A Magical Spring in Central Europe

The idea of exploring the Netherlands, Belgium, and France in spring had been taking shape for months; a journey stitched together by history, art, nature, and above all, endless fields of tulips. Years earlier, during our stay in Germany, we had made brief visits to these countries. But as inexperienced travellers then, we had skimmed the surface, missing many of the places that now called out to be rediscovered. This time, we were determined to delve deeper; to experience each destination with patience, curiosity, and purpose, making the best use of every precious day.

After months of careful planning, the day finally arrived. Our flight from Mumbai to Paris, changeover at Paris Charles de Gaulle, followed by the connecting flight to Amsterdam, felt like the beginning of a dream unfolding. The transition from the humid warmth of Mumbai to the cool European breeze was ethereal.

 

Day 1: Leiden – A Quiet Dutch Gem Between the Rivers

Late morning we landed at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. A quick train ride from Schiphol brought us to Leiden, a small university town where canals curved gracefully through cobbled streets. A short bus ride led us to our hotel in Lange Mare.

After settling down, we began our walking tour from De Burcht, the ancient fortress standing proudly atop a small hill in the city centre. The view of St. Pieterskerk, the grand Gothic church built in honour of Saint Peter, was especially captivating.

Next, we walked toward Molen de Valk, the Windmill Museum. The towering structure, dating back to 1743, stood gracefully by the canal. By late afternoon, we wandered toward the confluence of the Old Rhine and New Rhine, where the twin rivers meet near the Beestenmarkt.

Molen de Valk (Windmill Museum), Leiden

As dusk settled in, the canals of Leiden came alive in warm reflections. Known as the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, the first day in this city felt like a living history book wrapped in serenity.

 

Day 2: Keukenhof Gardens – A Symphony of Colour and Design

Next day was King’s Day in Netherlands, and the entire city of Leiden was dressed in the orange colour, with music, laughter, and open-air markets filling every canal-side street. Our celebration was planned in the Keukenhof Gardens, famously known as the Garden of Europe.

King's Day celebration in Leiden

There are dedicated bus services from Leiden Centraal to Lisse; takes about 20 minutes. The newly constructed main entrance welcomed visitors with efficiency and flair, marking the garden’s 68th season since opening on March 23. The cool, crisp air of early spring, temperatures between 7 and 15 °C, felt refreshing as we stepped into a world where colour ruled every vista.

Among Keukenhof’s many themed pavilions, the Juliana Pavilion (also known as Tulpomania), stood out for its fascinating deep dive into the history of the tulip, especially stories of the 17th-century “Tulip Mania,” when tulip bulbs were worth their weight in gold. Through vivid displays and archival exhibits, it traced the incredible journey from its origins in Ottoman Empire to its rise as a national symbol.

Tulpomania

The Oranje Nassau Pavilion was an explosion of colour and creativity. Every corner overflowed with floral artistry; themed arrangements that changed weekly, transforming the pavilion into a living gallery of Dutch design. The interplay of light, scent, and form created a sensory experience that celebrated both tradition and innovation in horticulture.

Orange Nassau

In contrast, the Wilhelmina Pavilion offered a more serene and reflective atmosphere, where delicate orchid displays and elegant floral compositions invited quiet admiration. It was a space that embodied grace and refinement; a fitting tribute to Queen Wilhelmina, and a reminder of how deeply Dutch royalty and flower culture are intertwined.

Wilhelmina

The Willem-Alexander Pavilion, named in honour of King Willem-Alexander, is a grand glasshouse brimming with tulips of every imaginable variety. Stretching across a vast area, it showcased an astonishing diversity of shapes, colours, and patterns; from classic reds and yellows to rare fringed and double blooms, something like a living rainbow.

Willem-Alexander

Every path unfolded into a masterpiece; sweeping arcs of red, yellow, orange, pink and purple tulips, clusters of hyacinths releasing sweet fragrance, and daffodils swaying in the wind. The icing on the cake was climbing up the Dutch windmill, which offered sweeping views over endless tulip fields stretching to the horizon. The sight was almost surreal, a gigantic patchwork of colour under a bright blue sky.

 

Historic Windmill at Keukenhof

View from the Windmill

Delft – Canals, Ceramics, and Celebration

Delft, our next stop, welcomed us with festivity. The cobbled Market Square buzzed with energy, framed by the Town Hall, a Renaissance masterpiece, and the majestic New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), where members of the Dutch royal family are buried.

