Arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick and take a comfortable transfer or the Heathrow Express to Paddington to drop bags at your family-friendly hotel — choose one with family rooms near Kensington or South Bank for easy strolls. After settling in, head to Borough Market for a relaxed breakfast of pastries and hot chocolate while kids sample fresh fruit and street-food treats, then walk along the South Bank past Shakespeare’s Globe toward the Tower Bridge area for your first iconic London views.
Take the Hop-On Hop-Off Thames river cruise from the Tower of London to Westminster to rest little legs while seeing the Tower, the Shard, the London Eye and Houses of Parliament from the water; disembark near Covent Garden for a leisurely lunch. Explore Covent Garden’s street performers and family-friendly shops, pop into the London Transport Museum if energy allows, or let the kids play at the nearby Jubilee Market before heading back to the hotel for a short nap or downtime.
Enjoy an early dinner at a child-welcoming pub or family restaurant in Soho or South Kensington — try classic fish and chips or a comforting pie with vegetable sides to suit all tastes. After dinner, take a gentle twilight walk along the lit South Bank to see the London Eye illuminated and grab a warm treat; return to the hotel for an early night to recover from travel and be refreshed for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast near your hotel, then make your way to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard (check timings) and stroll through St James’s Park so kids can feed the ducks and enjoy the playground. From there, walk past Horse Guards and head toward Trafalgar Square for a quick photo by Nelson’s Column before popping into the National Gallery for an easy, family-friendly art introduction — highlights include bright, bold paintings the children will recognise and the gallery’s activity trails.
After lunch in Covent Garden or Leicester Square, spend a hands-on afternoon at the British Museum focusing on the Egyptian and Greek galleries; children usually love the mummies and the Rosetta Stone, and the museum offers family trails and drop-in activities. If younger ones need a change of pace, hop on the Tube to the nearby London Transport Museum for interactive displays about historic vehicles and a play area geared to little travellers.
Return to the South Bank for dinner at a family-friendly restaurant with views of the Thames — try a riverside spot near the London Eye for casual Italian or modern British dishes that suit fussy eaters. After dinner, consider a short ride on the London Eye (an evening rotation gives great city lights) or a relaxed twilight walk along the river back toward your hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s science-packed day.
After a relaxed hotel breakfast, head to the Science Museum in South Kensington for a hands-on morning — let the kids explore the Wonderlab galleries, try the interactive experiments in the Pattern Pod, and climb aboard the Space and Flight exhibits that fascinate both adults and children. The museum’s family trails and scheduled live demonstrations make this a lively follow-up to your museum visits on Day 2, and there are plenty of child-height exhibits to keep little hands busy.
Walk or take a short Tube ride to nearby Kensington Gardens for a picnic lunch and playtime at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, where a pirate ship, sensory trails and imaginative play areas burn off energy while parents relax on benches. Afterwards, wander through the round Italian Garden toward the Serpentine where you can rent a family pedal boat (weather permitting) or visit the Serpentine Gallery for a quick contemporary art stop before a gentle stroll through Hyde Park.
As daylight fades, return to the South Bank for an early dinner—consider family-friendly dining in South Kensington or try an easy riverside spot near the London Eye—to keep travel simple and mellow. If the children still have energy, cap the night with a short evening visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park (seasonal) or a calm Thames-side walk to see the city lights, then head back to the hotel for a well-timed bedtime ahead of your Eurostar to Paris the next day.
Catch an early Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (book family seats in advance) and arrive mid-morning ready to drop bags at your hotel in the Marais or near the Île de la Cité. After a quick refresh, enjoy a leisurely French breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate at a nearby café before strolling past Notre-Dame and the charming bookstalls along the Seine to get the children excited about Parisian sights.
Board a Bateaux Mouches or take a scenic Batobus hop-on hop-off cruise for a relaxed riverside introduction — seeing the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Pont Alexandre III from the water gives little legs a break and big smiles for iconic views. Disembark near the Tuileries for a picnic in the gardens (or warm up with crepes from a street vendor), then let the kids play in the Tuileries playground while adults peek at the Louvre courtyard or Musée de l'Orangerie across the gardens.
