This family-friendly route covers all the places you named, grouping nearby sights together and using overnight trains where they help save time. It’s a fast-paced trip, so plan on a few early starts and treat the listed costs as approximate per-person prices; transport between cities and accommodation are separate.
Budget
Approximately €1,400–€3,000 per person for intercity transport, local transport, admissions and modest meals; accommodation and most flights are not included. Swiss day-trip fares are quoted separately in CHF.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October, when the weather is generally pleasant and summer crowds and heat are less intense. Book key sights and intercity transport early.
Madrid: Retiro and the city centre
Ease into Madrid with a park visit, then explore the central sights on foot.
Morning
Stroll through Retiro Park
Enjoy the gardens and playgrounds at an easy pace. Allow about 20 minutes by taxi from central Madrid hotels.
FreeAfternoon
See the city from
Walk about 20 minutes from Retiro through the centre to this handsome historic square; pause for lunch nearby.
FreeEvening
Visit the Royal Palace
Walk about 10 minutes from to admire the palace and its surrounding gardens. Check visiting hours and book admission ahead.
About €14
Madrid: Art and family-friendly city centre
Pair one major museum with a relaxed central stroll and a memorable evening view.
Morning
Choose a family-friendly museum visit
Spend a couple of hours with the highlights rather than trying to see everything. Allow about 15 minutes on foot from Atocha station.
About €15Afternoon
Explore and Gran Vía
Walk about 15 minutes from the Prado area to , then browse the lively central streets at your own pace.
FreeEvening
Watch the sunset at the Temple of Debod
Take a taxi in about 15 minutes from Gran Vía, or allow roughly 25 minutes by public transport. Arrive early for a good viewpoint.
Free
Barcelona: Gothic Quarter and waterfront
Take a morning train to Barcelona, then keep the first afternoon compact around the old town.
Morning
Travel from Madrid to Barcelona
High-speed trains from Madrid Atocha to usually take about 2.5–3 hours. Reserve seats in advance and allow time for station security and boarding.
About €30–€100Afternoon
Wander the Gothic Quarter
From , take a taxi in about 15 minutes or the metro in roughly 25 minutes. Explore the lanes and the cathedral area at a relaxed pace.
FreeEvening
Walk along
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter to the harbour, with plenty of places to stop for dinner.
Free
Barcelona: Gaudí and Gràcia
See Gaudí’s best-known work, then enjoy a slower afternoon in the nearby neighbourhood.
Morning
Visit the Sagrada Família
Book timed tickets well ahead, especially with children. From central Barcelona, allow around 20 minutes by metro or taxi.
About €26Afternoon
Explore
Travel about 20 minutes by taxi from the basilica, or around 35 minutes by public transport. The paths include slopes, so bring comfortable shoes.
About €18Evening
Have dinner in Gràcia
Take a taxi in about 10 minutes from to Gràcia’s lively squares and family-friendly restaurants.
About €15–€30
Paris: Arrival and the Eiffel Tower
Fly from Barcelona to Paris, then keep the first evening focused on the Eiffel Tower area.
Morning
Fly from Barcelona to Paris
Allow about 2 hours in the air, plus airport transfers and check-in time. Book a flight that leaves room for delays and family breaks.
About €50–€180Afternoon
Check in and settle around the Eiffel Tower
From the airport, the RER or taxi typically takes 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Keep the afternoon light after travel.
FreeEvening
See the Eiffel Tower sparkle
Take an easy stroll from the tower to the Trocadéro viewpoint, about 15 minutes on foot, for a classic family photo stop.
Free
Paris: Île de la Cité and the Louvre
Spend the day among central Paris landmarks, with a manageable museum visit and riverside breaks.
Morning
Explore Île de la Cité
Visit the island’s historic surroundings and see Notre-Dame from outside. Allow about 15 minutes by metro from the Eiffel Tower area.
