when they parade its most storied relic - has occurred every year on Ascension Day since 1304, and is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. One of the only two years it was cancelled was the year we were there; 2015 for rain. Just our luck.

Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
You and your daughters will doubtless find the history of this previous enclave of self-supporting women to be interesting indeed! I can send you a bit more on this one too. Another UNESCO site.
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/begijnhof-beguinage
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/about-bruges/world-heritage-city/beguinage

Sint-Jakobskerk
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/sint-jakobskerk-st-jamess-church

Sint-Salvatorskathedraal
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/sint-salvatorskathedraal-saint-saviours-cathedral

Walk the city's ramparts:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/de-vesten-city-ramparts

Jan van Eyckplein
The loveliest treat for the camera in the early morning!
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/jan-van-eyckplein-jan-van-eyck-square

Markt and Burg:
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/burg-burg-square
https://www.visitbruges.be/en/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/markt-market-square

Lots more!
https://www.visitbruges.be/en

Hi miuccia, I appreciate the information about both Ravenna and Rome. Daughter had heard of Ravenna mosaics but didn’t think it was possible to day trip from Florence but it looks very reasonable (with maybe dinner stop in Bologna on way back…). So that’s now in the itinerary (and I just saw photos of Assisi…) and so we’re planning more days in Florence to permit some day trips. Whether we visit for 25 or 35 days won’t matter much as daughter says ‘it’s only money’. Must remind myself of that when the credit card bill is due next year…

Do you think that the Jubilee impact other churches/museum visits in Italy or Vatican only?

And no worries about going back to Rome and Naples on future trips to add more especially in cooler weather. With family there (Verona and Syracusa) this trip is certainly not the last trip to Italy (first to Rome and in high season though…to be honest Rome has never been my ‘must see’ of all the Italian cities but maybe I’ve not given it the credit it deserves ). As long as I’m not completely overwhelmed by the heat and crowds in Rome Italy will always be on my radar… thx! Maria

I agree about the importance of Ravenna. Your itinerary is Renaissance heavy, so going back to the 5th-6th century mosaics of Ravenna is a good choice.

You mentioned Assisi. This may sound crazy, but why don’t you go to Perugia for a couple of days and catch your flight home after that. You can take a day trip to Assisi from there. I just spent two weeks in Ombria, based in Perugia, with a group from my regional art museum here in France. Assisi is not to be missed. Perugia is rich in art.

Rome really does deserve its own itinerary that includes the Etruscans, Tivoli, and more antiquity. When you see the gap from late antiquity to all the Baroque, you begin to understand a little about Rome’s history.. (There are a few interesting Medieval churches to see.) Of course, Naples, Pompeii, etc.

Finally, if you have family in Syracuse, hopefully you’ll visit Sicily one day to see all the Greek temple ruins and the 12 century mosaics in Palermo and Monreale. BTW, there are more Greek temples left on Sicily than in Greece, so they say. I didn’t count them.

As an Art History major in college...way back in the '70s, I took a classic tour. I found the only place that was obviously lacking from this first trip was Amsterdam/Rijksmuseum. I've since gone and devoured that museum. So...my first classic Art History trip was Paris, Nice, Venice, Florence and Rome. Day trips from these bases. Don't overlook Nice area for great art and a change in the art from the other locales on your list. History, of course, is in all of these places and with the art.

You've been to the UK, so I assume London as well. A lot of London's art is controversial anyway, but it is a great city. However, for this trip, I'd trot right through it or better yet, skip it in favor of starting in Amsterdam, if you can. Otherwise, start in Paris and pop up to Amsterdam by train. Personally, I'd skip Belgium if timing doesn't work, but I'd go to Ghent or Antwerp for the art/history if you want to keep it. You've been to Paris, but I have a hard time saying 'make Paris short'... Florence is a top city for me...I love it. Venice is good if you haven't seen it, but I wasn't a fan so I'd say make it quick. But that's just me and how it was in the 1970s and I haven't been back. Just some thoughts...you will have a great time planning with so much time and so many options!

Art is everywhere, but I think a good start is truly the biggies. Return trips are another matter.

