Ideas for Family-Friendly Rail Vacations Across Europe
Europe’s timeless appeal as a family vacation destination stems from its incredible diversity; fifty countries with distinct heritages and a dazzling array of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
Whether your family dreams of following in the footsteps of gladiators in Rome, riding scenic trains through Swiss mountain passes or unwinding on Portugal’s golden beaches, Europe’s extensive rail network makes it easy to craft a multi-destination vacation to get all the family on board. With high-speed trains crossing borders and connecting major cities in just a few hours, you can see more of Europe without the stress of navigating airports or roads.
To excite the wanderlust of young and old, we’re highlighting eight European tours for families that reveal different sides of the continent.
The Wonders of Train Travel on Family-Friendly European Vacations
Europe’s welcoming culture and family-friendly infrastructure are made for multi-generational travel. Safe cities, efficient public transport, and abundant parks and cafes create a relaxed atmosphere for families. Museums frequently cater to young minds with interactive exhibits, while evocative castles and ancient ruins bring the stale history in textbooks to vivid life.
The continent’s sophisticated rail network is particularly well-suited to family travel, as showcased in our curated collection of European train tours.
On board, many trains have family carriages and free Wi-Fi for kids who tire of the endless views. Catering is found on most high-speed intercity trains and city-center stations eliminating lengthy transfers. Children can stretch their legs, parents can relax without navigating foreign roads, and everyone rolls into the next destination refreshed and ready to explore.
From Paris to Amsterdam, Barcelona to Rome, high-speed trains like the TGV, ICE, and AVE make light work of crossing borders and connecting Europe’s most compelling destinations. Each journey becomes part of the adventure, facilitating immersive yet relaxing European tours for families that are sure to create lasting memories.
European Capitals That Families Will Love to Visit
Some of Europe’s most rewarding family vacations center around its landmark capitals, which are often just a few hours apart on some of the continent’s fastest and most comfortable trains.
Packed with family-friendly attractions, the biggest European cities pack in a dizzying mix of culture, history, and family-focused entertainment. Here are some of our favorite European tours for families that call into some of the continent’s most exciting destinations.
Western Europe Explored: Paris to Amsterdam via Brussels
Partly inspired by our Grand European Capitals Tour, this classic route through Western Europe connects three capitals with distinctive personalities, each offering its own take on European culture. With just over three hours of total train time between cities, it’s an ideal introduction to European rail travel for families.
Paris – Where history meets art
The City of Light has the power to captivate visitors all ages.
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for thrills and panoramic views, discover treasures in the Louvre (the museum’s family tours make art accessible for young visitors), and explore the spooky Catacombs to discover Paris’s mysterious side.
The Luxembourg Gardens provide a peaceful escape for family picnics, while Disneyland Paris, just 40 minutes from the city center, adds theme park thrills to your Parisian adventure.
Wherever you go, young foodies will be in their element. Challenge young gastronomes to find the best croissant in Paris (an impossible task, although kids might find the answer) and let adults find a bistro serving that rare meal that’s never forgotten. Or take the family around the streets of Paris’s last village, Montmartre, and follow in the footsteps of Amelie and generations of artists.
One of Europe’s most visited cities, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain all members of the family.
Brussels – Comic book culture and chocolate dreams
Just 1.5 hours from Paris by direct high-speed train, Belgium’s capital offers a child-friendly spin on European culture.
Family adventures around the capital of the European Union begin amid the magnificent buildings on the Grand-Place. Cater to different interests at the singular Atomium, a place for inquisitive minds, or the Comic Art Museum celebrating Belgium’s cartoon heritage in the land that gave us Tintin and the Smurfs.
Culinary delights abound, from world-class beer to Nutella-drenched waffles. Shop for chocolate goodies or join a chocolate-making workshop. Spare a few moments to amuse kids at the playful Manneken Pis fountain that exemplifies Brussels’ quirky charm.
Amsterdam – Canal boats, bikes, and interactive museums
The final leg of this family adventure lands in Amsterdam, just under two hours from Brussels by train.