Market Square, Delft

We climbed the New Church tower, rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Delft’s gabled rooftops. Across the square stood the Old Church (Oude Kerk). Inside, sunlight streamed through stained glass, illuminating the tomb of Johannes Vermeer, Delft’s most famous son.

Later, we visited De Porceleyne Fles, the historic Royal Delft pottery factory. Watching artisans’ hand-paint intricate blue-and-white ceramics was mesmerizing, a craft preserved since the 17th century. We left with a small Delft Blue tile, a delicate reminder of this beautiful day.

As evening fell, we returned to Leiden, where King’s Day festivities continued, music, laughter, and orange lights dancing on the canals. The Netherlands, we realized, knows how to celebrate life with both elegance and joy.

 

Day 3: Amsterdam – Art, History, and the Pulse of the Canals

A 40 minutes train ride from Leiden carried us to the vibrant heart of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Centraal Station, with its grand Neo-Renaissance façade designed, stands majestically along the waterfront, a striking blend of red brick, ornate towers, and decorative gables that welcomes visitors as the gateway to the city.

At the very heart of Amsterdam lies Dam Square, the city’s historical and cultural nucleus; a place where centuries of Dutch history converge with the energy of modern urban life. Once the site of the original dam built on the Amstel River in the 13th century (which gave the city its name), the square has evolved into a vibrant open space framed by some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks.

National Monument at Dam Square

Dominating the square is the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis), a magnificent 17th-century building originally constructed as the City Hall during the Dutch Golden Age. Its stately façade and neoclassical grandeur speak of Amsterdam’s prosperous past, when it was one of the world’s most influential trading cities. Today, the palace remains one of three official residences of the Dutch royal family and often hosts state events.

Royal Palace at Dam Square

Facing the palace stands the National Monument, a solemn white stone obelisk erected in 1956 to commemorate the victims of World War II. Each year on May 4th, the square becomes the focal point of the national Remembrance Day ceremony. Surrounding the square are elegant hotels, lively cafés, street performers, horse-drawn carriages, making Dam Square not just a historical site, but the beating heart of Amsterdam.

From there, we wandered toward the Old Church (Oude Kerk), Amsterdam’s oldest surviving building. The contrast was striking; a serene Gothic church surrounded by the vibrant, modern hum of the Red-Light District. Inside, sunlight filtered through centuries-old stained glass, illuminating the wooden vaults and the gravestones that lined the floor. Outside, life bustled on; cafés, shops, and narrow lanes filled with curious visitors and locals. The juxtaposition of the sacred and the worldly gave this part of Amsterdam its unique character.

Oude Kerk, Amsterdam

A short tram ride took us to Museumplein, the cultural hub of Amsterdam. The vast open square, framed by grand museums and green lawns, felt like a space where art and everyday life coexist effortlessly. At the Rijksmuseum, we were instantly drawn into the Golden Age of Dutch art. The building itself is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. Inside, the galleries unfolded with treasures: Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and countless others that captured the delicate interplay of light and shadow.

Just a short walk away stood the Van Gogh Museum. However, visiting the museum required advanced reservation, which we had no idea of. With heavy heart, we embarked on a canal cruise, perhaps the most enchanting way to experience the city. The boat glided gently through the waterways, passing under arched bridges adorned with flowers and lights. Reflections of centuries-old houses danced on the rippling water. It was a scene of perfect tranquillity; the heartbeat of Amsterdam resonating with the rhythm of the water.

The canals of Amsterdam

Later in the evening, we boarded the train back to Leiden. After returning to the hotel, the first job was to course correct, i.e., reserving tickets for Van Gogh Museum on the last day of our journey.

 

Day 4: Paris – The City of Light Unfolds

The morning began with an early regional train from Leiden to Rotterdam, followed by an international train to Brussels, watching the landscape subtly change; canals giving way to rolling meadows and small Belgian towns. Quite unexpectedly, we faced a lot of delays en route, due to ongoing maintenance works. After waiting for two hours at Brussels-Midi, we transferred to the sleek Thalys high-speed train, with a maximum speed of up to 300 km/h, whisked us to Paris Gare du Nord in a couple of hours.

