Need some suggestions between Amsterdam vs Italy.
Two other places are kinda fixed or must, Paris and Switzerland.
I would like to add one more in my 12-13 days of euro trip.
Few points: this is my first euro trip and i am traveling with 3.5 year old
This is an apple or orange question. How do you compare a city to a country. Need more info. Remember with a 3 year old you travel at half speed or less. With 13 days assume that means two weeks with travel day at each end. Amsterdam to Italy is a long ways. Take a map and put in some pin so you understand the distances involved. If doing long distants consider a open jaw ticket - into Amsterdam and home from Rome for example.
To be more specific : 3 N in Neterlands vs (1+2) N in Milan and Venice
Itinerary would be something AMS -> Paris -> Switzerland (one option)
Paris -> switzerland -> Italy (2nd option)
Or please suggest some good itinerary for 12-13 days
Never been to Amsterdam (it's next on the list) but I have been to Venice which I loved but I don't think it's a city for a preschooler. I would check into where the Rick Steves Family Tours stay and visit, I believe in Venice it's an island with a beach. Paris has many parks for families and Switzerland is a family wonderland but a city visit in Italy with a 3 year only you can answer. If it's in the summer the Italian cities are very hot and crowded, maybe an Italian beach or lake visit would work better. Three countries in less than two weeks is a lot of traveling with a little one. Rick Steves has a wonderful guide named Sarah (she is on Facebook, Adventures with Sarah) I would try to contact her and ask her opinion on Italy, she guides family and Italian tours plus she has kids.
Everytime I try to work Switzerland into an itinerary it eats up a lot of travel time. With 13 days and a small child I'd keep it to your two destinations, slow down and enjoy more. AMS>Paris>Switzerland would be easier.
Why is Switzerland a must? You'll be in Europe again, why spend all that time on the train when you could see a country that borders the first one you land in? Switzerland is also extremely expensive. It takes additional time to travel around Switzerland, BTW. Don't add a fourth country, it's a mistake.
It's hard to choose between a city (Amsterdam) and a country (Italy.) Someone who has studied art would certainly choose Italy. But plenty of fabulously important artists worked in the Netherlands. My wife and I made our first trip to Europe as a week in London and a week in Paris (before there was Eurostar.) The second trip was Rome/Florence/Emilia Romagna/Venice over two weeks.
I usually recommend Amsterdam for the first trip for people who are slightly nervous about going to Europe, including people who have been to England ten times because they are uncomfortable going to places where strange languages are spoken. (I'm not making fun of you, just trying to give the flavor of the recommendation ... You didn't say anything about likes and dislikes!) But I think you should add Cologne and Antwerp before training to Paris, and flying home from there. Note that Antwerp and Paris both have the possibilities of more short daytrips than you can possibly make in your 12-day vacation. You will NOT feel like you were stuck in one place. In any case, the developing feeling of being "at home" on a "familiar" street in a strange city is conducive to wanting to return to Europe. Try to have a local, stand-up breakfast in a very local bar, if your hotel doesn't have a basement breakfast room.
My parents took me to Europe in 1952, when I was one. The only issue I can see with the child is whether you hope to get baby-sitting for a dinner or a daytrip.
Hi Vinit. By opening multiple posts you may find you get less overall assistance from the forum.
Arrive Paris (4N)
Train to Lausanne (1N)
Train to Lauterbrunnen (3N)
Train to Milan (1N)
Train to Venice (3N)
Depart Venice
Thanks @Tim for your detailed response.
Switzerland is a must as my wife and myself would like to explore it, heard many great feedback about it.
As suggested by everyone, so i will keep it for 3 countries only to avoid making it hectic.
David makes a great plan. Paris, Lauterbrunnen and Venice are magical and unlike many other places. Look up pictures and places to visit. It is a good start with relative short train rides.
