Netherlands, Germany, Austria

An 18-day adventure through the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria sounds like a fantastic family trip! Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights, enjoy local culture, and have fun together. Here’s a day-by-day plan:

Days 1-5: Netherlands

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

• Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your family-friendly hotel.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Vondelpark. Kids can run around, and you can enjoy a picnic.
• In the evening, take a leisurely canal cruise to see the city from the water.

Day 2: Amsterdam

• Visit the Anne Frank House in the morning (book tickets in advance).
• Head to the NEMO Science Museum, which is super interactive and great for kids.
• Enjoy dinner at a local pancake house for a fun family meal.

Day 3: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

• Take a short train ride to Zaanse Schans to see traditional Dutch windmills and wooden shoes.
• Explore the open-air museum and enjoy some cheese tasting.
• Return to Amsterdam for a relaxed evening.

Day 4: Utrecht

• Travel to Utrecht (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit the Railway Museum, which is a hit with families.
• Stroll along the canals and enjoy lunch at a café.
• Head back to Amsterdam for the night.

Day 5: Keukenhof Gardens (Seasonal) or Haarlem

• If it’s spring, visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips in bloom.
• If not, take a trip to Haarlem to explore the Frans Hals Museum and the beautiful town square.
• Return to Amsterdam for your last night in the Netherlands.

Days 6-10: Germany

Day 6: Travel to Berlin

• Take a train to Berlin (about 6 hours, so an early start is best).
• Check into your hotel and relax.
• In the evening, visit the East Side Gallery, a colorful stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Day 7: Berlin

• Start with a visit to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building.
• Explore the Berlin Zoo, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world.
• Enjoy dinner in the vibrant neighborhood of Kreuzberg.

Day 8: Potsdam Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Potsdam (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit Sanssouci Palace and its beautiful gardens.
• Explore the Dutch Quarter and have lunch there before heading back to Berlin.

Day 9: Munich

• Travel to Munich (about 4 hours by train).
• Check into your hotel and take a stroll in the English Garden, where kids can play and you can relax.
• Enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner at a family-friendly beer garden.

Day 10: Munich

• Visit the Deutsches Museum, which is full of interactive exhibits for kids.
• Spend the afternoon at the Munich Zoo (Tierpark Hellabrunn).
• In the evening, explore Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel.

Days 11-15: Austria

Day 11: Travel to Salzburg

• Take a train to Salzburg (about 1.5 hours).
• Check into your hotel and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for stunning views of the city.

Day 12: Salzburg

• Spend the morning at the Salzburg Zoo.
• In the afternoon, visit the Sound of Music filming locations or take a fun family bike ride along the Salzach River.
• Enjoy a traditional Austrian dinner.

Day 13: Day Trip to Hallstatt

• Take a day trip to Hallstatt (about 2.5 hours by train and ferry).
• Explore the picturesque village and its beautiful lake.
• Visit the salt mines if the kids are up for it!

Day 14: Travel to Vienna

• Travel to Vienna (about 2.5 hours by train).
• Check into your hotel and relax.
• In the evening, take a stroll around the Ringstrasse and see the beautiful buildings lit up.

Day 15: Vienna

• Visit Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. The kids will love the zoo there!
• Spend the afternoon at the Prater amusement park, where you can ride the famous Ferris wheel.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Days 16-18: Return to Germany

Day 16: Travel to Munich

• Head back to Munich (about 4 hours by train).
• Spend the afternoon shopping or visiting any sights you missed.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional Bavarian restaurant.

Day 17: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

• Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (about 2 hours by train and bus).
• Explore the fairy-tale castle and its surroundings.
• Return to Munich for your last night in Germany.

Day 18: Departure

• Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a last stroll around the city.
• Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Always check for family discounts on attractions.
• Consider using trains for travel; they are comfortable and often have family compartments.
• Keep snacks and entertainment handy for the kids during travel times.
• Make sure to have some downtime in your itinerary to relax and recharge.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️