The museums in Belgium certainly deserves visiting. Kathy already explained so well what to see in Bruges. As the Ghent Altarpiece is on your list you have to see the Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele by Jan van Eyck in the Groeninge Museum there too. It’s ofcourse behind protecting glas but despite that you can have a very close look to see all those magnificant details. Much better than with the Altarpiece. Both Hubert and Jan van Eyck have set new standards in painting and I think saying nothing wrong they belong to that small group of most influential artists in history. So a good reason to include Bruges to my opinion.

Besides the Altarpiece in Ghent worth to visit is the Museum of Fine Arts and the nearby SMAK for mostly contemporary art. As Ghent has an interesting history you can learn a lot in the STAM museum.
https://stamgent.be/en
https://www.mskgent.be/en/
https://smak.be/en

Not to miss in Antwerp is the recently renovated Museum of Fine Arts. Famous for it’s extensive collection of paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens. One of his works is undergoing restoration and to watch in one of the rooms of the museum. Further to visit is the Rubenshuis and Museum Mayer van den Bergh, having a small but exquisite collection of art, mostly paintings like the Mad Meg by Pieter Breugel. MAS houses different collections.
https://museummayervandenbergh.be/en/startpagina
https://kmska.be/en

Brussels has a few top notch museums too like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Old Masters Museum with a nice collection of paintings by Pieter Breugel. Further the nearby Magritte Museum.
https://fine-arts-museum.be/en

Halfway between Brussels and Antwerp in Mechelen: The recently renovated Museum Hof van Busleyden, the collection is mainly about the Burgundian and early Habsburgian period. Burgundy was a duchy between France and the Holy Roman Empire with territory in the Low Countries, later ruled by the House of Habsburg, one of Europes most influential dynasties.
https://www.hofvanbusleyden.be/en

Hi everyone,

Ah yes to have more days to see all of these amazing places... And to travel back in the days before Instagram and over tourism (admittedly I am one of those tourists but not on Instagram!) and before the need for high security… for those of you fortunate to have been able to see such wonders years ago I’m envious!

Based on everyone’s awesome feedback I’m thinking that our 2025 trip will include: London (3-4 nights only as we’ve seen UK a fair bit but we both love theatre too, plus it’s the easiest European city to travel to), Amsterdam (7 nights), Belgium (4 nights), Paris (6 or 7 nights but can’t take away much from Paris), fly to Florence (5 nights with day trip to Ravenna and maybe Perugia if possible), train to Rome 4 nights (joining the millions upon millions of tourists and pilgrims there but it’s still worth the glimpse we’ll get of Roman sites plus it’s the easiest Italian city for flying home)… what are we at for travel days now? 30-31 nights aka ‘credit card maxed out forever’… it’s only money right? What an amazing priceless experience it will be and we can’t wait …

Some last questions if anyone has suggestions as to accommodation recommendations with laundry facilities (at least washing machine) for Florence or Rome stay? I’ll check the Italy forums too but just wondering if anyone knows any…I’ll be booking those fairly early due to Jubilee celebrations…

Thx so much for your great advice and ideas. Wishing you all wonderful travels! Take care Maria

You’ve cast a wide net and there will be many fish in the sea … and museums to see.

Your query reminded me that small may be more inviting than large. That intimate is as enjoyable as grand.

So, your art focus reminded me of a wonderful thread on small museums that forum participants have enjoyed.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/best-small-museums

As to your planned itinerary I have no response, but the above post may be of use as you consider where to see art along your journey.

It takes over 2 hours to travel from Florence to Ravenna by train, do that's really not a very practical day trip. Maybe if you eat lunch in motion and return to Florence late. But Ravenna has a lot to see and is a really nice place just to be.

Regarding Belgium, we stayed the first time in Bruges/Brugge and I stayed on a later trip in Ghent/Gent/Gand. I’d go with Gent on a future trip, and do a day trip to Brugge, and another day trip to Ypres/Ieper (that’s with a capitol “i”). The latter was at the center of World War I fighting in Flanders, and has a remarkable museum and WWI sights, and just outside of Ypres is a concrete bunker where Canadian officer and army surgeon John McCrae operated. He wrote the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” before he, too, was killed in the war.

