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Europe’s Classic Fairytale Journey

Netherlands, Belgium & Germany • 13 days / 12 nights

From £2,249

£3,219

30% off

Flights, hotels & activities included
From Amsterdam’s dreamy canals to Bruges’ medieval charm and Bavaria’s fairytale castles—discover three countries, countless wonders, and one unforgettable adventure.
Sophia
Designed by Sophia Travel crafter

Highlights

Overview

Trip map

Start in Amsterdam, exploring canals and museums. Visit Kinderdijk’s windmills, then discover Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. Explore Brussels, then take a scenic train to Frankfurt. Cruise the Rhine River and visit Heidelberg. End with the Neuschwanstein Castle—a fairytale castle that inspired the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland—and vibrant days in Munich.

Itinerary

Day 1

1

UK/Ireland - Amsterdam

UK/Ireland  - Amsterdam

It's time to pack your bags ready for your trip to the enchanting Benelux Capitals. Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Amsterdam*.

Arrive in Amsterdam and self-transfer** to your hotel. This cosmopolitan, global city represents a center of culture, art, and technology that takes influences from all over the Low Countries and the world.

You're free for the rest of the day to rest, or take a stroll along the city's famous canals. Try local Gouda cheese or a special Dutch pancake, both widely available around the city center. Overnight in Amsterdam.

 

*Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

**Airport transfer in Amsterdam is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. 

Day 2

2

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for an Amsterdam city tour and really get to know your new surroundings. See the stunning Rijksmuseum, home to famous works by Dutch Golden Age masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Enjoy the included audio guide to fully appreciate the rich history on display at this cultural landmark.

Next, set off on a canal cruise through the iconic city center and discover why Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North.” Appreciate the distinctive architecture and see how locals live in low-slung houseboats along the canals’ edge.

Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the charming streets of Amsterdam, or join an optional Countryside and Windmills Tour* with cheese tasting, or a visit to Keukenhof Gardens** with tickets, round-trip bus transfer, and an audio guide onboard. Overnight in Amsterdam.

*Optional Countryside and Windmills Tour: Dive into the scenic Dutch countryside on a tour full of unique experiences. Begin with the iconic windmills at Zaanse Schans, followed by a cheese-making demonstration and tasting in Volendam. Wander through the charming streets of Edam, enjoy a boat ride to the picturesque fishing village of Marken, and watch a traditional clog-making demonstration.

**Optional visit to Keukenhof Gardens: Escape into a colorful paradise of tulips with our direct Keukenhof bus tour from Amsterdam! Wander freely through the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, where every path unfolds stunning displays of vibrant blooms, captivating scents, and picturesque landscapes. Perfect for a relaxing, unforgettable day immersed in nature’s beauty. This tour is seasonal and is available from March 19th 2026 until May 1st 2026.

Please note: today, you'll be able to choose only one optional activity for your free afternoon in Amsterdam.

Important: Take into account that if you travel during the Christmas season you’ll have a very special plus: you’ll be able to see the city's decorations and visit the Christmas markets in some of the cities. Take advantage to enjoy the most magical time of the year!

Activities

Amsterdam City Tour

Amsterdam City Tour

included
3h
Countryside and Windmills Tour

Countryside and Windmills Tour

Optional
5h 50m
Visit to Keukenhof

Visit to Keukenhof

Optional

Day 3

3

Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Antwerp - Bruges

Amsterdam - Kinderdijk - Antwerp - Bruges

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some iconic Dutch windmills. These 19 windmills, constructed in the 18th century, remain functional today, and help to drain excess water at the confluence of two rivers.

Next, head across the border to Belgium. Begin your tour of this new country in Antwerp, a coastal port city in the Dutch-speaking Flanders region. Go on an included tour to see the majestic Town Hall in the center, and traverse the historic Diamond District that remains a crucial part of the European diamond trade. Appreciate the gorgeous Flemish Renaissance architecture in the central square, Grote Markt. If you’re still curious to learn more about Antwerp’s stunning religious art, head on an optional tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral.*

Leave Antwerp behind and drive west to Bruges. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free evening in the city. Overnight in Bruges.

*Optional tour of Notre Dame Cathedral:
One of Antwerp’s major landmarks, this is the largest Gothic cathedral in all of the Low Countries. This short tour can be completed during free time following the included city tour. Please note that the cathedral can be closed unexpectedly–in this case, refunds will be issued.