As dusk falls, wander toward Île Saint-Louis for a famous Berthillon ice cream or a warm chocolat chaud before an early family dinner in the Latin Quarter—choose a bistro offering simple plat du jour options for kids. Finish with a gentle evening stroll along the river to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle from Pont Neuf or the Champs de Mars, then return to your hotel for a restful night ahead of a full Paris day tomorrow.
Start with a classic Parisian breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate at a café near the Louvre, then head straight to the museum’s courtyard to snap family photos beneath the glass pyramid before exploring kid-friendly highlights—look for the Egyptian antiquities and the Mona Lisa while using a family trail or audio guide to keep children engaged. If little ones tire of galleries, step out into the Jardin des Tuileries where a carousel and playground give them space to run while adults enjoy the sculptures and winter light.
After lunch in the Marais or a casual bistro on Rue de Rivoli, visit the Cité des Enfants at La Villette (book ahead) for hands-on science and play exhibits designed for younger kids, or choose the Musée d'Orsay for its dramatic clock, trains and large impressionist canvases that mesmerize older children. Wind down with a stroll along the Seine to Île de la Cité to admire Notre-Dame’s façade and pop into Sainte-Chapelle to marvel at its jewel-like stained glass before returning toward the hotel to rest.
For Christmas Eve atmosphere, reserve an early family-friendly dinner in the Latin Quarter—look for bistros offering set menus and kid options—and enjoy festive window displays and twinkling lights as you stroll back toward the Eiffel Tower for a quick evening view or photos from Pont Alexandre III. If the kids still have energy, stop for berlingots or a warm chocolat chaud on Île Saint-Louis before a calm return to your hotel to tuck everyone in and prepare for the magical day at Disneyland tomorrow.
Start early with a hotel breakfast, then take the RER A or a hotel shuttle to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy so you arrive at park opening — head straight to Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant) and explore the La Tanière du Dragon beneath it before queuing for family-friendly rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Grab a photo with Mickey and friends on Main Street, U.S.A., and pick up a park map and FastPasses (or Lightning Lane) to plan top attractions for the kids.
After a character-themed lunch at Plaza Gardens Restaurant or Auberge de Cendrillon (reservations recommended), split time between Fantasyland and Adventureland: enjoy the storybook attractions (It’s a Small World, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth) and then brave Pirates of the Caribbean or the Jungle Cruise with older children, while stopping for hot chocolate and churros to warm up. If energy allows, pop into Walt Disney Studios Park for a behind-the-scenes feel with Ratatouille: The Adventure and the Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, or catch a live show or parade for festive, family-friendly entertainment.
Finish the day with an early dinner at a themed restaurant or a relaxed meal back on Main Street, then secure a good viewing spot for the evening fireworks and Disney Illuminations show in front of the castle — the spectacular lights, music and projections are a magical finale for both kids and adults. After the show, take a calm stroll through the illuminated park toward the station and return to Paris, tucking everyone into bed with memories of a very special Christmas Day.
Board an early TGV / ICE combination from Paris to Basel and connect on the scenic Swiss rail link to Interlaken Ost, keeping seats together and letting the kids watch the Alps appear from the window — aim to arrive before lunchtime so everyone can stretch their legs. Once in Interlaken, drop bags at your family-friendly hotel (look for one near Höhematte Park) and enjoy a warm chocolat chaud and rösti or sandwich at a nearby café while taking in the first snow-capped views of the Jungfrau massif.
After a relaxed lunch, explore Interlaken’s compact centre with a stroll through Höhematte Park to see paragliders landing in summer (or snow-dusted lawns in winter), then take the short funicular or bus up to Harder Kulm if weather permits for panoramic views over Lakes Thun and Brienz — the viewing platform and family-friendly café make for great photos and a gentle alpine introduction. If skies are low or little ones need simpler fun, visit the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) or warm up at the Jungfrau Park indoor play options for kids.
Return to town for an early dinner at a cosy Swiss restaurant such as Restaurant Taverne or Husi Bierhaus offering fondue, bratwurst and child-friendly pasta options, followed by a peaceful riverside walk along the Aare to admire twinkling village lights against the mountains. Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening — read a story together, plan tomorrow’s Jungfrau excursion, and get an early night to be ready for an easy mountain day ahead.
