Europe Travel

“Europe is not for kids” that was what my friends told me when I mentioned to them that I was going to Europe with my three young kids.  Well, they could not be more wrong.  My kids thoroughly enjoyed our adventures in Europe.

Our 15-day European vacation included cities in The Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy. We learned how cheese, and chocolates were made, how diamonds were cut, how windmills worked, and how glass was blown to make beautiful vases. My kids loved taking various types of rides including rides on a funicular, a cable car, a boat, a tram, a fast train and the famous gondola.  We also visited the Cinderella castle, a fairytale town in Germany and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  We even managed to fit in trips to two theme parks in our itinerary.

If you are interested in an itinerary for Switzerland and Paris, read this instead -> 10-day Switzerland and Paris.

 

Itinerary

Madurodam, Amsterdam

DAY 1: AMSTERDAM

Visit the miniature city of Madurodam and thereafter proceed to the city centre at Dam Square.


 
Dutch windmills Zaans Schanse

DAY 2: AMSTERDAM

Visit a dutch village dotted with windmills and cottages making wooden clogs and cheese at Zaanse Schanse.  Learn more about diamonds and watch diamonds being cut at Gassan Diamond Factory.  Enjoy the colourful sight of flowers at the Floating Flower Marketing and take a relaxing Canal Cruise along the famous canals in Amsterdam.

 

DAY 3: AMSTERDAM – COLOGNE – FRANKFURT

Depart Amsterdam and enjoy a scenic drive to Cologne, Germany.  Watch how chocolates are made at the Cologne Chocolate Factory and see the famous Cologne Cathedral.  Continue to Frankfurt for overnight stay.


 
Rothenburg ob der Tauber

DAY 4: FRANKFURT – ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER – GUNZBURG

Depart Frankfurt and start on the Romantic Road.  Visit the fairy-tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In the evening, continue to Gunzburg for overnight stay.


 
Legoland Germany

DAY 5: LEGOLAND (GERMANY) – RUST

A fun day for kids at the Legoland amusement park. Continue to Rust for overnight stay.


 
Europapark, Germany

DAY 6: EUROPAPARK (RUST)

See the whole of Europe in a day at Europa Park theme park.  Visit themed areas for France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, and many European countries.


 
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

DAY 7: RUST – NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE (FUSSEN)

Rejoin the Romantic Road and head to Fussen to tour the stunning Neuschwanstein castle, also known as the Cinderella castle.


 

DAY 8: FUSSEN – INNSBRUCK (AUSTRIA)

Bid farewell to Germany and take a scenic drive along vineyards and the Alps to Innsbruck, Austria.  Visit the Swarovski Crystal World (Kristallwelten) before returning the car. Stroll along the Old Town of Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof.


 
Austrian Alps

DAY 9: INNSBRUCK – VENICE

Take a cable-car and funicular ride up the mountain and take in the breathtaking view of the Austrian Alps. Depart Austria and head to Venice in Italy by train.  Stay overnight in Venice Mestre.


 

DAY 10: VENICEFLORENCE

Take a boat ride to Murano, an island near Venice, and witness a glassblower creating exquisite pieces of glass art. Return to Venice and stroll along this famous island to see Saint Mark’s BasillicaPiazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace.  Enjoy a Gondola Ride along the grand canal. In the evening, take a train to Florence.

 

DAY 11: FLORENCE

Head to The Mall for a bit of factory outlet shopping with discounted prices for branded Italian apparels, shoes and bags.


 
Cinque Terre

DAY 12: PISA & CINQUE TERRE

Visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa before heading to the Italian Reviera to enjoy the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre.


 
Florence

DAY 14: FLORENCEROME

Walk around the city of Florence and see Piazza S. Maria NovellaDuomo, and Ponte Vecchio bridge.  See the replica of Michelangelo’s world-famous David and other sculptures for free at the Piazza della Signoria.  Head to Lorenzo Market with a variety of Italian leather goods and items that are great for souvenirs. In the late afternoon, take an express train ride to Rome.


 
Fontana di Trevi

DAY 14: ROME

Take the Hop-on-hop-off bus tour and visit the famous sights in Rome including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican City and St Peter’s square. 

 

DAY 15: ARRIVEDERCI ROMA Bid farewell to Italy and Europe.

 
 

View 15 Day Europe Highlights in a larger map

 


Want to know how I planned this trip?  Click here -> Planning a family vacation to Europe