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Winter Journey To Europe

During the holiday season, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands transform into winter wonderlands, each offering unique festive experiences. The streets of major cities are adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas markets, Belgium, sees its historic squares come alive with ice skating rinks, and the Netherlands embraces the season with its canals lit up by the Amsterdam Light Festival. These neighboring countries, each with their own cultural flair, offer an enchanting blend of festive cheer and warm holiday traditions.

Lizzie MacPherson
Scenset travel curator
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Trip Overview

December 26th - 29th | Paris


December 29th - 30th | Bruges


December 30th - January 2nd | Amsterdam

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Weather

In December, the weather in Western Europe, including Paris, Belgium, and Amsterdam, is typically cold and damp, with a distinctly wintry feel. Paris often experiences chilly temperatures, with frequent overcast skies and occasional rain showers, making the city's holiday lights stand out against the gray backdrop. Belgium, with its proximity to the North Sea, shares a similar climate, where temperatures hover around , and misty mornings often give way to drizzly afternoons. In Amsterdam, the weather is much the same, with temperatures slightly lower, and a mix of rain and occasional light snowfall. The short days and long nights create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the festive lights, warm drinks, and holiday markets, even as you bundle up against the cold.

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Travel Requirements

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for short stays (less than 90 days within a 180-day period) in the European Union.

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These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.

Thursday, 26 December, 2024
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
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International Flights

Details to be confirmed.

Booked Independently

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VIP Arrival & Fast Track Service

Welcome to Paris! Be met at the door of your plane by your VIP representative who will escort you through the airport and through customs. He will then assist you at the baggage claim and bring you to meet your private driver - creating a seamless arrival experience.

Booked by Scenset

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Private Transfer

Meet your driver in the arrivals area of CDG, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Paris.

Booked by Scenset.

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Afternoon At Leisure

After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring at your own pace. A list of recommendations will be provided depending on your interests!

Recommendation by Scenset

Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg
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Private Transfer

Meet your driver at your hotel and make your way to your cruise embarkation point.

  • Duration: 15 minutes


Booked by Scenset

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Dinner On The Seine

Embark on a dreamy dinner cruise down the Seine, where the city of light reveals its enchanting secrets. The Eiffel Tower shimmers, bridges become arcs of love, and laughter fills the air. In this romantic aquatic waltz, the Seine whispers tales of timeless passion beneath the starry Parisian sky.

Aboard your boat, enjoy a unique view of the Seine River and its beautiful bridges from different angles. Pass under the Pont Alexandre III, a triumphant Art Nouveau masterpiece that links the Invalides to the Grand and Petit Palais. Ironically, the impressive Pont Neuf, which means β€œnew bridge” is the oldest in Paris dating from 1607. Also admire Pont Marie, the second-oldest bridge in Paris which links the Ile-Saint-Louis with the right bank of the Seine.

Continue under the famous Pont des Arts in front of the fabulous gold-domed Institut de France, towards the Louvre. This very private overview from a very private angle will allow you to catch a glimpse of Paris’ entire history.

  • Start Time: Evening
  • Note: This is a shared experience with other diners.


After your cruise, you will be able to walk back to your hotel or the captain can help you call a taxi.

Booked By Scenset

Dinner on the Seine
Dinner on the Seine
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Your Hotel

Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain

Double Room Classic x2 (1 King, 1 Twin)

  • These rooms feature king or twin beds, stocked minibars and courtyard or city views.
  • Breakfast Included


Booked by someone

Why we love it for you: Nestled in the heart of Paris's chic Faubourg Saint-Germain district, Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. This boutique hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering discerning travelers a refined sanctuary amidst the city's cultural and fashion-forward ambiance.

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Scenset Amenities

At this hotel the following amenities are included in your scenset booking:

  • Complimentary daily breakfast: Buffet or Breakfast Menu served until late morning in the restaurant and available via room service until shortly after in the morning at no extra charge
  • Priority for early check-in based upon availability on the arrival day (early arrival has been noted)
  • A voucher per stay to be applied towards any incidental charges.
Friday, 27 December, 2024
Day 2: Introduction to Paris
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Private Tour of Paris Highlights

At morning, meet your private guide and your driver at your hotel and begin your orientation tour to discover the different facets of the city!

