Classic Paris to Amsterdam





From France to the Netherlands, travel Europe like a local
Set off on a rail journey through west Europe’s biggest cities, visiting local makers, low-key cities and cultural hotspots. Start the adventure learning all the secrets of Montmartre with a local guide. Bid adieu to Paris and hallo to Belgium with a walking tour of Brussels from a diverse perspective. Stop by Bruges and explore the city of canals, then catch a train headed for the Netherlands featuring Rotterdam urban farms, tile-painting in Delft and the local charm of Amsterdam. Discover the most out of the region with a local leader and plenty of free time to explore.
Start: Paris, France
End: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Comfort
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Rail
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Discover the best of west Europe on a trip through the region’s most popular cities: Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges, Rotterdam and Brussels.
- Learn about urban farming on a rooftop in Rotterdam with a taste of the local produce, then grab a tipple of Jenever from a local distillery.
- Sit down for dinner with a purpose in Le Reflet, a restaurant in Paris that helps the local community while serving authentic French food.
- See into the culturally diverse side of Belgium on a private Brussels walking tour with a Zinneke (foreign-born Brussels inhabitant) guide.
- Hear about the history of the intricate Blue Delft pottery before you paint your own tile art to keep as a memento when you get home.
Itinerary
Bonjour! Welcome to Paris – the capital of France, known for its art, fashion, cuisine and culture. Your trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps check out the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or simply take a walk along the Seine. After the welcome meeting, head into the streets of Paris for dinner with a purpose at Le Reflet Restaurant. Located in the Le Marais neighbourhood, Le Reflect hires staff with Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome. Sit back and enjoy a meal of traditional French cuisine in the heart of the capital, before returning to your accommodation.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Paris - Dinner with Purpose at Le Reflet in Le Marais
- Paris - Welcome Meeting
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Le Reflet is closed during holidays and in August. During these times, your dinner will be held at a local French brasserie.
If you wish to visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs or the Musée d'Orsay, it’s best to pre-book your tickets online before the tour. To avoid queuing at the ticket windows, you can book your tickets on the official websites: http://www.louvre.fr, https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr, https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/, https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr
Rise and shine for breakfast at your accommodation before boarding the metro for a hidden highlights tour of Montmartre. Explore this artist district away from the big attractions and into the heart of the neighbourhood. With a local guide, stop by the sites like the former homes of Van Gogh and Picasso, the Montmartre vineyard and Moulin Rouge. Enjoy a fresh croissant and the best views but lesser-known views of Paris before ending your tour around midday. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe walk down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe or find famous artwork in one of the capital’s galleries.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Paris - Hidden Montmartre tour with local guide
- Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR17
- Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
- Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
- Paris - Centre Pompidou (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR15
- Paris - Catacombs (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR31
- Paris - Fragonard Perfume Museum - Free
- Paris - Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology - EUR7
- Paris - Gourmet Marais Urban Adventure - EUR78
- Paris - Paradis Latin Cabaret Show (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR90
- Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
- Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
- Paris - Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie - EUR22
- Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR20
- Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
- Paris - Picasso Museum - EUR17
- Paris - Palace of Versailles & Gardens - EUR32
Today, leave France behind as you board the Eurostar heading north to Belgium. Pass through the towns and agricultural fields of the French countryside before arriving at the capital of Belgium, Brussels. Nowadays, Brussels is largely populated by people known as Zinnekes – an inhabitant of the city who is foreign-born. Learn about why so many immigrants have settled in Brussels and brought their cultures into the fold on a private city walking tour with a Zinneke guide. Tonight, enjoy a free evening perhaps trying out some of Belgium’s famous beer, chocolate or their national dish – Moules frites.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Brussels - Beer and Chocolate tour
- Brussels - Cantillon Brewery Visit - EUR8
- Brussels - Manneken Pis - Free
- Brussels - Grand Place - Free
- Brussels - Museum of the Musical Instruments - EUR15
- Brussels - Magritte Museum - EUR10
- Brussels - Mini Europe Attraction Park - EUR23
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast before setting out on a daytrip to nearby Bruges. This city is famous for its canal-side medieval buildings. When you arrive, stretch your legs on an orientation walk with your leader, stopping by the city’s most recognisable sights, such as Burg Square's Gothic City Hall building and the Medieval Belfort tower in Market Square. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore the canal-lined streets of the city. Perhaps treat yourself to a fresh waffle or find a cosy seat in the square for a locally crafted drink. Tonight, head back to Brussels by local train with the group.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bruges - Orientation Walk
- Bruges - Canal Boat Tour
- Bruges - Belfry of Bruges - EUR15
- Bruges - Museum St John's Hospital - EUR15
- Bruges - Optional half day trip to Ghent - Free
- Bruges - Sint-Janshuismolen Mill - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
This morning, travel from Brussels to Rotterdam. While heavily bombed during World War II, Rotterdam quickly rebuilt, becoming the modern port city it is today. Set out on an orientation walk with your trip leader, where you may learn about the city’s notable sights like the futuristic Markthal building or the medieval St. Lawrence Church. Today’s itinerary includes a visit to the world’s first floating farm. Head out on a ‘Future of farming tour’ to learn about how sustainability, innovation and animal welfare combine in this urban environment. You might also get the chance to sample some of the dairy produce made right in the city. Later, try a local gin variety called jenever at the Jenever Museum. If you’re looking for a place to head for dinner, ask your guide for their recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Rotterdam - Visit of the Jenever distillery incl. tasting or Walvisch Mill
- Rotterdam - Visit of a rooftop vegetable farm or floating dairy farm including cheese tasting
- Rotterdam - Orientation Walk - Leader-led
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Eat a good breakfast before jumping on a quick train ride to the small city of Delft – best known as the originator of Delft Blue ceramics and the birthplace of the famous painter, Johannes Vermeer. Join your leader for a walk through the small canal-lined streets, learning about the city's history and its preservation of its cultural heritage. Later, discover the secrets of the Delft Blue pottery as you sit down to paint your own tiles at the Royal Delft Museum. Return to Rotterdam this evening, where you can spend your time at the many eateries, breweries and nightlife spots the city has to offer.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Delft - Orientation Walk - Leader led
- Delft - Tile Painting Class
- Kinderdijk - Windmill Complex Visit - Free
- Lisse - Keukenhof Gardens visit (seasonal: March to May only) - Free
Your travel time today will be approximately 20 minutes.
