A European Family Vacation

Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands

Our family of five, along with our daughter’s boyfriend, embarked on an incredible journey through six countries in just nine days. During this fast-paced trip, we explored numerous historical landmarks and enjoyed a variety of activities. What follows is a day-by-day personal account of our European family vacation, complete with travel tips and helpful website links to inspire and assist you in planning your own adventure. For more detailed information and a step-by-step guide, be sure to check out our article, European Family Vacation Planning.

The European Family Vacation

August 8th

The Glockenspiel

Our European family vacation began with a flight into Munich. After collecting our bags and picking up our rental car, we headed straight to Marienplatz, the central square in Munich’s Old Town. Our main goal was to see the famous Glockenspiel clock chime promptly at 5 PM.

Marienplatz was bustling with activity, and parking proved to be a challenge. However, it was a wonderful introduction to this historic city. The square’s ornate cathedral, cobblestone streets, and the captivating performance of the Glockenspiel—with its dancing figurines and harmonious chimes—left us in awe.

Hofbräuhaus München Biergarten

After enjoying the Glockenspiel, we strolled through Old Town and found our way to the iconic Hofbräuhaus München Biergarten (HB) for dinner. The indoor beer garden was buzzing with energy. Families and friends shared long communal tables with benches, while servers dressed in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen bustled around, delivering drinks and hearty meals. Vendors weaved through the crowd, selling Bavarian pretzels and decorative cookies.

Despite the lively atmosphere, the restaurant was extremely busy, and our dinner took some time to arrive. We didn’t mind, though—the cheerful Oktoberfest music performed by a traditional German band made the wait enjoyable.

A Sweet Ending

After dinner, we set out to find the parking garage, which was a bit of a walk from the square. On the way, we stumbled upon a charming gelato shop. Naturally, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to some gelato before beginning our drive to Füssen, Germany.

The evening concluded with a peaceful two-hour drive to our first hotel. With plenty of daylight left, we were treated to stunning views of the German countryside and the majestic Alps, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead.

August 9th

Arriving at Neuschwanstein Castle

We left our accommodation early and drove only 5 minutes to the ticket center for Neuschwanstein Castle. Although the line was long, we had reserved tickets in advance. However, the tickets were on my laptop back home, so we needed assistance from the office to retrieve our records and print them. Thankfully, there was no wait at the reserved/group ticket line, and we were able to pick up the tickets quickly—well before our scheduled reservation time.

Tip: Purchasing tickets for the Neuschwanstein Castle in advance is a huge time saver! By reserving a morning slot, we avoided the long lines at the ticket center. You can also purchase tickets for Hohenschwangau Castle and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, or opt for a combination ticket to visit all three.

The walk up the hill to the castle took us about 20 minutes, though it typically takes 25–30 minutes. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and the hike. Alternatively, you can purchase a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. While the walk is a bit strenuous, the breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding forest make it well worth the effort!

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

Our group tour of Neuschwanstein Castle was both informative and fascinating, providing insight into the castle’s history and its creator, King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Inspired by Versailles in Paris, this whimsical castle is adorned with similar opulent features. Neuschwanstein was constructed on the ruins of an older castle near the village of Hohenschwangau. Construction began in 1869 and continued for 17 years, though the castle was never completed. Tragically, King Ludwig II died in his early 40s, having only spent 172 days living in the castle.

The gold throne room is simply breathtaking, with its lavish gold finishes and vibrantly painted walls. The artwork features depictions of Jesus Christ, the twelve apostles, and former monarchs. The room also includes a marble platform designed for a throne (though one was never built), an intricate mosaic floor, and a grand gold chandelier adorned with crystals. This room is truly a highlight and deserves extra time to admire its ornate details and exquisite paintings.

The King’s bedroom is another marvel, featuring a meticulously hand-carved canopy bed and an intricately carved ceiling. The Singers’ Hall is equally impressive, showcasing beautifully detailed carvings and a hand-painted wooden backdrop on the stage. Both spaces reflect the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistry of the time.

Alpine Slide

After walking to a nearby bridge and hiking back down to our van, we drove just five minutes to the Tegelbergbahn Alpine Slide. Tickets were affordable (€21.50 for six tickets) and easy to purchase from a nearby vending machine.