A short taxi ride brought us to our hotel at rue La Fayette. After checking in and settling down, we set out to explore the city using the heritage Paris Metro, a network as historic as the city itself. Our first stop was the Trocadéro. Viewing from the Trocadéro Gardens, the Eiffel Tower rose in all its iron grace, an icon both familiar and breathtaking in person. As we descended the broad esplanade towards the Seine, the tower seemed to grow taller with every step. After crossing the Pont d’Iéna, its intricate latticework revealed the genius of Gustave Eiffel’s design, a masterpiece of steel and symmetry that has come to define the spirit of Paris.

Eiffel Tower as viewed from Trocadero

As evening descended, we boarded a Seine River Cruise, a journey that felt like drifting through centuries of history and art. The boat glided under the city’s most beautiful bridges; the Pont Alexandre III, adorned with gilded sculptures and Art Nouveau lamps, and the Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge, glowing softly in the amber light of dusk. Along the banks, the Louvre’s glass windows shimmered, the Notre Dame Cathedral stood silhouetted against a fading sky, and the Eiffel Tower began its nightly sparkle.

Eiffel Tower as viewed from Seine River Cruise

Day 5: Paris – Art, Faith, and the Flow of the Seine

The morning began at the Louvre Museum, where civilizations speak through sculpture, brush, and stone. Having learned our lesson from Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, we wisely purchased skip-the-line tickets in advance; a decision that saved us nearly an hour and a half of waiting. As we stepped inside, the first thing that captured our attention was Louvre’s reverse pyramid, a striking inverted glass structure in the Carrousel du Louvre, elegantly mirroring the iconic pyramid above the ground. The museum houses over 35,000 works of art, which are distributed into three main wings – Denon, Sully, and Richelieu – each unfolding like an intricate labyrinth, each corner revealing a new world.

We began at the Denon Wing, home to some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces. On the ground floor, it houses the powerful Italian and French sculptures, including Apollo slaying the serpent Python (popularly known as The Selfie Statue), Michelangelo’s Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave and the dynamic Winged Victory of Samothrace, poised magnificently at the top of the Daru Staircase. Ascending to the first floor, the galleries open into the museum’s most iconic space, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” in the Salle des États, surrounded by Italian Renaissance works by Raphael, Veronese, and Titian. This level also features monumental French paintings such as David’s Coronation of Napoleon and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. The second floor continues the narrative with 19th-century decorative arts.

Apollo slaying the serpent Python

The enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa

Moving to the Sully Wing, it felt like the museum’s historical heart. This is the oldest section, built around the medieval foundations of the original Louvre fortress. On the ground floor, we explored the Medieval Louvre, where massive stone walls, moats, and towers reveal the fortress’s 12th-century origins under King Philippe-Auguste. Ascending to the first floor, the focus shifts to the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, including timeless treasures like the Venus de Milo and Hermes of Andros. The second floor unfolds the French paintings, offering masterpieces by Poussin, Watteau, and Delacroix, tracing the evolution of French art from classicism to romanticism.

Venus de Milo

In the Richelieu Wing, the atmosphere shifted from antiquity to opulence. On the ground floor, we encountered the magnificent Mesopotamian and Near Eastern Antiquities, including the awe-inspiring Code of Hammurabi, Assyrian winged bulls, and monumental reliefs that recount the grandeur of ancient empires. Moving up to the first floor, the atmosphere shifts to the opulence of Europe’s aristocratic past; the restored Napoleon III Apartments, a dazzling display with crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and sumptuous furnishings. The galleries on the second floor showcase an extraordinary collection of Northern European paintings, featuring masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens, and Van Eyck.

Code of Hammurabi

Each level of the Louvre held a rhythm of its own; from the ancient civilizations on the lower floors to the Renaissance and Romantic eras above. Though the museum’s sheer size could overwhelm, every masterpiece felt strangely intimate, as if it waited patiently for you to pause, look closer, and listen to its story. By the time we stepped out, the Glass Pyramid was dazzling under the afternoon sun. We followed the curve of the Seine, crossing elegant bridges adorned with love locks and iron lampposts. The Pont Neuf, ironically named the “New Bridge,” stood proudly as the oldest bridge in Paris. Completed in 1607, it was the first to span both banks of the Seine, and its sturdy stone arches offer some of the finest views of the city.

Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris

Crossing Pont Neuf led us onto the Île de la Cité, the heart of medieval Paris and home to one of Europe’s greatest architectural marvels – Notre Dame Cathedral. Begun in 1163 and completed over two centuries later, Notre Dame de Paris is more than a church; it is a chronicle of faith, craftsmanship, and resilience. Inside, sunlight streamed through the rose windows, painting the stone floors in hues of sapphire and crimson. The vast nave, supported by slender columns, felt like a forest of stone; its silence broken only by the faint echo of footsteps and the murmur of prayers. Each chapel told a story. Each stained-glass panel a masterpiece of medieval art. It was impossible not to feel humbled beneath those soaring vaults.

Notre Dame Cathedral (minus The Hunchback)

From Louvre to Pont Neuf to Notre Dame, the day unfolded like a walk through the city’s soul, from art to architecture, from beauty to belief. As twilight settled over the river, and the lights of Paris beginning to glitter on the water, we called it a day.

 

Day 6: Disneyland Paris – A Day of Magic and Imagination

An eastward RER train ride took us to Marne-la-Vallée, where the dreamlike world of Disneyland Paris awaited. As we approached the park gates, the iconic clock tower of Main Street Station instantly transported us from the real world into the realm of childhood wonder.

Stepping through the turnstiles, we found ourselves on Main Street, U.S.A., Walt Disney’s nostalgic reimagining of a turn-of-the-century American town. Horse-drawn streetcars clattered past pastel shopfronts adorned with flowers, bunting, and old-fashioned lampposts.

The Town Square buzzed with life; cheerful music, whistling cast members, and the soft chime of the Main Street vehicles making their slow loops toward Central Plaza. We paused at the Emporium, a sprawling Victorian-style shop, its windows brimming with Disney memorabilia.

As we walked down the red-bricked boulevard, the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant) came into view. Framed by fluttering banners and perfectly manicured gardens, it looked less like a building and more like a dream sculpted from light.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

We began with Fantasyland, where childhood memories come to life. The pastel façades and gentle music were pure enchantment. We floated through It’s a Small World, the classic Disney boat ride celebrating global unity with hundreds of singing dolls dressed in traditional costumes.

Next came Peter Pan’s Flight, soaring over the twinkling lights of London before diving into Neverland alongside Captain Hook’s ship. We rode the whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, spinning beneath a canopy of lanterns, and wandered through Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.

At Le Carrousel de Lancelot, golden-armoured horses gleamed beneath a medieval canopy. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant completed our immersion into storybook magic; each ride a loving nod to classic Disney animation.

Crossing a wooden bridge, the music changed to exotic drums and flutes – welcome to Adventureland. Here, the world of pirates and explorers came alive in palm-fringed pathways and ancient ruins. We climbed through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and wandered the Adventure Isle caves.

The Pirates of the Caribbean ride, an atmospheric journey through candlelit taverns, stormy seas, and singing buccaneers, was the best of the lot. The realistic animatronics, flickering torches, and immersive storytelling made it one of the most unforgettable experiences of the day.

A short stroll led us to Frontierland, the park’s tribute to the Wild West. The rickety rails of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad snaked across an island in the lake, and our train roared through dark tunnels and sharp turns. Nearby, the Phantom Manor combined ghostly theatrics with old Western lore; its creaking corridors, floating spirits, and haunting music making it one of the park’s most atmospheric attractions.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland

At the far end of the park, Discoveryland offered a retro-futuristic escape inspired by Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci, and H.G. Wells. Bronze gears, copper domes, and neon rings gave it a steampunk elegance unlike any other Disney park in the world. We joined the queue for Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, a high-speed indoor roller coaster launching us into intergalactic battle with X-wings and TIE fighters.

Afterward, we explored Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, a lively, interactive ride through a neon space arena, and admired Les Mystères du Nautilus, a walkthrough replica of Captain Nemo’s submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. As daylight faded, the glowing domes and whirring machinery of Discoveryland mirrored a vision of the future from a century past; beautifully imaginative and quintessentially French.

By afternoon, we crossed into the adjacent Walt Disney Studios Park, dedicated to the art of filmmaking. Its entrance – the Front Lot – evoked the golden age of Hollywood, complete with palm trees, sound stages, and the soothing soundtrack of cinematic classics.

