I am planning a trip in May 2017 and have 13 days and would like to go to Belgium and the Netherlands and if possible see some of Germany too. Is 5-6 days in Belgium and Netherlands adequate and 5-6 days in Germany doable. We were thinking of going by train between most places. I was interested in trying to get to Munich, but my wife thinks maybe we should confine our travels to the upper half of Germany (since we will be visiting Belgium and Netherlands) and maybe save the lower half of Germany including Munich, Bavaria and Austria for another trip.
We were thinking of flying in and out of Paris and catching a short plane trip to either Amsterdam or Frankfurt to start the trip and work our way either southward or northward depending where we start. Airfare shopping for a Premium Economy seats seemed best from Los Angeles on Air France to Paris and a short flight to Amsterdam or Frankfurt. We flew Air France a couple of years ago and enjoyed the comfort of their Premium Economy.
Appreciate any suggestions of itinerary and air and train travel recommendations too.
Thank you!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Day 1 - Fly via Paris to Frankfurt.
Train to Koblenz (3 nights)
Day 2 - Rhine Cruise
Day 3 - Excursion up Mosel Valley to Trier
Day 4 - To Cologne (2 nights)
Day 5 - Excursion to Aachen
Day 6 - To Amsterdam (3 nights)
Day 7 - Amsterdam sights
Day 8 - Excursion to The Hague (??)
Day 9 - To Gent (3 nights)
Day 10 - Excursion to Bruges
Day 11 - Excursion to Antwerp
Day 12 - Via Brussels to Paris CDG (1 night)
Day 13 - Depart from CDG
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
The Dutch and Belgian parts look fine.
Consider staying in Haarlem instead of Amsterdam. Beautiful historical city not yet overcrowded with tourists and only 15-20 mins from Amsterdam on very frequent trains. You can easily combine a daytrip to The Hague with Delft, which is just 10 mins away on the same railway line.
Gent is indeed a perfect base for both Brugge and Antwerpen. You won't regret it.
For the trips in Belgium and the Netherlands you don't need a train planner: walk on and wait for the next train.
For the international train between the Netherlands and Belgium you have the choice between the hourly Intercity and the high-speed Thalys service. Advance buying of your Thalys ticket might come with a considerable discount. Check at www.thalys.com/nl/en/services/before/your-train-ticket
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
A direct Thalys train from Paris to Cologne could get you to the Rhine river in 3.5 hours, instead of flying to Frankfurt. Book 3 months ahead for the best prices.