The ride up and down the slide took about five minutes and offered stunning views of the Alps and the Bavarian countryside. If you glance to your right during the ascent, you can even catch a quick glimpse of Neuschwanstein Castle in the distance.

Tip: Tegelbergbahn also offers other fun activities. You can take a gondola ride to the very top of the mountain, para-gliding, hang-gliding, hiking, and mountain climbing. Check out their website for more information: Tegelbergbahn summer activities.

A quick stop in Austria

We limited ourselves to just two rides on the Alpine Slide so we could begin our journey to Lucerne, Switzerland. Along the way, we had hoped to pass through the tiny country of Liechtenstein, but the highway only skirted its border.

Instead, we made a brief stop in Bregenz, Austria, where we enjoyed a light lunch and took in the stunning views of Lake Constance. It was a peaceful and picturesque detour before continuing on our way.

Lucerne Switzerland

A few hours later, we arrived at our cozy Bed & Breakfast in Lucerne. After checking in, we set out on foot, walking about a mile to the heart of town. There, we discovered the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), which led us across the Reuss River to the bustling restaurants along the boardwalk.

We indulged in a traditional Swiss dinner, savoring Cheese Fondue and Raclette, all while enjoying the picturesque view of the Reuss River. It was a delightful and memorable evening in the heart of Lucerne.

Tip: If you have more time in Lucerne a Gondola ride up Mount Pilatus, and/or a Lake Lucerne Sightseeing Tour come highly recommended.

August 10th

We started our day early, rising with the sun and setting out right after breakfast at the bed & breakfast. Our route took us back through the western side of Germany toward the enchanting The Black Forest.

Our journey took us the the Black Forest tourist town of Ravennaschlucht. While there we walked to the historic Hofgut Sternen Hotel, famously known for hosting Marie Antoinette and her entourage during her bridal journey to Paris.

Black Forest

Since my visit 25 years ago, a few new buildings have been added to the area, including a glass shop and a cuckoo clock shop. At the glass shop, we were treated to a fascinating glassblowing demonstration. In the cuckoo clock shop, we had the opportunity to see the different components of the clocks and learn about how they are made.

Below the clock shop, we found a cafeteria-style restaurant where we enjoyed traditional German dishes, finishing with a delicious slice of Black Forest Cherry Cake.

There are several hiking trails in the area, one of which leads to the Ravenna Gorge. This trail begins just behind the hotel and takes you through the arches of the steepest viaduct in Germany, part of the country’s railway bridge.

Nancy France

The remainder of our journey took us through Germany and into the historic Lorraine region of France, where we arrived in Nancy. Shortly after checking into our accommodations, we walked to the old town of Nancy for dinner. We found a lovely restaurant on Rue des Maréchaux, a street known for its many restaurants with outdoor seating. It turned out to be just a few blocks from the town square.

The square, better known as Place Stanislas, is the heart of the city. At the center of the square stands a statue of Stanislas, and along its edges are several historic buildings, including City Hall, the Opera House, and the Fine Arts Museum, along with a variety of restaurants and shops. The square is framed by elegant wrought iron and gold gates, with two of them featuring ornate fountains.

After nightfall, the square came alive with beautiful lighting, and we were treated to a short but spectacular light and sound show.

August 11th

Riem France

After leaving Nancy, we made a spontaneous decision to stop in Reims, France. We had hoped to visit a winery for a tasting, but most required advance bookings via email. Although I had tried contacting a few vineyards beforehand, I didn’t hear back from any of them. In hindsight, booking a group wine tour might have been a better option.

Instead, we decided to stop in Reims for lunch and explore options for a champagne tasting. Fortunately, we were able to walk into Charles de Cazanove for a delightful champagne tasting. While the experience was enjoyable, it was a bit challenging to understand our host.

After the tasting, we had a pleasant lunch before continuing our journey, driving the remaining two hours to Paris.

Arrival in Paris

After checking into our hotel, we took a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries and made our way to the Louvre before heading out for dinner. Afterward, the kids decided to explore the city on their own, while my husband and I enjoyed a romantic walk along the Seine to visit Notre Dame.

Unfortunately, due to the devastating fire in April 2019 that destroyed its roof, Notre Dame was under construction and covered in scaffolding.