After a hearty hotel breakfast, take the short train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen and board the cable car up to Grütschalp or head for Wengen — both routes offer gentle alpine panoramas and easy walking paths suitable for kids, with a stop at Staubbach Falls for a quick, impressive photo. Alternatively, if snow conditions are good, ride the train up to Kleine Scheidegg for close-up views of the Eiger’s north face and a family-friendly mountain stroll on groomed paths, enjoying hot chocolate at a mountain station café.
Descend back toward Interlaken and spend a relaxed afternoon at Lake Brienz or Lake Thun: take a short boat cruise from Interlaken West to see turquoise waters and cliffside villages, or rent a family pedal boat near the shore so kids can steer while parents soak up the scenery. Stop at Iseltwald or the lakeside promenade for a picnic or light lunch in a sheltered café, and let children play on lakeside lawns while you plan a calm return to town.
Return to Interlaken for an early dinner at a cosy spot like Husi Bierhaus or a family-friendly hotel restaurant serving rösti and warming soups, then take a gentle twilight stroll through Höhematte Park to admire the lights against the mountain silhouette. Back at your hotel, relax together with board games or a story before bed, reflecting on your alpine day and preparing for the scenic rail to Lucerne tomorrow.
Board the scenic Swiss rail from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne after breakfast, letting the kids watch snow-dusted valleys and tunneled mountainscapes roll by as you settle into the short, comfortable journey; arrive mid-morning and drop bags at your hotel near the Chapel Bridge. Start your Lucerne introduction with a stroll across the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) to admire the painted triangular panels and the water tower, then pop into the Verkehrshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport) if the family is keen for interactive exhibits about trains, planes and space.
After a lakefront lunch at a cozy café on the Spreuerbrücke side, take a relaxed walk along the Châteauquai promenade toward the Lion Monument and the Museggmauer—kids enjoy exploring the ramparts where some towers still open for short climbs and views over the city. If the weather is mild, board a short Lake Lucerne cruise for a tranquil hour on turquoise water with mountain reflections; otherwise, warm up with hot chocolate at a bakery and explore the charming cobbled lanes of the Old Town with its painted façades and toy shops.
As dusk falls, choose a family-friendly Swiss restaurant near the Reuss—try rösti, fondue or simple pasta options that suit children—then take a gentle after-dinner walk back over the illuminated Chapel Bridge for classic photos. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening: read together or plan tomorrow’s trip toward Lake Garda, savoring the alpine-light memories from Lucerne.
After breakfast in Lucerne, board the scenic train/EuroCity connection toward northern Italy (book seats in advance) and enjoy the changing scenery as the Alps give way to rolling Lombardy foothills; arrive at Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda before lunchtime and drop bags at your family-friendly lakefront hotel. Stretch legs with a gentle walk along the promenade — let the kids chase pigeons on the harbour, peek at colourful fishing boats, and stop for gelato at a local gelateria such as Gelateria La Romantica in Desenzano.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the lakeshore by ferry: take a short boat ride to Sirmione to visit the fairy-tale Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera) and wander through the narrow medieval lanes, then warm up with a lakeside lunch of pizza or pasta at a trattoria like Trattoria La Fiasca. Afterward, soak in the thermal-view sights from Sirmione’s shore or let kids play on the small beach near the peninsula while adults enjoy panoramic views of the glittering lake.
Return to your base town for an early family dinner of fresh lake fish or child-friendly risotto at a restaurant such as Ristorante Al Porto, followed by a tranquil twilight stroll along the shore to watch lights reflect on the water. Finish the night with hot chocolate or an after-dinner passeggiata through the piazza before heading back to the hotel to rest up for Gardaland or lakeside adventures tomorrow.
Fuel up with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café in Desenzano or Peschiera—think cappuccini for adults and cornetti for kids—then head to Gardaland (Castelnuovo del Garda) as it opens to beat the queues. If your family prefers a gentler start, stroll the Castelletto lakeside promenade or rent bikes in Lazise for a relaxed ride along the shore, stopping for photos of the snow-dusted hills over the water.
