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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bruges, Brussels & Amsterdam by First Class Rail

First Class rail through medieval Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam from London

Illustration of Bruges, Brussels & Amsterdam by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Bruges, Brussels and Amsterdam by First Class Rail is an 8-day independent holiday that takes you from London St Pancras through three of northern Europe's most characterful cities. You travel in Standard Premier Class on Eurostar to Brussels, then switch to First Class regional trains for journeys between Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The trip pairs First Class comfort with 4-star hotels: two nights in medieval Bruges, where Flemish art and step-gabled merchants' houses line the canals; two nights in Brussels, centered on the Grand Place and its elegant guildhouses; and three nights in Amsterdam, with your hotel situated on one of the city's famous canals. Days are unguided, allowing you to choose among walking tours, museums like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum, chocolate shops, and leisurely canal-side exploration. This pace suits independent travellers and couples who value both rail comfort and autonomy to discover each city on their own terms.

What to know before you look closer

  • Taxi transfers between stations and hotels, walking tours in Bruges, the Anne Frank House, and canal boat cruises are all payable locally and not included in the package price.
  • This is a tailor-made independent holiday with no escort or group guide; you arrange your own sightseeing and navigate between hotels and attractions.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    London to Bruges

    Your short break begins at iconic St Pancras International before the Eurostar service speeds you to Brussels. Sit back in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat and make the most of the light meal and drinks. On arrival in Brussels, you change trains and join the InterCity train to Bruges, then take a taxi (payable locally) to your hotel in the heart of Medieval Bruges.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    Bruges and the surrounding area

    A full day in Bruges to explore the city and the surrounding area. Options include a walking tour (payable locally), a journey to Ypres to visit First World War monuments including the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum, the coast at Zeebrugge or Oostende, or Choco Story, Bruges' museum dedicated to the history of chocolate.

  3. Day 3overnight: Brussels

    Bruges to Brussels

    After breakfast at your hotel and time for some last minute sightseeing, return to the station for your First Class journey to the capital of Belgium, Brussels. On arrival at Brussels Midi station, make your own way to the NH Hotel Grand Sablon (4 star) for the next two nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Brussels

    Exploring Brussels

    Head for the Grand' Place, one of Europe's prettiest squares, or the Royal Quarter with its park and palace. Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Comic Strip Museum featuring Hergé's Tintin and Snowy, or explore the narrow streets of the lower town and the 'Rue des Bouchers' with its fish restaurants serving Flemish cuisine.

  5. Day 5overnight: Amsterdam

    Brussels to Amsterdam

    After a leisurely breakfast make your way to Brussels Midi station for the First Class journey to Amsterdam. On arrival at Amsterdam's Centraal station take a short taxi ride (payable locally) or stroll to the stylish, highly-rated Hotel Estherea (4 star) on one of Amsterdam's attractive canals, your hotel for the next 3 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Amsterdam

    At leisure in Amsterdam

    Explore Amsterdam on foot along the enchanting network of canals or take to the water on a Dutch barge (payable locally). Visit the lively markets including the flower market, stroll the Vondelpark, see the Anne Frank House (payable locally), or discover the Jordaan, the Pijp and the Museum Quarter with the Van Gogh museum.

  7. Day 7overnight: Amsterdam

    At leisure in Amsterdam

    A further day at leisure in Amsterdam to explore the canals, museums and quieter quarters at your own pace, or simply amble across the criss-cross of bridges and canals from bar to café and soak up Amsterdam's relaxing atmosphere.

  8. Day 8rail

    Amsterdam to London - Homeward bound

    After breakfast there is time to explore a different area of the city before heading to Amsterdam Centraal station, by taxi (payable locally) or on foot. Join the direct Eurostar service home, relaxing with a light meal and drinks before arrival into London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras in Standard Premier Class, then a regional InterCity train carries you to medieval Bruges.
  • Day 3First Class train journey from Bruges to Brussels takes you to the capital's Grand Place, one of Europe's finest medieval squares.
  • Day 5First Class train to Amsterdam arrives at Centraal station; your hotel sits on one of the city's attractive canals.

Included

  • First Class rail travel
  • 4 Star accommodation (2 nights Bruges, 2 nights Brussels, 3 nights Amsterdam)

Not included

  • Taxi transfers between stations and hotels (payable locally)
  • Bruges walking tour (payable locally)
  • Anne Frank House entry (payable locally)
  • Dutch canal barge cruise (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes Eurostar in Standard Premier Class (London to Brussels and Amsterdam to London) and First Class regional trains between Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Independent and tailor-made. There is no group guide or escort. You explore each city at your own pace and arrange your own transfers and activities.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Aragon in Bruges (2 nights), NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon (2 nights), and Hotel Estherea in Amsterdam (3 nights). All are 4-star properties.
What is not included in the price?
Taxi transfers between stations and hotels (payable locally), walking tours, museum entry fees such as the Anne Frank House, and optional activities like canal boat cruises.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Days involve strolling through city centers, navigating canals and bridges on foot, and optional walking tours. Museums and attractions require climbing stairs.
What is the starting price?
From £1,595 per person (approximately USD 2,130), which covers First Class rail and 4-star accommodation for 7 nights.

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