Let’s get planning. Here is my incredible 7-day European vacation to Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris. I am very fortunate that my friend Diana plans the majority of our trips. In fact we call her “DQ Travels.” Haha! Usually, there are 5 of us who travel together – Me, Diana, Joe, Christine and Jamie.
We hiked The Wave in Utah, relaxed in Turks and Caicos, did a two-week jaunt in Italy, and now a week in Amsterdam a (day trip to Bruges) and Paris.
BFF European Vacation
Me, Diana, Joe, Jamie, and Christine. Flew from Philly to Amsterdam and then Paris back to Philly. Jamie actually was in Paris last year so he flew home after Amsterdam. We were there for his birthday – actually went to Bruges for the day – so that was extra fun.
3-City European Vacation
The great thing about Europe is that the way we meander through stations here in the US is how you can go from country to country in Europe. It’s a 2.5-hour car ride from Amsterdam to Bruges and a 3-hour train ride from Amsterdam to Paris.
Even when we went to Italy last year, we covered so much of the country and everything was basically 3 hours apart. If you have the time and energy, I highly recommend going to at least two countries or at least two cities while you’re there.
Quick Tips For European Vacation
Get some Euros before the trip. I have AAA so I ordered through them and it’s so easy. Most bathrooms in Europe are AMAZING. Literally beautiful, and clean, no lines, but you have to pay to use them.
Usually, it’s less than 1 euro. I noticed more places allow you to use credit cards – even churches for donations and to light a candle – but have coins and cash to help with convenience and for tips.
Get some comfortable sneakers/shoes. I have very flat feet and when you’re walking 20,000 steps a day, you need comfy shoes. A lot of people love Dr. Scholl’s and I wore those through Italy, but I found that my Target sneakers actually felt better.
Do private tours/drivers if you have the means. It saves a lot of time and you can get more in. Most times the drivers are tour guides so it’s a double treat.
Enjoy some pics below and check my Instagram for all the fabulous pics!
Day 3 - Bruges, Belgium
A Private Driver picked us up at our hotel in Amsterdam. It’s an almost 3-hour drive there and back to Bruges. It was my best friend Jamie’s birthday and he loves travel and history and exploring so it was fun to do this with him on his birthday since he’s never been there before. We got homemade waffles, chocolate, muscles, and beer. It was a perfect day.
Day 5 - Versailles
We did a private car and tour guide to Versailles. Did a tour, and walked around. Lots of construction because of the Olympics. We came back to Paris, and ate at Cafe Le Flore – Ina Garten’s fav. Then walked around, did some shopping – Officine Universelle Buly and Marin Montagut, then walked through the gardens, went to Angelina for their famous Hot Chocolate. Went back to the hotel, napped, and then to Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Got dinner at a cafe then took an Uber to Trocadéro to watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night. It twinkles every hour on the hour. We got there at 10:15p and waited until 11p. It was magical.
Day 7 - Fly Home
Au Revoir Paris! It was magical, even though they were doing a ton of construction to prep for the Summer Olympics. That just means I have to plan another trip. It was good to get reintroduced to the incredible city. I went to Paris in High School so it’s been a minute. I would love to go back in October and wander the streets, shop a little more, and eat at some more incredible cafes. It really does feel romantic when you’re there.