The Dutch capital’s atmospheric canals and cycle-friendly streets create a relaxed atmosphere for family exploration. Cruise the waterways, rent bikes to explore like locals, and visit the NEMO Science Museum for five floors of interactive exhibits. The Anne Frank House offers older children a moving glimpse into history, and the Van Gogh Museum‘s family programs bring the artist’s eye-catching work to life.
If your family needs a moment to decompress, grab some mayonnaise-loaded fries and chill in the Vondelpark. A moment to reflect on a rousing family tour of Western Europe.
Family Adventures in Scandinavia: Copenhagen to Oslo via Stockholm
For families keen to venture beyond the usual, Scandinavia offers a fresh perspective on continental culture. With efficient rail connections and exceptionally family-friendly cities, this Nordic circuit delivers an exhilarating blend of cultural discoveries and outdoor adventures.
Copenhagen – Waterside family fun, from rollercoaster thrills to hygge cafes
Begin a family Nordic adventure amid the spires and laidback hygge culture of the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a city designed for leisurely exploration. Hire a bike to see more on one of the continent’s best cycle lane networks. Then swap bikes for rollercoasters at the iconic Tivoli Gardens, where parents can get nostalgic and kids can simply enjoy the thrills of this old-time amusement park.
Broaden minds at the hands-on Experimentarium science museum and get acquainted with the Danish lifestyle in the cinnamon-scented cafes and restaurants around the colorful Nyhavn harbor, a short stroll from the Little Mermaid statue celebrating the tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Or, the Disney movies for younger generations!
Stockholm – Scandi adventures around the Baltic archipelago
Just five hours from Copenhagen by train, Stockholm spreads across 14 islands. It’s a city where nature and cultural riches comfortably coexist and a key destination on our stirring Highlights of Scandinavia rail tour.
A world-class attraction for all ages is found at the Vasa Museum, home to an immense 64-gun warship, salvaged after sinking on its maiden voyage. Add some disco sparkle to family memories at the interactive ABBA Museum, or experience unfamiliar history at Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum.
Another reason Stockholm works for family tours of Europe is its proximity to nature. Surrounded by water and nature reserves, the family can kayak, bike, hike, or enjoy more exhilarating sporting activities heading far from the city. Excellent public transport makes getting around a little easier, even for tired young ones.
Oslo – Where culture meets nature
The final leg to Oslo on this European family tour takes just over five hours, a voyage through scenic Swedish and Norwegian landscapes.
Norway’s capital combines cultural attractions with easy access to nature. Horizons are expanded at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, with many hands-on exhibits for curious minds. Or at the Fram Museum, which reveals more about polar exploration and sits near other curious museums like the curious Kon-Tiki Museum.
The Oslofjord is your chance to see the nature Norway is famed for, with a boat trip to excite all ages. Or take a ride on some of the continent’s most scenic rail journeys, such as the Bergen or Flam Railways. We talk about these journeys a little more in our Norway destination guide.
With parks in the city and nature spots accessible by bike or local train, you can easily layer in more outdoor escapades for the family. This might just be the perfect way to bid adjø to one of the most absorbing yet unhurried European tours for families.
Beyond the City: European Tours for Families That Hit the Great Outdoors
While Europe’s cities offer endless cultural riches, some of the most memorable family adventures unfold in its natural landscapes. These European tours for families step away from urban centers to explore mountain peaks, volcanic islands, and pristine coastlines.
On Top of Europe: Scenic Train Rides Through the Swiss Alps to Contemporary Milan
Switzerland’s legendary mountain railways turn train travel into an unforgettable adventure. They are star journeys on our Swiss rail tours, and like those curated tours, this alpine odyssey combines spectacular scenery with year-round outdoor activities and wraps up with urban adventures. Two countries in one trip, with something for active families at every stop.
Zurich – Gateway to the Alps
Start in sophisticated Zurich, where the Swiss National Museum introduces children to the country’s fascinating history. The city’s lake can be seen by boat and the nearby Uetliberg mountain provides easy hiking trails with panoramic views.
Mountain magic in St. Moritz and Zermatt
Board the famous Glacier Express for one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. Stop in St. Moritz for winter sports or summer hiking, then continue to Zermatt, the car-free village beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
The Gornergrat cogwheel train climbs to 3,089 meters, offering close-up views of glaciers and peaks to wow travelers of all ages.