August 12th

Louvre Museum

We started our morning with a delicious breakfast of crêpes at a charming café just a few blocks from our hotel. Afterward, we walked over to the the Louvre museum. Although the line for pre-booked tickets seemed long, it moved quickly. Once we checked in, we entered the bustling main hall. However, the crowds thinned as we made our way into one of the museum’s main corridors and deeper into the exhibits.

Our plan was to explore exhibits on the way to the Mona Lisa, hoping to arrive before the heaviest crowds. While the line to see the Mona Lisa was still long, it moved efficiently, thanks to the museum staff managing the flow.

At lunchtime, we found a deli-style lunch counter in the main hall. However, finding seating proved to be a challenge due to the growing crowds. In hindsight, we realized there were other dining options, including a sit-down restaurant, a café, and additional eateries located in the exit corridor leading to a shopping area and the main gift shop.

As the day progressed, the Louvre became increasingly crowded. With so much to see, we eventually felt overwhelmed and exhausted. While we didn’t manage to explore everything, we were grateful to have pre-booked our Louvre tickets and arrived early to avoid the bulk of the crowds.

Tip: The Louvre is an immense museum, and it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one day. If your schedule allows, consider booking tickets for multiple days during your European family vacation to fully experience all the museum has to offer.

Stranger Things in Paris

With plenty of time left after our visit to the Louvre, we walked several blocks to check out The Stranger Things pop-up store. While admission was free, we needed to reserve a time slot in advance. Even with our reservation, there was a short wait outside the store.

Once inside, the store spanned two floors, filled with themed merchandise and iconic settings from the show. One of the highlights was Joyce’s living room, complete with the famous alphabet wall—a perfect photo opportunity to capture a fun moment from our European family vacation!

Eiffel Tower

After a quick bite to eat, we headed to the meeting point for our guided tour of the Eiffel Tower. Pre-purchased tickets for the Eiffel Tower sell out quickly—usually within days of becoming available three months in advance. While you can buy tickets on the day of your visit, it requires waiting in long lines. Since we missed the window to purchase tickets directly from the Eiffel Tower, we opted for the Viator Skip the Line, Summit Tour. This allowed us to avoid the ticket line, but we still had to go through two security checkpoints and wait for the elevator. It took about an hour to reach the summit, but the breathtaking views of Paris made it all worthwhile.

Tip: Summit tickets cannot be purchased individually in advance or on the day of your visit. They are only available through group tours, which sell out within minutes when released. If the summit is on your list, it’s worth paying a little extra for a group tour that includes summit access.

The tour also granted us access to the 1st and 2nd levels. After enjoying the summit, we took our time exploring the lower levels. On the 1st floor, we found food vendors, a gift shop, a bar, and a sit-down restaurant. There were also tables, chairs, and lounge furniture near the bar, where visitors could relax with a drink while taking in the views.

Tip: If you’d like to dine at the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant, make sure to reserve your table in advance.

After descending, we made our way through the bustling crowds to cross the Seine and reach the Trocadéro Gardens. This spot offered the perfect backdrop for family photos, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling in lights and the moon adding a magical touch to the scene.

August 13th

A day in Normandy France

Our day began with a 2.5-hour drive to Normandy to explore the sights and museums dedicated to D-Day. Our first stop was the Mémorial de Caen museum. The museum featured two main exhibits. The first was a large, comprehensive display of artifacts and detailed accounts of the events leading up to and during WWII. The second, smaller exhibit focused specifically on the planning, execution, and aftermath of D-Day.

Our next destination was Pointe du Hoc, a historic site where U.S. Army Rangers, led by Lieutenant Colonel James E. Rudder, famously scaled the 100-foot cliffs to take over German bunkers. At Pointe du Hoc, we walked along the cliff edge and explored the remnants of three bunkers. Throughout the site, plaques and monuments paid tribute to the Army Ranger servicemen who played a critical role in this mission.

While there, our adult children, both Texas A&M University (TAMU) students, shared an interesting connection. They informed us that Col. James E. Rudder later became the president of TAMU. This personal connection made the visit even more meaningful for our family. Our daughter, proudly wearing her TAMU class ring, took photos in front of the plaques and monuments bearing his name. One of these photos, showcasing her ring alongside Rudder’s legacy, was later shared on a TAMU website.

