Beyond Our Wedding Day, More Wonders Await; Europe

🇬🇧 A European Fairy-Tale Journey

For our guests traveling from afar

For many of our American guests, the journey to Monica and Dirk’s wedding is more than a destination — it is the beginning (or continuation) of a European adventure. Europe is wonderfully compact, rich in history, and easy to explore. Whether you travel before or after the wedding, these cities are perfect chapters to add to your own fairy tale.

✨ Traveling Through Europe

From the Netherlands, cities like Paris, London, and Berlin are easily reachable by high-speed train, making travel comfortable, scenic, and stress-free. For destinations a bit farther south, Rome, Madrid, and Barcelona are just a short flight away, with frequent connections from Amsterdam and other major hubs.

🇫🇷 Paris – The City of Light

Paris is romance, art, and history woven together. From the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre’s winding streets, the city has inspired poets, artists, and lovers for centuries. Walk along the Seine, visit the Louvre, enjoy a café au lait on a terrace, and feel history in every stone — from medieval Notre-Dame to grand boulevards shaped in the 19th century.

Travel tip: Easily reached by high-speed train from the Netherlands in about 3–3.5 hours.

🇬🇧 London – Dirk’s Favorite City

London holds a very special place in Dirk’s heart — he lived here for four months in 2012, and it remains his favorite city in the world.

London is a living storybook: royal palaces, historic bridges, modern neighborhoods, and timeless traditions. Dirk’s favorite walk starts at Tower Bridge, follows the River Thames, and ends at Big Ben, passing landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye along the way.

He highly recommends Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and best food markets, full of international flavors and local delights. And for a peaceful moment, visit St. James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, where friendly squirrels roam freely — especially if you happen to have some bread with you.

Travel tip: Direct train connections via Eurostar make London easily accessible from the Netherlands.

🇩🇪 Berlin – History, Creativity & Contrast

Berlin is a city shaped by history and rebirth. From remnants of the Berlin Wall to vibrant neighborhoods filled with art, music, and innovation, the city is a powerful mix of past and present. Museums, historic landmarks, and a buzzing nightlife make Berlin unforgettable.

Travel tip: Easily reachable by train from the Netherlands.

🇮🇹 Rome – The Eternal City

Rome is an open-air museum. Ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum sit alongside Renaissance art, Baroque fountains, and lively piazzas. Every corner tells a story that spans over 2,000 years — from the Roman Empire to modern Italy. Add incredible food, espresso, and gelato, and you have a timeless destination.

Travel tip: Best reached by a short flight.

🇪🇸 Madrid – Culture & Royal Elegance

Madrid offers grand boulevards, world-class museums like the Prado, and a vibrant Spanish soul. As the capital of Spain, it blends royal history with modern energy. Enjoy tapas, late dinners, and evenings filled with music and life.

Travel tip: A short flight from the Netherlands.

🇪🇸 Barcelona – Art, Sea & Sunshine

Barcelona is where creativity meets the Mediterranean. Known for Gaudí’s architecture, colorful streets, beaches, and lively atmosphere, the city feels playful and inspiring. From the Sagrada Família to seaside tapas, Barcelona is perfect for those who love art, food, and sunshine.

Travel tip: Easily reachable by a short flight.

🌍 Your European Chapter

Whether you choose one city or several, Europe invites you to slow down, explore, and wander. From castles and cathedrals to markets and hidden streets, every destination adds magic to your journey.

We hope you’ll turn your trip to our wedding into a story you’ll tell for years to come. ✨