13-Day Family Road Trip from Zurich to Amsterdam via Germany with Scenic Swiss Exploration

Day 1: Zurich City

Zurich, Switzerland on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sprüngli

Enjoy Swiss pastries and a hearty breakfast at this famous confectionery, known for Luxemburgerli macarons.
CHF20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour

Explore narrow medieval streets, iconic landmarks like Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, and charming squares.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zeughauskeller

Experience traditional Swiss cuisine in a historic 15th-century armory building specializing in sausages and rosti.
CHF25-35 per person, 1.5h

3:00pm

Lake Zurich Boat Cruise

Take a relaxing one-hour boat trip offering picturesque views of the city and distant Alps.
CHF8-15, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hiltl

Dine at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant with a wide range of healthy and delicious dishes suitable for the whole family.
CHF20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 2: Uetliberg Hike & Museum

Zurich, Switzerland on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

Start with fresh, wholesome breakfast options and locally roasted coffee in a cosy setting.
CHF15-20 per person, 1h

9:00am

Hike to Uetliberg Mountain

Hike or take a train up to Uetliberg for panoramic views of Zurich and the Alps, ideal for family photos and easy trails.
Train ticket CHF8 return, hiking free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uto Kulm Hotel Restaurant

Relax with lunch at this mountaintop restaurant serving Swiss specialties and great views.
CHF25-40 per person, 1.5h

3:00pm

Swiss National Museum

Explore Switzerland’s cultural history through family-friendly exhibits and interactive displays. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF10 per adult, children free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Rathaus Brauerei

Enjoy hearty local dishes and Swiss beers in a casual family-friendly brewery setting.
CHF20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Lucerne Day Trip

Lucerne, Switzerland on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at the hotel or Gaststätte Bärengasse in Zurich

Fuel up early for the day with fresh breads and coffee for the family.
CHF15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Train from Zurich to Lucerne

Take a scenic 1-hour train ride to picturesque Lucerne to explore.
CHF25 per adult round trip, children reduced, 1h

9:45am

Chapel Bridge & Water Tower

Walk across the famous covered wooden bridge and admire historic architecture and river views.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Swiss Museum of Transport

Interactive and fun museum for the kids showcasing cars, planes, trains, and space exploration. Open 10am-5pm.
CHF32 per adult, CHF13 per child, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Stadtkeller

Enjoy Swiss and international dishes with fun folk music performances in a medieval cellar.
CHF20-35 per person, 1.5h

3:30pm

Lake Lucerne paddle boat

Enjoy a scenic and relaxed paddle boat ride on the lake.
CHF10-15, 1h

5:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Head back to Zurich to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
Included in earlier ticket, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Dezaley

Try traditional Swiss fondue in a lively and welcoming restaurant in Zurich’s old town.
CHF25-40 per person, 1.5h
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Day 4: Swiss Alps Excursion

Zurich, Switzerland & Interlaken on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before leaving for a special day trip to the Alps, bringing packed snacks is recommended.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Train from Zurich to Interlaken

Board the train for a 2-hour scenic ride to the gateway of the Bernese Oberland Alps.
CHF50 per adult round trip, children discounted, 2h

10:30am

Jungfrau Region Exploration

Take a short train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald for trails, waterfalls, and alpine views.
Variable depending on transport, 3h

1:30pm

Picnic lunch in the Alps

Enjoy a family picnic surrounded by stunning landscapes, either packed or purchased locally.
CHF20 approx for snacks, 1h

3:00pm

Return train to Zurich

Relax on the train ride back to Zurich after a day of fresh mountain air and spectacular scenery.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibits

Enjoy a casual, vegetarian-friendly buffet with local ingredients, great for families and dietary variety.
CHF20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Black Forest

Freiburg, Germany on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Zurich

Light breakfast before driving, with pastries or buffet options at the hotel.
Included or CHF15-20, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Zurich to Freiburg (Black Forest), Germany

Drive approximately 2 hours crossing into Germany, enjoying scenic Black Forest views along the way.
Fuel/road toll approx EUR50, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Gasthaus zum Kranz

Try Black Forest specialties like smoked ham and potato salad in a traditional setting.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Freiburg Old Town

Visit the iconic Freiburg Minster Cathedral and wander colorful cobblestone streets, ideal for families.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Schauinsland Mountain

Drive or cable car to view the Black Forest landscape and hiking opportunities.
Cable car EUR14 adult, children discounted, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zum Roten Bären

Dine in one of Germany’s oldest inns serving hearty regional dishes, perfect for families.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 6: Black Forest Nature

Titisee & Triberg, Germany on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy traditional German breakfast breads, meats, and jams.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Titisee Lake

Scenic drive to enjoy the lake and nearby walking trails, paddle boats available for rent.
Boat rental EUR15 per hour, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fischerstube am Titisee

Sample fresh fish dishes and traditional Black Forest cuisine with lake views.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Triberg Waterfalls and Black Forest Museum

See Germany’s highest waterfalls and learn about Black Forest culture in an interactive museum.
Waterfall free, museum EUR6 per adult, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Freiburg and dinner at Markthalle

