Hi all- my friend and I are planning a trip to Europe next spring to take advantage of being able to travel in the off season as this will be our last year all our kids are homeschooled. I have two boys (will be 11 & 14), and she has one boy (8) and two girls (11 & 14). Our husbands/grandparents will join for different parts of the trip. I would love to get feedback on: our itinerary, suggested activities, and whether we should move the trip later to improve the weather or keep it as is to avoid crowds. We are wanting a mix of history/art/outdoorsy activities, plus any teen friendly local places. I've read the guides and am aware of all the major places. As it stands:
March 27: arrive in Paris (staying in Versailles)
March 28-30: 3 full days in Paris
March 31: travel to Colmar by train
April 1-3: 3 full days in Colmar
April 4: travel to Reichenbach im Kandertal (near Interlaken)
April 5-10: 6 full days in Interlaken
April 11: travel to Rothenburg via train- Zurich to Munich, rent car in Munich and drive to Rothenburg
April 12: 1 full day in Rothenburg
April 13: travel to Fussen by car
April 14-15: 2 full days in Fussen
April 16: travel by train to Salzburg
April 17-20: 4 full days in Salzburg
April 21: train to Florence (stay in countryside near Lucca with a car rental)
April 22-26: 5 full days in Tuscany
April 27: train to Rome
April 28-29: 2 full days in Rome
April 30: fly home
This is 5 weeks altogether, which is pushing it. We planned this before we knew that next year is the Jubilee in Rome. I am considering just cutting Italy and adding a couple days to Germany. I was there this June and it was a zoo. We would be there earlier than I was, but still. It's also quite a journey from Salzburg. But some of the kids really want to do Italy so debating.
I'm also concerned about enjoying Switzerland that early in the spring. I'm guessing nothing will be green and I know it will be on the colder side. My boys really want to rock climb/paraglide/ice climb, etc. It looks like a lot should be available by then but maybe not everything-no alpine playgrounds. Like I said, trying to find the weather/crowds balance. We will be in Switzerland for a long stretch- any suggestions on a day trip from that area? Thank you for advice!