Activities

Visit to Kinderdijk

Visit to Kinderdijk

included
1h
Antwerp City Tour

Antwerp City Tour

included
2h
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral of Antwerp

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral of Antwerp

Optional
30m

Day 4

4

Bruges

Bruges

Breakfast at the hotel. Time to explore Bruges with a guided tour. Visit the Guild House to learn about the Hanseatic League, a wealthy and powerful Germanic trading empire that once dominated the Baltic Sea. See the Belfort van Brugge, an imposing medieval bell tower in the main square that is a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

End the morning with a canal cruise* and take in more of the city as you float peacefully by. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop in the Grote Markt, appreciate a local museum, or try a famous Belgian beer. Afterward, feel free to join us for our optional Waffles 'n Beer Workshop**, where you can indulge in the rich flavors of Belgian beers while savoring delicious waffles. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your experience! Overnight in Bruges.


*The canal cruise is not suitable for the winter season, and so is only included between March and mid-November. In the colder months, you will have additional free time in Bruges.

**Optional Waffles 'n Beer Workshop experience:
Enjoy a unique experience that seamlessly blends the rich flavors of Belgian beer with the art of waffle making. In this hands-on, interactive session, you'll begin with a curated beer tasting, where you'll select the ideal brew to infuse into your waffle batter. Next, partake in a personalized waffle baking class that will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you leave with delicious waffles and unforgettable memories.

Activities

Bruges City Tour

Bruges City Tour

included
3h
The Waffles & Beer Workshop

The Waffles & Beer Workshop

Optional
1h 30m

Day 5

5

Bruges - Ghent - Brussels

Bruges - Ghent - Brussels

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Bruges and hello to Ghent. The fourth-largest city in Belgium, Ghent is a beautiful and compact pedestrian paradise. While on a walking tour, take in the medieval architecture that lends this stunning city an Old-World charm. See the stone Sintmichielsbrug, or Saint Michael’s Bridge, as well as the Ghent Belfry, some of the city center’s major landmarks. In order to see one of Jan van Eyck’s most famous works, you’ll have to do an optional tour of Sint Baafscatedraal* that many consider to be the main highlight of the city.

Finally, spend the afternoon in Brussels, the Belgian capital. Unlike every other city on this tour, Brussels is predominantly French-speaking, but officially bilingual with Dutch. The home of such famous products as Belgian waffles and Belgian chocolate, Brussels is a culinary delight. Take a tour of the city center, visiting the Grand Palace and the famous Manneken Pis statue. Overnight in Brussels.

*Optional tour or Sint Baafscatedraal: “The Mysterious Lamb” is an altarpiece made up of twelve panels. This famous work by Jan van Eyck is the centerpiece of this medieval cathedral, and narrowly escaped destruction by the Nazis in World War II. This activity will be after the included city tour.

Activities

Brussels City Tour

Brussels City Tour

included
3h
Ghent City Tour

Ghent City Tour

included
2h
Visit the St.Baafskathedraal in Ghent

Visit the St.Baafskathedraal in Ghent

Optional

Day 6

6

Brussels

Brussels

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have an entire day to immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Brussels, where historic architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine await your discovery. Stroll through its charming streets, visit iconic landmarks, and savor local delicacies at your leisure. For those seeking a delightful twist, we also offer an optional Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop* in the heart of the city, where you can indulge in the rich flavors of authentic Belgian chocolate. Overnight in Brussels.

*Optional Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop Experience: Unleash your creativity as you craft your own personalized chocolate tablets with guidance from a professional chocolatier. Once you’ve mastered the art of chocolate-making in the workshop, immerse yourself in the world of chocolate at the Choco-Story Brussels museum, where you can explore fascinating exhibits with an audio guide at your own pace.

Activities

Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

Optional
2h 30m

Day 7

7

Brussels - Frankfurt

Brussels - Frankfurt

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the train station to catch your train to Frankfurt. Arrive in Frankfurt and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is yours to explore for the rest of the day. A global financial hub with a rich history, you can take in Frankfurt's futuristic skyline, try an authentic Frankfurter sausage, and wander through the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll want to rest up for a full itinerary the following day. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.



Day 8

8

Frankfurt - Heidelberg

Frankfurt - Heidelberg

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour leader and head to the port* to board a water cruise along the Rhine River. Before setting sail, you'll have free time to explore the picturesque town or put your inner wine connoisseur to the test by sampling regional rieslings.

