Road Trip Itinerary: Amsterdam to Paris (Tulips, Cheese, & Belgian Charm)


This three country road trip in Europe is one of my favorites I’ve ever done! You get to see so many different beautiful, historical places as well as the incredible tulips and Monet’s gardens!

This is my exact itinerary with what we did!

Full guide to the best places for Spring in Europe

Day 1: Amsterdam & Flevoland – Tulip Fields & Canals

  • Morning: Visit Keukenhof Gardens to admire vibrant tulips.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Flevoland (45 mins) to see expansive tulip fields.
  • Evening: Return to Amsterdam for dinner and explore nightlife near Dam Square.

Stay overnight in Amsterdam

My full guide to seeing Tulips here!

Amsterdam guide here!

Day 2: Alkmaar – Cheese Market

  • Morning: Depart for Alkmaar (40 mins drive). Visit the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market (open Fridays, early April to late September).
  • Afternoon: Explore historic Alkmaar Old Town.
  • Evening: Relaxing dinner in Alkmaar.

Stay overnight in Alkmaar

Day 3: Rotterdam & The Hague – Dutch Culture & Politics

  • Morning: Drive to Rotterdam (1 hour). Explore innovative architecture, visit Market Hall.
  • Afternoon: Short drive to The Hague (30 mins). Visit Mauritshuis museum, Binnenhof, and Peace Palace.
  • Evening: Dinner in the vibrant center of The Hague.

Stay overnight in The Hague

Day 4: Antwerp & Ghent – Belgian Highlights

  • Morning: Drive to Antwerp, Belgium (1.5 hours). Visit Antwerp Central Station, known for its stunning architecture.
  • Afternoon: Short drive to Ghent (1 hour). Visit Gravensteen Castle and explore Graslei waterfront.
  • Evening: Dinner along Ghent’s canals.

Stay overnight in Ghent

Day 5: Bruges – Fairytale Streets

  • Morning: Short drive to Bruges (30 mins). Climb Belfry Tower for panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Chocolate tasting and canal boat tour. If you have time do a beer tasting and a walking tour!
  • Evening: Explore Market Square and dinner in historic center.

Stay overnight in Bruges

Day 6: Kortrijk & Giverny – Quick Stop & Monet’s Garden

  • Morning: Quick drive to Kortrijk (40 mins). Brief stop to visit Broel Towers and Begijnhof. HAVE A WAFFLE!
  • Late Morning: Continue to Giverny, France (3 hours). Visit Claude Monet’s iconic gardens and home.
  • Afternoon: Leisurely explore the charming village of Giverny.
  • Evening: Dinner in a local French restaurant.

Stay overnight near Giverny

Day 7 & 8 (possibly 9!): Paris – City of Lights

  • Morning (Day 7): Drive to Paris (1 hour). Check-in and lunch at a Parisian bistro.
  • Afternoon: Visit Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe.
  • Evening: Seine River cruise and dinner.
  • Morning (Day 8): Explore Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay.
  • Afternoon: Visit Montmartre neighborhood, Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
  • Evening: Dinner in Le Marais neighborhood, then nighttime stroll along the Seine.

Stay overnight in Paris

Full guide to Paris here!

Day 9: Departure from Paris

Morning: Enjoy breakfast in a Parisian café before departing.
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