Led by your private guide, you will make frequent stops, get acquainted with the city and soak in the special personality of each district. This tour is flexible based on your interests, and you may explore a particular neighborhood, or simply enjoy an overview.

We suggest driving across the Seine to admire the D'Orsay museum and the golden dome of the Invalides, or along the iconic Champs Elysees avenue. Your driver could then take you past the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe as you head to the authentic district of Montmartre.

End in Montmartre for a stop at the Sacre Coeur Basilica, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view over Paris. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets of this lovely village, which attracted many artists through the 19th and early 20th centuries, and still now exudes a unique bohemian atmosphere.

After your tour, remain in Montmartre to enjoy lunch at Le Sancerre for a break.

  • Meeting point: Hotel lobby
  • Duration: 4 hours


Inclusions:

  • Private Guide (4 hours) & Private Driver (6 hours) at disposal
  • Lunch is not included.


Booked By Scenset

Champs d'Elysee
Champs d'Elysee
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Lunch at Le Sancerre

Le Sancerre is a charming cafΓ© known for its lively atmosphere, classic French cuisine, and a terrace that offers a perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying a glass of wine.

Booked by someone | Paid Locally

Le Sancerre
Le Sancerre
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Eiffel Tower Visit

After lunch, head to the Eiffel Tower with your pre-booked tickets. Standing at the top of the Eiffel Tower, the panoramic views of Paris stretch out in every direction, offering a breathtaking blend of historic landmarks and bustling city life beneath. The cool breeze and the distant hum of the city create an unforgettable atmosphere that captures the magic of the City of Light from a truly iconic vantage point.

Booked by Scenset | Not yet included in cost

View from the Eiffel Tower
View from the Eiffel Tower
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Rest & Reset

Return to your hotel to rest and change before dinner.

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Dinner At Tour d'Argent

Tour d'Argent, one of Paris's most iconic and historic restaurants, offers a luxurious dining experience with breathtaking views of the Seine and Notre-Dame, renowned for its exquisite French cuisine and signature pressed duck dish.

Booked independently.

Tour d'Argent
Tour d'Argent
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Saturday, 28 December, 2024
Day 3: Art & History
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Private Tour of the Louvre with a Museum Curator

In the morning, depart your hotel for a short walk to the Louvre.

At the appointed time, you will enjoy a very exclusive visit of the Louvre with one of the most prominent supervisors of the museum.

Arrive through the Pyramid, an entrance normally closed to the public, and discover the hidden secrets within the walls of the Louvre. Your first stop will be the Mona Lisa, where you will get to be some of the first to see her before the public gets let into the museum!

The curator will then take you through the exhibition rooms to see the Louvre masterpieces, with works by acclaimed artists like Da Vinci, Ingres and Delacroix, while telling you all about the daily workings that occur behind the scenes. End your tour by leaving through the private exit, reserved exclusively for directors of the Louvre.

After your tour, you may decide to stay in the museum and continue independently.

  • Meeting Time: Morning
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours


Booked By Scenset.

Your Meeting Point
Your Meeting Point
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Food Tour in Saint-Germain-des-PrΓ©s

After your time with the curator, meet your private guide by the Pyramid of the Louvre, and walk together to Saint-Germain-des-PrΓ©s. It's time for some nibbles!

From the church of Saint-Germain-des-PrΓ©s and from the cafΓ© des Deux Magots, follow your guide, expert in French gastronomy, to discover this exceptional district, one delicacy after another.

For three hours, meet passionate local artisans – the best in their field – to enrich your culinary history. Taste the best French sweets and emblematic regional dishes. Along the way, taste cheese coming directly from the producer.

At the end of your experience, you may continue to explore the neighborhood on your own or walk back to your hotel.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Inclusions: Private guide (3 hours), tastings along the way throughout the tour


Booked By Scenset.

Macarons
Macarons
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Afternoon At Leisure

Take the rest of the afternoon to explore the shops and wander the streets of Paris. We can make recommendations depending on your interests.

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Dinner In Paris

A reservation will be made tonight at a restaurant in Paris according to your preferences.

Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally

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Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain

Booked by an individual

Sunday, 29 December, 2024
Day 4: Off To Belgium!
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Private Transfer

After an early breakfast and checkout, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station for your train to Belgium.

