Ryans Air Travel

Europe holds an undeniable allure, a continent brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. For travelers seeking a diverse and immersive experience, combining multiple countries into a single trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to sample the best of what Europe has to offer. This 11-night itinerary focuses on four distinct countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Austria, offering a blend of canal-side charm, bustling city life, fairytale castles, and alpine majesty.

This itinerary is designed to be adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your interests and travel style. Whether you prefer delving into historical sites, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this guide provides a solid framework for an unforgettable European adventure.

Day 1-2: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals, Culture, and Coffee Shops

Our journey begins in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, renowned for its canals, artistic heritage, and liberal atmosphere.

Accommodation: Consider staying in the Canal Ring for a quintessential Amsterdam experience or in De Pijp for a more bohemian vibe.

Activities:

• Canal Cruise: Kick off your trip with a relaxing canal cruise, offering a unique perspective on the city’s architecture and history.
• Anne Frank House: Pre-book tickets well in advance to visit this poignant and moving historical site. Remember to book your tickets online well in advance, as they often sell out.
• Rijksmuseum: Immerse yourself in Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, at this world-class museum.
• Van Gogh Museum: Explore the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, featuring iconic pieces like “Sunflowers” and “The Potato Eaters.”
• Jordaan District: Wander through the charming streets of the Jordaan, filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
• Heineken Experience: For beer enthusiasts, take a tour of the former Heineken brewery and learn about the brewing process.
• Cycle: Rent a bike and experience Amsterdam like a local! The city is incredibly bike-friendly with dedicated cycling lanes.

Food & Drink:

• Stroopwafels: A must-try Dutch treat, consisting of two thin waffles sandwiched together with caramel syrup.
• Bitterballen: Deep-fried meatballs, typically served with mustard.
• Herring: A traditional Dutch delicacy, often served raw with onions.
• Indonesian Cuisine: Amsterdam has a strong Indonesian influence due to its colonial history. Try a Rijsttafel, an elaborate rice table with a variety of dishes.

Day 3-4: Cologne & Berlin, Germany – Cathedrals, History, and Modernity

Take a train to Cologne (approx. 3 hours), a city dominated by its magnificent cathedral. After a brief visit, hop on another train to Berlin (approx. 4.5 hours).

Accommodation: In Berlin, opt for accommodation in Mitte for easy access to major attractions or Prenzlauer Berg for a trendy, artistic atmosphere.

Activities in Cologne:

• Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): Climb to the top for panoramic city views.
• Roman-Germanic Museum: Explore artifacts from Cologne’s Roman past.

Activities in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of German reunification and a must-see landmark.
• Reichstag Building: Take a guided tour of the German Parliament and enjoy stunning city views from the glass dome.
• East Side Gallery: A preserved section of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air art gallery.
• Museum Island: Home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum.
• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: A poignant and thought-provoking memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
• Checkpoint Charlie: The former border crossing point between East and West Berlin.

Food & Drink:

• Currywurst: A popular German street food consisting of a sausage covered in curry ketchup.
• Döner Kebab: Introduced to Germany by Turkish immigrants, a delicious and affordable option.
• Berliner Pfannkuchen: A type of doughnut filled with jam or cream.
• German Beer: Sample the local brews in a traditional beer garden.

Day 5-6: Copenhagen, Denmark – Design, Hygge, and Fairytales

Take a train from Berlin to Copenhagen (approx. 7 hours).

Accommodation: Consider staying in the city center (Indre By) for easy access to attractions or Vesterbro for a more edgy, hip vibe.

Activities:

• Nyhavn: Stroll along the colorful waterfront and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
• Tivoli Gardens: A historic amusement park that’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a fun evening.
• The Little Mermaid: Visit the iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale.
• Rosenborg Castle: Explore the opulent interiors of this Renaissance castle and see the Danish Crown Jewels.
• Christiansborg Palace: The seat of the Danish Parliament, located on the island of Slotsholmen.
• Explore the canals by boat: See Copenhagen from a unique perspective.
• Strøget: Stroll along the pedestrian shopping street.

