TRAVEL ITINERARY

'back to Paris' seems to imply a Paris arrival and then going to Amsterdam somehow. Why not fly into Amsterdam, start your route there, and then depart from Paris ? Personally, three nights in Amsterdam might be a bit much, and three in Brugge is a big over-kill. But, to answer the basic question, it's definitely not too much.

i forgot to mention fly into amsterdam travel to brugge/brussels travel to bayeux travel to paris
fly out of paris

It's a very good itinerary. I would cut a night in Brugge and add it to Holland because of the many choices of day trips out of Amsterdam worth taking. Do some good research on transferring train stations in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare St Lazare to get to Bayeux) and select a Paris hotel in a location that makes it easy to get to the airport (access to the RER B).

It depends on what you like. But I would agree you dont need three days in Brugge. I would add it to France (my choice would be Loire chateaus, Chartes or Champagne)

I don't think its too much, quite nice actually. Its quite a drive from Brugge to Normandy. I'd chop a day off Brugge and add a day in Normanday because you need most of a day for travel.

I agree with Nigel. Great trip, but I would drop a night in Bruges and add it to Normady. I spent four nights in Bruges and enjoyed it, but I also spent four nights in Normandy and wished I had more. Normandy is so spread out that you will need more time to get to all the sites, while you can see the sights at Bruges much more easily and in less time. Either way, sounds like fun!

thanks for the quick reply's !!! drop a night in brugge even if we were thinking of doing day trips to brussels and ghent ??
thanks again :):)

For perspective only: I can show somebody the essence of Normandy (both Bayeux museums, the cemetery, a couple of beaches, and St Mere) in one hard day, even early or late in the year when the days are shorter (but not in the dead of winter). It depends on how much you want to see, and if you need to track down a grave. It takes a little planning, but it can be done. There ain't much to see in Brussels - - one statue and one square. It wouldn't be high on my list. Ghent on the other hand.........

There are a lot of posts on other threads, where thy do Brugges in 3 days, including a day trip to ghent. Use the day saved for a leisurely drive from Brugge to Normandy. Normandy is farm country, very relaxing, 4 days is not too much. if you get bored do Mont St Michel or even dip into Brittany

I think day trips to Brussels and Ghent are very worthwhile, so yes, it might change my answer. I can see why people like Bruges and Ghent more than Brussels, but I personally loved Brussels - there is nothing like the Grand Place. I would not want to miss it. As for racing through Normandy as Ed suggested, it can be done, but I wouldn't. It all depends on how much you get into WWII history. If you're not that much of a history buff, then you can leave your trip as it is. I have not been to Amsterdam, so I can't tell you if you could drop a night there to add to Normandy. I would hate to drop a night in Paris, because there is just so much to do.

"drop a night in brugge even if we were thinking of doing day trips to brussels and ghent ?? " Well it's your trip, isn't it? We don't know what's going on in your head, and can only give responses to what is asked. You have to make some decisions on it. Normandy is well worth a trip, especially if it is done properly. Ghent is a wonderful place, along with many others in BeNeLux. If you want to concentrate on Amsterdam, Utrecht, Ghent, Antwerpen, Den Haag, Ypres, Luxembourg, etc.., that's worthy too. You'll have to give something up in exchange, though.

thanks again for ALL of the responses !!! :):)
we are not really history buffs so we are leaning towards staying in bayeux for 2 nights and doing a full day normandy tour and keeping the intinerary as planned. thanks again for everyones input !! :):)