Begin your family vacation in the romantic city of Paris. Start with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. Next, visit the Louvre Museum to see world-famous art like the Mona Lisa. Don’t forget to explore the charming streets of Montmartre and its famous basilica, the Sacré-Cœur.
Take a scenic train ride from Paris to Geneva, Switzerland. While in Geneva, visit the famous Jet d'Eau, a spectacular fountain in the heart of the city, and the Palais des Nations, home to the United Nations Office in Geneva. Also, take some time to explore the charming Old Town and enjoy some Swiss chocolate.
Spend a few days in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland, where you can take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne and ride the cogwheel train up Mount Pilatus for stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Stop by the Swiss Transport Museum to learn about the country’s engineering and transportation history.
Next, head to Tuscany and visit the stunning city of Florence, Italy. See great works of art in person at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, where you can admire Michelangelo's famous David. Explore the city’s famous landmark, the Florence Cathedral, which features an impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi.
Finish your trip in the historic city of Rome. Visit the famous Colosseum and the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, and visit the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, where you can see the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
You will primarily be using trains to travel between cities, which offer a comfortable and scenic way to see the countryside. You can purchase tickets in advance to save time and money. Local public transport is a great way to get around cities, and renting a bike is also a popular option for exploring at your own pace. Estimated travel costs will be around €300 per person. Total travel time will be approximately 24 hours.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip from Florence to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower, or taking a scenic train ride through the Alps from Lucerne to Zurich. If you have less time, consider skipping Geneva and spending more time in Paris or Rome. Be sure to book your tickets and tours in advance to make the most of your time.
The major airports in this itinerary are Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, France, and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome, Italy. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 16 miles from the center of Paris, and from there, you can take a train directly to Geneva. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about 18 miles from the center of Rome, and you can take a train to Florence from there. Both airports offer various options for transportation to the city centers, including taxis and public transport.