If you chose Gardaland, split time between family rides like Sequoia Adventure and the Peppa Pig Land attractions, grab lunch at a themed restaurant (try the park’s family-friendly pizzerias) and catch a live show or parade to entertain little ones; older kids may enjoy the milder coasters and the SEA LIFE Aquarium next door in Gardaland Resort. For a lakeside alternative, take a short ferry to Sirmione or visit the medieval centre of Lazise for gelato, a castle visit to Rocca Scaligera, and relaxed lakeside playtime on a beach or pier.
Return to your hotel area for an early dinner—sample fresh lake fish or simple pasta at a family trattoria such as Ristorante Al Porto or Trattoria al Gambero in Peschiera—then enjoy a peaceful passeggiata through the town square with a hot chocolate or gelato to end the day. Wind down with a quiet lakeside stroll to watch lights shimmer on the water, tuck the kids in early, and review tomorrow’s plan for your Venice day trip.
Catch an early train from Desenzano/Peschiera to Venezia Santa Lucia so you arrive mid-morning and drop bags in a station locker or at a vaporetto-stop hotel; start with a gentle walk from the station across the Grand Canal via the Ponte degli Scalzi to admire Gothic palazzi. Head straight to Piazza San Marco to let the kids marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica (peek inside if lines are short) and the Campanile for sweeping city-and-lagoon views, then warm up with coffee and pastries at Caffè Florian or a nearby café while watching pigeons and gondolas glide by.
After a light lunch of pizza or cicchetti in a Bacaro near the Rialto Market, take a family-friendly vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal to see the Ducal Palace and Peggy Guggenheim Collection from the water, then disembark for a relaxed stroll across the Rialto Bridge and through the colourful Mercerie streets. Treat the kids to a mask-making workshop in the Dorsoduro or San Polo neighbourhood (many ateliers welcome walk-ins) or visit the Naval History Museum or the Museo di Storia Naturale for hands-on displays and a break from crowds.
As dusk approaches, return to Piazza San Marco for golden-light photos and consider an early family dinner of fresh seafood risotto or simple pasta at a canal-side trattoria like Trattoria alla Madonna or Ristorante da Raffaele that welcomes children. Finish the year with a twilight gondola glide or a final vaporetto along the quieter canals to see lantern-lit bridges — then collect your luggage and catch an evening train back to Lake Garda, tucking everyone in with sparkling memories of Venice to close your trip.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Heathrow Express (Heathrow to Paddington) | £22-£30 per adult single; children under 15 often free with adult (check family fares) |
| Airport transfer (private or taxi from Heathrow/Gatwick to central London) | £50-£120 (private transfer/taxi); Gatwick cheaper from Heathrow by transfer |
| Family-friendly hotel (Kensington / South Bank area) | £150-£350 per night (family room, mid-range to upper-mid); budget hotels £90-£140 |
| Borough Market breakfast | £5-£15 per person for pastries/coffee; kids £3-£8 |
| South Bank walk (Shakespeare’s Globe to Tower Bridge) | Free (entrance to Globe exhibitions/theatre extra) |
| Thames Hop-On Hop-Off river cruise (Tower to Westminster) | £12-£25 per adult; £6-£12 per child (depending on company and tickets) |
| Covent Garden lunch and street performers | £10-£25 per adult; £6-£12 per child |
| London Transport Museum | £21 per adult; under-17s free (prebooked tickets may vary) |
| Child-welcoming pub / family restaurant (Soho or South Kensington) | £12-£30 per adult; £6-£12 per child |
| Buckingham Palace / Changing of the Guard | Free to watch; Palace tours (seasonal) £30-£35 adult, concessions lower |
| St James’s Park playground and duck-feeding | Free (duck food small cost if bought locally ~£1-£3) |
| National Gallery | Free entry; special exhibitions may charge £10-£25 |
| British Museum (Egyptian/Greek galleries) | Free entry; donations recommended; special exhibitions £10-£25 |
