Capitals of Culture: Exploring Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin

10 Day Tour of Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin

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Trip Map
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10 Days 9 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Experiencing the Local Scene

On this journey through Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin you'll encounter 3 national capitals that are also European hubs of culture, each with their own vibrant local scenes. In Paris, explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe, as well as the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and the Latin Quarter. In Amsterdam, stroll along beautiful canals and soak up the historical allure of the hip Jordaan neighborhood. Conclude in Berlin, a city rich with history and modern vibrance, from the Brandenburg Gate to the East Side Gallery. Enjoy a stress-free trip with private guided tours & detailed travel guidance via our mobile app.

Wander Paris’s Montmartre, soaking up bohemian charm & stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cruise along Amsterdam’s canal rings, marveling at the elegant merchant houses and historic bridges.
Visit the Anne Frank House, a poignant reminder of history within Amsterdam’s vibrant Old Town.
See Berlin’s dynamic art scene at the East Side Gallery, a remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.
Enjoy an evening of beer-tasting with a Berlin local in one of the city's hippest neighborhoods.

Wander Paris’s Montmartre, soaking up bohemian charm & stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cruise along Amsterdam’s canal rings, marveling at the elegant merchant houses and historic bridges.
Visit the Anne Frank House, a poignant reminder of history within Amsterdam’s vibrant Old Town.
See Berlin’s dynamic art scene at the East Side Gallery, a remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.
Enjoy an evening of beer-tasting with a Berlin local in one of the city's hippest neighborhoods.

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

Must see sights

Eiffel Tower

Historic Landmarks

Louvre Museum

Museums & Galleries

Arc de Triomphe

Architecture

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

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$2995

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Upon arrival at one of Paris's Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports, it's fairly easy to catch a taxi from outside the main terminal building to your hotel. This is cheaper than a pre-arranged private transfer, although that option is also available if you wish - just ask your consultant. Parisien taxi drivers are generally reliable and honest, but we will provide you with instructions on how to avoid possible scammers and charlatans. If you want to save money, and often quite a lot of time as well, we will also give you alternative instructions on taking public transport into the city center. Details are contained in the full itinerary and mobile app available to our travelers. If on the other hand, you are arriving at Paris's third airport, Beauvais Airport (BVA), then you should always take the shuttle bus. The taxi fare might cost more than the flight - it's nearly 50 miles (75km) outside the city.

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined:

Airport Taxi Pick-Up

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Tuileries Gardens & Nearby Museums

Afternoon/Late Afternoon:

Arc de Triomphe

Early Evening:

Seine Cruise

Day 1

Arrive Paris

Day 1

Arrive Paris

To Be Determined

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Mid-Day/Afternoon

A Jaunt Through the Tuileries Garden & Nearby Art Museums

Stroll in the Tuileries and attend one of the nearby museums, a classic way to spend your free hours in Paris. Originally cultivated in 1564 as the grounds for the Tuileries Palace, the gardens are the oldest in Paris. Its succession of royal owners ended and the garden became a public park in the 19th century; Parisians congregated to relax and socialize beside the fountains and leafy horse chestnut trees - they still do today. The Musée de l'Orangerie, in the Western corner of the gardens, exhibits many Impressionist and 20th-century artworks, including Claude Monet’s famous water lilies.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Survey the Lights from the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile is an enduring icon of Paris and offers a spectacular view across the city. In fact, some people say the best view of Paris is from the Arc de Triomphe, as the sweeping vista found at the top includes the Eiffel Tower. 'De l'Étoile' or 'star' refers to the junction on which the Arc de Triomphe stands. This is the meeting point of 12 straight avenues including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, famous for its theatres, cafés, and luxury shops, and the inspiration for the catchy, eponymous song by Joe Dassin. Although this area of Paris bustles with shoppers, tourists, and commercial enterprises there is still much to explore, see, and do here, and some secret places to be found away from the crowds.

Early Evening

Cruising Along the Seine's Waters

Embark on an enchanting Seine River Boat Cruise that offers an unparalleled view of the City of Light. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre, all while basking in Paris' famed romantic ambiance. Whether you choose a daytime voyage to admire the city in its full glory or a nighttime excursion to see Paris illuminated against the night sky, a Seine River Boat Cruise is an unforgettable highlight that offers a new perspective on the timeless beauty of Paris.

