Amsterdam to Luxembourg 11-Day Rail Journey
A one-way southbound journey through Benelux, from canal cities to Bruges, Dinant, and the Luxembourg gorges
An open-jaw flight is more convenient for this point-to-point, north-to-south route. Explore canals and modern architecture in the Netherlands, use Brussels as a base in Belgium with an overnight stay in Dinant, and finish in Luxembourg to see the gorge fortresses and Vianden Castle. Bruges is planned as a day trip to avoid a long travel day when heading south. The entire journey is by rail, except for Vianden which requires a bus transfer. Ideal for first-time visitors to Europe who want to explore the three countries at a leisurely pace.
From April to May, Zaanse Schans can be replaced with the Keukenhof tulip gardens
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Amsterdam Canal Ring
Amsterdam（Dam Square、Canal Ring & Jordaan、Anne Frank House）
Take a train from the airport to Central Station (approx. 15 minutes), then explore the Canal Ring and Old Town entirely on foot
Anne Frank House must be booked online several weeks in advance
Stay: Canal Ring and Jordaan
Day 2 · A Day in the Museum District
Amsterdam（Rijksmuseum、Van Gogh Museum、Vondelpark）
Take a tram or walk from the Canal Ring to Museumplein (approx. 20 minutes), and explore the district on foot
Van Gogh Museum requires pre-booked timed-entry tickets
Stay: Canal Ring and Jordaan
Day 3 · Windmill Village & Haarlem
Amsterdam（Zaanse Schans、Haarlem）
Take a train from Central Station to Zaanse Schans (approx. 20 minutes), transfer to Haarlem (approx. 1 hour), and return to the city (approx. 20 minutes)
Stay: Canal Ring and Jordaan
Day 4 · Delft to Rotterdam
Rotterdam（Delft Old Town、Markthal、Cube Houses、Erasmus Bridge）
Take a train from Amsterdam to Delft (approx. 1 hour), then to Rotterdam (approx. 15 minutes), and use the metro within the city
Stay: City Centre
Day 5 · To Brussels via Antwerp
Brussels & Bruges（Antwerpen-Centraal Station、Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp、Grote Markt & City Hall, Antwerp）
Take a train from Rotterdam to Antwerp (approx. 30 minutes), spend half a day there, then continue to Brussels (approx. 45 minutes)
Luggage can be stored at Antwerp Central Station; the cathedral only opens on Sunday afternoons
Stay: Brussels City Centre
Day 6 · Brussels City Day
Brussels & Bruges（Atomium、Grand-Place、Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries、Manneken Pis、Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium & Mont des Arts）
Walk around the Old Town; take the metro to and from the Atomium in the morning, and walk to the Mont des Arts area in the afternoon
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are closed on Mondays; it is best to schedule this day from Tuesday to Sunday
Stay: Brussels City Centre
Day 7 · Bruges Day Trip
Brussels & Bruges（Markt & Belfry of Bruges、Burg & Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges、Bruges Canals & Rozenhoedkaai、Church of Our Lady, Bruges）
Take a train from Brussels to Bruges (approx. 1 hour), then walk 20 minutes or take a short bus ride into the city center
You can stay overnight in Bruges if preferred, but the journey south to Dinant the next day will be longer
Stay: Brussels City Centre
Day 8 · South to Dinant on the Meuse
Dinant & Ardennes（Citadel of Dinant、Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame of Dinant、Maison de Monsieur Sax）
Take a train from Brussels to Dinant (approx. 1.5 hours), then walk along the river into town from the station
You can reach the citadel by cable car or by climbing over 400 steps
Stay: Dinant Old Town
Day 9 · Rail to Luxembourg Gorge
Luxembourg City（Chemin de la Corniche、Grund、Bock Casemates）
Take a train from Dinant to Namur, transfer to a direct InterCity train to Luxembourg (approx. 3 hours total), and walk around the gorge in the afternoon
The Arlon to Luxembourg section often has track work; check Belgian Rail (SNCB) announcements before departure
Stay: Ville Haute (Old Town)
Day 10 · Vianden Castle Day Trip
Luxembourg City（Vianden Castle）
Take a train from Luxembourg City to Ettelbruck, then transfer to a bus to Vianden (approx. 1.5 hours one way)
Stay: Ville Haute (Old Town)
Day 11 · Upper Town Stroll & Departure
Luxembourg City（Grand Ducal Palace、Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg、Pfaffenthal Panoramic Lift）
Walk around the Upper Town in the morning, then take a bus to Luxembourg Airport after midday (approx. 30 minutes)