For a first go at Europe, this actually hangs together better than most plans I see.
Belgium makes sense with Tomorrowland anchoring it. Ghent and Antwerp are great picks and honestly more enjoyable than Brussels itself. One day in Brussels is plenty.
Netherlands looks solid. Amsterdam for 4 days is right. For the extra 2 days, Utrecht feels like the best fit for you. Great food scene, beautiful canals, very runnable, and way calmer than Amsterdam. Rotterdam if you want something more modern, but Utrecht feels more “Europe first trip”.
Paris for 5 days is perfect. For the 2 extra days nearby, Lyon jumps out hard given you’re a foodie. Easy train, amazing eating, and a totally different vibe from Paris. Strasbourg also works if you want something more compact.
London for 6 days is fine, especially if you enjoy neighborhoods, markets, long walks and runs. You won’t run out of things to do.
Madrid + San Sebastián is tight but worth it. San Sebastián is basically a food pilgrimage, so even 2 days there makes sense. Just accept that travel will eat some time.
Italy is the only part I’d simplify. Rome + Florence or Rome + Bologna is the move here. Skip Amalfi and Cinque Terre on this trip, especially in August. Crowded, hot, and more hassle than payoff for your interests. Florence and Bologna are both easy by train and way more aligned with food, history, and walkability.
Trains are absolutely the right call for almost everything you listed. They’ll save you stress and usually time door to door.
Overall it’s fast paced, but for a first Europe trip with food, culture, and nightlife as priorities, this makes sense. Just be realistic about energy levels and don’t feel bad dropping one day trip if you’re cooked.
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