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

Day 2

Paris

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Center of Paris

Embark on a captivating 4-hour walking tour of the center of Paris, the City of Lights, where history and modernity blend seamlessly along its enchanting streets. Starting from your accommodation, you will explore the heart of this dynamic city and learn how to navigate Paris as a local.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour Paris' Heart, the Île de la Cité

Discover the origins of Paris on the Ile de la Cité, it's glorious heart. The original settlement from which Paris grew overwhelms with the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Revolutionary history of the Conciergerie, the numinous kaleidoscope of Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass, and a plethora of other interesting sights. This island is a captivating blend of Parisian history and beauty, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. A visit here traverses the river Seine and centuries, perfect for capturing the spirit of Paris.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Discover Montmartre: Paris's Bohemian Village

Montmartre, Paris's bohemian heart, where countless artists have whiled away their time, beckons with its cobblestone streets and vibrant history. Ascend the butte to find the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a white-domed sentinel offering breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through Place du Tertre, where artists capture the essence of Paris on canvas. Delve into the nightlife at the Moulin Rouge, a testament to the area's hedonistic past. Montmartre, a blend of artistic legacy and lively modern culture, offers a captivating escape into the soul of Paris, where every corner tells a story, and every moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of the city.

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Day 3

Paris

Morning/Mid-Day

Belle Epoque Splendour in the Paris Opéra District

Enamored with the late 19th-century, Belle-epoque Paris? Then, the Opéra area is for you. Many of the delights we now associate with the City pf Lights - fashion, can-can dancing, art nouveau architecture, opera and ballet, emanated from this part of Paris in the late 1800s. Also known as the 9th Arrondissement, this neighborhood features the Palais Garnier Opera House, the grand department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, and hidden gems of museums such as the lavish Musée Jacquemart-André. Special Note: Be aware that the Palais Garnier Opera House routinely closes for performances during the day. Check the website calendar in advance to best plan your visit.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Coffee, Paint, & Bones: A Tour of Montparnasse

Montparnasse grew in esthetic stature in the earlier 20th century, as artists congregated their for inexpensive living close to the center of Paris. Vestiges of this bohemian era remain, lively cafes and restaurants allude to painterly luminaries like Alphonse Mucha and Paul Gauguin. As interesting as their lives were, as busy as the neighborhood is, still more dramatic is what lies under Monparnasse: the Paris Catacombs, the final resting place of over 6 million Parisians dating back centuries.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Tour the Quaint Streets of the Latin Quarter

If you are looking for a breezy stroll through Paris, look no further than the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement, on the Left Bank. The area’s many cafés and restaurants are laid-back and welcoming, and filled with Parisians, students, and tourists alike. There are several attractions to visit, among them the Pantheon and the Cluny Museum. As you adventure through the district you will discover the Sorbonne, one of the most illustrious universities in the world. For more visceral pleasure romp down the major shopping streets like Rue Mouffetard.

Day 4

Paris to Amsterdam

Day 4

Paris to Amsterdam

Day 4

Paris to Amsterdam

Day 4

Paris to Amsterdam

To Be Determined

Rail Drop-Off by Taxi

Paris taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Parisian streets can get very congested, but if you are picked up one hour and 15 minutes prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. Instructions for calling a taxi and finding your way around your specific rail station are included in the Full Itinerary.

12:25 - 16:44

Rail Journey from Paris to Amsterdam

Tickets and seat reservations for this approximately 3h20min rail journey from Paris to Amsterdam are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress-free are also included in the Full Itinerary.

4:44 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal) 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, and trams pick up directly in front of the station at the main entrance (on the Centrum side of the station). You'll also find an entrance to the Metro just outside the main entrance. You won't, however, find taxis or Uber drivers in front of the main entrance, as it is a pedestrian zone. Instead, taxis can be found on the Ij-zijde (waterside) to the left of the Western tunnel. Simply look at the overhead signs that indicate the direction. If in any doubt, follow the ferry symbols.

Early Evening/Evening

Get a Grip on Grachtengordel

The Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring, in Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the city's 17th-century architectural and urban planning. This historic network of canals, designed during the Dutch Golden Age, is lined with elegant merchant houses and bridges, reflecting Amsterdam's rich past. Today, it's a lively district filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, A visit here is essential to understanding both Amsterdam's past and present.

