A Taste of Northern Europe: A 14-day trip from Brussels to Copenhagen

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of Brussels

Discover the history of Brussels and its highlights on this 3-hour tour. Walk through the old town to see the famous Grand-Place, which Victor Hugo called, “the most beautiful square in the world. Nearby you will discover the unofficial symbol of Brussels – Manneken-pis. The tour also includes the halls Saint Géry, the serene royal palace, the Justice Palace, and more.  By tour's end you will feel ready to explore Brussels on your own, or prepared for a delicious waffle!

Early Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Ghent

Ghent merges medieval beauty with modern culture, boasting highlights like the imposing Gravensteen Castle, the Gothic St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the lively Graslei and Korenlei streets along its picturesque canals.  Jan van Eck's "Ghent Altarpiece" in St. Bavo's is one of the greatest paintings in the world and worth a trip alone for those of an artistic bent. This city will surprise you with its blend of historic exploration, art, and culinary delights

7:50 AM

Rail Taxi Dropoff

Brussels taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train.

Morning/Mid-Day

Self-Guided Excursion to Gouda

Famous for its eponymous cheese products, Gouda hosts an impressive open-air cheese market on Thursdays  (10am-1pm) during the summer months when the distinctive Gouda cheese wheels are delivered by horse and cart, then stacked on the ground by the farmers. But even without the market there's still enough to keep you occupied for half-a-day, including the spectacular stain glass windows in Sint Janskerk and the stunning 15th century Gothic town hall.

Morning to Afternoon

Experience the Pleasures of Old Town

The basis of the old joke that 'God created Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands' can best be seen in the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam where the early inhabitants reclaimed much of their city from the sea and built the perfectly straight canals to keep the new land dry. Most of the picture-perfect gabled houses still retain their winch beams and hooks for hauling goods to the attic. These days its most renown historic buildings share space with Amsterdam's famous Red Light District.

Morning to Late Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to Edam, Volendam and Marken Cheese Markets

There are many cheese markets in the Netherlands, but Edam with Volendam & Marken are three of the most popular, offering a rich look into the cultural traditions of cheesemaking. These lively events showcase traditional practices like cheese barganing and weighing, set against a backdrop of folk music and Dutch costumes. Visitors can enjoy cheese-making demonstrations, sample exquisite local cheeses, and explore a variety of local crafts and foods. Attending these markets provides a unique insight into Dutch culture and an opportunity to engage directly with its celebrated cheese-making traditions.  Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, you can easily visit these three towns in one day and enjoy a wonderful boat trip from Volendam to Marken, a former island in the Markermeer. Wandering around these cute towns, be on the look-out for traditionally-painted wooden houses.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Private Guided Tour of Rijksmuseum

Join your guide - a professional art historian, for an in-depth look at the incredible collection of the Rijksmuseum. Your tour will focus on the collection from the 17th century - the Golden Age of Amsterdam. The climate of this innovative city provided the perfect environment for some of the most important artists the world ever had. Experience the incredible illusionism of Rembrandt’s portraits, the serenity of Vermeer’s interiors, and the beauty of Dutch floral still life. All these works reveal the political, religious, and social thought that helped create our modern ideals of tolerance and liberalism. See doll-houses that would be the envy of any child, but were strictly for upper-class women, and be awed by the bespoke library, with the largest collection of art history books in the Netherlands.  Other highlights can include Rembrandt’s ‘The Night watch’, Vermeer’s ‘Milkmaid’, Delftware owned by a Dutch Queen, The Great Hall, the Gallery of Honour, and ship models.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Hamburg

During this privately guided tour you will visit a lot of the important places and monuments of Hamburg. You will get a unique view of the city, explore the town center, the warehouse district, the new city planning project HafenCity and the port area.  You will also have a chance to visit one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the Northern part of Germany; the St. Michel Church (Michel) and the No. 1 landmark: Elbphilharmonic hall - the public area of the Elbphilharmony (without concert halls), or descend to the more than 100 years old Elbunnel (tunnel underneath the Elbe river).  During the tour it will be also possible to taste a cup of coffee in one of our best coffee roasteries or have a typical fish sandwich at the port.

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit to the BallinStadt Emigration Museum

The BallinStadt Emigration Museum, located in the Veddel quarter of the borough of Hamburg Mitte, is a testament to Hamburg's importance in the 19th and 20th centuries as a marine gateway to the rest of the world. Around five million European emigrants left their homes at this port during that time to travel to greener pastures in America and other parts of the New World. This museum stands in order to tell their story and, perhaps, that of your own ancestors.

9:55 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Hamburg Hbf (i.e. Hauptbahnhof - Main Rail Station), the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Morning/Mid-Day

Nyhavn & The Royal Quarter

Nyhavn, established in the 17th century by King Christian V, has evolved from a bustling commercial port into a cheery quarter of Copenhagen, known for its colorful facades and maritime charm. Once home to rowdy sailors and merchants, as well as the beloved author Hans Christian Andersen, Nyhavn's historic wooden ships and cobblestone quayside reflect its rich past. Today, it's a cultural hotspot where locals and tourists alike enjoy dining, boat tours, and its lively atmosphere.

Morning

Wander the City Center of Copenhagen

Copenhagen's city center balances historical sights with modern design, featuring the pedestrian street Strøget, colorful Nyhavn harbor and Christiansborg Palace.   It's also a culinary hotspot, featuring everything from traditional Danish cuisine to Michelin-starred dining. A visit to the center will illustrate the Danish value of hygge - contentment through comfort and conviviality.

To Be Determined

Airport Dropoff by Taxi

Copenhagen taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 min before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with just under two and a half hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra twenty minutes or so. The Full Itinerary also contains alternative instructions on taking the train or metro to the airport.