Today, you depart for the final destination – Amsterdam. This well-known capital city is famed for its canals, urban living and charming architecture. Accompany your leader on an orientation walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed neighbourhoods found across the city. After your orientation walk, you’re free to enjoy your afternoon in Amsterdam. Those interested in history might enjoy visiting Anne Frank's House, while art-lovers can choose from the many world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. This evening, join your group for a farewell traditional Dutch dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Amsterdam - farewell typical Dutch dinner
- Amsterdam - Orientation Walk - leader-led
- Amsterdam - FEBO Snack
Today’s travel time will be approximately 1 hour.
If you wish to visit Anne Frank's House, the Heineken Museum or the Van Gogh Museum, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure that you book your tickets after 1 pm if you plan to visit today. To avoid missing out on Anne Frank's House, you can buy your tickets at http://www.annefrank.org.
Today is the final day of the adventure. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today and you’re free to leave at any time after checking out. There’s so much more to see and do in Amsterdam, speak to our booking agents if you’d like to book additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
- Amsterdam - Heineken Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR30
- Amsterdam - Royal Palace - EUR13
- Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum - EUR27
- Amsterdam - Oude Kerk - EUR14
- Amsterdam - Bike Tour - EUR30
- Amsterdam - Canal Boat Tour - EUR24
- Amsterdam - Plastic Fishing (from) - EUR38
- Amsterdam - Anne Frank's House (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR16
- Amsterdam - Bike Hire - EUR10
- Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR24
Inclusions and activities
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Train, Public Bus, Metro
Hotel (7 nights)
- Paris - Dinner with Purpose at Le Reflet in Le Marais
- Paris - Welcome Meeting
- Paris - Hidden Montmartre tour with local guide
- Brussels - Beer and Chocolate tour
- Bruges - Orientation Walk
- Bruges - Canal Boat Tour
- Rotterdam - Visit of the Jenever distillery incl. tasting or Walvisch Mill
- Rotterdam - Visit of a rooftop vegetable farm or floating dairy farm including cheese tasting
- Rotterdam - Orientation Walk - Leader-led
- Delft - Orientation Walk - Leader led
- Delft - Tile Painting Class
- Amsterdam - farewell typical Dutch dinner
- Amsterdam - Orientation Walk - leader-led
- Amsterdam - FEBO Snack
- Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR17
- Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
- Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
- Paris - Centre Pompidou (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR15
- Paris - Catacombs (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR31
- Paris - Fragonard Perfume Museum - Free
- Paris - Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology - EUR7
- Paris - Gourmet Marais Urban Adventure - EUR78
- Paris - Paradis Latin Cabaret Show (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR90
- Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
- Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
- Paris - Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie - EUR22
- Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR20
- Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
- Paris - Picasso Museum - EUR17
- Paris - Palace of Versailles & Gardens - EUR32
- Brussels - Cantillon Brewery Visit - EUR8
- Brussels - Manneken Pis - Free
- Brussels - Grand Place - Free
- Brussels - Museum of the Musical Instruments - EUR15
- Brussels - Magritte Museum - EUR10
- Brussels - Mini Europe Attraction Park - EUR23
- Bruges - Belfry of Bruges - EUR15
- Bruges - Museum St John's Hospital - EUR15
- Bruges - Optional half day trip to Ghent - Free
- Bruges - Sint-Janshuismolen Mill - Free
- Kinderdijk - Windmill Complex Visit - Free
- Lisse - Keukenhof Gardens visit (seasonal: March to May only) - Free
- Amsterdam - Heineken Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR30
- Amsterdam - Royal Palace - EUR13
- Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum - EUR27
- Amsterdam - Oude Kerk - EUR14
- Amsterdam - Bike Tour - EUR30
- Amsterdam - Canal Boat Tour - EUR24
- Amsterdam - Plastic Fishing (from) - EUR38
- Amsterdam - Anne Frank's House (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR16
- Amsterdam - Bike Hire - EUR10
- Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR24
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Before you book you should know
- The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right in the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however they can get busy. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the Essential Trip Information.
- Space can be limited throughout Europe, especially in hotel rooms close to city centres. You might find rooms smaller than you are used to, but the central locations are hard to beat.
- The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – and in this case, that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life; just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters or running up the stairs at a metro station.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Paris
Paris
FRANCE
Dates and prices
Important notes
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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