FreeAfternoon
Pick a few Louvre highlights
Walk about 20 minutes along the Seine from Notre-Dame, or take the metro in around 15 minutes. Timed entry is strongly recommended.
About €22Evening
Relax in the Tuileries Garden
The garden is directly outside the Louvre, so there’s no additional travel; let children enjoy a relaxed stroll before dinner.
Free
Brussels: Grand Place and the centre
Take a fast train to Brussels and spend the rest of the day around its compact historic centre.
Morning
Travel from Paris to Brussels
The high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord to takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. Book family seats together when purchasing tickets.
About €25–€100Afternoon
See the Grand Place
From , take a taxi in about 10 minutes or public transport in around 15 minutes. The central square is an easy first stop.
FreeEvening
Try Belgian treats near the centre
Walk about 10 minutes from Grand Place to this well-known waffle shop; check opening hours and expect queues at busy times.
About €5–€12
Amsterdam: Canals and the Jordaan
Continue by train to Amsterdam and spend the day around the central canals and .
Morning
Travel from Brussels to Amsterdam
Fast trains from to take around 2 hours. Check the current timetable and reserve seats if your service offers them.
About €25–€80Afternoon
Take a family-friendly canal cruise
Walk about 5 minutes from to the cruise docks. A one-hour cruise is a comfortable way to get oriented.
About €18–€25Evening
Stroll the
Walk about 15 minutes from the central canals into the , where you’ll find quiet lanes and casual dinner options.
Free
Amsterdam: Museum Quarter
Keep the day within the Museum Quarter, balancing a major attraction with outdoor downtime.
Morning
Visit the
Allow about 20 minutes by tram from . Book timed tickets and focus on a few galleries to keep the visit enjoyable for children.
About €25Afternoon
Play and unwind at
Walk about 10 minutes from the to the park for open space and a much-needed break.
FreeEvening
Dinner around
Walk about 10 minutes back from to the area, which has convenient dining options.
About €15–€30
Zurich: Old Town and the lake
Fly to Zurich, then enjoy an easy afternoon around the old town and lakeside.
Morning
Fly from Amsterdam to Zurich
The flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes; allow extra time for airport transfers and check-in. Zurich Airport connects to the city by train in roughly 10–15 minutes.
About €70–€220Afternoon
Wander Zurich’s Old Town
From , walk about 10 minutes into the old town and explore its lanes at an easy pace.
FreeEvening
Enjoy the lakefront
Walk about 15 minutes from the Old Town to the lakeside promenade for a gentle evening outing.
Free
Swiss Alps day trip from Zurich
Make a full-day scenic outing to Lucerne, which is more manageable for families than a long mountain excursion.
Morning
Train from Zurich to Lucerne
Direct trains from to take about 45–50 minutes. Check the day’s timetable before setting out.
About CHF 25–CHF 50Afternoon
Walk across Chapel Bridge and explore the old town
It’s about a 10-minute walk from station to the bridge and nearby old town. Keep this part flexible for lunch and breaks.
FreeEvening
Return to Zurich
Walk back to station in about 10 minutes, then take a direct train back to Zurich in roughly 45–50 minutes.
About CHF 25–CHF 50
Venice: Arrival and the Grand Canal
Fly from Zurich to Venice and spend your first day close to the historic centre.
Morning
Fly from Zurich to Venice
The flight is about 1 hour 5 minutes, but allow for airport time and transfer into Venice. From Marco Polo Airport, water buses or land transport take roughly 30–60 minutes.
About €60–€200Afternoon
Explore St. Mark’s Square
From the main vaporetto stops, allow about 10 minutes on foot to reach the square. Reserve basilica entry in advance if you plan to go inside.
FreeEvening
Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal
Board near St. Mark’s Square and enjoy the canal ride; allow around 30–45 minutes depending on the route and stops.
About €9.50
Venice: Rialto and Cannaregio
Explore Venice’s central market area, then cross into the quieter neighbourhood.
Morning
Visit Rialto Market
Walk about 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square through the lanes, or take a vaporetto for a shorter, scenic ride. Market activity is liveliest in the morning.
