If planning family Europe tours is all about finding that sweet spot where adventure meets practicality, then rail travel is the ticket to a happy family vacation. Low on stress and high on adventure.
With almost everywhere in Europe accessible by rail, you can create a multidestination vacation that caters to both parents and kids, seamlessly integrating the journey into the experience so that every moment counts.
Why Trains Work for Families
European trains solve many headaches that come with family vacations. The best family-friendly Europe tours by rail connect iconic cities and hidden gems at a pace that works for young explorers and curious parents alike.
With the map of Europe covered with interconnected rail routes, it’s an easy way to include something for everyone. One day, Disneyland Paris; the next day, gastronomic escapades along the French Riviera. Or a stunning view-filled journey through the Swiss Alps for all the family, with the option to head into one of seven other countries bordering the Alps.
Practical Benefits Of Family-Friendly Tours by Train
On top of the colorful array of destinations that can be woven into your family vacation, the practical benefits of family Europe tours by train speak for themselves.
Trains offer space to move, views of ever-changing landscapes, and the opportunity to unwind and arrive refreshed in city centers. You leave the heart of one city, arrive in the center of another. Compared to the pressure cooker environment of airports far from city centers, it’s a gentler way to explore, rich with quality family time.
Major train stations are often within walking distance of major attractions and accommodations. Step off the train and moments later, you’re immediately immersed in new sights and sounds. It’s a key part of our Rail Escape’s European tours, booking premium hotels so you can drop your bags and get out exploring quicker.
At the heart of the experience are the trains themselves. Modern, well-equipped, and often very comfortable, it’s the perfect antidote to parental stress.
Onboard, there’s room to breathe. Kids can stretch their legs, walk to the dining car, or spread out with books and games. Many trains come with seating arranged for families to sit around a table. With your luggage always reachable, you never need to worry about forgetting a toy or the snacks you picked up at your last stop.
Meanwhile, windows on an ever-changing landscape and often unfamiliar landscape become part of the entertainment. The perfect time to ditch the screens and play a game of I-spy, complete with castles, villages frozen in time, and sights kids may have never seen.
Talking of the landscape, you’ll also leave a smaller environmental footprint. Trains produce significantly fewer emissions than flying, and there’s a chance for young and old to enjoy what slow, sustainable tourism is all about.
Best European Rail Routes for Families
The world, or at least Europe, is your oyster when planning a family vacation by rail.
Many of our most popular rail tour destinations are dream destinations stacked with things for kids and adults to do.
We’ve previously highlighted some of the best European tours for families. Here’s a pick of ideas for family Europe tours that hit the high notes for all ages.
Alpine Adventures along Mountainuous Rail Routes
Soaring mountains and deep valleys have the power to captivate travelers of all ages. Throw skiing, cable cars, fondue, and views that even kids might agree are special and its an intoxicating mix for families.
Our Alps Tour through Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Zurich is a prime example.
Munich is layered with history and picturesque parks to explore. Plus, many activities with cross-generational appeal, from Royal Palaces to the BMW Museum and Olympia Park, where you can climb to the roof of a former Olympic stadium.
Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria offer something different; something for all ages, too. An exhilarating tour of the salt mines, followed by walking in the footsteps of Mozart in this hometown, Salzburg. Or a cable car ride to thrill young ones with sweeping views over the Alps in Innsbruck.
By the time you reach Zurich after a train ride through Alpine foothills, kids will be counting the differences between countries, and parents will be ready for a wellearned fondue!
The Best of Italy: A Train Ride Through History and Gastronomy
Italy boasts one of Europe’s slickest and most interconnected high-speed rail networks, linking cities and towns for a treasure trove of family-friendly Europe tours.
Take our Best of Italy tour that links Venice and Rome with stops in Milan and Florence. In just seven nights, the family can enjoy gondola rides on the canals of Venice, shopping in cosmopolitan Milan, and breathtaking art and culinary delights in Florence. With the jaw-dropping historical monuments of the Eternal City, Rome, wowing young and old before heading home.
Comfortable high-speed trains keep the journey between cities short, often passing through distinctly Italian landscapes where you can spot cypress tree groves, vineyards, and the occasional church older than most countries. For families, there is probably no better way to prise open Italy’s soul.
Fairy Tale Castles in Germany
There are many absorbing and scenic train rides in Germany. But if you’re looking for family Europe tours that will get your kids on board while delighting adults, Bavaria and Southern Germany offer a heady mix for all ages.
One of our rail tours follows the aptly-named Fairytale Road, putting Germany’s castles front and center. No driving, and no endless demands to stop for toilet breaks. Instead, you can kick back and let the trains take you around the region at your family’s speed.
Stop in cities as diverse as Munich and Stuttgart, a journey from historic beer halls to the ‘Cradle of the Automobile’, with compelling museums for all ages at either end.
Along the way, stop in historic Heidelberg, a beautiful city noted for its old-time architecture, riverside activities, and a funicular railway leading to an imposing ruined Renaissance castle.
One final ace in the pocket to excite younger members on this family Europe tour is the chance to visit a literal Disney castle. Or at least the inspiration for one. Arguably the most recognizable castle in the world, Neuschwanstein Castle was the template for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, found at Disneyland and the start of every Disney movie. Reachable on a daytrip from Munich, and a slam dunk destination for kids and parents.
Tips for Train Travel with Kids
Successful family Europe tours by rail combine advance planning with flexibility for spontaneous moments. It’s not the only thing to consider:
- Book accommodations strategically. Hotels within walking distance of train stations eliminate transfer stress, which is precisely what we do at Rail Escape when customizing rail tours for families.
- Find your pace of travel. Spending at least two nights in major cities gives families time to explore at their own speed.
- Time journeys around routines. Morning trains might mean skipping breakfast, while afternoon departures might mean lunch on the train and less time in your next destination. Consider what works for all family members.
- Reserve seats together with tables. Spaces with tables are ideal for families. If traveling with Rail Escape, we’ll try to find the trains that work best for your family group.
- Make the most of the time on trains. From geography lessons to recharging batteries between activities, the rail journey becomes another exploit to file in the shared family memories. Especially when traveling on the continent’s most scenic routes.
- Consider the seasons. Winter means Christmas markets that are perfectly explored by rail and snow sports, but few opportunities to enjoy an espresso on a cafe terrace. Summer brings out the tourist crowds, but it’s also when beaches and parks come to life and festivals are in full swing. School holidays might have a say, but the shoulder seasons offers the best of both worlds.
Customizing Family Europe Tours by Rail
Once you’ve taken into account what your family wants, it’s time to thread it all together into one satisfying vacation. If there’s one takeaway from this post, it’s that the sky is the limit when planning a rail tour of Europe.
Europe’s highly developed rail network lets you skip between cities and familyfriendly activities, across borders to places airplanes can’t get near.
Identifying what works for your family is key. Rail Escape specializes in customizing family-friendly Europe tours around your specific needs. Our travel specialists consider ages, interests, and pace preferences when building your rail vacation. Active families might prioritize hiking access and outdoor activities. Culture-focused travelers might spend more time in museums and heritage sites. We adjust accordingly.
Contact us to discuss your family’s European adventure. We’ll design a rail tour that moves at your pace, connects your preferred destinations, and turns the journey itself into an experience your family will talk about for years.