Next, it’s all aboard for an unforgettable trip through the Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After some free time for lunch, you'll transfer to Heidelberg and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.

*Depending on the time of year, you’ll transfer to either the port of Rudesheim or the port of St. Goar. 

Activities

Rhine River Cruise

Rhine River Cruise

included
1h 30m

Day 9

9

Heidelberg - Rothenburg

Heidelberg - Rothenburg

Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a city tour of the historic Heidelberg. In between exploring the lively Marktplatz in the center, standing on the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and admiring half-timbered houses, you'll have views of Heidelberg Castle*. Enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace and grab lunch (Maultaschen, a sort of German take on ravioli, is a must!).

A scenic transfer to Rothenburg. Feel like you've been transported back to the Middle Ages on a guided city tour of Rothenburg. The cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ancient town walls will show you why it’s one of the most popular destinations along the German Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Rothenburg.

*Optional visit to Heidelberg Castle: Visit the stately palace and see the city from a different perspective.

Activities

Heidelberg City Tour

Heidelberg City Tour

included
2h
Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle

Optional
1h 30m

Day 10

10

Rothenburg - Neuschwanstein - Munich

Rothenburg - Neuschwanstein - Munich

Breakfast at the hotel. A day* of discovering castles lies ahead. Journey to Hohenschwangau, a small town home to the centuries-old Hohenschwangau Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the town and have lunch. Next, it’s on to Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Alps.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its towers, frescoes depicting medieval legends, turrets, and throne room are just a glimpse of the castle’s splendor. And the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, where travelers can live out a fantasy. Transfer to Munich and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Please note: Final day with the tour leader.

Activities

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

included
2h

Day 11

11

Munich

Munich

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In a modern city with timeless charm like Munich, there's plenty to see and do.

Stroll through the streets lined with examples of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, or take an optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour*—a great way to check off the main attractions on your Munich wishlist. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour: Move around Munich with ease and in comfort for a flexible way to explore the city.

Activities

Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich

Hop-on, hop-off bus in Munich

Optional

Day 12

12

Munich

Munich

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day experiencing more of Munich. Football fans might want to visit the stadium, whereas beer lovers won’t want to miss tasting a quality Bavarian brew. Others might prefer to take a day trip to Salzburg* for a picture-perfect view. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Optional Salzburg and the Lake District tour: A full-day tour of Salzburg offers a glimpse into Austria's UNESCO World Heritage city.

Activities

Salzburg and the Lake District full day tour

Salzburg and the Lake District full day tour

Optional
11h

Day 13

13

Munich - UK/Ireland

Munich - UK/Ireland

Breakfast at the hotel*. Say goodbye—or Auf Wiedersehen—to Germany’s romantic scenery. Optional transfer** to the airport for your return flight back to the UK/Ireland.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

 

**Airport transfer in Munich is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. 

What's included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Amsterdam, Munich - UK/Ireland.
  • ICE train ticket from Brussels to Frankfurt.
  • 12 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels*.
  • 12 breakfasts.
  • Transportation between cities from day 3 until day 6 and from day 9 until day 11.
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary**.
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Rhine River Cruise.
  • City Tour in Amsterdam, Kinderdijk windmills, Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Heidelberg and Rothenburg***.
  • ATOL Protection
  • English-speaking guide from day 3 until day 6 and from day 9 until day 11.
  • Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Accommodation

These are our featured hotels for this tour. Hotel allocation depends on availability and seasonality, so you may be assigned any hotel from our selection.

Select your departure date

All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.

May to June 2026

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We recommend booking early

Prices can change and departure dates may sell out.

Flexible payment options available

Pay in full, make a deposit, or split payments.

Best prices

All prices include flights, hotels and activities. A £39 per person handling fee applies at checkout.

Included activities

Optional activities

Personalization options

  • Flight optionsCustomize your flights by selecting your preferred airline, cabin class, and departure and arrival times.

Additional information

What's not included

Airport transfers, Visa, drinks, city taxes* and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

* City taxes are not included. They are mandatory and must be paid directly to the hotels (this amount can range from 2 EUR to 8 EUR approximately per person per night and it is subject to change).


*Check-in and check-out times are set as a matter of internal policy at each hotel. As a general rule, check-in begins at 2PM and the check-out time is at noon. Please note that these hours may vary per the rules of an individual hotel.

 

**In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

 

***The canal cruise in Bruges is not suitable for the winter season, and so is only included between March and mid-November. In the colder months, you will have additional free time in Bruges.

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

 

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

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