First Family Trip to Eurpoe

Sure, anything is practical in general. It is the details that can be the killer. Big difference between Praque and Germany or Spain. I could easily spend a month in Spain alone or half Spain and half Germany. You really need to be more specific before anyone can respond in a meaningful way.

Sorry not to add specifics for countries, we are thinking: Germany - Berlin and Munich Spain - Madrid
France - Paris and perhaps the south. I am open to suggestions of better options.

jac, There are many ways your trip could be arranged, but you might consider something along these lines..... > Berlin (You'll need a day or two to recover from jet lag so at least 4 days would be appropriate. Berlin is a good place to start, as there won't be much "culture shock") > Prague (From Berlin it's an easy 6 hours or so by train. When you arrive in Prague, DON'T use the Taxi service at the rail station. There's an alternate suggestion in the Guidebook). > Budapest (There's a direct train from Praha hl.n with a travel time of 6H:53M). > Munich (Train from Budapest is 7H:20M if you use a direct train). There's LOTS to see in Munich, so at least 5 days will be required (IMO). You could also take a day trip to Salzburg). > Barcelona (I suggested Barcelona, as there's a greater variety of budget flights available from Munich. Vueling would probably be your best bet, but you'll need to book early to get the best prices. You could perhaps spend a few days there and then take the fast train to Madrid). > Nice (Budget flights should be available from both Madrid and Barcelona, but I haven't spent a lot of time checking the options. While in Nice you could tour Monaco and Monte Carlo, Eze, Villefranche sur Mer or other locations in the area). > London (Travel via EuroStar. You'll get the best prices by booking well in advance. Check This Website for all the information you'll ever need on trains in Europe. In addition to London, you could also consider some side trips to Bath, the Cotswolds, York or other locations. There's an incredible Rail Museum in York). > Ireland (Lots of airports and budget flight options from London). Continued.....

jac - Part 2..... > Paris (Travel via TGV from Nice at 300 kmH is very quick and easy) As this is your first trip to Europe, I would HIGHLY recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. I don't know whether Rick's Guidebooks are available in your area, but the county-specific Guidebooks are also excellent for planning sightseeing, transportation, Hotels, etc. Be sure that you're all wearing MoneyBelts and be vigilant for pickpockets and scammers. Also note that many cities in Europe have more than one train station, so you'll need to know which stations you'll be using when you buy tickets. IMHO, travel by rail will be faster and more efficient than renting a car. However, one place where a car is definitely useful would be touring the Cotswolds, as rail access is a bit "limited". Using open-jaw flights would be the best option, even if they do cost a bit more (ie: inbound Berlin, outbound Dublin). Good luck with your planning and happy travels!

For such a big trip, pacing will be important. You don't need to see everything in Europe, even if you do have four weeks. :-) Pick some major cities, and pick some out-of-the way spots as well. Since you've got so much time, I'd mix it up a bit. You'll get more of the feel of the place by seeing more than big city after big city. (though the big cities are amazing) Especially with kids you need to watch your pacing. I just got back from a two week trip with our 7-year-old. The big cities are great for having good parks (find out where locals go to "air out" their kids). Too much museum and cathedral time can really wear them out. Sometimes, depending on the kids, smaller towns can be more "do-able" as they're smaller and less intense. Take breaks during the day for a small rest and a snack, especially in countries like France and Spain where dinner is usually later. I would recommend renting a house in a more rural area in one of these countries for a few days. Find one with a washer and dryer when you could really use to give the clothes a good wash. Staying for a few days in one place also gives the kids more of a feeling of stability, and less chaos, which can be stressful. I've had good luck with homeaway.com. Look into one of the many "stay on a farm" kinds of places. That can be a real immersion into a culture as well as a lot of fun for the kids. I've seen them in Britain, Ireland, Germany and a few in France, but know nothing about Spain. Start with some basics, like you mentioned above, and then work out routes, perhaps staying at one the places in between that don't show up in the big maps, and what kind of holiday you'd like to have. Most of all, good luck, and get the best info you can!

Oh, and as for France, think also about the Loire valley. Ages 9 and 11 are ripe for castles. And it's really beautiful and gentle country with great food and wine as well.

We have traveled to Europe five times with children of a similar age to yours, Each time to a different region. My first reaction to your general plan is that it's doable, except; -I would eliminate Spain as it is out of the way and you really have too many destinations anyway. Cutting Spain solves two problems at once. -Especially with children, you need to avoid going city to city to city to city. Every city looks the same to a child. You need to seek out some rural/natural sites as well (rural Germany or France would be great for this) -Is there a reason why you want to do England after the wedding in Ireland? Because it would make the most sense to end mainland Europe with Paris, then take the Eurostar train to London, then find your way to Ireland. Send me a Personal Message if you would like our travel blog address (which includes, among many other places, Budapest, Prague & Germany) or if you have any specific questions. We enjoy being advocates for long trips to Europe with children.