Cross the Alps to Milan
Complete your alpine adventure on the magical Bernina Express, crossing the Alps into Italy through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Traveling on panoramic trains from Chur in Switzerland and then switching to Italian trains in Tirano, your family will spend less than six vista-filled hours on trains.
Milan offers a starling contrast to the Alpine journey. Italy’s second-largest city is a cosmopolitan milieu of cultural attractions and world-class restaurants.
Visit landmarks like the Duomo (take the kids to the roof for more skyline thrills) and Sforza Castle for a journey into history. Get hands-on with interactive experiences at museums like the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology or take a few moments to unwind in parks such as Sempione Park and kid-friendly attractions like the Civico Aquarium. That’s if you can tear young ones away from the ever-irresistible gelataria. Remind them that there will be time for one more at the airport after this varied and family-friendly European tour.
Sicily – Island Adventures Amid Volcanoes and Ancient Temples
Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, offers a dazzling array of family-friendly activities. Roam through ancient history, be awestruck by natural wonders, and savor the tastes and vibes of a Mediterranean getaway, all easily explored by rail.
Palermo – History and cannoli
Begin in Palermo, where puppet theaters perform ancient Sicilian tales and street markets burst with local flavors. Stroll around the aminated art-nouveau streets, visit landmarks that speak to Sicily’s long and complicated history, not least the UNESCO-recognized Norman Cathedral, and introduce sweet-toothed family members to the delights of cannoli and other sweet treats in the city’s mouthwatering pasticceria.
Valley of the Temples
History can get a little stale for young travelers. Not at the incredible Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a series of ancient Greek temples and archeological relics perched on a sunbaked ridge overlooking the Med.
The Valley of the Temples is a stimulating day trip from Palermo and brings ancient Greek history to life with interactive exhibits that engage young visitors; a destination they are unlikely to forget.
Cefalù – seaside fun on Sicily’s prettiest beach
Cefalù boasts a charming old town and noted Norman Cathedral. The big draw for families is the kid-friendly beach for dipping tired toes in the Med and giving parents moments to kick back and drink in the sun. Layer on outdoor adventures like hiking La Rocca and sampling Sicilian treats at local gelaterias, and you’ve got a delightful diversion for all ages.
Catania and Mount Etna
Round off this family tour under the Mediterranean sun with a visit to Catania, overlooked by Mount Etna.
Europe’s largest active volcano offers exciting possibilities for guided family excursions. Take the Circumetnea Railway around the volcano’s base or join a jeep tour to explore its lunar-like landscapes.
Catania makes an agreeable base for the family, with a lively piazza and long shopping street lined with cafes (Via Etnea), and easy access to sandy beaches. From peering into a volcanic crater to swimming in the Med, Catania is a destination with something for the most demanding family members.
If that sounds like a rail vacation your family will relish, check out our Best of Sicily rail package.
European Tours for Families That Bring Together Sun, Sand, and Culture
If the prospect of beachside entertainment on sun-drenched shores hits the right notes for your family, the south of Europe is where you’ll want to take them. The beauty of this region is that you also get a large helping of culture and history, creating European tours for families that satisfy everyone’s vacation wishes.
European Tours for Families Around the Spanish Mediterranean: Barcelona to Malaga via Valencia
Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers a colorful mix of artistic wonders, golden beaches, and family-friendly festivities. With high-speed AVE trains connecting the three cities in just six hours total travel time, families can experience three distinct faces of Spanish culture.
Barcelona – An artistic break on the beach
Begin in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s fantastical architecture captures young imaginations and dazzles older visitors.
Relax amongst the mosaics and flights of imagination in Park Güell, where the best views of the city are found. Stop to admire the intricate spires of Sagrada Familia, the centerpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing the works of Gaudi; then explain to children that it is still unfinished, like a homework project that spiraled out of control.
Gastronomes of all ages can revel in a vibrant culinary scene where tapas and late-night adventures are easy to find. And when it’s time to dial down the pace, Barcelona’s beaches are the place to relax and drink an ice-cold beer or perhaps refreshing horchata (infused tiger nut milk).
