These three country road trips in Europe are one of my favorites I’ve ever done! You can see so many different beautiful, historic places, and the incredible gardens of tulips and Monet!
This is my exact itinerary with what we did!
A complete guide to the best spring locations in Europe
Day 1: Amsterdam & Fulboland – Tulip Fields & Canal
- Morning: Visit Keukenhofgardens and admire the lively tulips.
- Afternoon: Drive up to Fulboland (45 minutes) to see the vast tulip field.
- Evening: Return to Amsterdam for dinner and explore the nightlife near Dam Square.
Stay in Amsterdam overnight
My complete guide to seeing tulips here!
Click here for the Amsterdam guide!
Day 2: Alkmaar – Cheese Market
- Morning: We set off for Alkmaar (40 minute drive). Check out the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market (opening Fridays from early April to late September).
- Afternoon: Explore the historic Alkmaar Old Town.
- Evening: Relaxing dinner at Alkar.
Stay at Alkmaar overnight
Day 3: Rotterdam and the Hague – Dutch culture and politics
- Morning: Drifterdam (1 hour). Explore innovative architectures and visit the market hall.
- Afternoon: A short drive (30 minutes) to The Hague. Check out the Mauritshuis Museum, Binnenhof and Peace Palace.
- Evening: Dinner in the vibrant centre of The Hague.
Staying in The Hague overnight
Day 4: Antwerp & Ghent – Belgium highlights
- Morning: Drive (1.5 hours) to Antwerp, Belgium. Check out Antwerp Central Station, known for its stunning architecture.
- Afternoon: A short drive to Ghent (1 hour). Visit Gravensteen Castle and explore the waterfront of Graslei.
- Evening: Dinner along the canal of Ghent.
Stay in Ghent overnight
Day 5: Bruges – Fairytale Way
- Morning: A short drive to Bruges (30 minutes). Climb the Bellfree Tower for a panoramic view.
- Afternoon: Chocolate tasting and canal boat tour. If you have time, try a beer tasting and a walking tour!
- Evening: Explore market square and dinner at the historic center.
Stay in Bruges overnight
Day 6: Kortrijk & Giverny – Quickstop & Monet’s Garden
- Morning: A quick drive to Kortrijk (40 minutes). A short stop to visit Broel Towers and Begijnhof. Waffles!
- Late morning: Continue to Giverny, France (3 hours). Visit Claude Monet’s iconic gardens and home.
- Afternoon: Take your time exploring the charming village of Givany.
- Evening: Dinner at a local French restaurant.
Stay overnight near Giverny
Days 7 and 8 (probably 9!): Paris – City of Wright
- Morning (Day 7): Drive to Paris (1 hour). Check-in and lunch at a bistro in Paris.
- Afternoon: Visit Eiffel Tower, Champion Elisse and Ark Detriomphe.
- Evening: Seine River Cruise and dinner.
- Morning (Day 8): Explore the Louvre Museum and Musersei.
- Afternoon: Visit the Montmartre area of Sacretzer Cathedral.
- Evening: Dinner in the neighborhood of LeMallet and a night stroll along the Seine.
Stay in Paris overnight
Here’s the complete guide to Paris!
Day 9: Departure from Paris
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at a Paris cafe before you leave.
Source: Helene in Between – heleneinbetween.com
Contents
Day 1: Amsterdam & Fulboland – Tulip Fields & CanalDay 2: Alkmaar – Cheese MarketDay 3: Rotterdam and the Hague – Dutch culture and politicsDay 4: Antwerp & Ghent – Belgium highlightsDay 5: Bruges – Fairytale WayDay 6: Kortrijk & Giverny – Quickstop & Monet’s GardenDays 7 and 8 (probably 9!): Paris – City of WrightDay 9: Departure from Paris
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