FreeAfternoon
Wander
Walk about 15 minutes from Rialto into , where the pace is calmer and the canals are less crowded.
FreeEvening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner in
Stay in the neighbourhood rather than crossing town; allow a short walk from your chosen restaurant back to the canal-side lanes.
About €20–€40
Florence: Duomo and historic centre
Travel to Florence by train and keep the day centred on its walkable historic core.
Morning
Train from Venice to Florence
High-speed trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to take around 2 hours. Reserve seats in advance and check in for your train before boarding.
About €20–€70Afternoon
See Florence Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo
Walk about 10 minutes from to the cathedral square. Book any dome or tower visit ahead and consider the stairs before committing with children.
FreeEvening
Walk to
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo through the historic centre to the river and bridge.
Free
Pisa: Leaning Tower and return to Florence
Take a simple day trip to Pisa, focusing on the compact landmark precinct before returning to Florence.
Morning
Train from Florence to Pisa
Regional trains from to take about 1 hour. Check the return schedule and buy tickets through official rail channels.
About €9–€15Afternoon
Visit the Leaning Tower and
From , take a bus in about 15 minutes or walk around 25 minutes to the square. Tower entry is timed and has age and safety restrictions for children.
About €20 for tower entryEvening
Return to Florence for dinner
Travel about 1 hour by regional train back to , then choose dinner near the station or your accommodation.
About €9–€15
Rome: Historic centre
Take the train to Rome and spend your first day among the central squares and fountains.
Morning
Train from Florence to Rome
High-speed trains from to take about 1 hour 30 minutes. Book ahead for better fares and seats together.
About €20–€80Afternoon
Visit the and Piazza Navona
Take a taxi or bus from in about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. These central sights are close enough to explore on foot.
About €5Evening
See the Trevi Fountain
Walk about 15 minutes from Piazza Navona to the fountain, then enjoy dinner nearby.
Free
Rome: Colosseum and ancient sights
Spend the day around the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with an optional quieter park break nearby.
Morning
Visit the Colosseum
Travel about 15–20 minutes by metro or taxi from central Rome. Timed tickets are essential, and the site involves uneven surfaces.
About €18Afternoon
Explore the Roman Forum
The Forum entrance is beside the Colosseum, so there is little travel between the two. Bring water and allow time for rest stops.
About Included with many Colosseum ticketsEvening
Unwind at Circus Maximus
Walk about 15 minutes from the Forum area to this broad open space, a good spot for children to stretch their legs before dinner.
Free
Rome: Vatican City and departure
Finish with a memorable Vatican visit, keeping the schedule flexible around your departure time.
Morning
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica
Allow around 20–30 minutes by taxi or public transport from central Rome. Check entry rules and queues, and dress respectfully.
FreeAfternoon
See the Vatican Museums if your schedule allows
Walk about 15 minutes from St. Peter’s Square to the museum entrance. Book timed tickets well ahead; skip this stop if you have an early flight or train.
About €20–€25Evening
Head to your departure point
Allow about 30–60 minutes by taxi or public transport to or the airport, depending on where you are departing and traffic conditions.
About €1.50–€55
Good to know
Pace
This itinerary includes many cities in 18 days. Pack light, leave room for naps and meal breaks, and consider dropping an optional museum if anyone needs downtime.
Tickets
Book Sagrada Família, , the Louvre, , the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Pisa’s Leaning Tower in advance. Check current family, child and age restrictions before buying.
Transport
Confirm schedules and fares directly with rail operators and airlines. High-speed train prices vary by date, and airport transfers can take longer than the flight itself.
Switzerland
Swiss costs are in CHF, not euros. A Swiss Travel Pass or regional ticket may be worthwhile depending on your family’s exact travel plans.
Family comfort
Bring comfortable shoes, refillable water bottles and a compact rain layer. Historic centres often have cobblestones, stairs and limited step-free access.