railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

The diverse Benelux tour

Self-guided rail circuit through Cologne, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels

The diverse Benelux tour, a rail journey with railtour suisse

railtour suisse runs this nine-day, eight-night self-guided rail tour through Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, starting from Basel and traveling by second-class train to Cologne, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels before returning to Switzerland via Cologne. The journey opens with a 3-hour ride through the Rhineland wine regions to Cologne, where the cathedral stands right outside the central station, then continues by ICE train to Utrecht and on to Amsterdam for two nights that can include a canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House. From Brussels, where travelers spend three nights, a day trip by train reaches the North Sea coast at Ostend. Accommodation is in named 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast in each city. Because there is no tour manager, this trip suits independent travelers who want to move through several countries by train, mixing short overnight stops in Cologne, Utrecht and Antwerp with longer stays in Amsterdam and Brussels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The included train travel is described as based on a Half-Fare travelcard, 'Route according to programme'; confirm with railtour suisse exactly how this affects ticket eligibility and pricing.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates for this tour; confirm availability directly with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Cologne

    Switzerland - Cologne

    Today your adventure begins as you embark on the 3-hour journey through Rhineland wine regions, idyllic villages and green landscapes towards Cologne, the vibrant metropolis on the Rhine. As soon as you leave the central station, you will find yourself standing in front of the imposing cathedral. Take a stroll through the city and enjoy a glass of Kolsch. Overnight stay in Cologne for 1 night.

  2. Day 2overnight: Utrecht

    Cologne - Utrecht

    Stroll along the Rhine promenade and enjoy the magnificent views. A short detour through the old town, with its cobblestone streets, colourful houses and small breweries, takes you back to the station. In just 2 hours, the ICE will take you to Utrecht. Among medieval towers, idyllic canals and lively streets, you will discover the lesser-known but equally charming 'little brother' of Amsterdam. Overnight stay in Utrecht for 1 night.

  3. Day 3overnight: Amsterdam

    Utrecht - Amsterdam

    After breakfast, you can make your way comfortably to the station. A direct connection to Amsterdam runs every 30 minutes. After a 30-minute journey, you will arrive right in the heart of the city, in the impressive historic station building, an architectural masterpiece. Overnight stay in Amsterdam for 2 nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Explore the city by bike, just like the locals. Or admire the beautiful scenery from the water on a canal cruise. Learn fascinating facts at the Rijksmuseum or take a detour to the Van Gogh Museum. Or experience a story that truly touches the heart at the Anne Frank House. In the evening, Amsterdam comes to life, end your day in countless ways.

  5. Day 5overnight: Antwerp

    Amsterdam - Antwerp

    Make your way to the stylish Belgian metropolis of Antwerp. Direct connections take you to Belgium comfortably and stress-free in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. Gather your first impressions in this fashion and design capital as you explore the historic city centre. Numerous museums and charming boutiques line the cobblestone streets. Overnight stay in Antwerp for 1 night.

  6. Day 6overnight: Brussels

    Antwerp - Brussels

    The capital of Europe awaits. Sit back and relax during the 40-minute journey before arriving in the modern city of Brussels. Already on your way to the hotel, you can admire impressive facades and beautiful architecture. Overnight stay in Brussels for 3 nights.

  7. Day 7overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Start your day at the very heart of Brussels: the Grand-Place. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by magnificent guild houses. As you stroll through the streets, keep an eye out for the famous Manneken Pis, small fountain figures that have become symbols of Brussels' unique sense of humour. The Royal Palace and the Parlamentarium are also well worth a visit. End your evening with Belgian fries and a beer.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels - Excursion to Ostend

    Today, a trip to the North Sea awaits you. By train, you will reach the charming coastal town in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Wide sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and a lively seaside promenade with restaurants and beach bars invite you to relax. Enjoy a restorative day by the sea and soak up the vibrant coastal culture.

  9. Day 9

    Brussels - Switzerland

    Enjoy one last breakfast before your return journey begins. Take in the atmosphere of the city one final time. The ICE will take you comfortably back to Switzerland via Cologne.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Cologne places travelers steps from the 'imposing cathedral' right outside the central station.
  • Day 2The ICE train covers Cologne to Utrecht in 2 hours, arriving among 'medieval towers, idyllic canals and lively streets.'
  • Day 4A full day in Amsterdam for a canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House.
  • Day 7The Grand-Place in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by guild houses, plus a look for the Manneken Pis fountain figures.
  • Day 8A day trip by train to the coastal town of Ostend, reached in 1 hour 20 minutes, for wide sandy beaches and a seaside promenade.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to Basel SBB, based on Half-Fare travelcard. Route according to programme
  • Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Cologne, CityClass Hotel am Heumarkt***
  • 1 night in Utrecht, Hampton by Hilton Utrecht Central Station***
  • 2 nights in Amsterdam, CC Hotel***
  • 1 night in Antwerp, Mercure Antwerp City Centre****
  • 3 nights in Brussels, Hotel ALMA Grand-Place***

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, second-class train travel from and to Basel SBB is included, based on a Half-Fare travelcard, following the route in the itinerary.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is a self-guided rail tour with no tour manager mentioned in the evidence.
Which cities does the tour visit?
Cologne, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, with a day trip to Ostend on the North Sea coast.
What hotels are included?
Named 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast: CityClass Hotel am Heumarkt in Cologne (1 night), Hampton by Hilton Utrecht Central Station (1 night), CC Hotel in Amsterdam (2 nights), Mercure Antwerp City Centre (1 night, 4-star), and Hotel ALMA Grand-Place in Brussels (3 nights).
Is there a day trip to the seaside?
Yes, day 8 is a train excursion from Brussels to Ostend on the North Sea coast.

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