7-Day European Adventure: Palermo to Rotterdam Itinerary

Take a morning train from Bruxelles to Gand (approximately 40 minutes). Start your exploration with a visit to Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts). This medieval fortress offers stunning views over Ghent and an intriguing look into its history. Next, head to St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal), home to the famous 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' painting by Jan van Eyck.

After lunch at De Graslei, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque streets lining Ghent's old port area. Here you can admire beautiful medieval buildings reflected in the water. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat tour with Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip which provides an excellent perspective on Ghent’s rich history.

Spend your evening exploring more of Ghent’s culinary delights with dinner at Oudburg, known for its traditional Flemish dishes. Afterward, enjoy a nightcap at one of Ghent’s cozy bars like Dreupelkot, famous for its extensive selection of jenever (Dutch gin).

Travel from Gand to Bruges by train (approximately 25 minutes). Begin your day with a visit to Bruges’ most iconic landmark, Market Square (Markt). Climb up the Belfry Tower for panoramic views over this enchanting city. Then head towards Basilica of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek), which houses a revered relic believed to contain drops of Christ’s blood.

Enjoy lunch at De Gastro before visiting one of Bruges’ top attractions, the serene and beautiful Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde (Begijnhof). Spend some time wandering around this peaceful enclave before heading over to explore more history at Groeningemuseum, which boasts an impressive collection of Flemish Primitive paintings.

Incorporate some local flavor into your evening plans by joining a guided tour such as Bruges: Belgian Beer Tour with Chocolate Pairing. This tour combines two Belgian specialties – beer and chocolate – offering tastings that are sure to delight any palate! Conclude your day with dinner at The Olive Tree, where you can savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Start your day in Antwerp with a visit to the impressive Central Station, often regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. From there, make your way to the Rubens House (Rubenshuis), the former home and studio of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. This museum offers a fascinating insight into his life and work.

After lunch at The Jane, explore the historical heart of Antwerp by visiting Grand Market Place (Grote Markt van Antwerpen). Admire the stunning architecture of the guild houses and take some time to visit the nearby Brabo Fountain. In the afternoon, join a guided tour such as Antwerp: Guided Beer Tasting Tour with Beer Expert to learn about Belgium's rich beer culture while sampling some local brews.

In the evening, head to Zuid for dinner, known for its contemporary Belgian cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Scheldt River and enjoy the views of Antwerp's skyline. End your day with a nightcap at Den Engel, a traditional Belgian pub with a cozy atmosphere.

Amsterdam: Hidden Gems & Highlights Guided Bike Tour is an excellent way to start your day in Amsterdam. This tour will take you through some of Amsterdam’s lesser-known spots as well as its iconic landmarks like Vondelpark and Jordaan district. Afterward, visit one of Amsterdam’s most famous museums, Van Gogh Museum, which houses an extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh.

De Kas is perfect for lunch; this restaurant is set in a greenhouse and serves fresh farm-to-table dishes. Post-lunch, explore more art at Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces from Dutch Golden Age painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing canal cruise with Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option which offers beautiful views of Amsterdam’s historic canal ring.

De Silveren Spiegel offers an exquisite dining experience featuring traditional Dutch cuisine in an elegant setting. After dinner, immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife by visiting bars like Tales & Spirits, known for its creative cocktails.

Embark on an excursion from Amsterdam to explore traditional Dutch countryside with tours like Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans Windmills 4-Hour Tour in Italian. Visit Zaanse Schans where you can see working windmills, wooden houses, barns, and workshops that date back to the 18th century.

Start your final day in Rotterdam with a visit to the iconic Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These innovative and uniquely designed houses are a must-see architectural wonder. After exploring the Cube Houses, head over to Markthal (Market Hall), an impressive indoor market where you can sample local Dutch delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

After lunch at Foodhallen Rotterdam, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Rotterdam Old Harbor (Oude Haven). This historic harbor area is perfect for soaking up the maritime ambiance and enjoying views of traditional boats. In the afternoon, join a guided tour such as Rotterdam: Architectural Highlights Guided Walking Tour to discover more about Rotterdam's modern architecture and urban development.

For your final evening, dine at FG Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment known for its innovative cuisine. After dinner, take in panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of Euromast. End your trip with a nightcap at NRC, a trendy bar located in a former newspaper building, offering a great selection of drinks and a lively atmosphere.