We began at Ratatouille: The Adventure, a 4D trackless ride that shrinks visitors to the size of Chef Remy, whisking them through a chaotic Parisian kitchen. At Crush’s Coaster, themed after Finding Nemo, we spun through ocean currents in a fast, twisting ride that blended charm with thrills.

Next came the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a spectacular drop ride through a haunted 1930s hotel, combining suspense, free fall, and impeccable storytelling. We explored Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic, which revealed massive film sets, pyrotechnic effects, and animatronic marvels.

Next, we wandered through Toy Story Playland, where giant toys towered above us, bringing Andy’s backyard to life. As dusk fell, we returned to Central Plaza just as the lights of Sleeping Beauty Castle began to glow. he Disney Illuminations Show began; an awe-inspiring spectacle of fountains, fireworks, and laser projections.

That evening, on the quiet train ride back to Gare du Nord, the magic still resonated in our minds, in our smiles, and somewhere, in the twinkling Parisian sky.

 

Day 7: Versailles – Splendour and Silence

Early morning, we boarded the RER C train bound for Versailles Château Rive Gauche. The journey, just under an hour, felt like a quiet transition from urban rhythm to regal splendour. As we approached the palace gates, the gilded railings of Château de Versailles glinted in the sunlight.

Stepping through the Cour d’Honneur, the grand forecourt, one could almost hear the echoes of royal carriages. The sheer scale of the palace was overwhelming; over 2,300 rooms, each more ornate than the last, stretching across corridors lined with marble, gilt, and mirrors.

The Grand Forecourt of Versailles Palace

We entered through the State Apartments, beginning our exploration in the King’s Apartments, where ceilings burst with mythological frescoes glorifying the Sun King as Apollo. Each salon represented a planet; Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter; blending classical allegory with royal propaganda. The walls shimmered with gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers, and portraits framed in elaborate stucco.

King's Apartments at Versailles Palace

The Queen’s Apartments, though equally grand, carried a different grace, more intimate and refined. Here, Marie Antoinette’s bedchamber stood preserved, its pastel silk draperies and floral embroidery reflecting her taste for elegance and lightness. Behind secret doors, she once fled during the 1789 storming of Versailles, marking the end of an era of royal grandeur.

From the Queen’s chamber, the passage opened into the most dazzling space in Europe – the Hall of Mirrors. Stretching over 73 meters, it was a spectacle of 357 mirrors reflecting sunlight streaming through 17 arched windows overlooking the gardens. Every surface glimmered; gilded sculptures, crystal chandeliers, and frescoes celebrating the triumphs of Louis XIV.

Hall of Mirrors at Versailles Palace

Before leaving the main palace, we paused at the Royal Chapel, a soaring two-level sanctuary crowned with Corinthian columns and a frescoed ceiling depicting the Holy Trinity. Nearby, the Royal Opera House (L’Opéra Royal) glowed with green and pink marble.

Stepping out onto the palace terrace, the view of the Gardens of Versailles unfolded like a living masterpiece; geometry, perspective, and poetry combined. The gardens extended as far as the eye could see; a symphony of clipped hedges, marble statues and fountains perfectly aligned along the Grande Perspective.

We strolled along the Latona Fountain, inspired by the myth of Apollo’s mother. Farther ahead, the Apollo Fountain gleamed in the afternoon light. A short walk from the main gardens led us to the Trianon Estate, a more intimate side of Versailles. The Grand Trianon, built in pink marble, is an elegant retreat of arcaded corridors and quiet salons. Nearby, the Petit Trianon is a delicate blend of neoclassical grace and feminine charm.

Late afternoon, we made our way back toward Gare de Versailles. From Versailles Château Rive Gauche, we took the return train to Paris, followed by a short Metro ride to Charles de Gaulle Étoile. The station opens directly onto the Arc de Triomphe, its eternal flame flickering beneath the vaulted arch. We casually strolled down Champs-Élysées, still trying to soak in the street life of Paris.

Arc De Triomphe

Day 8: Brussels – Miniature Worlds and Majestic Squares

The morning began early in Paris Gare du Nord, where we boarded the Thalys train to Brussels. The high-speed ride through the French and Belgian countryside took just over 90 minutes. After checking into our hotel near Brussels Central Station, we set out to explore the capital of Europe; a city where history, art, and diplomacy coexist effortlessly.

