This is an itinerary that I designed and tacked onto a longer trip recently. From my experience in September, I will be writing what I learned, exploring key highlights, and giving recommendations. The travel itinerary is meant as a fun guide for you to customize per your travel interests and time. This itinerary is designed to cover parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, France and end in Switzerland across approximately 11 days. Through this itinerary, I aimed to display some of Belgium’s rich culture. I wanted to showcase Luxembourg’s unique atmosphere. Eastern France (Alsace)’s wonderful vibrancy and Switzerland’s cool, chic feel were also featured.
Brussels (2 days)
Brussels, Belgium is a foodie city! If you like to eat fries, chocolate or simply take in the smells of it all, Brussels is your place! Juxtaposed with Gothic style architecture, cobblestone and food, this city is dynamic and exciting. Additionally, as the birthplace of comic strips, Brussels has a strong affinity for art and comic-related things. Some recommendations for things to do are below:
- Grand Place
- Try Belgian chocolate – delicious!
- Atomium
- Manneken-Pis – bronze statue
- Cantillon Brewery
- Belgian Comic Strip Center
- Eat a waffle with your favorite toppings
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Royal Palace of Brussels
- Saint Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral – great interior
After 2 days in Brussels, getting to Ghent or Bruges via train takes around 40 minutes each. If you are speedy, you can cover both in 1 to 2 days. However, they each deserve time in their own right.
Ghent (1 day)
This city is famous for canals and architecture. Much like the other Belgian cities, it is wonderful to explore. It is culturally rich and offers a mix of urban life and culture. The city is also known for a notable street, many marketplaces or town squares, and more.
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
- Graslei (street)
- Korenmarkt (market place)
- Belfry of Ghent
- Patershol (neighborhood)
- Ghent City Hall
The train or bus journey between Ghent and Bruges is about 40 minutes.
Bruges (1 day)
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, a region in Belgium. The city is distinctive and beautiful. The emphasis on chocolate and breweries remains. The gardens offer a smaller feel because of the historic center. This makes for a unique day trip or overnight.
- Belfort
- Basilica of Holy Blood
- Burg Square
- The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
- Choco Story (Chocolate Museum)
- Groeningemuseum (Art gallery)
- Historic Center of Bruges
- Markt
From Bruges, the journey to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg takes around 4-5 hours as you need to transfer in Brussels. You can add an overnight stay in Brussels if you have time. This allows you to say goodbye to Belgium before your onward journey.
Luxembourg (1 day)
This country is deemed one of the richest in the world. It is highly organized, clean, and unique. The beige tones of the city and tower make for a beautiful appeal. The capital is small and can be explored in a day. I would recommend day trips if you have more time. Here are some things to do in Luxembourg City:
- Chemin De La Corniche (classic viewpoint)
- Grund (neighborhood)
- Cathedral Notre Dame
- Grand Ducal Palace
- Nationalmusée um Fëschmaart (Art gallery)
- Pfaffenthal Lift
- Wandering the main streets and enjoying a coffee, so you can take in the views around you!
After checking out Luxembourg, it is time to head to Alsace. Alsace is a region of Eastern France known for timbered houses, French cuisine and culture. You will soon see why it is one of my favorite places or regions of the entire country of France!
The journey to Strasbourg, France, the capital of this region will take around 1.5 hours by train or bus.
Strasbourg (2 days)
Strasbourg is dreamy due to its location near a canal named Faux-Rempart. In the historic center or one of them, you can have dinner with wonderful views. You can watch people and take your time to enjoy your food. The timbered houses of “La Petite France” are incredible. They are just the beginning of the things to see in this region or this city in particular.
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
- La Petite France
- Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
- Barrage Vauban
- Palais Rohan
- Église Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune
The magic of Strasbourg is followed by the wonder of Colmar. You can reach it in just about 1 hour by train or bus.
Colmar (1 days)
- Little Venice – the heart of Colmar!
- Take a boat trip through the Old Town
- Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar
- Dominican Church
- Grand Rue (notable street)
- Quartier des Tanneurs (neighborhood)
- Marché Couvert Colmar – a covered market place, but the entrance is elusive!
Bonus: If you have time – take a day trip to: Eguisheim (1 day) – you will not regret it!
By now, you should be as enchanted with Alsace, the region, as I was! Next stop: Switzerland!
Your journey will take around 2 hours via train.
Zurich (2 days)
Zurich is cool and has a wonderful atmosphere! From the architectural style to the quality of food, the city was magnificent! If you can find it, try fondue – a Swiss must.
- Grossmünster (Church)
- Lindenhof
- Swiss National Museum
- Bahnhofstrasse (street)
- Zurich Opera House
- Niederdorf (neighborhood)
From here, you can go onto another destination. You can also depart via the Zurich Airport. It is a common connection or departure point for many within Europe.
I hope you enjoyed this recommended itinerary with stops in Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Switzerland. What was your favorite listed destination? -K
Stampchaser Photography 