15 day itinerary
Germany France Hollaholland Belgium
Itinerary
It sounds like you’re in for an exciting 15-day adventure through Germany, France, Holland, and Belgium! With 10 days in Cologne, we can create a fantastic itinerary that allows you to explore the local culture, history, and nearby attractions, while also making time for some fabulous day trips. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Cologne
- Morning: Arrive in Cologne. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River. Visit the iconic and climb the tower for stunning views.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kölsch brewery, like Gaffel am Dom, and try some local dishes.
Day 2: Explore Cologne
- Morning: Visit the to learn about Cologne’s ancient history.
- Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the colorful houses and shops. Don’t miss the for its love locks!
- Evening: Relax at a café along the river and enjoy the sunset.
Day 3: Day Trip to Bonn
- Morning: Take a short train ride to Bonn (about 30 minutes). Visit the Beethoven House.
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Poppelsdorf Palace and its botanical gardens.
- Evening: Return to Cologne and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to Düsseldorf
- Morning: Head to Düsseldorf (about 40 minutes by train). Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) and visit the Rhine Tower.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the Königsallee, known for its luxury shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Altstadt, famous for its vibrant nightlife.
Day 5: Cologne Museums
- Morning: Visit the for modern art.
- Afternoon: Explore the Chocolate Museum and indulge in some sweet treats.
- Evening: Attend a concert or cultural event if available.
Day 6: Day Trip to Aachen
- Morning: Take a train to Aachen (about 1 hour). Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic town center and try the famous Aachen Printen (gingerbread).
- Evening: Return to Cologne for dinner.
Day 7: Cologne to Amsterdam
- Morning: Travel to Amsterdam (about 2.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Anne Frank House and take a canal cruise.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Jordaan district and have dinner at a local eatery.
Day 8: Explore Amsterdam
- Morning: Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Stroll through and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the De Pijp neighborhood.
Day 9: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a train to to see traditional windmills and Dutch houses.
- Afternoon: Visit the cheese factory and clog workshop.
- Evening: Return to Amsterdam for dinner.
Day 10: Amsterdam to Brussels
- Morning: Travel to Brussels (about 2 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Grand Place and see the .
- Evening: Enjoy some Belgian waffles and chocolate for dessert!
Day 11: Explore Brussels
- Morning: Visit the and .
- Afternoon: Explore the Royal Palace and the .
- Evening: Try some moules-frites (mussels and fries) for dinner.
Day 12: Day Trip to Bruges
- Morning: Take a train to Bruges (about 1 hour). Explore the medieval city center.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a boat tour of the canals.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant and try some local beer.
Day 13: Day Trip to Ghent
- Morning: Head to Ghent (about 30 minutes by train). Visit Gravensteen Castle.
- Afternoon: Explore and see the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
- Evening: Return to Brussels for dinner.
Day 14: Brussels to Paris
- Morning: Travel to Paris (about 1.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Eiffel Tower and take a stroll along the Seine.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Montmartre district and see the Sacré-Cœur.
Day 15: Explore Paris
- Morning: Visit the and see the Mona Lisa.
- Afternoon: Explore the and visit .
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a classic Parisian bistro.
Tips:
- Make sure to check train schedules and book tickets in advance for popular attractions.
- Consider getting a rail pass if you plan to travel frequently by train.
- Don’t forget to try local specialties in each city!
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 15 days in Germany, France, Holland, and Belgium! Enjoy your travels! 🌍✈️
