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You don’t need a visa for Schengen countries but 8 days seems a stretch. I’d pick 2 locations at the most. You’ll be in a rush.
I would suggest more than 8 days to do that. It would be more like 12 days and you’d still be pretty rushed.
Is there a reason you want to drive vs taking trains?
I default to trains when I’m there because I can sleep overnight and wake up ready for the next adventure. Driving will cut into that.
Any reason you are doing road trip vs taking the train? I think most of these places are train accessible. But if you want to drive then that’s cool!
Pro
I was part of a family that traveled growing up. Trust me, trains are way easier and are quite flexible. As a kid, I would’ve preferred a train over a car any day of the week
I wouldn't waste my time in Brussels, but would visit Antwerp and Bruges. I would also make a point to stop in Luxembourg city.
And as others mentioned, take trains everywhere.
I agree that there’s not much to see in Brussels, so probably no need to build in any more time than you need to meet your friend!
Each country has their own rules about driving. Make sure your rental car company allows you to leave the country with the car. Some of them charge extra for this. Also, as someone mentioned above, you may need to get a sticker to drive on the highway of certain countries. Some big cities have rules about when you can enter certain zones due to carbon emissions laws (so if you have an electric car, then disregard). Just do your research and you should be fine! And don’t be surprised if you get a ticket in the mail 6 months later :). Don’t ask me how I know this.
Pro
Some countries also request an IDP if your US state does not have a reciprocal with that country. This is a more general thing, as these countries accept your US license (I’m not sure about Lux, the public transport there was fantastic and became free for use shortly after I left)
As a European from Amsterdam, I have driven this route many many times to both Switzerland and northern Italy. It’s beautiful!
Depends on what you want, city or nature, shopping and culture?
Also - keep in mind the traffic that time of the year!! July and August is when schools are closed for summer break and everybody from Northern Europe drives south for the good weather. That means crazy traffic. No joke. Google Black Saturday France and you know enough. It’s not only France btw but Germany and Swiss have crazy traffic too.
Thanks for the perspective!! The scenic drive is the motivating factor, as well as the greater flexibility that a car offers.
For vacations we mostly value nature, scenery, a bit of city. Shopping doesn't even matter. This trip has the added pit stops of meeting up with 2 friends in 2 different cities, and distance family.
Will remember to not travel on Friday!
Netherlands and Belgium are an 8 day trip alone, maybe you can fit Luxembourg in if you do 10 days. Switzerland is easily an 8 day trip. Why spend more time inside a car or train than out exploring? You can fit more cities in perhaps if the cities of interest are closer together, but this seems like a lot of car time.
For Netherlands/ Belgium trip I’d check out Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges
For Switzerland trip you could spend time in Zurich, Lucerne, Murren/interlaken area, and then either go north to strausbourg, south to the lake region of Italy and fly out of Milan, southwest to chamonix/ Mont Blanc and fly out of Geneva. Another fun road-trip would be French alps (chamonix, annecy) with northwest Italy.
A friend did a tour like this when he was trying to maximize his time off. I guess it just depends on what you want. Maybe a tour is good if want to focus on seeing the landscape (instead of focused on so much driving) https://www.tourradar.com/t/14263
I have been to all except for Brussels and have also been on a roadtrip in EU. Maybe a bit too tightly packed because cities like Amsterdam and Brussels can be easily 2 3 days each depending on what you like to do/see (museums, Anna Frank home etc)
I think you need a Highway Sticker when getting on Swiszertland highway or else you can get tickets. It has been a few years, so pls do research!
Good call on the highway sticker for switzerland! It’s definitely still needed. Got one last month 😬
Take the train
I’d 2nd the train option. Everyone gets to look at the scenery, kids can get up and walk around the train. The train drops you right in the middle of any city you stop in—no parking worries, or 20-35 a night parking charges.
Train train train. Cut at least two locations from your plan. Don’t be afraid to take trains with kids. It’s not like trains in the US.
I’ve done this exact trip when visiting Amsterdam and traveling to see my dad who was living in Zurich at the time. You’ll be fine, I had a great time and saw plenty of amazing things/never felt overly rushed. People will tell you to extend your trip even if you’re taking a month off. Maybe skip Rotterdam if you’re looking to cut down cities? But have an incredible time, it’ll be beautiful!!
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Why are driving this is the question …. And not taking the train?
Would 10 days give me enough room then?
Chief
No. You’ve listed 5 cities you want to go to. With driving you’re getting maybe 1.5 days in each place. That doesn’t sound remotely enjoyable to me.
you should check out Karaat while in Amsterdam for food ; place is amazing
Can I ask why you want to drive and have the hassle of a car? I feel like public transportation would be so much easier. Plus you’re not worrying about parking, driving in crazy narrow roadways that you’re not familiar with. Also I’d be concerned about gas/petrol prices.
Pro
Try to spend at least two nights in any place you want to check out so you actually have a day to sightsee. Arriving somewhere at 2pm and leaving the next day at noon doesn't give you much time except to check in to your hotel, shower, and eat dinner.