Belgium is an interesting mix of cultures and languages. The French name for that first town is “Bruges,” and for the first two days at our B&B there, I kept saying “Bon Jour” and “Merci” to the owner. On Day 3, obviously annoyed, she said, “We aren’t French, you know!” So in the northwestern part of Belgium, I tend to use the Dutch (Flemish) names of Brugge, Gent, rather than the French Bruges and Gand. The Anglicization of “Ghent,” I have been told, is weird to Belgians. A “G” is pronounced like you’re clearing your throat, and then you throw the “ent” in after that. Maybe the “Gh” is a spelling attempt to encourage that throat-clearing sound by English speakers.

Then there’s Brussels/Bruxelles/Brussel, a short train ride from either Brugge or Gent, and another art and history hotspot. With all of that, devoting four full days to Belgium will be rewarding.

We just got home from a trip that included the south of France. It was exceedingly hot, and even with the wonderful things to see and do there, August would be scorching. Flying to Florence, with your interests and overall schedule, is an excellent plan. Happy travels!

Hi!

Love the post with the list of small-ish museums. I’ve seen some of these (can add my vote for Fishbourne site near Chichester, Portsmouth Mary Rose ship…). And we’ll seek out some more that are noted there on this trip.

Agreed that the day trip to Ravenna from Florence won’t do this amazing place enough justice but seeing some mosaics are better than seeing none…sort of reconnaissance for future trips there hopefully.

Coincidentally I just did a quick google search of art museums near Piazza Navone Rome and saw a place called Galleria Spada which wasn’t on my radar until tonight (though I’m sure many of you knew about this place already)… there are no doubt many smaller gallerias in Rome and Florence that are maybe not in the tourist guides too…nice to have the information handy in case our walks take us nearby…

Thx for the great information on everything…Maria

Hey there Maria, sounds like an amazing dream trip with your daughter. Given that you've been to London several times, why not skip such a short visit and dedicate the time to spending a few more days along the way, arriving in Amsterdam, leaving from perhaps Milan / or Florence? (multi-trip itinerary). I noticed someone suggesting you skip Rome and focus on Florence, sorry but much as I love Rome, it will be very hot, so I would agree and focus on the north. While Florence will be hot too, it's just another day of travel to only spend 4 days in Rome, thus my suggestion. For a month long trip, I would also consider a rest day in the middle, with perhaps time to do some laundry? HA.

Having said that, if you DO get to Rome, I have 2 suggestions of underground museums that might not be on your radar, and they will be cool! Just around the corner from Piazza Navona is the Stadium of Domitian, a great underground exhibit with bits of a coliseum and a lot about ancient Rome. If we hadn’t then seen Vicus Caprarius the next day, I would have said this was our favorite thing we did in Rome. Vicus Caprarius, the underground aqueduct museum close to Trevi fountain - what an amazing gem! (You need to book Vicus Caprarius via Whatapp the day before, we lucked out arriving around noon, it opened at 11AM in the winter.) In addition, you can escape the heat by visiting museums with some fine art - Church of St Louise of the French is also near Piazza Navona, & Basilica of St Clemente allows you to visit ancient ruins under the church but I believe you need a ticket. https://www.basilicasanclemente.com/eng/booking/. PS, You won't just walk by, but Palazzo Massimo by the Termini train station is filled with magnificent ancient art, and we only saw a few people in our 3-hour visit! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6g75E6Lzls Hope you have a great trip!

I've realized that Vienna has not been mentioned. The Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the world's great art museums, and the architecture of the city is magnificent. It's certainly something to consider.

mariart,
I second jphbucks about the Kunsthistoriches Museum. One of my all time favorites.....magnificent!

Just seconding Wil's great recommendation for the Rubenshuis and Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp. Both were very enjoyable smaller-sized treasures! And do make sure to visit the Cathedral (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)? The 19th-century carved stalls in the choir are wonderful, and it has 4 altarpieces by Rubens + some impressive windows. The woman in red in the center of "Assumption of the Virgin", which is over the main altar, is a likeness of Ruben's first wife, Isabella Brant, who died young of (likely) plague while he was working on the painting. Here's a photo of that piece being taken to a place of safekeeping prior to the WWI siege of Antwerp in 1914.

https://www.bridgemanimages.com/en-US/english-photographer/workmen-removing-rubens-painting-the-assumption-of-the-virgin-from-antwerp-cathedral-before-the/black-and-white-photograph/asset/5229551?offline=1

Hello everyone,

I love the Rome suggestions (yes we’re still planning to go to Rome then fly home).