Food & Drink:

• Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches, a Danish staple.
• Frikadeller: Danish meatballs.
• Kanelsnegle: Cinnamon rolls.
• New Nordic Cuisine: Experience innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients at one of Copenhagen’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

Day 7-8: Munich, Germany – Beer Gardens, History, and Bavarian Charm

Take a flight from Copenhagen to Munich (approx. 1.5 hours).

Accommodation: Opt for accommodation in the city center (Altstadt) for easy access to attractions or in Schwabing for a more bohemian atmosphere.

Activities:

• Marienplatz: The central square of Munich, home to the Glockenspiel and surrounded by historical buildings.
• Hofbräuhaus: Experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall.
• Deutsches Museum: One of the world’s largest science and technology museums.
• Nymphenburg Palace: Explore the opulent palace and its extensive gardens.
• BMW Welt: For car enthusiasts, a must-visit showcasing the history and future of BMW.
• English Garden (Englischer Garten): One of the largest urban parks in the world, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.
• Viktualienmarkt: A vibrant food market offering local produce, meats, cheeses, and delicacies.

Food & Drink:

• Weisswurst: A traditional Bavarian sausage, typically served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
• Schweinshaxe: Roasted pork knuckle.
• Pretzels (Brezeln): A Bavarian staple.
• German Beer: Munich is the beer capital of Germany, so be sure to sample the local brews.

Day 9-10: Salzburg, Austria – Music, Mountains, and “The Sound of Music”

Take a train from Munich to Salzburg (approx. 1.5 hours).

Accommodation: Choose accommodation in the Altstadt (Old Town) for easy access to attractions.

Activities:

• Hohensalzburg Fortress: Take a funicular up to this impressive fortress for panoramic views of the city.
• Mirabell Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens and palace, featured in “The Sound of Music.”
• Mozart’s Birthplace: Visit the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.
• Salzburg Cathedral: A stunning Baroque cathedral.
• Hellbrunn Palace: Enjoy the trick fountains and scenic gardens.
• “The Sound of Music” Tour: Take a guided tour to visit the filming locations of the iconic movie.

Food & Drink:

• Salzburger Nockerl: A sweet soufflé, a Salzburg specialty.
• Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet.
• Apfelstrudel: Apple strudel.
• Bosna: A spicy sausage in a roll, typically served with onions and curry powder.

Day 11: Departure from Salzburg

Enjoy a final Austrian breakfast before heading to Salzburg Airport (SZG) for your departure.

Transportation:

This itinerary relies primarily on train travel, which is efficient and comfortable in Europe. Consider purchasing a Eurail pass if you plan on extensive train travel. Flights are recommended for the Copenhagen to Munich leg to save time. Within cities, utilize public transportation like trams, buses, and subways, which are generally reliable and affordable.

Budget:

The cost of this trip can vary greatly depending on your accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities. Budget travelers can find hostels and affordable restaurants, while those seeking a more luxurious experience can opt for upscale hotels and fine dining.

Adaptations:

This itinerary can be adapted based on your interests:

• History Buffs: Spend more time in Berlin and Munich, exploring historical sites and museums.
• Art Lovers: Dedicate more time to Amsterdam and Berlin’s museums and galleries.
• Nature Enthusiasts: Explore the Bavarian Alps near Munich with hiking and outdoor activities.
• Foodies: Take cooking classes or food tours in each city to delve deeper into the local cuisine.

Sample Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Excluding Flights):

Category	Estimated Cost (USD)	Notes
Accommodation	$800 – $1500	Varies significantly based on type (hostel, budget hotel, luxury hotel)
Transportation	$400 – $700	Train tickets, local transportation passes
Food & Drink	$500 – $1000	Varies based on dining choices (street food, restaurants, fine dining)
Activities & Entrance Fees	$300 – $500	Museum tickets, tours, attractions
Total	$2000 – $3700	Highly variable depending on choices

This 11-night itinerary offers a taste of the diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Austria. By carefully planning your route and activities, you can create a truly unforgettable European adventure. Remember to research and book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to explore the best of Europe!