Hello! We are a group of five low-key, fairly inexperienced European travelers. And we could use your help.
Key info: We have a flight to Paris arriving on Sat morning 4/1 and we fly out on the 12th. We have secured a flat in Paris from 4/6-4/12. We are not sure what to do from 4/1 to 4/6.
We were originally were planning to take train (right away on 4/1) to Brussels for 3 days and then head to Strasbourg for 2 days before hunkering down in Paris. The kids are interested in seeing other countries, so we thought this would be an easy way to see Belgium, then maybe pop into Germany and possibly Switzerland. But now, looking at the train schedules, I am realizing this plan is probably overly ambitious.
Given this time frame (from 8:30am arrival CDG on 4/1 to afternoon on 4/6), what would you suggest? Should we skip Brussels and go to Strasbourg and just do day trips out of there? Skip Strasbourg and stay in Brussels and do day trips to Brugge, Antwerp, etc? Should we bag it and go West? South? Stick with the plan? Other ideas?
My boys, husband and I are easy travelers, want to be part of the culture, eat good food, people watch, see the things we read about in books, etc. We aren't into Disneyland, and we probably have a museum limit, too.
Thanks for your advice and input. I'm kind of stressing all of a sudden. We want to have a wonderful adventure--this is a once in a lifetime trip for us. :)
Amy