Day 5

Amsterdam

Day 5

Amsterdam

Day 5

Amsterdam

Day 5

Amsterdam

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Make your introductions to Amsterdam with this 4-hour privately-guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the greatest highlights of the city, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the citiy's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Afternoon/Late 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.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore the Lively Streets of the Jordaan Neighborhood

The Jordaan district beckons with its narrow streets and quaint canals, epitomizing the charm and history of Amsterdam. Originally a working-class neighborhood established in the 17th century, Jordaan has evolved into one of Amsterdam's most sought-after areas. Known for its bohemian vibe, the district boasts an array of art galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes, alongside traditional cafés and indie music venues. The Jordaan is also famous for its outdoor markets, such as the Noordermarkt, where locals and tourists alike browse for organic food, vintage clothes, and antiques. The area's historical architecture, including beautifully restored houses and hidden courtyards, provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks.

Evening

Dining Out in Amsterdam's Oost District

Eating out in Amsterdam Oost district has never been more popular as it is now, with all its new hotspots. There are so many great options for food and drinks that any foodie will see this district as it is …the place to be! Whether you are looking for fine dining for a family dinner or a great burger for lunch, you can find everything here, from a quick bite to an Instagrammable spot for brunch. Oost has its charm, a district with a nice mixture of everything: busy streets, green parks, historical boroughs or modern cultural gems and of course everything is very diverse and colorful. The neighborhood is continuously developing and is an ideal place to witness the city's lifestyle. Oost is where the first movements in Amsterdam started – a once shady Javastraat is full of the most exciting bars, restaurants, and places to hang out. In Oost, you can find a good mix of different cultures, brown cafes, hip hotspots, and young creatives.

Day 6

Amsterdam

Day 6

Amsterdam

Day 6

Amsterdam

Day 6

Amsterdam

Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Tour of Haarlem

Haarlem, only a short 20-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, is celebrated for its medieval architecture, cultural vibrancy, and historical significance as North Holland's capital. Home to the majestic Grote Kerk, the city's Grote Markt serves as a focal point surrounded by historical buildings. Famous for its contribution to the 17th-century tulip mania and picturesque canals, Haarlem offers a blend of art, history, and natural beauty, making it an enriching visit with a quiet charm.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

A canal cruise is one of the best ways to discover Amsterdam! A 1-hour tour includes many of Amsterdam's most famous monuments and memorials. Starting from the dock near the Anne Frank House, you will float along the impressive Unesco Heritage Golden Age canals of Amsterdam, and pass the Jordaan neighborhood known for its famous Prinsengracht (Princes' Canal). Spy the romantic Magere Brug, the Amstel river, the 7 bridges, and the important Golden Bend before returning to land.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Tour of Old Jewish Quarter

At the time of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, Amsterdam had about 75-80,000 Jews living in the just the city alone. The Old Jewish Quarter is home to several museums that memorialize the 104,000 Dutch Jews who lost their lives along with those who made it through and whose families live in the country today. You can explore the Portuguese Synagogue, learn about Jewish culture at the Jewish History Museum, and pay respects at the National Holocaust Museum and Memorial.

Day 7

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 7

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 7

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 7

Amsterdam to Berlin

7:10 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal) 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. Trams and the metro deliver you to the main entrance of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Uber is also available for those with the app. There is not such convenient access by car to the Central Station, but your taxi driver will nonetheless be able to drop you off on the lakeside side of the station. To get to the platforms you need to swipe the bar code on your train ticket on the small screen on the automatic gates. The main entry tunnel, as well as two other tunnels, lead you to the station platforms.

07:59 - 13:51

Rail to Berlin

This approximately 6.5-hour rail journey will take you through the Dutch countryside and the German states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg before reaching Berlin. The scenery along the way is not dramatic, but nonetheless the fertile farmlands, tidy forests, and charming towns and villages of the Netherlands and Germany make for a pleasant and scenic journey.