Booked by Scenset

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Eurostar To Belgium

Board a first class train to Brussels on the iconic Eurostar for a short and picturesque journey through the European countryside.

  • Approximate Departure Time: Morning
  • Approximate Arrival Time: Late Morning


Booked by Scenset

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Private Car

Upon arriving in Brussels, meet your private driver who will act as your chauffeur through Belgium for the day. Together, you will travel to Ghent for a few hours exploring the city.

  • Note: Car at disposal for 5 hours.
  • Drive Time To Ghent: 45 minutes
  • Approximate Arrival Time In Ghent: Around midday


Booked by Scenset

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Exploring Ghent

Upon arrival in Ghent, first stop for lunch at De Graslei, a charming restaurant with a beautiful patio overlooking the river.

Next, walk to Gravensteen Castle, located in the heart of the city. The castle is a stunning medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. Known as the "Castle of the Counts," it was originally built as a stronghold for the Counts of Flanders. The castle's imposing stone walls, turrets, and moat create a formidable presence, while its well-preserved interiors offer a fascinating glimpse into the medieval life, including displays of armor and ancient weaponry.

Afterwards, wander the quaint streets in the center before meeting back up with your driver to continue on to Bruges.

Booked by Scenset

De Graslei
De Graslei
Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen Castle
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Private Transfer

Hop back in the car with your private driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in Bruges for check in.

  • Drive Time: 45 minutes


Booked by Scenset

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Dinner At Dukes Restaurant

Dukes Restaurant, located at your hotel, offers a charming dining experience blending traditional Belgian flavors with contemporary cuisine in an elegant, historic setting.

Booked by a guest

Dukes Restaurant
Dukes Restaurant
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Your Hotel

Hotel Dukes Palace

Deluxe Room x2 (1 King, 1 Twin)

  • These rooms feature king or twin beds, classic decor and city views.
  • Breakfast Included


Booked by someone

Why we love it for you: Hotel Dukes Palace is a luxurious hotel housed in a former 15th-century ducal palace, offering guests a regal experience in the heart of the city. With its elegant Gothic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel exudes a sense of historic grandeur. Inside, the richly decorated rooms and suites blend period charm with modern comforts, creating a perfect retreat for those seeking both luxury and a connection to Bruges' medieval past.

Hotel Dukes Palace
Hotel Dukes Palace
Monday, 30 December, 2024
Day 5: Bruges To Amsterdam
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Check Out

Check out of your hotel before your tour begins, and leave your luggage with the hotel concierge for safekeeping until you return.

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Private Tour Of Bruges

After breakfast, meet your private guide who will take you on a walking tour of Bruges.

Starting off at the vibrant Grote Markt, you'll instantly discover the energy that has animated Bruges for centuries. You will discover important places such as La Bourse, the birthplace of Europe's first stock exchange, where the foundations of modern financial systems were laid centuries ago, or Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein), where the echoes of artisans and craftsmen still resonate.

Amidst the picturesque buildings and cobbled streets, your guide will introduce you to the scenset of the lottery and its enduring legacy in shaping European society. You will meander along the tranquil Rosary Quay, which offers storybook views of Bruges' iconic canals and medieval architecture.

At Van Eyck Square, named after the legendary Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, you will have a moment to reflect on the city's timeless beauty and the vast influence it has had on European and global culture.

  • Duration: 3 hours


Booked by Scenset

The charming town of Bruges
The charming town of Bruges
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Private Transfer

After collecting your baggage at the hotel, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the Bruges train station for your train to Amsterdam.

Booked by Scenset

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Train To Amsterdam

Board the train for the journey through the Belgian countryside to Amsterdam Central Station.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Note: One train change may be necessary in Antwerp depending on train schedules.


Booked by Scenset

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Private Transfer

Upon arrival at Amsterdam Central Station, meet your private driver who will transfer you to your hotel for check in.

Booked by Scenset

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Dinner At Leisure

Depending on arrival time, we can make a suggestion for dinner this evening, or arrange for a casual early night at the hotel's lovely garden restaurant.

