A Grand European Family Adventure: Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & London
Complete Journey Overview
A Grand European Family Adventure: Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & London
A Grand European Family Adventure: Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & London
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Parisian Arrival & Seine Sparkle
Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Welcome to Paris! After clearing immigration and customs, collect your luggage and proceed to the city center.
Check-in to your Parisian Home
Check into a family-friendly hotel in a central and safe neighborhood like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These areas offer great access to attractions and dining.
Evening Seine River Cruise
A perfect first-night activity. See Paris's iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre illuminated from the water. It's a relaxing and magical experience for all ages.
Dinner at a Classic French Bistro
Enjoy your first Parisian meal at a traditional bistro. Order classics like steak frites, croque-monsieur, or a savory crêpe. Many bistros are family-friendly and offer a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Parisian Art & Bohemian Charm
Louvre Museum Adventure
Explore the world's largest art museum. To keep it family-friendly, plan a 'treasure hunt' for famous pieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Don't try to see everything!
Lunch & Stroll in Tuileries Garden
After the museum, grab sandwiches, crêpes, or pastries from a nearby 'boulangerie' and have a picnic in the beautiful Tuileries Garden. Let the kids run around, sail toy boats on the pond, and enjoy the fresh air.
Explore Artistic Montmartre
Take the funicular up to the charming hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre. Watch artists at work in the Place du Tertre, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Dinner in Montmartre
Dine at one of the many charming restaurants around Place du Tertre. The atmosphere is lively and quintessentially Parisian.
Day 3: Eiffel Tower & Parisian Grandeur
Ascend the Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting its most famous landmark. Take the elevator to the top for unforgettable 360-degree views of the city. A true highlight for the whole family.
Picnic Lunch on the Champ de Mars
After your descent, grab supplies from a local market on Rue Cler and enjoy a classic Parisian picnic on the lawns of the Champ de Mars, with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop.
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Take a stroll down the world-famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. You can window shop at luxury stores and end at the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. You can climb to the top for another fantastic view of the city's layout.
Farewell Parisian Dinner
Enjoy a final French dinner. Perhaps try a different neighborhood like Saint-Germain-des-Prés for its classic café culture and excellent restaurants.
Day 4: Brussels Bound - Comics & Chocolate
Train to Brussels
Take a high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels-Midi/Zuid station. The journey is quick, comfortable, and scenic.
Check-in to Brussels Hotel
Check into your hotel, ideally located near the Grand-Place for easy access to the main sights. Drop your bags and get ready to explore.
Lunch: Belgian Frites & Waffles
Time for a Belgian classic! Grab a cone of authentic Belgian frites with a variety of sauces from a street vendor. Follow it up with a delicious, warm Brussels waffle for dessert.
Grand-Place & Manneken Pis
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, take a short walk to find the quirky and famous Manneken Pis statue. See if you can also find his female (Jeanneke Pis) and dog (Zinneke Pis) counterparts!
Belgian Chocolate Workshop
Participate in a fun, hands-on chocolate-making workshop. The whole family can learn how to make famous Belgian pralines and, of course, taste the delicious results.
Day 5: Atomic Sights & Amsterdam Canals
Visit the Atomium
Explore this unique landmark building, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The spheres contain exhibits and the top one offers panoramic views.
Train to Amsterdam
Head back to Brussels-Midi/Zuid station for your train to Amsterdam Centraal. It's another comfortable and efficient high-speed journey.
Check-in to Amsterdam Hotel
Arrive at Amsterdam Centraal and make your way to your hotel. Areas like Jordaan or near Vondelpark are great for families.
Evening Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Discover Amsterdam from its best angle: the water. An evening canal cruise offers a picturesque view of the gabled houses, charming bridges, and unique houseboats. It's a relaxing way to get oriented.
Dinner at Foodhallen
Head to Foodhallen, a trendy indoor food market with a huge variety of high-quality street food stalls. It's perfect for families as everyone can choose what they like, from gourmet burgers to Vietnamese summer rolls.
Day 6: Amsterdam's History & Science
Anne Frank House
A powerful and moving experience. Visit the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII. This is a must-do for a profound historical perspective. Suitable for older children and teens.