A tram ride to Heysel led us to Mini Europe, an open-air miniature park capturing the essence of an entire continent in one stroll. Spread across landscaped gardens, more than 350 scale models (at a 1:25 ratio) recreated Europe’s most iconic landmarks; from Big Ben and Eiffel Tower to Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The replica of Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre at Mini Europe

Walking through this delightful display felt like embarking on a whimsical, compressed grand tour of Europe. The level of detail was astonishing; tiny trains ran through the Alps, gondolas floated through Venice’s canals, and windmills turned gently in miniature Dutch fields. The experience was both educational and enchanting, blending craftsmanship with the spirit of travel.

Replica of Alkmaar, Netherlands at Mini Europe with Atomium in the backdrop

Just across from Mini-Europe stood the futuristic Atomium, one of Brussels’ most recognizable landmarks. Built for the 1958 World Expo, it represents an iron crystal (in a body-centred-cubic or bcc shape) magnified 165 billion times, composed of nine interconnected steel spheres.

The Atomium, gigantic body-centred-cubic Fe crystals

We ascended via elevator to the upper sphere, where panoramic windows opened onto a sweeping view of Brussels; the Royal Palace, church spires, and clusters of red-roofed houses stretching into the distance. Inside, a multimedia exhibit chronicled the optimism of post-war Europe; when technology and design promised a brighter, interconnected future.

Mini Europe as viewed from the Atomium

By afternoon, we returned to the city centre through another tram ride to Bourse de Bruxelles (the Brussels Stock Exchange), its neoclassical facade guarded by two majestic lions. From there, a short walk led to the heart of the city; the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most breathtaking squares.

Bourse de Bruxelles (Brussels Stock Exchange)

Nothing quite prepares you for that first moment when the Grand Place unfolds before you. Gilded facades gleamed under the spring sunlight, each building adorned with intricate carvings and baroque gables. The Town Hall, with its soaring spire crowned by the statue of Saint Michael, dominated one side, while the Maison du Roi (King’s House) stood proudly opposite, now housing the Museum of the City of Brussels.

A short walk from the Grand Place brought us to Manneken Pis, the cheeky little statue that has become the unofficial symbol of Brussels. Barely two feet tall, the bronze boy fountain has been standing here since the 17th century. He has over 1,000 costumes donated from around the world, displayed in a nearby museum. During festivals and holidays, locals even dress him up in themed outfits.

The dressed up Manneken Pis

Along Rue de l’Étuve, not far from Manneken Pis, a towering mural of Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Snowy (scene from The Calculus Affairs) leapt to life against the brick façade; a vivid tribute to Belgium’s beloved comic heritage. These street artworks, part of the Brussels Comic Book Route, transformed ordinary walls into living storyboards, blending nostalgia with urban artistry.

Tintin, Capt. Haddock and Snowy escaping from the Bordurian spies led by Colonel Sponsz

Day 9: Bruges and Brussels – Medieval Charm and Urban Pulse

Early morning, we boarded a regional train from Brussels Central to Bruges (or Brugge in Dutch), often called “Venice of the North”. As the train slowed into Bruges station, it felt like stepping back in time into a city that had paused somewhere in the Middle Ages, perfectly preserved. Bruges’ charm lies in its stillness; cobblestone lanes, ivy-draped houses, canals mirroring stone bridges, and carillons chiming softly from distant towers.

Our first stop was the Begijnhof (Beguinage), a tranquil enclave founded in the 13th century. Whitewashed houses framed by swaying poplars encircled a central courtyard blanketed with daffodils; a serene world once home to Beguines, religious women who lived in quiet devotion without taking monastic vows.

A short walk along the canal led us to the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), whose slender brick spire – at 115 meters – is one of the tallest in Belgium. Inside, we stood before Michelangelo’s Madonna and the Child. The delicate grace of the marble, the mother’s serene composure, the child’s tender movement, it felt like the soul of Bruges itself: refined, spiritual, timeless.

Madonna and the Child at Church of our Lady, Bruges

We strolled to the Market Square (Markt), the city’s beating heart. Dominated by the Belfry of Bruges, the square was surrounded by rows of colourful guildhalls with step-gabled roofs. Rising nearly 83 meters, the Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge) is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Once the watchtower of medieval merchants, it now offers one of the most iconic panoramic views in Belgium.

