This six-night culinary journey blends festive European traditions, artisan baking experiences, and cultural immersion in the heart of the holiday season. From stroopwafel workshops and learning to make traditional Dutch holiday treats in Amsterdam to tasting Belgian and Leige waffles and world-renowned chocolate artistry in Bruges, each day is thoughtfully curated to inspire creativity, connection, and joy.

Guests will enjoy exclusive hands-on workshops with celebrated local bakers and pastry artists, private tastings, charming canal-side moments, and leisurely time to explore festive markets, cafés, and historic streets adorned for the holidays. Plus, we’re hard at work behind the scenes planning even more magical experiences for you to experience on this retreat. 

The retreat begins in Amsterdam at the iconic De L’Europe Amsterdam, where timeless elegance meets the romance of the city’s canals and each guest will enjoy an exquisite junior suite. Midweek, the experience continues in the fairy-tale city of Bruges, with accommodations at the stunning Dukes’ Palace, a former ducal residence transformed into one of Belgium’s most luxurious hotels.

This retreat is limited to 16 bakers and is designed for those who love baking, connecting with other like-minded people, and thoughtful travel.

Each registered baking participant will receive a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch or any other Hoffman Media magazine. If you’re already a subscriber, you may extend your subscription or gift it to someone who loves baking.

Arrive in Amsterdam at your leisure, where private transportation will be provided from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to our hotel.

In the evening, gather with fellow bakers for a welcome reception at Chapter 1896 inside De L’Europe Amsterdam—an elegant beginning to our Dutch and Belgian baking adventure.

We’ll divide into two groups for the day’s experiences.

One group will enjoy a bakery tour, including a visit to the beloved Holtkamp Bakery, followed by a hands-on stroopwafel workshop at Melly’s Stroopwafels.

The second group will participate in a festive holiday baking and culinary workshop featuring beloved seasonal classics throughout Northern Europe.

In the evening, the stroopwafel group will enjoy a memorable dinner canal cruise through Amsterdam’s illuminated waterways.

Groups will switch experiences so every guest enjoys both the festive baking and culinary workshop and the stroopwafel bakery tour.

The second group will conclude their day with a memorable dinner canal cruise through Amsterdam.

In the morning, guests will participate in a sugar flower masterclass with renowned cake artist Natasja Sadi of Cake Atelier Amsterdam. This beautifully detailed workshop at The Pulitzer Hotel offers an opportunity to explore advanced decorative techniques inspired by botanical artistry.

After the workshop, we’ll depart Amsterdam and continue onward to Bruges, Belgium—a medieval city known for its cobblestone streets, exceptional chocolate, and timeless holiday atmosphere.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be yours to relax and settle into Dukes’ Palace.

Today’s experience celebrates one of Belgium’s most iconic specialties. Guests will enjoy a special waffle tasting at House of Waffles, learning about both Liège waffles and classic Belgian waffles while exploring the traditions behind these beloved treats.

The afternoon is free for exploration, shopping, or enjoying Bruges’ charming cafés and holiday markets.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a private after-hours tasting and shopping experience at the chocolate shop of Dominique Persoone’s son, The Julius Chocolate Bar, offering a unique insider glimpse into one of Belgium’s celebrated chocolate families.

This morning features a special presentation and tasting with renowned Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone of The Chocolate Line. Learn about the artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship behind modern Belgian chocolate in an unforgettable immersive experience.

The afternoon will be free to enjoy Bruges at your own pace, with opportunities to explore the city’s lace traditions, boutiques, museums, and festive squares.

Depart on your own, with private transfers arranged for you to Brussels Airport (BRU).

If you’d like to travel onward with Bake from Scratch to participate in our London Baking Retreat, a special add-on package is available.

• 6 hotel nights (all in five-star accommodations)

• 2 baking classes

• Amsterdam bakery tour

• Sugar flower masterclass with Natasja Sadi

• Private after-hours tasting and shopping experience at The Julius Chocolate Bar

• Private Belgium and Liège waffle tasting

• Special presentation and tasting with renowned Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone

• Exclusive Amsterdam dinner canal cruise in a historic boat

• Welcome reception and breakfast daily

• Transportation to and from all scheduled retreat activities

• Transportation between Amsterdam and Bruges

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

• Airfare to and from Amsterdam/Bruges

• Some meals

• 6 hotel nights (all in five-star accommodations)

• Exclusive Amsterdam dinner canal cruise in a historic boat

• Welcome reception and breakfast daily

• Transportation between Amsterdam and Bruges

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• Airfare to and from Amsterdam/Bruges

• Some meals

• Baking classes

• One-yearBake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

De L’Europe in Amsterdam

Overlooking the Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, De L’Europe Amsterdam is one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Combining historic grandeur with contemporary sophistication, the hotel offers refined accommodations, exceptional dining, and an ideal location for exploring Amsterdam during the holiday season. Each guest will stay in a beautiful junior suite.

Dukes’ Palace in Bruges

Located within a former 15th-century ducal palace, Dukes’ Palace offers five-star elegance in the center of Bruges’ historic old town. With luxurious rooms, festive winter charm, and easy access to the city’s cobblestone streets and canals, it provides the perfect home for our Belgian retreat experience.

This package is designed for those that wish to participate in our Amsterdam and Bruges Holiday Baking Retreat and travel onward with our team for our Holiday Baking in London Retreat. This package includes first-class train fare from Bruges to London and hotel accommodations at The Milestone in London the evening of Thursday, December 10.

• 1 hotel night (at the five-star The Milestone in London)

• First-class train fare from Bruges to London

• Breakfast at The Milestone

• Transportation between Dukes' Palace and the Bruges train station

• Transportation between the London train station and The Milestone

• Some meals

Guests should book a multi-city flight, arriving into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and departing from Brussels Airport (BRU), though alternate departure arrangements may also be possible depending on travel plans.

Transportation between Amsterdam and Bruges, as well as transportation to all scheduled retreat activities are included.

The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.

Single Baker Occupancy

• $12,500 per Baker

• 1 Baker | 1 Private Hotel Room

Shared Baker Double Occupancy

• $11,000 per Baker

• 2 Bakers | 1 Hotel Room

Baker & Non-Baking Guest

• $14,500 per Baker & Non-Baking Guest

• 1 Baker + Non-Baking Guest | 1 Shared Hotel Room

Travel Onward to London

• Single Occupancy: $2,000 | 1 Person | 1 Private Hotel Room

• Shared Occupancy: $1,500 per Person | 2 People | 1 Shared Hotel Room

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due August 15, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

A 3% discount is included for payments made via secure bank transfer (ACH).

A 1% discount applies when paying the full retreat cost at booking.

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

Do single travelers attend your retreats?

We always have single travelers on our retreats, and many make plans in advance for dinners and free time. We will connect you with all travelers ahead of the retreat via WhatsApp.

What airport should I fly into?

You should book a multi-city flight, arriving into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and departing from Brussels Airport (BRU). Private transfers are included to make your travel days stress-free and seamless.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, daily breakfast is included.

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking sessions are fully hands-on.

Are children allowed?

All participants must be 18 years or older.

What should I wear?

Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.

Will we have free time?

Yes. Leisure time is thoughtfully built into the itinerary.

Can I extend my stay?

Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay before or after the retreat.