7-Day European Train Itinerary
Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin → Prague
Best for: Families | Travel: Train only | Budget: Mid-range
Day 1-2: Paris, France
Arrival & Exploration
Must-See Activities
- Eiffel Tower - Go early morning to avoid crowds, kids love the elevator ride
- Luxembourg Gardens - Free! Perfect for children with playground, pony rides, and toy sailboats
- Seine River Cruise - Budget-friendly way to see monuments (€15-20/adult, kids cheaper)
- Jardin d'Acclimatation - Amusement park with rides and activities
Family Tips
- Stay near Latin Quarter or Marais for walkability
- Buy baguettes and cheese from markets for budget picnic lunches
- Many museums free for kids under 18
Cost-Saving Tips
- Paris Museum Pass for multiple attractions
- Use metro day passes (kids 4-10 half price)
Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Train: Paris → Amsterdam (3h 20min, Thalys train, €35-80)
Must-See Activities
- Canal Boat Tour - Essential Amsterdam experience (€15-20/person)
- Vondelpark - Huge free park with playgrounds and open-air theater
- NEMO Science Museum - Interactive, perfect for kids (€17.50 adults, under 4 free)
- Anne Frank House - Book online weeks ahead (€14 adults, €7 kids 10-17)
- Bloemenmarkt - Floating flower market, free to walk through
Family Tips
- Rent bikes (very kid-friendly city with bike lanes everywhere)
- Try stroopwafels and Dutch pancakes
- Stay near Jordaan or Vondelpark area
Cost-Saving Tips
- I Amsterdam City Card covers museum entries and transport
- Albert Heijn supermarkets great for budget meals
Day 4-5: Berlin, Germany
Train: Amsterdam → Berlin (6h 20min, €40-90)
Must-See Activities
- Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag - Free! Reichstag dome visit is free but book ahead
- Museum Island - World-class museums (Pergamon, Neues Museum)
- East Side Gallery - Longest remaining Berlin Wall section, free outdoor art
- Berlin Zoo - One of world's best zoos (€17 adults, €13 kids)
- Tiergarten Park - Massive park for running around
Family Tips
- Use U-Bahn and S-Bahn (extensive, efficient)
- Kids under 6 ride free on public transport
- Currywurst is a kid-pleasing meal
- Stay in Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg neighborhoods
Cost-Saving Tips
- Berlin WelcomeCard for transport and museum discounts
- Many museums free for kids under 18
- Döner kebabs are cheap and filling (€4-6)
Day 6-7: Prague, Czech Republic
Train: Berlin → Prague (4h 30min, €20-50)
Must-See Activities
- Prague Castle - Largest ancient castle complex, stunning views
- Charles Bridge - Walk at sunrise to avoid crowds, free
- Old Town Square - Astronomical Clock, street performers, beautiful architecture
- Petřín Tower - Mini Eiffel Tower with funicular ride (kids love it!)
- Vltava River Cruise - Scenic and relaxing (€10-15)
Family Tips
- Prague is very affordable compared to other capitals
- Try trdelník (sweet pastry) and goulash
- Old Town and Lesser Town are very walkable
- Many playgrounds along the river
Cost-Saving Tips
- Meals cost 50% less than Western Europe
- Local "hospoda" restaurants extremely cheap
- Skip expensive castle interior, exterior grounds are free
- Use trams (€1.50 per ride, day passes €5)
Budget Breakdown (Family of 4)
Transportation
- Trains: €400-600 total (book early for best prices)
- Eurail Pass Alternative: 4-day pass ~€800 (flexible but pricier)
- Local transport: €100-150
Accommodation (Mid-range)
- 7 nights: €800-1,200 (€115-170/night for family room or apartment)
- Budget option: Hostels with family rooms €400-600
Food
- €80-120/day: Mix of restaurants and supermarket meals
- Total: €560-840
Activities
- €400-600: Museum passes, attractions, boat tours
Grand Total: €2,260-3,390 for family of 4
Money-Saving Strategies
- Book trains 3 months ahead for 60% savings
- Stay in apartments with kitchens (cook breakfasts)
- Free walking tours in every city (tip-based)
- Supermarket lunches - Save restaurants for dinners
- City passes often pay for themselves with 3+ attractions
- Travel Tuesday-Thursday for cheaper accommodation
Train Booking Tips
- Book on: Rail Europe, Trainline, or national rail sites
- Seat reservations: Required on Thalys, optional on others
- Family compartments: Available on longer routes
- Luggage: No weight limits! Pack smart but comfortably
Packing Essentials for Families
- Comfortable walking shoes (10,000+ steps daily)
- Day backpack for snacks and water
- Portable phone chargers
- Small first aid kit
- Reusable water bottles
- Entertainment for train rides (books, tablets)
Alternative Route Options
Southern Route: Paris → Lyon → Florence → Rome (warmer weather)
Alpine Route: Munich → Innsbruck → Salzburg → Vienna (mountains & music)
Coastal Route: Barcelona → Nice → Cinque Terre → Venice (beaches & coast)
Best Time to Travel
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
- Fall (September-October): Beautiful weather, kids back in school (cheaper)
- Avoid: July-August (peak prices, hot, very crowded)
Final Tips
✓ Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps)
✓ Learn basic phrases in each language
✓ Keep kids engaged with "travel journals" or photo challenges
✓ Build in flexibility - don't over-schedule
✓ Early mornings at major attractions = fewer crowds
✓ Afternoon rest time keeps everyone happy