A Grand European Family Adventure: Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & London

Travel Adventure

A Grand European Family Adventure: Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam & London

Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences

12
Days
47
Activities
1
Traveler
1

Day 1: Parisian Arrival & Seine Sparkle

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Activities
4

Arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Roissy-en-France, France
Look for signs for 'Paris par train' to find the RER B train line, the most efficient way to reach central Paris.

Check-in to your Parisian Home

Le Marais, Paris, France
Consider hotels with family rooms or adjoining rooms. Drop off your luggage and freshen up before heading out.

Evening Seine River Cruise

Bateaux Mouches, Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris
No need to book far in advance, but arriving 20 minutes early ensures a good seat. Choose a boat with open-top seating for the best views.

Dinner at a Classic French Bistro

Latin Quarter, Paris, France
Look for restaurants with a 'menu enfant' (kids' menu). The Latin Quarter offers a wide variety of charming and affordable options.
2

Day 2: Parisian Art & Bohemian Charm

Thursday, May 21, 2026
Activities
4

Louvre Museum Adventure

Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris, France
Book your timed-entry tickets online WEEKS in advance to avoid massive queues. Under 18s are free. Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance for a potentially shorter security line.

Lunch & Stroll in Tuileries Garden

Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
This is a great way to decompress after the sensory overload of the Louvre. There are also carousels and playgrounds within the garden.

Explore Artistic Montmartre

Montmartre, 75018 Paris, France
The area is hilly with cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes. Be mindful of street artists and pickpockets in crowded areas.

Dinner in Montmartre

Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France
Some restaurants can be touristy; wander down the side streets for more authentic and better-value options.
3

Day 3: Eiffel Tower & Parisian Grandeur

Friday, May 22, 2026
Activities
4

Ascend the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
Book tickets online at least a month in advance, especially for elevator access to the summit. Morning slots are often less crowded.

Picnic Lunch on the Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris, France
Rue Cler is a famous market street perfect for picking up cheese, baguettes, fruit, and pastries for your picnic.

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Climbing the Arc de Triomphe involves many stairs, so it may be challenging for very young children. The view of the 12 avenues radiating from the arch is spectacular.

Farewell Parisian Dinner

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris, France
Consider a farewell treat at a famous patisserie like Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for their iconic macarons.
4

Day 4: Brussels Bound - Comics & Chocolate

Saturday, May 23, 2026
+1
Activities
5

Train to Brussels

Gare du Nord, Paris
Book tickets 2-3 months in advance for the best prices. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.

Check-in to Brussels Hotel

Central Brussels, near Grand-Place
Many hotels in this area are within walking distance of the central station and major attractions.

Lunch: Belgian Frites & Waffles

Near Grand-Place, Brussels
Don't just get ketchup! Try sauces like andalouse or mayonnaise. This is a fun, casual, and kid-approved lunch.

Grand-Place & Manneken Pis

Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
The Grand-Place is especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. The hunt for the other statues is a fun activity for kids.

Belgian Chocolate Workshop

Various locations near Grand-Place
Book this in advance as workshops can fill up. It's a memorable and tasty souvenir-making experience.
5

Day 5: Atomic Sights & Amsterdam Canals

Sunday, May 24, 2026
+1
Activities
5

Visit the Atomium

Atomium, Place de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels
Located outside the city center, you'll need to take the metro (line 6 to Heysel/Heizel). It's a fun, sci-fi-like experience for kids. Mini-Europe is right next door as an alternative.

Train to Amsterdam

Brussels-Midi/Zuid
Again, book tickets in advance for better fares. Grab a quick lunch near the station before you depart.

Check-in to Amsterdam Hotel

Jordaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam's public transport (trams) is excellent for getting around. Consider a multi-day GVB pass.

Evening Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Prins Hendrikkade, Amsterdam
Many cruises depart from near the Centraal Station. Choose a smaller, open-air boat for a more intimate experience if weather permits.

Dinner at Foodhallen

Foodhallen, Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam
It can get very busy. Go slightly earlier or later than peak dinner time to find a table more easily.
6

Day 6: Amsterdam's History & Science

Monday, May 25, 2026
Activities
4

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank Huis, Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam
CRITICAL: You MUST book tickets online exactly 6 weeks in advance at 10:00 AM Amsterdam time. They sell out within minutes. Prepare children for the somber nature of the museum.