Vienna is lovely but that’s another trip…

Our intent is for Brussels day trip so hopefully will see Horta house.

But a new addition to the trip (not changing our minds exactly just adding a destination): Amalfi coast. Please don’t laugh or cry at this idea!

We were thinking of the Amalfi for the ceramics of Vietri and possibly history of Paedtum, plus I reflected on the great suggestion of adding a break somewhere between our long vacation. Not thinking of going to beaches or Capri cruising or Positano shopping (although I’m sure beautiful). I know Amalfi area is super busy and expensive but thought we could try it (and limoncello) for a few days. Essentially we’re making a full two week trip of Italy part of our European vacation now but we still want the art/history focus (just adding a few days for me to catch my breath in between, maybe see some sunsets etc). We’d be in Amalfi in mid September.

But any suggestions as to how work this location into our Italy itinerary? It looks a bit hard to get to Amalfi with limited train options and being further south.

We still want to see Florence and Rome for five nights each. Our original trip for the Italy portion was fly Paris to Florence then train to Rome then fly home. But would adding anywhere in Amalfi mean having to double back to Rome (as it seems all roads go through Rome and the train from Florence to Amalfi in one day is too long)? Or are there Italy itineraries that would allow us to still fly Paris to Florence then train from Florence to possibly a couple of nights in Puglia or Orvieto (here’s our chance to go there maybe) or other places enroute to Amalfi that are of Art/history interest? Then go from that place to Amalfi then Amalfi to Rome at end of trip (so adding Amalfi in mid September then Rome moved to third week of September). As mentioned we’d need to fly home from Rome. And trying to keep train travel to 3 hours per stop max. As always I appreciate any feedback and suggestions.

Yes I’m likely going to be very poor and tired after this trip but we only live once… and it looks like Amalfi is a great place to have a mini vacation from the vacation if I pick the right place maybe…thx for the great advice! Take care Maria

Hi again Maria, Sounds like you're fine tuning your trip, good for you!

We were thinking of the Amalfi for the ceramics of Vietri and possibly history of Paedtum, plus I reflected on the great suggestion of adding a break somewhere between our long vacation. Not thinking of going to beaches or Capri cruising or Positano shopping (although I’m sure beautiful). I know Amalfi area is super busy and expensive but thought we could try it (and limoncello) for a few days. Essentially we’re making a full two week trip of Italy part of our European vacation now but we still want the art/history focus (just adding a few days for me to catch my breath in between, maybe see some sunsets etc). We’d be in Amalfi in mid September.

Personally, I wouldn't add an extra travel day in order to take a few days off to go to the Amalfi Coast. But since you mentioned Orvieto, it would suit your itinerary en route from Florence to Rome, allow you to catch your breath and stroll around a beautiful old town, why not make that your rest stop? I've seen many reviews on the Forum about staying a few days there. Then you could proceed to Rome. Here's a link to forum comments about Orvieto - https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Orvieto&utf8=%E2%9C%93

IF you do add an extra 1/2 day travel to the area around the AC, and given you mentioned Paestum, you could consider taking the train to Salerno, which is easier to get to than trying to get into the Amalfi coast towns. Others have mentioned it has a nice downtown & is also cheaper than the AC. From there Paestum is an easy day trip. And/or you could take a ferry up the coast to see a bit of the rugged AC, but others will know better about how crowded that might be. Hope that's helpful....

I don't care for the city of Brussels, but the unified major art museum is pretty darned important. You have also not mentioned Antwerp, with two or three world-class art museums, and several other museums as good as anything in Bruges. Antwerp is a lot bigger than Bruges or Gent, but not as "faceless" as Brussels. It's a great walking city. I urge you not to treat Bruges as having museums for more than two days. Note that it is easy to make unreserved train trips between these Belgian cities, no need to change hotels. I prefer to stay in Antwerp.

Since you only want 3 nights in London, I'd suggest avoiding the tedious rail trip (90-minute advance check-in, for example) in high season to Amsterdam, an equally busy air hub. If you have not been to Rome before, you may find 4 days not enough, even just for art and architecture. Note the need for advance booking in summer, especially in Florence and Rome.