Market Square, Bruges

Just a short walk away stood the Town Hall (Stadhuis) in the Burg Square; one of the oldest in the Low Countries, dating back to 1376. Its ornate façade was adorned with niches filled with statues of biblical and historical figures, representing the city’s civic pride. Inside, the Gothic Hall was stunning; vaulted ceilings painted in deep blue and gold, walls covered with frescoes depicting the city’s medieval history.

Belfry of Bruges

Not far from Markt, Beer Wall – a colorful, towering display inside one of the local breweries – showcases over 400 varieties of Belgian beer, each bottle a testament to the country’s centuries-old brewing tradition. Equally captivating are the Tintin exhibits (3D statues and murals) popping up here and there. They practically hypnotised us – diehard Tintin fans – to do some Tintin themed shopping for our family back home.

Beer Wall at Markt

Waiting for a new adventure

No visit to Bruges is complete without a canal cruise, and by afternoon, we boarded a small open boat from one of the quays near Rozenhoedkaai, the city’s most photographed spot. The boat glided through narrow waterways, under stone bridges draped in ivy, bordered by medieval homes. The guide narrated stories of the city’s golden age; when Bruges was a hub of international trade, linked to the North Sea via the Zwin estuary.

Old St. John's Hospital in as viewed from the canal. 

Canals and historical buildings of Bruges

Bruges is also known for its Belgian chocolate. We could not resist visiting one of the many chocolatiers, where the scent of cocoa filled the air. Handcrafted pralines, truffles, and chocolate seashells were displayed like jewels, and we were compelled to do some wholehearted chocolate shopping.

The abundance of chocolates, waiting to be pounced upon

We took the evening train back to Brussels, the journey quiet and reflective. Back in the city, we walked once more to the Grand Place, now illuminated against the night sky. Its golden façades glowed softly, a perfect endnote to the Flemish chapter of our journey.

The Grand Place at evening

 

The Grand Place at night

Day 10: Amsterdam Revisited – A Brush with Genius and a Glimpse of the Old City

The morning began with a long yet comfortable train journey back to the Netherlands. By early afternoon, we arrived at Schiphol and checked in at a nearby hotel for our final night of the journey. Though it marked the last leg of our trip, the day was far from over. A short train ride to Amsterdam Centraal, followed by a short tram ride led us once again to the Museumplein, the cultural heart of the city.

Van Gogh Museum at Museumplein

Our destination – the Van Gogh Museum – is a modern glass-and-stone building that houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works. Inside, it felt less like walking through a museum and more like stepping into the mind of the artist himself. The journey began with The Early Years, where Van Gogh’s Dutch roots showed in dark, earthy tones. The Potato Eaters captures the raw dignity of peasant life. As we ascended to the next floor, colour began to bloom; sketches and still lifes from his Paris years reflected his fascination with light and Japanese prints.

The Arles and Saint-Rémy section was a blaze of emotion and colour. Here hung the masterpieces that made Van Gogh immortal; Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Yellow House, and the haunting Wheatfield with Crows. Each stroke seemed alive with urgency, as if painted in the heartbeat of his turbulent mind. The museum’s layout cleverly intertwined his art with letters to his brother Theo, offering glimpses into Van Gogh’s thoughts, struggles, and fleeting moments of peace. Finally, in the Auvers-sur-Oise gallery, we saw his last works; luminous landscapes under restless skies, echoing both brilliance and tragedy.

Still mesmerized, another tram ride took us to Dam Square, watching the bustle of locals and tourists beneath the Royal Palace’s neoclassical grandeur. Before saying final goodbye, we strolled past Oude Kerk, and the narrow lanes of Red-Light District once again. As dusk deepened, we made our way back to Schiphol, our hearts full and our minds still tracing the colours of Van Gogh’s skies.

The Red Light District of Amsterdam

Amsterdam Centraal at night; time to say goodbye

 Day 11: Homeward Bound – Reflections from the Sky

The early morning flight from Amsterdam to Paris was brief, a mere link between the worlds we had explored and the one waiting back home. As the plane descended over Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Eiffel Tower appeared once more in the distance. It was as if Paris itself had come to bid farewell. After we boarded the long-haul flight bound for Mumbai, reflections began to flow; not just of places, but of moments. The trip had been more than a vacation; it was a rediscovery of how art, nature, and history weave together to make life richer.