| Science Museum (Wonderlab, Pattern Pod, Space & Flight) | Free entry to main galleries; Wonderlab/permanent interactive galleries may require prebooked paid tickets £7-£12 per person for some shows |
| Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground (Kensington Gardens) | Free |
| Serpentine pedal boats | £8-£15 per boat (per 30 minutes) depending on season |
| Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) — seasonal | Free entry; rides/attractions £3-£15 each; food & shows extra |
| Eurostar St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (standard class, family seats) | €59-€250 per adult one-way (book early for lowest fares); children usually discounted |
| Café breakfast (Paris — croissant & hot chocolate) | €6-€12 per person |
| Bateaux Mouches / Batobus cruise | €15-€18 per adult single; €7-€9 per child; Batobus day pass €20-€25 adult |
| Tuileries Garden picnic / playground | Free (picnic food €5-€15 per person) |
| Louvre (courtyard photos, highlights for children) | €17 standard adult ticket (advance booking recommended); under-18 usually free |
| Cité des Enfants at La Villette | €12-€16 per child (age-dependent); adults usually similar or slightly cheaper; timed tickets required |
| Sainte-Chapelle | €11.50-€12.50 adult; under-18 free |
| Disneyland Paris (full day) | €59-€120 per adult day ticket (seasonal/peak higher, Christmas likely high); children reduced (approx €50-€110); food & extras additional; annual passes vary |
| Eurostar/Thalys/TGV/ICE Paris to Basel then Swiss rail to Interlaken | €70-€180 per adult one-way for high-speed sections; Swiss domestic segment CHF 25-60 per person (children discounts available) |
| Interlaken family-friendly hotel | CHF 120-CHF 300 per night for family room (mid-range to upper-mid); budget options lower |
| Harder Kulm funicular | CHF 38-CHF 45 adult round trip; children discounted |
| Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum, Interlaken) | CHF 6-CHF 10 per adult; children cheaper or free |
| Jungfrau region (train to Kleine Scheidegg / Wengen / Lauterbrunnen) | CHF 40-CHF 160 per adult round trip depending on route and Swiss Travel Pass discounts; children reduced |
| Lake Brienz or Lake Thun boat cruise | CHF 10-CHF 35 per adult for short one-way/round trips; Swiss Travel Pass may cover |
| Train Interlaken Ost to Lucerne (scenic) | CHF 25-CHF 60 per person (point-to-point), Swiss Travel Pass may reduce/cover |
| Lucerne hotel near Chapel Bridge | CHF 130-CHF 300 per night for family room (mid-range to upper-mid) |
| Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) & Old Town stroll | Free |
| Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus) | CHF 28-CHF 34 per adult; children reduced or free depending on age |
| Lake Lucerne short cruise | CHF 20-CHF 40 per adult (short round-trip); Swiss Travel Pass may cover |
| Train Lucerne to Desenzano/Peschiera (toward Lake Garda) via Milan/EuroCity | €40-€120 per adult (advance-booked EuroCity/IC); children discounted |
| Lake Garda hotel (Desenzano or Peschiera) | €90-€220 per night for family room (mid-range) |
| Ferry to Sirmione and Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera) | Ferry €3-€10 per person short hop; castle €6-€10 adult; children discounted |
| Gardaland (Castelnuovo del Garda) | €25-€50 per adult day ticket (seasonal); children reduced; combined options with SEA LIFE more |
| SEA LIFE Aquarium (Gardaland Resort) | €15-€25 per person |
| Train to Venice (Venezia Santa Lucia) from Desenzano/Peschiera | €10-€30 per adult one-way (regional/trenitalia/Italo vary) |
| Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Basilica / Campanile | Basilica free to enter basic areas; museum/treasury/campanile €5-€10-€15 depending on site; skip-the-line options cost more |
| Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal | €8-€10 single ride; 24-hour ACTV pass €20-€25 adult |
| Mask-making workshop | €15-€40 per participant depending on materials and atelier |
| Gondola (short shared ride) | €40-€90 per gondola (shared up to ~6 people) depending on time and route; daytime cheaper than evening |
| Evening train back to Lake Garda (Desenzano/Peschiera) | €10-€30 per adult |