Dutch Pancake Lunch
Lighten the mood with a fun lunch at a 'pannenkoekenhuis' (pancake house). Dutch pancakes are huge and thin, and come with a vast array of sweet or savory toppings. A guaranteed hit with the kids.
Museum Choice: Art or Science
Choose your afternoon adventure. For art lovers, the Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. For families with younger kids, the NEMO Science Museum is a fantastic, hands-on, interactive playground of science and technology.
Wander the Jordaan District
Spend the late afternoon exploring the charming streets and canals of the Jordaan district. It's one of the most beautiful parts of the city, with independent shops, art galleries, and picturesque courtyards.
Day 7: Dutch Parks & London Calling
Vondelpark Exploration
Enjoy a morning in Amsterdam's largest city park. Rent bikes for the family (a true Dutch experience!) or simply stroll through the green space, visit the playground, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Eurostar to London
Head to Amsterdam Centraal for the direct Eurostar train to London St Pancras International. This journey takes you through the Channel Tunnel.
Check-in to London Hotel
Arrive at St Pancras and take the Underground (Tube) to your hotel. Good family-friendly areas include South Kensington (near museums) or Covent Garden (central entertainment).
Dinner in Covent Garden
Head to the vibrant Covent Garden for dinner. The area is bustling with street performers, shops, and a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Day 8: London's Royal History & Jewels
Tower of London
Immerse yourselves in centuries of British history at this historic castle. See the spectacular Crown Jewels, meet the famous Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) on a guided tour, and hear tales of prisoners and royalty.
Lunch at Borough Market
Take a short walk or boat ride down the river to Borough Market, one of London's best food markets. Graze on delicious street food from around the world. A feast for the senses!
Tower Bridge Experience
Walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. For a unique perspective, visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes the high-level walkways with glass floors, offering thrilling views of the bridge and river below.
Dinner at a Classic Pub
Experience a British institution with dinner at a family-friendly pub. Enjoy classic dishes like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, or a Sunday roast (even if it's not Sunday!).
Day 9: Pomp, Pageantry & Politics
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Witness the world-famous ceremony where the King's Guard, in their red tunics and bearskin hats, hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. A classic display of British pageantry.
St. James's Park
After the ceremony, take a relaxing walk through St. James's Park, one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks. See the pelicans, enjoy the lake views, and let the kids have some space to run.
Lunch in Westminster
Find a café or casual restaurant near Westminster for lunch before your afternoon sightseeing.
Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament
Walk to Parliament Square to see the iconic Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (home of Big Ben). Then, visit Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials for centuries.
Day 10: Museums & a West End Show
Natural History Museum
A paradise for kids and adults alike. Marvel at the huge blue whale skeleton in the main hall, explore the impressive dinosaur exhibit, and learn about the natural world in this beautiful and engaging museum.
Science Museum
Located right next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum offers seven floors of interactive and educational exhibits. The Wonderlab gallery is especially fantastic for children, with live experiments and hands-on displays.
Pre-Theatre Dinner
Head to the Theatre District (around Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Soho) for an early dinner. Many restaurants offer special pre-theatre menus that are quick and good value.
See a West End Show
Experience the magic of London's world-renowned theatre scene. Choose a family-friendly musical like 'The Lion King', 'Wicked', or 'Matilda' for an unforgettable evening.
Day 11: Wizarding World or Maritime Greenwich
Option 1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
A must-do for any Harry Potter fan. Go behind the scenes of the movies, walk through the Great Hall, explore Diagon Alley, and see original sets, props, and costumes. A truly magical day out.
Option 2: Explore Greenwich
For a more London-centric day, take a boat down the Thames to Greenwich. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, explore the Cutty Sark tea clipper, and wander through the beautiful Greenwich Park.
Farewell London Dinner
Enjoy a final dinner in London. Choose a restaurant in a neighborhood you've enjoyed, or try somewhere new like Notting Hill for its charming atmosphere.
Day 12: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Depending on your flight time, spend the morning picking up last-minute gifts and souvenirs. Hamleys, the famous toy store on Regent Street, is a magical final stop for families.
Travel to Airport for Departure
Head to your departure airport (e.g., Heathrow - LHR or Gatwick - LGW). Allow ample time for check-in and security.