Valencia – Science and celebration
Just three hours south by train from Barcelona, Valencia combines futuristic appeal with historic charm. It is a highlight of our Mediterranean Tour Through Sunny Spain and is a wonderful city for all the family.
Famed for its festivals, notably the enormous papier-mache creations of the Fallas (annually in March), Valencia bursts with Mediterranean energy.
Your foodie family members will want to try an authentic paella Valenciana, and they’ll easily work an appetite for it. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences complex housing Europe’s largest aquarium and an interactive science museum in stunning architectural settings. Shop for Spanish flavors in the historic central market introduces families to Spanish flavors. Then take your bocadillos and other goodies to Malvarrosa Beach for more sand and surf.
Malaga – Moorish history and coastal adventures
Take a train south to Malaga, Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and a city that perfectly balances cultural attractions with beach life. The journey takes around six hours, but there are views along the way and a chance to decompress before one last Spanish exploit.
The Picasso Museum offers family tours that make modern art accessible to young visitors, while the Alcazaba Fortress provides a revealing glimpse into Moorish history. With 16 beaches, families can easily split their time between cultural exploration and coastal relaxation. A chilled-out end to a chilled-out family tour from one corner of Spain to another.
Portugal Unpacked: Porto to the Algarve via Lisbon
Portugal offers European tours for families that combine historic discoveries with Atlantic coast adventures. This north-to-south journey reveals three distinct aspects of Portuguese culture, connected by comfortable rail services.
Porto – River, sea, and the occasional glass of port
Start in Porto, where colorful riverfront houses and historic port wine cellars complement the bohemian vibes that make Porto an effervescent family destination.
When not relaxing with a glass of port or custardy pastel de nata on the Cais da Ribeira waterfront, take a Douro River cruise, skip across both levels of the magnificent Luis I Bridge, visit the magical Livraria Lello bookshop said to have inspired elements of the Harry Potter stories, and ride historic trams around the hilly and cobblestone streets.
Lisbon – Hills and history
Little over three hours south by train lies Portugal’s capital Lisbon. Our Highlights of Portugal tours pivot around Lisbon, with travelers drawn to the vintage trams climbing the seven hills the city was raised on, a tantalizing array of restaurants, and the oft-conquered São Jorge Castle that offers sublime panoramas over city and sea.
If you need more reasons to linger in Lisbon, try the Oceanário – one of Europe’s largest– with marine life from all the world’s oceans. Or take a day trip to Sintra’s colorful palaces, or ride the historic tram to Belém to see the 16th-century tower on the water and tease appetites at the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery.
Algarve – Take the beach vacation up a gear
Three hours south of Lisbon transports this family tour to the Mediterranean delights of Faro, gateway to the Algarve.
Base yourself in Faro, Lagos, or Albufeira to explore hidden coves on boats and kayaks, swim near dolphins, visit water parks, or simply splash around in the crystal clear waters lapping the shoreline of one of Europe’s premier tourist regions in the summer.
This is one vacation young ones won’t want to end, although we’re turning the spotlight on more thrills and spills for young ones in our final pick of the best European trips for families.
European Rail Tours to Thrill Young Ones and Adults Alike
You can craft magical European tours for families centered around many themes that capture children’s imaginations while offering plenty to engage adults. It’s something our travel specialists can help with (message us about what works best for your family, and we’ll take care of the details).
To get you started, our final two itineraries bring history and literature to life through real-world discoveries.
Gladiators and Gondolas: Rome to Venice via Florence
This Italian adventure brings history into focus with evocative experiences to excite imaginations across generations. High-speed trains connect these three iconic cities in just four hours overall, creating one of the most absorbing and uncomplicated European tours for families.
Rome – Ancient thrills and modern energy
Begin in the Eternal City, where history jumps off the textbook pages. There is so much to see and do, the real question is where to start.
The Colosseum comes alive through family-focused tours where children learn about gladiator life, the Catacombs provide adventurous exploration, and hands-on gladiator schools let kids experience history firsthand. Don’t miss tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain or slurping gelato on the Spanish Steps.
If time allows, impress artists in the family beneath the Sistine Chapel and tread in the footsteps of ancient emperors in the Roman Forum.
