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Old 11-15-2005, 09:16 AM   #1
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I am flying into Brussels from NYC on 12/17 for a 2 week journey around Belgium, Holland, and Paris. I have put together an itinirary that looks something like this :

12/17: Arrival in Brussels
12/18: Brussels, afternoon departure to Brugge (via train or bus)
12/19: Brugge, afternoon departure to Antwerp (via train or bus)
12/20: Antwerp
12/21: Antwerp, afternoon departure to Rotterdam (via train or bus)
12/22: Rotterdam
12/23: Rotterdam, afternoon departure to Amsterdam
12/23-25: Amsterdam
12/26: Amsterdam, afternoon departure to Brussels
12/27: Brussels, morning or afternoon departure to Paris
12/28-12/30: Paris
12/31: Paris, morning or afternoon departure to Brussels
1/1: Departure to NYC

I know this is a pretty ambitious schedule, but I want to maximize these 2 weeks as best I can. So my questions to all of you 'punkers is:

1) Is this itinirary feasible (or am I selling myself short)
2) Am I giving an adequate amount of time to visit each of the cities listed? (e.g. - should I be spending more time in Brugge instead of Rotterdam?)
3) Should I be visiting another city in Belgium/Holland instead of what I've listed here?
4) What is the best and most affordable way to get around all of these cities (e.g. -Belgian Railways, Thalys, etc.) --> Eurostar and flights (unless cheap) are not an option

Any insight you guys can provide is greatly appreciated!

Dave
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Old 11-15-2005, 09:45 AM   #2
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Hi and welcome to the boards. I think your itinerary looks good. I really liked Brugges so I might give it an extra day if possible - at the same time have never been to Rotterdam, so there might be more to see/due there. While ambitious, I think the schedule looks good, leaving more time for the larger/more touristy cities. One question - why go back to Brussels to go to Paris instead of just heading to Paris?

If you're under 26, I'd recommend the Benelux Railpass for your travel through the Netherlands and Belgium. You could have 5 days of travel for 199 (this pass automatically includes Germany - unfortunately they don't have one that includes France) or you could do a 3 country pass (Benelux counts as one, France as two, unfortunately they only have three country passes) with 8 days of travel for 317 USD.

Hope you can follow!
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Old 11-18-2005, 05:28 AM   #3
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Hey bigperm, I think that you are overdoing it a little but it is possible. In order to minimise the travel time it's probably best to take the train over the bus.

Brugge is magical and if you are going to add any time to a city I would say choose Brugge! Rotterdam was one of my least favourite cities in Europe. I found because it was rebuilt after being bombed in World War 2 it lacked old world charm. On the other side of the coin if you're an architectural buff you may like some of the experimental architecture that has resulted in the rebuilding such as the cool 'Erasmus Bridge'



But my recommendation over Rotterdam most definitely is Utrecht, a university town with cool cafes lining the canals.

ev
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Old 11-18-2005, 09:31 AM   #4
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I agree with jamie. Do and overnight train from Amsterdam to Paris and sleep while on the move! They cost a little more but time is the issue it seems. Sounds like a great trip! Christmas in Amsterdam should be interesting as well as New Year in Brussels. I will add the obligatory "we need to see some pictures and stories."

Oh, and WELCOME to T-Punk!

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