From August 23 to October 23, 2026, we’re taking a two‑month sabbatical across Europe — a mix of trains, boats, bikes, coastal hikes, and slow days in some of our favorite cities. This is our full itinerary, distilled into a clean, shareable format.
Overview
Duration: 63 days. Countries: Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Italy. Style: Slow travel, trains over planes, long stays, exploration, discovery, learning, walking, photography, and absorbing each place rather than rushing through it.
Amsterdam→Belgium→Paris (Aug 23 – Sep 6)
Amsterdam (Aug 24–25)
We begin in Amsterdam after an overnight flight, settling in and adjusting before the adventure starts.
Boat & Bike Tour (Aug 25 – Sep 3)
A multi‑day journey traveling from Amsterdam to Paris by boat and bicycle — a scenic, slow‑paced way to move between countries.
Belgium: Antwerp & Ghent
On our way toward Paris, we’ll pass through Belgium, stopping in Antwerp and Ghent for relaxed exploration. Expect:
- Historic squares and medieval architecture
- Canal‑side wandering
- Cafés, chocolate, and Belgian street food
- A slower pace between major city stays
Paris (Sep 2–6)
Five nights in Paris to enjoy museums, iconic landmarks, long walks, and great food. Highlights include:
- Eiffel Tower
- Notre‑Dame Cathedral
- Louvre
- Evenings at classic Parisian restaurants
- Rooftop views and neighborhood wandering
Rhine Valley, Germany (Sep 6–12)
Train from Paris to the Rhine Valley, settling in the riverside town of Boppard for five nights.
Activities include:
- Day hikes along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley
- Boat tours on the Rhine
- Optional day trip to Cologne
- A night in Schönburg Castle, perched above the river
Berlin (Sep 12–16)
Four nights in Berlin with a mix of guided tours and free exploration.
Planned experiences:
- Berlin Highlights Bike Tour
- Museum Island
- TV Tower
- Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Spree River cruise
Munich (Sep 16–21)
Five nights in Munich, arriving by high‑speed train.
Highlights:
- Small‑group bike tour
- Hofbräuhaus
- Wandering the old town
- Opening weekend of Oktoberfest
Salzburg (Sep 21–23)
Two nights in Salzburg.
Plans include:
- Exploring the old town
- Mirabell Palace
- Mozart‑themed experiences
- Classic Austrian cafés and architecture
Vienna (Sep 23–26)
Two nights in Vienna with a guided walking tour and time to explore:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Hofburg Imperial Apartments
- Treasury
- Art museums including the Belvedere or Kunsthistorisches Museum
Venice (Sep 26–29)
Three nights in Venice.
Experiences:
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Hidden‑gems walking tour
- Gondola ride
- Wandering the canals and neighborhoods
Dolomites — Ortisei (Sep 29 – Oct 3)
Drive into the mountains for four nights in Ortisei.
Focus:
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
- Photography
- Relaxing in the alpine villages of Val Gardena
Florence (Oct 3–5)
Two nights in Florence.
Plans include:
- Accademia Gallery
- Duomo climb
- Uffizi Gallery
- Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
- Galileo Museum
- Evenings exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood
Cinque Terre — Vernazza (Oct 5–10)
Five nights in the Cinque Terre.
Activities:
- Coastal hikes
- Village‑to‑village train rides
- Sunset views
- Relaxed days in Monterosso and Vernazza
Amalfi Coast (Oct 10–17)
A week of point‑to‑point coastal walking.
Daily highlights:
- Valle dei Mulini
- Ravello
- Praiano
- Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)
- Positano
- Optional boat trip to Capri
Rome (Oct 18–22)
Four nights in Rome.
Plans:
- Historic center wandering
- Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trastevere
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Slow days exploring cafés, markets, and neighborhoods
Amsterdam → Home (Oct 22–23)
Fly back to Amsterdam for one final night before returning home.
Closing Thoughts
This trip blends movement with rest — long stays, scenic routes, and a mix of cities, mountains, and coastlines. It’s designed for exploration, discovery, learning, photography, walking, and absorbing each place rather than rushing through it.
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