Dutch Pancake Lunch

The Pancake Bakery, Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam
Try a classic apple and bacon pancake or let the kids design their own with chocolate sauce and fruit.

Museum Choice: Art or Science

Rijksmuseum or NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is vast; focus on the Gallery of Honour. NEMO is all about touching and doing, making it a perfect rainy-day activity. Book tickets online for either.

Wander the Jordaan District

Jordaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is a great area for photos. Let yourselves get a little lost and discover hidden gems.
7

Day 7: Dutch Parks & London Calling

Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Activities
4

Vondelpark Exploration

Vondelpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bike rental shops are plentiful near the park entrances. It's a safe and fun way to experience local life.

Eurostar to London

Amsterdam Centraal
You will go through UK passport control in Amsterdam, so arrive at the station about 60-90 minutes before departure. Remember the time change; you gain an hour going to London.

Check-in to London Hotel

South Kensington, London, UK
Get Oyster cards or use contactless payment for easy travel on London's public transport. Note the currency change to British Pounds (GBP). Cost is an estimate in EUR for consistency.

Dinner in Covent Garden

Covent Garden, London, UK
The covered market area offers many dining options. It's a lively and safe area for an evening stroll.
8

Day 8: London's Royal History & Jewels

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Activities
4

Tower of London

Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, UK
Book tickets online in advance. Arrive early to be among the first to see the Crown Jewels and avoid the biggest crowds. Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit.

Lunch at Borough Market

Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK
The market is very crowded, especially around lunchtime. Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere. It's a great place for everyone to find something they love.

Tower Bridge Experience

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK
Check the bridge lift times on their website in advance; seeing the bridge open for a tall ship is a memorable sight.

Dinner at a Classic Pub

South Bank, London, UK
Many pubs along the South Bank offer great food and views. Look for pubs with a designated family area or garden.
9

Day 9: Pomp, Pageantry & Politics

Thursday, May 28, 2026
Activities
4

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK
The ceremony starts at 11:00 AM but you must arrive by 10:15-10:30 AM to get a decent viewing spot. Check the official schedule online as it doesn't happen every day.

St. James's Park

St. James's Park, London, UK
There's a great playground and a café in the park, making it a perfect spot for a break.

Lunch in Westminster

Westminster, London, UK
There are many options, from quick sandwich shops to sit-down restaurants, catering to the government workers and tourists in the area.

Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, UK
You can't enter the Houses of Parliament without a tour, but viewing from the outside is impressive. Book tickets for Westminster Abbey online to save time.
10

Day 10: Museums & a West End Show

Friday, May 29, 2026
Activities
4

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
Entry is free, but you may need to pre-book a free timed-entry ticket online, especially during peak times. The dinosaur exhibit is a must-see for families.

Science Museum

Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK
General admission is free, but special exhibitions and the Wonderlab require a paid ticket. It's a great backup option for a rainy day.

Pre-Theatre Dinner

Soho or Covent Garden, London, UK
Booking is highly recommended, especially for popular spots. Let the restaurant know you have a show to catch.

See a West End Show

London's West End Theatre District
Book tickets well in advance for the best seats and prices. Check for matinee performances for a less tiring option for younger children.
11

Day 11: Wizarding World or Maritime Greenwich

Saturday, May 30, 2026
Activities
3

Option 1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, WD25 7LR, UK
Book tickets 3-5 MONTHS in advance as they sell out extremely quickly. This is a full-day trip, including travel time from central London (train from Euston to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus).

Option 2: Explore Greenwich

Greenwich, London, UK
The boat ride from central London is a scenic experience in itself. Greenwich Market is a great place for lunch and souvenir shopping. This is a more relaxed alternative to the Harry Potter tour.

Farewell London Dinner

London, UK
This is a great time to reflect on your amazing European adventure.
12

Day 12: Last-Minute Souvenirs & Departure

Sunday, May 31, 2026
Activities
2

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Regent Street or Oxford Street, London, UK
Alternatively, visit a museum shop for unique gifts related to your visit.

Travel to Airport for Departure

London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
The Heathrow Express from Paddington Station is the fastest way to LHR. The Piccadilly Line on the Tube is a cheaper but slower alternative. Plan your route and timing carefully.