1:51 PM

Transfer from Rail Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Berlin Hbf 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. The station is well connected by public transport to all of central Berlin; U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and bus all service the station. This means public transport is often the fastest and easiest way of reaching the station. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are a good option. Uber is also a good option, and some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Late Afternoon to Evening

The TV Tower and Berlin's East German & Medieval Legacies

The Television Tower and its surroundings in Alexanderplatz are Berlin's main architectural monument to the former East Germany. Despite the high-rent stores and offices that now fill the buildings, you can still detect quite a bit of that old communist character. Somewhat ironically, you'll find the medieval Nikolaiviertel, the oldest residential area of Berlin, just a few steps away. You'll also find nearby the Marienkirche (Berlin's oldest parish church), the displaced Neptune Fountain, the Red Town Hall, statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and the massive Loxx model railway that even non-model train enthusiasts will gasp at.

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

Day 8

Berlin

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Highlights of Berlin Guided Walking Tour

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Berlin's Most Iconic Sights

Many of Berlin’s most iconic symbols are found within a short walk of each other. Most famous of all is the Brandenburg Gate. First built as a symbol of peace, it became a symbol of division during the Cold War. A few steps away stands the Reichstag, which was destroyed in the climax of World War II but which has been beautifully rebuilt with a glass dome. Meanwhile, the modernistic Sony Center also symbolizes a revitalized and rebuilt Berlin. Also close by is the sobering Holocaust Memorial, with its more than 2700 concrete slabs creating an ominous impression of loss. Just beyond it is another reminder of Germany's darkest period - the site of Hitler's bunker during the seige of Berlin.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Stroll the Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin

In the 1920's the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin's nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, film stars, and artists. WWII left it in ruins, and today at the end of the boulevard you'll discover a chilling reminder of that destruction: the purposefully unrecontructed remains of the Memorial Church. During the Cold War, the Kurfürstendamm and its surroundings were central to West Berlin's revitalized identity. This was perhaps best symbolized by the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of market capitalism lodged in the heart of the Iron Curtain.

Early Evening/Evening

The East Side Gallery & Hip Berlin: Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain

Kreuzberg was a rough, poor area in West Berlin until students, artists, and immigrants began moving there for the cheap rents. Over time it became Berlin’s most hip and happening district, filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars. After 1989, Friedrichshain, a grungy, working-class district just across the river in the former East Berlin, began to compete with Kreuzberg as Berlin's trendiest neighborhood. It's also home to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Day 9

Berlin

Morning

Wander the Tiergarten and Climb the Victory Column

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Explore the Museum Island

This island in the River Spree is home to five world-renowned museums, which could easily fill up a whole trip just by themselves. The island is covered in trees and green lawns, while the classically-inspired architecture of the museums can be enjoyed without even stepping inside. Unfortunately, the biggest star of the island, the Pergamon Museum, with its wholly reconstructed ancient buildings, is closed until 2026 for renovations. However, you can still visit a massive 360-panorama depicting the ancient city of Pergamon, and there's still more museums to visit than you could possibly fit in. Also to be found on and around Museum Island are the majestic Berliner Dom cathedral and the huge Berlin Palace.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Hidden Courtyards & Jewish History

With booming 19th-century population growth, nearly every unoccupied space in Berlin was filled by tenement buildings surrounding small courtyards. The Spandauer Vorstadt neighborhood possesses some of Berlin’s most beautiful courtyards, the Hackesche Höfe, as well as other courtyards which better recall the crowded conditions of industrial Berlin. Here you can discover the partially reconstructed New Synagogue, the former site of the Jewish cemetery, and many hidden reminders of a once vibrant community.

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Guided Beer Tasting Tour

Beer in Germany is virtually a mandatory beverage to accompany the consumption of food. The Saxons have a very relaxed and casual attitude toward the consumption of alcohol and enjoy it as part of their culture. They're also proud of their centuries-old brewing traditions and the "Beer Purity Law" that helps to keep the quality of German beer high. You can experience all this as part of a guided visit to some of Berlin's best beer halls, pubs, and summer beer gardens.

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

Day 10

Depart Berlin

To Be Determined

Transfer to Berlin Airport by Taxi or Train

The most affordable and fast way to reach Berlin Brandenburg airport is by train. The Airport Express train takes only 30 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Berlin (Berlin Hbf). Regional and S-Bahn trains also depart from other locations in Berlin. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so you may wish to take a taxi or Uber, although this is more expensive than the train and puts you at the mercy of traffic. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Capitals of Culture: Exploring Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin

10 Day Tour of Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin

$2995

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Paris Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.