17 days in Europe Itinerary

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Madrid trip itinerary planning site.

If you are flying in from Puerto Rico, the closest major aiport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. In December, plan for daily highs up to 14°C, and evening lows to 3°C. You'll set off for Brussels on the 8th (Fri).

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Place du Grand Sablon as well as Grand Place. Start off your visit on the 8th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Grand Place, make a trip to Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, then appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Eglise Notre Dame Du Sablon, and finally make a trip to Place du Grand Sablon.

To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, go to the Brussels trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Madrid to Brussels takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. When traveling from Madrid in December, plan for a bit cooler days in Brussels, with highs around 7°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can go by car to Ghent.

Ghent melds the fairy tale-like beauty of Bruges with its stunning Flemish architecture, while at the same time supporting a vibrant cafe and bar scene.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Bavo's Cathedral, contemplate the long history of Graslei and Korenlei, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Ghent City Center, and finally explore the historical opulence of Gravensteen.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, go to the Ghent trip itinerary builder app.

Drive from Brussels to Ghent in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. December in Ghent sees daily highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to drive to Bruges.

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

On the 10th (Sun), enjoy breathtaking views from Belfry of Bruges, contemplate the long history of The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde, then sample the tasty concoctions at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, then steep yourself in history at Historic Centre of Brugge, and finally don't miss a visit to The Markt.

For more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Bruges trip planner.

Traveling by car from Ghent to Bruges takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December in Bruges, expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to drive to Amsterdam.

Known as one of the greatest small cities in the world, Amsterdam charms visitors with its cool and cozy atmosphere.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Mon): see the interesting displays at De Nieuwe Kerk, walk around Vondelpark, then explore the world behind art at Van Gogh Museum, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at Heineken Experience. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: make a trip to Royal Palace Amsterdam, then examine the collection at Anne Frank House, then explore the world behind art at Rijksmuseum, and finally admire the masterpieces at Museum Het Rembrandthuis.

For ratings, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Amsterdam trip maker tool.

Traveling by car from Bruges to Amsterdam takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. In December in Amsterdam, expect temperatures between 9°C during the day and 3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Cologne.

Though Cologne famously contains 12 Romanesque churches, the city's top prize remains its landmark Gothic cathedral.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Cologne Cathedral.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Cologne road trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Amsterdam to Cologne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to 3°C. You'll have a few hours on the 13th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Brussels.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Council of the European Union as well as Parlamentarium. Take a break from Brussels with a short trip to Chevrerie de la Petite Vacresse in Jurbise, about 1h 10 min away. Enjoy Brussels some more: see the interesting displays at Atomium, take an in-depth tour of Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles), make a trip to Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles, and contemplate the long history of Parc du Cinquantenaire.

To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Brussels road trip planning app.

Drive from Cologne to Brussels in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to fly to Madrid.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Madrid trip itinerary maker tool.

You can fly from Brussels to Madrid in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. When traveling from Brussels in December, plan for a bit warmer days in Madrid, with highs around 14°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 3°C. You'll set off for Bilbao on the 17th (Sun).

A city of stunning architectural and artistic heritage, Bilbao is situated on the banks of the Nervión River.

Bilbao is known for museums, fun & games, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, make a trip to Taberna Plaza Nueva, admire the masterpieces at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and wander the streets of Casco Viejo.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Bilbao day trip site.

Fly from Madrid to Bilbao in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Bilbao can reach 15°C, while at night they dip to 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can fly to Madrid.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Madrid: Toledo (Museo del Greco, Catedral Primada, &more). Enjoy Madrid some more: admire the masterpieces at Prado National Museum, walk around Parque del Retiro, contemplate the long history of Royal Palace of Madrid, and see the interesting displays at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.

To find maps, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Madrid trip itinerary builder website.

Getting from Bilbao to Madrid by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Bilbao in December, plan for a bit cooler nights in Madrid, with lows around 3°C.