Our final stop of the day was the Juno Beach Memorial, where Canadian forces launched their assault during D-Day. Despite our growing exhaustion, we took a brief walk around the monuments outside the museum and down to the beach. The peaceful shoreline and commemorative displays offered a quiet moment of reflection on the bravery and sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers. While our visit was short, it left a lasting impression as we wrapped up an emotional and educational day in Normandy.

August 14th

Arriving at the Estate of Versailles

The drive to the Estate of Versailles took less than an hour. As with our other plans, we booked Passport tickets in advance. While tickets were available for purchase on-site, the wait times for entry were significantly longer. The Versailles website offered a variety of advance ticket options, including access to the Château de Versailles, the Château and Gardens, the Passport for the entire estate, Music in the Gardens, the Small Train for easier access to the outbuildings, and the Evening Light Show. We opted for the Passport tickets, which granted us access to the Château, the Gardens, and the Grand Trianon estate.

The Château

In the Château, we downloaded an app that served as our guide through the opulent golden palace. The tour began near the chapel in the History Gallery and Louis XIV Rooms. The first room featured a short video showcasing the transformation of the Château, from its origins as a hunting lodge to its evolution into the magnificent estate it is today.

Using the app, we continued through the History Gallery into the King’s State Apartments and then to the iconic Hall of Mirrors. This dazzling hall, adorned with gilded details, crystal chandeliers, and massive mirrors, was truly a highlight of the tour.

We proceeded to explore The King’s Apartments, including the King’s Bedchamber, Marie-Antoinette’s Private Apartments, and the Queen’s Suite. On the lower level, we visited the Apartment of the Dauphin, the Apartment of the Dauphine, and the Mesdames’ Apartments.

Midway through the tour, we discovered a sit-down restaurant and a café where we paused to enjoy a light lunch.

The Gardens

Although there were more rooms to explore in the Château, we decided to move on to the Gardens. Starting in the upper gardens, we admired the breathtaking Latona Fountain, its intricate sculptures and cascading water reflecting the grandeur of Versailles.

From there, we strolled into the expansive Avenues and Groves. The tree-lined paths were both serene and enchanting, leading us to hidden fountains tucked away amidst the greenery. Each fountain was a masterpiece, with unique designs and mythological themes that brought the gardens to life.

Grand Trianon

Our journey through the gardens eventually brought us to the Grand Trianon, a stunning pink marble palace designed as a retreat for King Louis XIV. The architecture and peaceful atmosphere of the Grand Trianon offered a refreshing contrast to the opulence of the Château.

Petite Trianon

After admiring the Grand Trianon, we learned that the Petite Trianon was built nearby as a gift for Marie-Antoinette from Louis XVI upon his accession to the throne. Though we didn’t visit the Petite Trianon on this trip, we knew it was significantly smaller than the Grand Trianon and featured a beautiful English garden, adding to its charm and intimacy.

Leaving the Grand Trianon, we retraced our steps through the gardens, making our way back toward the château via the south gardens. Along the way, we stumbled upon the Pond of the Swiss, where we were treated to an unforgettable fountain display. The water danced in time to classical music, a stunning and tranquil moment that captured the elegance and grandeur of Versailles.

The Great Stables and Gallery of Coaches

Just outside the main estate, we discovered The Great Stables, located across from the parking lot. The stables are home to the National Equestrian Academy of Versailles and the Gallery of Coaches. While tickets for an equestrian show require advance booking, the Gallery of Coaches is free to visit. The gallery houses a remarkable collection of magnificent coaches and smaller carriages, ranging from those used by King Louis XIV to those of Napoleon, offering a fascinating glimpse into royal transportation through the ages.

The Small Stables

Located just across the road from the Large Stables, the Small Stables are, ironically, identical in size and design despite their name. Though no longer used as stables, they now house the Research and Restoration Centre for Museums of France as well as the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery. While we didn’t visit the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery, the exhibit showcases replicas of Greek and Roman sculptures, along with original sculptures that once adorned the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, offering a rich collection of classical art.