7 nights is not too long for Amsterdam, assuming you are going to make some of the many unreserved train daytrips around that city, as well as the heavily-traffic'ed art museums in Amsterdam and Haarlem. Leiden and Utrecht can't be completely seen in one day, but you can plan for the spots that interest you most.

I'm just going to comment that I absolutely loved Ghent; in fact much more than Bruges. Ghent was charming, filled with atmosphere and felt like a real place with people who live there, as opposed to Bruges, which seems like it's up on a pedestal. I know I'm in the minority, but just saying... :-) I'm also one who thinks the van Eyck altarpiece is worth seeing. It was absolutely beautiful and I know your daughter would love it. I'm a former artist who now fills my creative needs with fiber arts, and loved it.

miuccia, thanks so much for the much more detailed description of Salerno & environs than what I wrote, and the article about Paestum was excellent.

Hi everyone,

Great information!

I think we’ll keep London as our short first leg as that’s the easiest and cheapest landing point to Europe from Canada and I know it (and like it) well enough (I truly do love London actually). Eurostar monopoly and corresponding prices suck but still better to train 4 hours than flying via Heathrow …imo…

Yes lots to see in Belgium and Amsterdam for sure. I think I’m comfortable with the general itinerary (basing in Brugge as I’ve connected with a nice bed and breakfast there). Getting to Ghent and Brussels on day trips seems fairly straightforward with great train service in these relatively smaller countries.

But lovely Italy…. Larger country to navigate… so much art and history everywhere from cities to countryside- how to choose? It seems fairly easy to get from Florence to Rome (and adding a brief stop in Orvieto quite doable - yes agreed - and day trip to Ravenna via Bologna). . Daughter now hooked on going to Amalfi coast tho… and I’m absolutely sold on going to Paestum including for lunch… wow… what a view!

Researching the AC more, I’d like to also visit Amalfi town (cathedral), Ravello, hike Minori to Maiori (I don’t think we’ll have gear, energy or time for Walk of Gods). And so I now wonder if Vietri or Salerno is best base for these places…should we stay in Amalfi? AC seems to be the most challenging for getting around without a car (it seems options are to use affordable but slow and crowded buses that are sometimes full, or use the seemingly crazy expensive ferries…). Can you buy day passes or hop on hop off ferry passes? I’m guessing not… all point to point ferry tickets? I’ve heard others talk about hiring private boats or private car drivers to take them around towns but guessing that this is out of our price range…anyone know any reputable boat or car hires? Day tours of ‘key’ towns? AC looks so beautiful but not public transit friendly I think… is it only for the wealthy tourists with yachts ? As always I love your feedback…Thx and take care Maria

Can you buy day passes or hop on hop off ferry passes? I’m guessing
not… all point to point ferry tickets? I’ve heard others talk about
hiring private boats or private car drivers to take them around towns
but guessing that this is out of our price range…anyone know any
reputable boat or car hires? Day tours of ‘key’ towns?

I've never seen hoho ferry passes but I am seeing special tickets available through Travelmar ferry company that cover multiple AC towns in a day....although on a schedule so you can't jump on and off at will. Take a look at what they offer? Sorry, I haven't looked at ticket costs but figure they may be more attractively priced than if purchased individually, and just the convenience might be nice. They may also be priced differently depending on dates. These are self-guided visits of the included destinations:

This one (Minori, Cetara and Vietri) offers a choice of departure/arrival ports:
https://www.travelmar.it/en/piccoli-borghi-tour-vietri-cetara-minori

Amalfi and Positano from Salerno:
https://www.travelmar.it/en/amalfi-coast-tour-positano-and-amalfi-from-salerno

I'm also seeing this ticket offered by NLG ferry company from Salerno that includes stops at Amalfi, Capri and Positano, also on a timed schedule and also self-guided. An alternate ticket covers just Amalfi and Positano.
https://www.nlg.it/en/tours/tour-1-2-from-salerno-molo-manfredi-to-amalfi-positano-and-capri/

As well are the Mondoguide shared tours in partnership with Rick Steves. They are very attractively priced and have been largely reviewed positively by posters who've taken them. There may not be one here that trips your trigger but take a look? There is one that departs from Salerno but also includes Pompeii; not sure that's what you're looking for. These do come with a guide for at least part of the tours.

https://www.sharedtours.com