Day 1: Arrive and keep it light
Amsterdam
- Fly into AmsterdamUse this as the international anchor; cost is estimated once in the budget summary.
- Canal walk and low-pressure dinnerStay near the canal ring so the first evening does not need taxis.
The route, day by day
Low Countries Spring Loop
Netherlands + Belgium
Tulip-season Amsterdam, Keukenhof at opening, Bruges, and Ghent without turning it into a checklist marathon.
- Region
- Netherlands + Belgium
- Window
- Mar-May
- Length
- 5 days
- Expected budget
- $4,005
The route, day by day
Stops
Amsterdam / Lisse and Keukenhof / Bruges / Ghent
Day 2: Keukenhof early
Amsterdam
- Keukenhof opening slotGo early before buses arrive; book timed entry once dates open.
- Return through Haarlem or LeidenA gentle buffer stop keeps the tulip day from becoming a commute.
Day 3: Rail to Bruges
Bruges
- Amsterdam to Bruges by railReserve the cross-border leg if travelling on a weekend or school-holiday date.
- Bruges canals after day-trippers leaveThe evening is the value play here: same city, much calmer streets.
Day 4: Ghent without changing hotels
Bruges
- Ghent day tripA short rail hop adds a different city texture without another checkout.
- Belgian dining nightPut the splurge meal here if the budget allows one.