Florence – the Renaissance in living color
Just 1.5 hours north on comfortable, high-speed trains, Florence offers Renaissance treasures at a family-friendly scale.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum’s interactive machines will fascinate budding engineers while climbing Brunelleschi’s emblematic Dome rewards families with panoramic city views. The Palazzo Vecchio’s “Secret Passages Tour” reveals hidden staircases and mysterious rooms, and the Central Market introduces young taste buds to Tuscan flavors.
Above all, Florence is a city that rewards slow and easy exploration by foot. Sights to wow parents and more than enough to occupy children as they tread through art and history in the Cradle of the Renaissance.
Venice – Gondolas and good times
Venice is just two hours by high-speed Trenitalia or Italo trains from Florence. Both are supremely comfortable for families, and the views of the Tuscan cedar trees and hills of the Tuscan countryside are a welcome bonus.
In Venice, cars are replaced by boats and every bridge tells a story. Take a gondola ride through quiet canals, learn mask-making in traditional workshops, and hunt for winged lions – symbols of Venice – across the city. The Doge’s Palace’s Secret Itineraries Tour explores hidden chambers and crosses the Bridge of Sighs, while the art of glassblowing is showcased in Murano.
If your kids crave even more excitement, time your visit for the whirlwind of masks and frivolity that is the Venice Carnival (typically around February). Our Best of Italy tour can readily be customized to make this famous event part of your European rail vacation.
On the Trail of Harry Potter: From London to Edinburgh
For families enchanted by Harry Potter, this adventure across the United Kingdom combines real filming locations with two of Europe’s most exciting cities. The 4.5-hour train journey between London and Edinburgh becomes part of the magic and calls in the most exciting cities in England and Scotland.
London – A rock and roll capital stacked with cultural wonders
Start your magical journey in London. The British capital is one of the most visited cities on the planet; there is, quite literally, something for everyone.
With families in mind, you might want to learn about the prisoners who lost their heads and see the crown jewels in the Tower of London, one of the oldest buildings in the country. Stroll along the South Bank, from the foodie wonderland of Borough Market, past street performers and Shakespeare’s Globe theater, to see just how tall Big Ben is.
Drop into the see dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum, then pop next door for interactive amusement and education at the Science Museum. Before leaving, take a river taxi to Greenwich for the Royal Observatory, where children can stand on the Prime Meridian that dissects the globe.
Harry Potter fans will know where the train goes from: Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station. Happily, that is the right station (but not the platform) to continue onto Edinburgh. However, if they are big fans, make time for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the films before departing.
Edinburgh – Tartan escapades in the home of Harry Potter
All good things must end, and this is our last stop on our final pick of the best European tours for families.
Scotland’s capital inspired many aspects of the Harry Potter series, and walking tours reveal locations that influenced J.K. Rowling’s writing. Victoria Street’s curved row of colorful shops reportedly inspired Diagon Alley; Greyfriars Kirkyard contains tombstones bearing familiar names from the series.
For the ultimate magical experience, take a day trip on the Jacobite Steam Train – aka the Hogwarts Express. This spectacular journey crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in the films while showcasing the Scottish Highlands’ dramatic scenery. Even non-Potter fans consider this one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys; it’s a journey that can be added to Rail Escape’s British Isles Tour From London to Lochs by speaking to our rail travel experts.
We haven’t forgotten older travelers. Edinburgh is full of cultural diversions, from the enigmatic castle above the city to the sampling drams of whisky in timeworn pubs. Convince young ones the haggis you had for dinner was caught in the Highlands or simply wander around the cobblestone streets of an incredibly atmospheric city.
The Best Family Tours of Europe Create Lasting Memories
European tours for families by rail offer a scintillating blend of adventure, education, and ample opportunity to relax.
High-speed trains transform travel time into quality family time, while thoughtfully planned itineraries ensure every family member finds something to love. Whether following ancient Roman roads, tracing fairy tales through Scandinavia, or chasing the sun along Mediterranean coasts, Europe’s diverse destinations and efficient rail network create countless possibilities for unforgettable family vacations.
Ready to start planning your family’s European rail adventure? Contact our travel specialists to create a personalized itinerary matching your family’s interests and travel style.