Sample varied international dishes and local specialities in a lively market hall environment.
EUR15-25 per person, 1.5h
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Day 7: Heidelberg Arrival

Heidelberg, Germany on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café in Freiburg

Standard German breakfast to start the travel day.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Freiburg to Heidelberg

2.5-3 hour drive through scenic southwestern Germany to historic university city Heidelberg.
Fuel costs approx EUR40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Schnitzelbank Heidelberg

Enjoy traditional German dishes including famous schnitzels in a cosy setting.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Heidelberg Castle Visit

Explore the famous Renaissance castle and gardens overlooking the Neckar River. Open daily 9am-6pm.
EUR9 per adult, children free, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Heiligenberg Mountain

Enjoy panoramic views and visit the ruins and Philosopher’s Path perfect for a scenic evening stroll.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg

Casual dinner in a local brewery serving German favourites with family-friendly atmosphere.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 8: Heidelberg to Cologne

Cologne, Germany on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the road trip.
Included or EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Heidelberg to Cologne

3-hour drive (approx. 270km) to Cologne along the Autobahn, famous for its cathedral.
Fuel approx EUR50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brauhaus Sion

Taste local Kölsch beer and typical hearty Rhineland fare in a historic brewery.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and climb the tower for panoramic city views. Cathedral open 6am-7pm.
Free entry, tower climb EUR5, 2h

5:00pm

Chocolate Museum

Interactive museum dedicated to chocolate history and production, fun for the kids. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12 per adult, children reduced, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Peters Brauhaus

Enjoy traditional German dishes and local beers in a lively setting suitable for families.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 9: Cologne Exploration

Cologne, Germany on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Rico

Start the day with fresh pastries and coffee at a popular local café.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:30am

Rhine River Cruise

Enjoy a one-hour family-friendly boat cruise along the Rhine with views of historic castles and vineyards.
EUR13-18, 1h

11:00am

Explore Old Town and Hohenzollern Bridge

Walk the colorful streets, shops, and continue to the lock-covered Hohenzollern Bridge.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fruh am Dom

Savour traditional Cologne dishes accompanied by local beer in a bustling environment.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h

3:00pm

Museum Ludwig

Discover modern art including Picasso and pop art collections. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12 per adult, children free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gilden im Zims

Relax with hearty German fare and local beers in this welcoming tavern family spot.
EUR20-30 per person, 1.5h
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Day 10: Cologne to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for travel day with continental breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Cologne to Amsterdam

Approximate 2.5-3 hour drive crossing into the Netherlands via the scenic Rhine valley.
Fuel approx EUR50, toll fees may apply, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pancake Bakery

Experience traditional Dutch pancakes in a charming canal-side restaurant popular with families.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Canal Boat Tour

Take a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic waterways and historic districts. Tours run all afternoon.
EUR18-22 per adult, children reduced, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Anne Frank House

Explore this poignant museum detailing Anne Frank’s story. Book tickets online in advance. Open 9am-10pm.
EUR15 per adult, children under 10 free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at De Silveren Spiegel

Dine in a historic 17th-century building serving refined Dutch cuisine in family-friendly style.
EUR30-45 per person, 1.5h
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Day 11: Amsterdam Highlights

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakers & Roasters

Start with a New Zealand-inspired brunch spot offering fresh and tasty meals for all ages.
EUR15-20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rijksmuseum

Discover Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch, in this world-class museum. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR20 per adult, children free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rijksmuseum Café

Enjoy a light lunch conveniently located inside the museum grounds.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Vondelpark Visit

Relax and let kids play in Amsterdam's largest city park with playgrounds and open green spaces.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and exploring Jordaan Neighbourhood

Wander through boutique shops, galleries, and cafés in the charming Jordaan district.
Free to roam, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Moeders

Try traditional Dutch home-style cooking in a quirky, family-friendly restaurant.
EUR20-35 per person, 1.5h
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Day 12: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

Near Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a standard hotel breakfast before an active day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Zaanse Schans

Take a 20-minute train ride to this open-air museum featuring working windmills and traditional crafts.
Train ticket EUR7 return per adult, 30m train + 4h exploration

9:30am

Explore Zaanse Schans

Visit windmills, cheese farms, clogs workshop and traditional houses for an immersive historic experience.
Entry generally free, some workshops EUR5-10, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at De Kraai Pancake Restaurant

Enjoy Dutch pancakes in a traditional setting near the windmills.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Amsterdam

Relax on the train back after a fulfilling day of culture and nature.
Included in earlier ticket, 30m

5:00pm

Free evening in Amsterdam

Browse local streets or relax at accommodation, dinner at leisure.
Varies, Flexible
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Day 13: Amsterdam Departure

Amsterdam, Netherlands on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light breakfast before packing and departure preparations.
Included or EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit NEMO Science Museum

Interactive science exhibits perfect for children and adults alike, open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR17.50 per adult, children discounted, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at museum café

Convenient lunch with kid-friendly options before heading to airport or next destination.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h
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