Suggestion by Scenset

Casual dining in the Pulitzer Garden
Casual dining in the Pulitzer Garden
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Your Hotel

Pulitzer Hotel

Generous Rooms x2 (1 King, 1 Twin)

  • These rooms feature king or twin beds, a spacious floorplan and city or canal views.
  • Breakfast Included


Booked by a guest

Why we love it for you: The Pulitzer is a unique and luxurious hotel centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic canal district. The hotel is housed in a collection of 25 restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses, which have been seamlessly connected to create a stunning and atmospheric space. Along with its rich history, the hotel boasts world-class amenities, including an award-winning restaurant, a cozy bar, a tranquil inner garden, and a beautiful art collection that showcases the work of Dutch masters.

Your suite
Your suite
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Scenset Perks at Pultizer Hotel

Enjoy the following scenset perks at your hotel:

  • Food and beverage credit (no cash value)
  • Welcome drink for two at the Pulitzer Bar
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Early check-in, subject to availability (not guaranteed)
  • Late check-out, subject to availability (not guaranteed)
Tuesday, 31 December, 2024
Day 6: Happy New Year!
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Amsterdam Welcome Tour

This 3-hour walking tour of Amsterdam, led by a local historian, explores the city's Old Town, offering a perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Starting at Dam Square, the tour delves into Amsterdam's scenset and Dutch culture, with stops at the Nieuwe Kerk, Royal Palace, and the UNESCO-listed canal belt. Along the way, the guide will share stories about the city's history, including its medieval foundations, economic boom during the Dutch Golden Age, and key landmarks like the Begijnhof courtyard. By the end, you will gain a deep understanding of Amsterdam's past and present.

Booked by a user

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Lunch At George WPA

George WPA is a stylish and vibrant eatery known for its chic Parisian-inspired decor and delectable menu featuring a mix of French and international dishes.

  • Travel time: A short Uber ride from your hotel.


Booked by scenset - payment will be provided locally.

George WPA
George WPA
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Van Gogh Museum

From the famous sunflowers to iconic landscapes and self-portraits, Van Gogh and his work continue to influence our cultural imagination. Throughout his life, the artist suffered highs and lows, states and extremes that are expressed in his masterful, beautiful paintings.

As you move through the Van Gogh Museum with an expert art historian, you will come face to face with some of the most remarkable works the artist produced. You will leave your time at the museum with far more knowledge and appreciation for Van Gogh’s work and certainly a new approach to observing his paintings in the future.

  • Duration: 2 hours


Booked by a user

Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh Museum
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New Years Eve

Happy new year! Ring in 2025 at a pre-selected restaurant for dinner with fireworks on display across the city.

  • Note: We will require some time to research appropriate New Year's Eve venues, depending on what each individual location has planned for the celebration. Stay tuned for more info!


Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally

New Years in Amsterdam
New Years in Amsterdam
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Pulitzer Hotel

Booked by someone

Wednesday, 01 January, 2025
Day 7: Light Festival
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Anne Frank House

This morning, head to the Anne Frank House for your pre-booked tickets to the museum. Visit the poignant museum dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, located in the very building where she and her family hid during World War II, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into her life and legacy.

  • Note: You can take all the time you need to visit the Anne Frank House. On average, a visit takes an hour.
  • Note: Museum regulations prohibit tour guides from accompanying you to the museum. Your tickets include an audio guide in English.


Booked by Scenset

Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House
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Afternoon At Leisure

Take the rest of the day to explore Amsterdam at your own pace, have lunch, do some shopping, and rest before the evening. We can make recommendations for sightseeing on your own depending on your interests.

Recommendation by Scenset

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Dinner At Jansz

Restaurant Jansz, just next door to Pulitzer, is a sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam, renowned for its contemporary European cuisine and elegant ambiance.

  • Reservation Time: Early evening


Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally

Restaurant Jansz
Restaurant Jansz
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Light Festival By Boat

Meet your private boat captain directly outside of your hotel, who will also act as your guide. Cruise the Amsterdam canals where the annual Light Festival will be on display, with incredible light installations from local artists all over the city.

  • Time: Evening
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours


Booked by Scenset

Amsterdam Light Festival
Amsterdam Light Festival
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Pulitzer Hotel

Booked by someone

Thursday, 02 January, 2025
Day 8: Heading Home
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Private Transfer

After checkout, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Booked by Scenset

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International Flights

Details to be confirmed.

Booked Independently

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Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!

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While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.

Trip Pricing
Booking Your Trip

If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, please send a message in the app or an email to let us know.

We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.

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Terms & Conditions

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to booking your trip.