Scenic Family Road Trip from Mons through Western & Central Europe

Day 1: Cologne City Discovery

Cologne, Germany on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Mons to Cologne

Start early for the roughly 2.5 hours drive (220 km) east from Mons to Cologne, Germany, an accessible drive via A44 and A4 motorways.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Rico

Enjoy a child-friendly breakfast featuring fresh pastries and coffee, open from 8 am.
EUR30, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore Germany's famous Gothic cathedral, ideal for kids to marvel at the architecture and climb the tower for panoramic views. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR0, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Peters Brauhaus

Traditional German fare with a family-friendly atmosphere, serving from 12 pm.
EUR50, 1h

4:00pm

Rhine River Promenade Walk and Playgrounds

Relax by the river, with playgrounds for kids to enjoy some free play.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Novotel Köln City

Family-friendly 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and close to the Cathedral.
EUR160, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Früh am Dom

Sample local cuisine including kid-friendly options, open until 10 pm.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Frankfurt Culture

Frankfurt, Germany on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Cologne to Frankfurt

Approximately 2 hours drive (190 km) southeast via A3 motorway.
EUR0, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Karin

Cozy place with pastries and fresh juices, kid-friendly.
EUR30, 1h

11:30am

Visit Palmengarten Frankfurt

Beautiful botanical garden with activities for children, open 9 am to 6 pm.
EUR14, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Zenzakan

Trendy Asian fusion restaurant, suitable for families at lunchtime (opens 12 pm).
EUR70, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Römerberg and Old Town

Walk around historical center with colorful buildings and fountains, great for children.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Moxy Frankfurt Main Station

Affordable, modern hotel with family rooms and easy access to city center.
EUR120, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Klosterhof

Bavarian cuisine, casual and family-friendly, open until 10 pm.
EUR55, 1h30m
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Day 3: Prague Exploration

Prague, Czech Republic on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Drive Frankfurt to Prague

Around 5 hours drive (500 km), start early for a smooth trip.
EUR0, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lokal Dlouha

Czech comfort food with a lively atmosphere and kid-friendly options.
EUR50, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Prague Castle and Gardens

Iconic fortress with impressive views, open 9 am to 5 pm with garden walks ideal for children.
EUR15, 3h

5:30pm

Stroll along Charles Bridge

Famous historic bridge with street artists and scenic views, free to access.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Majestic Plaza Prague

Centrally located, offers family rooms and good amenities.
EUR140, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at U Kroka

Traditional Czech cuisine with family-friendly dining, open until 10 pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hungary Adventure

Budapest, Hungary on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Budapest

About 5.5 hours drive (530 km) east from Prague, cross into Hungary.
EUR0, 5h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Paprika

Authentic Hungarian dishes including goulash, casual and kid-friendly.
EUR40, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

Combines history with stunning views over the Danube, great for kids to explore outdoor spaces. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Family-friendly thermal pool complex with warm water and shallow pools for children, open 6 am to 10 pm.
EUR25, 2h

8:30pm

Check-in at Danubius Hotel Helia

Family-friendly hotel near thermal baths with comfortable rooms.
EUR130, Overnight

9:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Convenient option with Hungarian and international cuisine, kid-friendly.
EUR40, 1h
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Day 5: Slovenia Nature

Ljubljana, Slovenia on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Ljubljana

About 5.5 hours (520 km) through Austria, a scenic route crossing into Slovenia.
EUR0, 5h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Traditional Slovenian cuisine in a homey atmosphere, great for kids.
EUR40, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Ljubljana Old Town and Castle

Walk cobblestone streets and take the funicular up to the castle for panoramic views, open 10 am to 8 pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Tivoli Park Playground

Green space with playgrounds for children to enjoy.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Check-in at City Hotel Ljubljana

Comfortable family rooms in the city center with a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR110, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Foculus

Casual dining with pizzas and kid-friendly menu options.
EUR40, 1h
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Day 6: Austria Experience

Vienna, Austria on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Vienna

About 4 hours (380 km) from Ljubljana, heading north.
EUR0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zum Figlmüller

Famous for its Wiener Schnitzel, accommodating children with smaller portions.
EUR55, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and Zoo

Palace tours and Vienna Zoo, a must-visit and perfect for kids, open till 5:30 pm.
EUR30, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in at Motel One Wien-Staatsoper

Modern hotel with family rooms near the city center and attractions.
EUR140, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at restaurant Gasthaus Pöschl

Casual Austrian cuisine with family-friendly ambiance, open till 10 pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Swiss Alpine

Zurich, Switzerland on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Zurich

A scenic 6-hour drive (600 km) over the Alps, ideal for rest stops and photo opportunities.
EUR0, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Traditional Swiss style restaurant with hearty dishes, family-friendly.
CHF60, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Old Town Zurich and Lake Promenade

Walk the charming streets and relax by the lake, great for families, open all day.
CHF0, 2h

6:00pm

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Marta

Affordable, family-friendly hotel near the city center.
CHF150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Pfalzkeller

Cozy Swiss and German cuisine, welcoming for children, closes at 10 pm.
CHF55, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lyon Gastronomy

Lyon, France on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Lyon

About 4.5 hours drive (450 km) westward from Zurich, accessible via A40 French motorway.
EUR0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Famous food market offering a wide variety of gourmet local and international food, suitable for all ages.
EUR60, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Iconic monument with spectacular views over Lyon, free entry, open all day.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll in Parc de la Tête d'Or

