Quick & Dirty Itinerary for Amsterdam + Paris Over Thanksgiving Break (With Flight Deals)
Itinerary for Amsterdam + Paris Over Thanksgiving Break
Hello friends!!
I’m back with an itinerary and flight deals for Paris and Amsterdam because I believe we should all be on vacation instead of cooking over Thanksgiving.
There are some awesome flights right now across the US to fly into Paris or Amsterdam then you can train to the alternating city! I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, so you can quickly plan your amazing Thanksgiving getaway with awesome flights. You’ll find the links to all the flights, where to stay, and a list of to-dos.
Let’s dive in!
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It doesn’t change the price, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.
WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM
🚤 Cruise the canal:
Even if it’s a bit chilly (average temperatures in Amsterdam in Nov. are 49° as a high and 40° F as a low, it wouldn't be a trip to Amsterdam without a canal cruise. Take a relaxing canal cruise and pass by picturesque bridges and historic buildings. Sit back and enjoy the views, drinks, and commentary from your guide. Here are a few cruise options for you:
Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese.
Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar
🏠 Anne Frank House
Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and visit the Anne Frank House. You can also stop at the Joods Historisch Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Auschwitz Monument, and other important sites.
Here is the official site of the Anne Frank House for tickets.
Or if you are interested in a tour, this is a great one: Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.
🖼 Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists, so this museum is a dream come true! It is home to the world’s biggest Vincent van Gogh art collection.
High price point, but private or a small group tour option: Van Gogh Museum - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour (Reserved Entry Included!)
🖼 Rijksmuseum
Head to the Rijksmuseum to see works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other renowned artists.
👀 Red Light District
Is it even a Syd Goes Traveling blog post if I don’t mention the Rick Steves Audio Europe™ Travel App? There is a Red Light District walking tour in the app that will guide you around “Amsterdam’s most historic neighborhood is also its most notorious. Here, sex is sold openly, and marijuana is smoked freely — and it’s all legal. This 90-minute tour offers a safe, informative introduction.”
👀 Jordaan District
Wander through this charming neighborhood with its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.
WHAT TO DO IN PARIS
💒 Sainte Chapelle
Begin your Parisian adventure with a visit to Sainte Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows.
Or check out the Seine Cruise, Medieval Quarter, & Sainte-Chapelle Tour
🏛 Eiffel Tower
Then head over to the Eiffel Tower. You’re in Paris, baby.
🖼 Louvre
Immerse yourself in art and history at the Louvre, home to some of the world's most treasured masterpieces.
Rick Steves has a great audio tour of the Louvre. You can download the app here.
🏛 Arc de Triomphe
Then we are off to the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll get a sweeping view of the Champs-Élysées and you can hit up the shops on the way to or from.
🏰 Palace of Versailles
Embark on a day trip to the opulent Palace of Versailles, exploring its lavish interiors and gardens to match.
Rick Steves has a free audio tour of Versailles. You can download the app here.
🖼 Orsay Museum
Visit the Orsay Museum. Housed in a former railway station, it has a magnificent collection of Impressionist art. Rick Steves has a tour of this museum as well!
🖼 Rodin Museum
Next head off to the sculptures and serene ambiance of the Rodin Museum, set in beautiful gardens.
Rick does not have a tour of the Rodin ☹️ So here is a guided tour option. Or you can use the museum-offered audio guide.
🎶 Cabaret Show
Finish off one night with a cabaret show! The classic Moulin Rouge or the new show, Crazy Horse.
💒 Mont Saint-Michel
Take a tour of the enchanting Mont Saint-Michel. A drive through the French countryside, to an abbey perched atop the rocky island, and soak in the mystical atmosphere.
This is the tour I’ll be doing: Mont Saint-Michel Small-Group Day Trip from Paris with Abbey & Cider Tasting.
You’ll also have time to take a couple of days outside of Paris if you’d like. I’d recommend London. You can see my 8-Day Paris & London Itinerary blog here. Another option would be taking the train to Amsterdam, which would also be incredible.
WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS
Amastan // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $ // Amazing location!
Possible complimentary perks from booking with a travel advisor (aka me 😉):
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary cocktail at hotel bar per guest, per day
Complimentary daily breakfast for two guests
Complimentary welcome gift in room on arrival
Brach // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $$
Hôtel de NELL // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $$
Hôtel Thérèse // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $
If you are interested in getting VIP perks at these hotels at no extra cost to you, reach out to me, and we’ll get planning!
WHERE TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $$
Kimpton de Witt Amsterdam // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $
De L'Europe Amsterdam // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $$
Canal House // ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // $
If you are interested in getting VIP perks at these hotels at no extra cost to you, reach out to me, and we’ll get planning!
CHEAP FLIGHT DEALS TO AMSTERDAM AND PARIS FOR THANKSGIVING 2023
I tried to find:
The best deals
Layovers that aren’t god-awful
Around a 10-day trip
If the prices go up, check out Google Flights or reach out to me, and I can try to find you a new flight.
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Tue, Nov 28
COST: $751
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $534 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Tue, Nov 28
COST: $621
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $516 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: One layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $803
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $703
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $196 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $560
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $146 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $649
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $555
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $269 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $621
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $644 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover on the way home
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $607
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $495 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Wed, Nov 29
COST: $579
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $446 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: One layover both ways
AIRLINE: Air Canada
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $683
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $381 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta/Airfrance
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $534
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $375 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Air France
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $621
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $371 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $636
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $392 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: KLM
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $605
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $767 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $633
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $511 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $619
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $312 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $544
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $196 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Air France
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $848
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $496 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $607
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $519 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Thu, Nov 23
RETURN: Sun, Dec 3
COST: $733
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $487 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Air France
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 14
RETURN: Fri, Nov 24
COST: $607
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $449 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
I hope you found this quick and dirty itinerary helpful! I’d love to help you with your trip (just with hotels or a full-on itinerary). Reach out if you want to start planning your adventure!
