Planning your first family trip to Europe from India? Overwhelmed by where to start, what to see, and how to manage it all with kids?
We were too — until we made it happen. Our 26-day self-planned Europe itinerary covered France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and a Mediterranean cruise, and was tailored for a vegetarian Indian family with kids. This guide is your detailed companion to plan a stress-free, memorable vacation.
🧳 Pre-Trip Essentials
- Schengen Visa (via VFS Global): Apply 6–8 weeks in advance
- Multi-city flights: We landed in Paris and flew out from Paris again
- Train travel: Used Eurail Global Pass and Swiss Travel Pass
- Stay options: Airbnb and Apartment Hotels for family-friendly flexibility
- Packing: Instant Indian meals, dry snacks, layers for weather changes
- Travel Insurance & Forex Card: Non-negotiable
📅 Day-by-Day Europe Travel Itinerary
🇫🇷 Day 1–3: Exploring Paris with Family
Day 1:
- Arrived in Paris
- Checked into our Airbnb
- Bought groceries & explored the neighborhood
- Took it slow and relaxed after the long flight
Day 2:
- Visited Eiffel Tower during the day
- Took a scenic stroll along the Seine River (we skipped river cruise as we had planned proper cruise)
- Returned at night to watch Eiffel Tower twinkle – magical for kids!
Day 3:
- Revisited Eiffel Tower for different photo ops
- Explored Louvre Museum from outside (choose skip-the-line tickets if you plan to visit from outside!)
- Visited Arc de Triomphe
- Enjoyed ice skating near Champs-Élysées
💡 Tip: Paris is best explored at a relaxed pace — especially with children. Metro is super convenient and stroller-friendly.
Do check out my Paris Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
🇩🇪 Day 4–6: Black Forest & Lake Titisee in Germany
Day 4:
- Took a direct Eurail train to Freiburg im Breisgau (~4 hours)
- Checked into a hotel and explored a nearby park
- Note: Sundays are quiet in Germany — most shops are closed
Day 5:
- Explored Freiburg Im Breisgau: University area, Münster Cathedral, local bakeries
- Soaked in the peaceful vibe of this eco-friendly city
- Note: Explore Freiburg Im Breisgau on cycles or public trams. They are cheap and fun
Day 6:
- Rented a self-drive car and visited Lake Titisee
- Continued to Black Forest region — fairy-tale forests and winding roads
- Hindsight: Better to split Lake Titisee and Black Forest over two days
🚗 Tip: Driving in Germany is smooth — carry an International Driving Permit
💡 Tip: Most things in Black Forest close by 5.30-6pm. So plan your trip accordingly
Do check out my Freiburg Im Breisgau Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
🇨🇭 Day 7–10: Switzerland – Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Lucerne
Day 7:
- Took direct Eurail Train to Interlaken (~3 hours), checked into apartment
- Explored the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen
Day 8:
- Day trip to Lucerne: Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge
- Tried Swiss chocolates & explored the old town
Day 9:
- Visited Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
- Also explored Grindelwald – cable cars, toboggans, and views
Day 10:
- Local shopping and relaxation in Interlaken
🍫 Tip: Switzerland is kid-friendly, clean, and scenic. Use the Swiss Travel Pass for maximum value.
Do check out my Interlaken Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
🚢 Day 11–16: Mediterranean Cruise – MSC Experience
Day 11:
- Train to Milan, then to Genoa
- Overnight stay before cruise boarding
Day 12:
- Boarded the MSC Cruise — all set for fun at sea!
Day 13:
- Cruise ported at Marseille, France – local sightseeing
Day 14:
- Docked at Barcelona, Spain – visited Sagrada Familia, local tapas
Day 15:
- Full day at sea – pools, kids club, magic shows & fine dining
Day 16:
- Disembarked at Genoa
- Took a train to Milan for quick sightseeing
- Caught an overnight express train to Innsbruck, Austria
🛳️ Tip: Cruises are perfect for families — no daily packing, food included, tons of activities!
Do check out my Genoa Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
🇦🇹 Day 17–20: Alpine Adventures in Innsbruck, Austria
Day 17:
- Arrived in Innsbruck, checked in to our Apartment hotel and explored the town center
- This was our best property on entire Europe tour
Day 18:
- Hiking trails, cable cars, and snow views
- Kids loved the mountain play areas
Day 19:
- Day trip to the magical Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum
Day 20:
- Relaxed local sightseeing and preparing for the next leg
⛰️ Tip: Innsbruck is less crowded than Swiss towns but equally stunning.
Do check out my Innsbruck Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
🎢 Day 21–25: Disneyland Paris Finale
Day 21:
- Took a train back to Switzerland, then bullet train to Paris
- Checked into an Airbnb near Disneyland Paris
Day 22–23:
- 2 full days in Disneyland – meet & greets, parades, fireworks
- FastPass and stroller rental highly recommended
Day 24:
- Free day for souvenir shopping or extra sightseeing in Paris
Day 25:
- Flight back to India with a heart full of memories
🎠 Tip: Choose a weekday for Disneyland to avoid long queues. Bring refillable water bottles and snacks for kids.
Do check out my Paris Accommodation Recommendations for amazing stay options
✅ Why This Europe Itinerary Works for Indian Families
- 🧒 Kid-friendly pace & activities
- 🥗 Vegetarian food options available or manageable
- 🚆 Easy train connections using Eurail
- 🏡 Comfortable stays via Airbnb
- 🇮🇳 Practical for first-time Indian travelers
🔑 Must-Know Europe Travel Tips for Indian Families
- Download offline Google Maps
- Carry passport photocopies & visa printouts
- Use Google Lens/Translate for menus & signs
- Learn a few local phrases – kids will love it!
- Keep buffer days for flexibility
🌟 Final Thoughts
From the magic of the Eiffel Tower to the charm of Innsbruck, and from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea — this Europe itinerary is doable, delightful, and unforgettable for Indian families.
We hope our experience helps you plan yours with confidence. Have questions? Drop them in the comments or follow our journey on Instagram and YouTube!