Dutch Holiday Classics
A hands-on stroopwafel workshop at Melly's Stroopwafels, a tour of the beloved Holtkamp Bakery, and a festive workshop of Northern Europe's seasonal favorites.
A Bake from Scratch Retreat
Holiday Baking in Amsterdam & Bruges
December 4–10, 2026 · Six nights · Limited to 16 bakers
The Retreat
A holiday season steeped in butter, sugar & candlelight
From stroopwafel workshops along Amsterdam's illuminated canals to world-renowned chocolate artistry in medieval Bruges, this six-night journey blends festive European traditions, artisan baking, and unhurried, thoughtful travel.
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. Each registered baker also receives a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch — or any Hoffman Media magazine — to keep, extend, or gift.
6Nights, all five-star
16Bakers, maximum
2Storybook cities
Amsterdam & Bruges, dressed for the holidays
Signature Experiences
Baking with the masters
Sugar Flowers with Natasja Sadi
A masterclass in botanical sugar artistry with the renowned cake artist of Cake Atelier Amsterdam — advanced decorative techniques in an intimate setting.
Belgian Chocolate Royalty
A presentation and tasting with chocolatier Dominique Persoone of The Chocolate Line, plus a private after-hours evening at The Julius Chocolate Bar.
Day by Day
Your six-night itinerary
Friday, December 4 · AmsterdamArrival & Welcome Reception
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.
Saturday, December 5 · AmsterdamBakery Tour, Stroopwafels & a Canal-Cruise Dinner
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 from throughout Northern Europe.
In the evening, the stroopwafel group will enjoy a memorable dinner canal cruise through Amsterdam's illuminated waterways.
Sunday, December 6 · AmsterdamGroups Switch — Everyone Bakes Everything
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.
Monday, December 7 · Amsterdam → BrugesSugar Flower Masterclass, then Onward to Belgium
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.
Tuesday, December 8 · BrugesWaffle Traditions & an After-Hours Chocolate Evening
Today 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 Julius Chocolate Bar — the chocolate shop of Dominique Persoone's son — offering a unique insider glimpse into one of Belgium's celebrated chocolate families.
Wednesday, December 9 · BrugesDominique Persoone & Bruges at Your Own Pace
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.
Thursday, December 10 · DepartureFarewell — or Onward to London
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.
Where We'll Stay
Two palaces, two cities
Nights 1–3 · Amsterdam
De L'Europe Amsterdam
Overlooking the Amstel River in the heart of the city, De L'Europe is one of Amsterdam's most iconic luxury hotels — historic grandeur, contemporary sophistication, exceptional dining, and an ideal base for the holiday season. Every guest stays in a beautiful junior suite.
Nights 4–6 · Bruges
Dukes' Palace Bruges
Set within a former 15th-century ducal palace, Dukes' Palace offers five-star elegance in the center of Bruges' historic old town — luxurious rooms, festive winter charm, and the city's cobblestone streets and canals right outside the door.
Every Detail, Handled
What's included
For Bakers
- 6 hotel nights, all in five-star accommodations
- 2 hands-on baking classes
- Amsterdam bakery tour
- Sugar flower masterclass with Natasja Sadi
- Private after-hours tasting & shopping at The Julius Chocolate Bar
- Private Belgian & Liège waffle tasting
- Presentation & tasting with chocolatier Dominique Persoone
- Exclusive Amsterdam dinner canal cruise in a historic boat
- Welcome reception and daily breakfast
- All retreat-activity transportation & Amsterdam–Bruges transfer
- Private round-trip airport transfers
- One-year Bake from Scratch subscription
- Gift bag with curated favorites
Not included: airfare to/from Amsterdam and Bruges, and some meals.
For Non-Baking Guests
- 6 hotel nights, all in five-star accommodations
- Exclusive Amsterdam dinner canal cruise in a historic boat
- Welcome reception and daily breakfast
- Transportation between Amsterdam and Bruges
- Private round-trip airport transfers
Not included: airfare, some meals, baking classes, the Bake from Scratch subscription, and gift bag.
Packages & Booking
Reserve your place
All prices in U.S. dollars · Limited to 16 bakers
Single Baker
$12,500
per baker
1 baker
1 private hotel room
Most Popular
Shared Baker Double
$11,000
per baker
2 bakers
1 shared hotel room
Baker + Guest
$14,500
per baker & guest
1 baker + 1 non-baking guest
1 shared hotel room
Add-On · Travel Onward to London
First-class train from Bruges to London and a night at the five-star Milestone Hotel, December 10, with breakfast and all transfers.
Single occupancy $2,000 · Shared occupancy $1,500 per person
Single occupancy $2,000 · Shared occupancy $1,500 per person
50% deposit due within 48 hours of confirmation · Balance due August 15, 2026
3% discount for ACH bank transfer · 1% discount for paying in full at booking
Booking & payment details
- A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with a 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.
- 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.
Trip cancellation & travel risk policy
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.
Optional Add-On
Travel onward to London
Continue with our team to the Holiday Baking in London Retreat. This package includes first-class train fare from Bruges to London, one night at the five-star Milestone Hotel on December 10 with breakfast, and transfers between Dukes' Palace, both train stations, and The Milestone. Some meals not included.
Getting There
Book a multi-city flight arriving into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and departing from Brussels (BRU) — alternate departures may be possible depending on your plans. Private airport transfers, the Amsterdam–Bruges transfer, and all activity transportation are included. The Bake from Scratch team is happy to assist with travel planning: events@bakefromscratch.com.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
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?
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.