Large urban park with a zoo, botanical gardens, and playgrounds for children.
EUR0, 2h

6:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Ibis Lyon Part-Dieu

Reliable family-friendly hotel with modern amenities.
EUR140, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bouchon des Cordeliers

Traditional Lyonnais cuisine with a casual atmosphere and kid-friendly options.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 9: Paris Highlights

Paris, France on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Paris

Around 4.5 hours (460 km) northwest to the French capital, best to start early.
EUR0, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Relais de l’Entrecote

Kid-friendly French bistro known for steak-frites.
EUR60, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Eiffel Tower

Iconic symbol of Paris, with quick elevator access to the top and open 9 am to midnight.
EUR60, 2h

5:00pm

Seine River Cruise

Relaxing boat ride with beautiful views of Paris landmarks, suitable for children, duration about 1h, open until sunset.
EUR70, 1h

7:00pm

Check-in at Novotel Paris Les Halles

Family-friendly hotel in central location close to major attractions.
EUR220, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Le Petit Cler

Charming Parisian spot with a casual menu and kid-friendly ambiance.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Nantes Exploration

Nantes, France on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Nantes

Approximately 4 hours drive (380 km) west of Paris.
EUR0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Cigale

Historic brasserie with classic French dishes and a child-friendly environment.
EUR55, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Les Machines de l’île

Fantasy mechanical creatures and rides for children, open 10 am to 7 pm.
EUR40, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Nantes Castle Gardens

Large green spaces with playgrounds nearby for children to enjoy.
EUR0, 1h

6:30pm

Check-in at Mercure Nantes Centre Grand Hotel

Comfortable hotel with family rooms in central Nantes.
EUR130, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Atlantide 1874

Fine dining with seafood and family friendly in atmosphere.
EUR70, 1h30m
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Day 11: Bilbao Arrival

Bilbao, Spain on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Bilbao

Around 7 hours (650 km) crossing France-Spain border; early start recommended for breaks and child comfort.
EUR0, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Mina

Award-winning Basque cuisine with attentive, family-friendly service.
EUR70, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Famous contemporary art museum with sculptural exterior and kid-friendly exhibits, open 10 am to 7 pm.
EUR45, 2h

6:00pm

Walk the Old Town (Casco Viejo)

Explore charming streets with shops and plazas.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Hotel Check-in at Hotel Meliá Bilbao

Comfortable hotel with family rooms near Guggenheim.
EUR150, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Bascook

Contemporary Basque dishes and relaxed atmosphere for kids.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 12: Porto Charm

Porto, Portugal on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Porto

Around 6 hours (570 km) southwest through northern Spain into Portugal.
EUR0, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Traditional Portuguese cuisine in the Ribeira district, casual and family-friendly.
EUR50, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Livraria Lello

Famous historic bookstore with a magical interior, great for children and adults, open 10 am to 7 pm.
EUR6, 1h

5:30pm

Walk along the Douro River and Dom Luís I Bridge

Scenic spots ideal for family photos and fresh air.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Check-in at Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa

Family-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and central location.
EUR160, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Cantina 32

Modern Portuguese cuisine with dishes suitable for children, open until 10 pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 13: Madrid Excursion

Madrid, Spain on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Madrid

Approximately 6 hours (600 km) via A-1 and AP-1 highways.
EUR0, 6h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Popular food market offering diverse tapas and kid-friendly snacks.
EUR50, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Retiro Park

Large green space with lakes, playgrounds, and puppet shows, ideal for children.
EUR0, 2h

5:30pm

Explore Prado Museum Gardens

Outdoor gardens adjacent to the museum, relaxing for family strolls.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Check-in at Novotel Madrid Center

Central hotel with family rooms and amenities.
EUR170, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Café de Oriente

Traditional Spanish dining in a relaxed setting suitable for families.
EUR60, 1h30m
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Day 14: Valencia Exploration

Valencia, Spain on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Valencia

About 3.5 hours (350 km) south via A-3 highway.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Pepica

Famous for traditional paella right on the beach, children can enjoy beach space.
EUR60, 1h

2:00pm

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Futuristic complex with interactive museums, aquarium, and open spaces perfect for kids, open 10 am to 8 pm.
EUR40, 3h

5:30pm

Relax at Turia Gardens

Former riverbed turned park with playgrounds and walkways.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Melia Valencia

Family-friendly hotel with pool and spacious rooms.
EUR150, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Traditional tapas and a relaxed atmosphere, kid-friendly.
EUR55, 1h30m
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Day 15: Barcelona Landmarks

Barcelona, Spain on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Barcelona

Approximately 3.5 hours (350 km) northeast via AP-7 highway.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cervecería Catalana

Popular tapas bar with options for kids, lively atmosphere.
EUR60, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudi’s iconic basilica with fascinating architecture and kid-friendly audio guides, open 9 am to 7 pm.
EUR45, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Park Güell

Colorful park with playgrounds and mosaic art, great for children, open 8 am to 9 pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:30pm

Check-in at Novotel Barcelona City

Family-friendly hotel with pools and large rooms.
EUR160, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at La Paradeta

Seafood self-service with fresh options and kid-friendly environment.
EUR55, 1h30m
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