August 15th

Antwerp, Brussels for Lunch

After another very busy day in Paris, we enjoyed some much-needed quiet time during our five-hour drive to Amsterdam. We had planned to stop for lunch in Brussels, but somehow missed our turn. Thankfully, we quickly adjusted our plans and decided to stop in Antwerp instead, as it was still on our route to Amsterdam. Our stop was brief, though, as we needed to check in at our hotel in Amsterdam before heading out for our scheduled canal tour in the evening. Had we had more time, we would have loved to explore the city’s Flemish Renaissance architecture and perhaps even tour a Diamond District house.

Amsterdam Canal Tour

We arrived in Amsterdam that afternoon and checked into our hotel without any issues. With plenty of time to spare, we decided to walk to the meeting point for the Captain Jack Canal Tour. Our captain, however, was named Mark—not Jack—but the tour was fantastic. The open boat tour took us through both the small canals and the larger shipping canals. Throughout the journey, Captain Mark shared fascinating insights about Amsterdam‘s history and architecture, all while we enjoyed drinks and light snacks. Although rain was forecasted, we persevered with the help of the tour boat umbrellas.

August 16th

A Day Trip through Holland

Our Day Trip through Holland Tour started with a bit of a rush getting to the Amsterdam Centraal Station to meet the tour. Parking was not readily available at the station, so my husband dropped us off while we checked in. We walked with the group down by the boat docks to catch the double decker tour bus. Although it took a while for my husband to park and catch up to us, the tour guides had alloted an extra wait time so everyone could make it.

The Windmills of Zaanse Schans

The tour began with a stop at the historic town of Zaanse Schans, known for having original working windmills still in use today. After a walk through town we visited a historic windmill for a live presentation of the working Peanut Oil mill. Following the presentation we were invited to explore the mill and second story for a gorgeous view of the water and Holland countryside from above. Limited free time was given for us to check out other windmills, walk through town, and make purchases at the souvenir shops.

The Fishing Village of Volendam

The tour continued on to the Fishing Village of Volendam. In Volendam we attended a cheese making demonstration with cheese samples in a local cheese shop. Time was given for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the boardwalk and to souvenir shop. We were also encouraged to visit the stroopwafle store for another demonstration and samples of stroopwafles.

The Fishing town of Markum

Our tour took us on a short boat ride from Volendam to Markum, another fishing town. In Markum, we walked through the quaint town to a Clog Making shop. Here we got to see the process of making wooden clogs. The presentation started with the shaping of the wood into a shoe form, then drilling out the inside of the shoes. Afterwards, we were taken into the shop so we could purchase clogs or other souvenirs.

To finish off the tour, the bus took us on the short ride back to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Having ended the tour in the early afternoon, we had extra time to explore downtown Amsterdam on our own.

August 17th

The Rembrandt Home and Museum

On the final day, our flight was scheduled in the evening giving us free time to tour Amsterdam more. On the day of we looked into a couple possible tour options: The Heinken Experience and the Van Gogh Museum. Unfortunately, both were fully booked leaving us time to further explore downtown Amsterdam. Our exploration brought us to the Rembrandt Home and Museum. We spent the afternoon viewing Rembrandt’s home while learning about his life. Rembrandt’s home not only included his furnishings, but also featured his paintings and etchings, as well as works from colleagues and his apprentices. In the adjoining building, we enjoyed viewing more works from other famous artists that were similar to Rembrandt’s style. Our trip concluded with us flying from Amsterdam to Stockholm Sweden.

August 18th

After European Family Vacation – An Extra Day

Our youngest had to start school in Stockholm on the 18th, leaving us an extra day in Stockholm with our older two kiddos and boyfriend, before they headed back to the US. It was the perfect day for spending time outside, so kayaking down the canal by the Island of Djurgården was on the agenda! With plenty of time left, we rented bikes for the afternoon and stopped at my favorite coffee shop, Flickorna Helin, for lunch.

The following morning after dropping our youngest at school we took our kiddos to the airport. After many tearful and heartfelt goodbyes they left and flew back to the US.

European Family Vacation Conclusion

What an amazing trip our family of six took going through 6 countries in 9 days, not to mention the extra time we spent with our adult children while in Stockholm. Our European family vacation was extremely fast paced allowing us to see and do all the activities that were on our priority list. If we had a few more days, however, there were more activities we wished we could have explored. All in all, the trip was well planned and we had a truly incredible trip!

For more details and a step by step plan, read our article European Family Vacation Planning.