Ultimate Family European Holiday Itinerary: London to Madrid via Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and France

Day 1: London Arrival

London, England on December 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club Soho

Start your London visit with a classic and family-friendly breakfast spot offering British and American breakfast favourites. Open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h

10:00am

Visit the Tower of London

Explore London’s historic castle, famous for its Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders. Opens 9am-5:30pm.
GBP30, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Borough Market

Enjoy a variety of street food options at this vibrant, bustling market featuring local and international cuisine. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the British Museum

Discover extensive collections from around the world including the Rosetta Stone. Free entry. Open 10am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

Dine on delicious Indian cuisine in a family-friendly setting. Open till 10:30pm.
GBP25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: London Landmarks

London, England on December 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Regency Cafe

Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at this iconic cafe known for vintage decor and hearty meals. Open from 7am.
GBP12, 1h

9:30am

Westminster Abbey Visit

Explore one of London’s most famous religious sites with royal connections. Opens 9:30am-3:30pm.
GBP27, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk along the South Bank

Stroll by the River Thames, visit the London Eye, and enjoy street performers and views of the city. Open all day.
GBP30 (London Eye ticket), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wahaca Southbank

Taste vibrant Mexican street food in a family-friendly setting. Open from 12pm.
GBP22, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Natural History Museum

Explore dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits perfect for children. Free entry. Open 10am-5:30pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza Express

Enjoy classic Italian pizza near your accommodation in a child-friendly environment. Open till 10pm.
GBP20, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Travel to Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from London to Glasgow (Flight Recommended)

Fly from London to Glasgow to save time. Flight takes approximately 1h 20m. Flight costs approx GBP 200 pp.
GBP200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Gannet

Savour modern Scottish dishes with family-friendly atmosphere near the city centre. Open from 12pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Discover extensive art and exhibits with interactive zones for kids. Free entry. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Paesano Pizza

Enjoy some of Glasgow’s best wood-fired pizzas in a lively, family-friendly setting. Open until 9pm.
GBP18, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Explore Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on December 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Singl-end Cafe and Bakehouse

Experience Glasgow’s best coffee and fresh pastries. Open from 7:30am.
GBP10, 1h

10:00am

Glasgow Science Centre

Interactive science museum with planetarium, perfect for families. Opens 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Ubiquitous Chip

Enjoy Scottish cuisine in a charming garden setting. Open from 12pm.
GBP25, 1h

3:00pm

Walk through Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Relax in beautiful gardens with glasshouses and playgrounds for children. Open all day, closes at dusk.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Crabshakk

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Open till 9pm.
GBP20, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 22: Travel to Dublin

Dublin, Ireland on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Flight Glasgow to Dublin (via London)

Take the flight from Glasgow to Dublin with stopover in London, total travel approx 11hr 30mins.
GBP400, 12h

9:00pm

Dinner near accommodation

Try The Church Cafe Bar & Restaurant near your Airbnb for Irish dishes in historic surroundings. Open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 23: Dublin Sightseeing

Dublin, Ireland on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts

Enjoy delightful homemade pastries and breakfast in a cosy setting. Open from 9am.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Trinity College and Book of Kells

Visit Ireland’s oldest university and see the famous illuminated manuscript. Open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Woollen Mills

Taste modern Irish cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere. Open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dublin Zoo

Enjoy a fun afternoon with animals at Phoenix Park. Open 9:30am-5pm.
EUR23, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Elephant & Castle

Sample famous Dublin fried chicken and comfort food with kids menus available. Open till 10pm.
EUR22, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 32: Flight to Rome

Rome, Italy on January 8, 2026

7:00am

Flight from Dublin to Rome (via Frankfurt)

Catch your flight to Rome with stopover in Frankfurt, total travel approx 6hr 40mins.
EUR900, 7h

3:00pm

Light dinner at Pastificio Guerra

Enjoy quick and delicious fresh pasta near the Spanish Steps, open till 8pm.
EUR8, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 33: Rome Exploring

Rome, Italy on January 9, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Enjoy traditional Italian pastries and coffee in historic bakery. Open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore iconic ancient Roman amphitheatre and surrounding ruins. Open 9am-4:30pm.
EUR18, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Roscioli

Family-friendly Roman cuisine with classic pasta dishes. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Marvel at world-famous art collections, open 9am-6pm, last entry 4pm.
EUR17, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria da Baffetto

Relish traditional Roman-style pizza in a lively locale. Open till 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 38: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy on January 14, 2026

9:00am

Travel from Rome to Milan by train

Take the high-speed train for efficient travel time approx 3h.
EUR60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Smeraldo

Explore diverse Italian food options in a large marketplace. Open 10am-11pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Duomo di Milano

See Milan’s stunning Gothic cathedral with rooftop access. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Luini Panzerotti

Enjoy famous fried dough snacks popular with locals. Open till 8pm.
EUR10, 30m
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Day 54: Travel to Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland on January 29, 2026

9:00am

Fly Milan to Zurich

Short nonstop flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
CHF30, 1h15m

11:30am

Check in and lunch at Riffelalp Resort

Enjoy Swiss alpine views and cuisine at this high-altitude resort. Open from 12pm.
CHF40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore nearby mountain trails

Take easy scenic walks appropriate for families around the resort. Open all day.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at resort restaurant

Enjoy authentic Swiss dishes with breathtaking views. Open until 9pm.
CHF50, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 56: Zurich to Paris

Paris, France on February 2, 2026

9:00am

Fly Zurich to Paris

Nonstop flight takes approximately 1h 25mins.
EUR60, 1h25m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien

Organic bakery and café offering healthy options near your Airbnb.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Eiffel Tower

Explore the iconic landmark and enjoy panoramic views from the platforms. Open 9am-12am.
EUR25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Deux Magots

Historic café known for classic French cuisine and artistic ambiance. Open till 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 66: Paris to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on February 11, 2026

8:00am

Fly Paris to Madrid

Enjoy a 2-hour nonstop flight to Spain’s capital.
EUR38, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savour a variety of Spanish tapas in a lively market setting. Open 10am-12am.
EUR20, 1h

1:00pm

Stroll and sightseeing at Plaza Mayor

Explore the historic square with shops and street performances. Open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

Admire one of the world’s greatest art collections. Open 10am-8pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Try traditional Spanish dishes like huevos rotos in a family-friendly environment. Open till 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 74: Return to London

London, England on February 19, 2026

9:00am

Fly Madrid to London

Take a nonstop flight back to London for your final days or departure.
GBP45, 2h25m

12:00pm

Check in and lunch at Borough Market

Enjoy a favourite London foodie spot to reflect on your trip. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP20, 1h
View Hotel Availability