Germany, Swiss and possible France in 10-12 days with kids

Do you have to go back to Koblenz at the end? That is really going to eat up a lot of your time and you might tire out your 6 year old. Although it is in the opposite direction, is there any way you could go to Cochem also (on the Mosel)? It is too cute and has a castle atop a hill that can be toured. From the top you see the Mosel and it is a charming tiny town. From there you go to Koblenz (don't spend too much time there. I was there in September and the Deutsches Eck was being repaved so it was very dusty. However, its sheer size is impressive and worth a quick stop) and then continue down. Your kids will like taking a car ferry across the river to any one of the small towns on either side. If you have the time, Heidelberg castle's size is impressive and could prove fun for all ages. They also have the largest wooden wine barrel and it is amazing to see its dimensions in person! Switzerland is gorgeous but it depends how much time you want to be in the car? Plan for lots of picnic stops along the road, overlooking mountains, so everyone can stretch their legs. How about taking the Romantic Road down towards Munich? Lots of medieval towns you can't see here. Then south to Meersburg on Lake Konstanz? It is too cute and has a castle that dates back to the 7th century. They sell wooden swords and shields that your 6 year old would surely love. It just seems that your trip has too much with too few days. I'd stick to Germany/Switzerland or even Germany/France but not all three. Even my plan has you driving around quite a bit... good luck and enjoy!!!!

Thank you very much for w few advices. My sister leaves close to Koblenz, this is why it is my start point and end point. We have had seen a few castles along Rhein and Mosels River already, and certainly we enjoyed every second of that trip around.
I am flexible, and nothing is written on stone yet, that's why I would love to get some more info, peoples own experience, what to do, and what not to do, so I can possible plan our trip. Unfortunately my sister will not be able to travel with us, therefore we will be on our own. If I need to skip a France to spend a day or two in Swiss, we will do...a lot of depends on a good weather, forcing me to think about alternate back up plan..just in case.
Any suggestion for where to stay for nights, or where to eat. I have one or two Rick's book, and I am going through them too.
Once again, thank you very much.
Andy Z

Where will you be in Switzerland? I highly recommend Lucerne as a good stop with kids. It is really fun (and relaxing) to take one of the boat cruises around the lake (the sunset cruise is nice in summer). You can even take the boat from the center of the city to the Transportation Museum, which is another great place for kids. The center of the city is fun to walk around and includes a great historic bridge. You can also take the cable car to the top of Mt. Pilatus. There is a lot to do without having to sit in the car much, which is always better for kids.

The important question is when will you be there? This will shape the appropriate answers for switzerland, in particular.

With a 6-year-old, I'd skip Paris. Not that a 6-year-old wouldn't love Paris, I'm just a believer in slower travel with kids.

I'm also a huge fan of farmhouse stays. There's tons in Bavaria and Switzerland. You can rent an apartment (most in that area have daily rates), which will give you 2 bedrooms and a kitchen so you don't have to eat out every night. I like staying in ones that have more than one apartment so there's a better chance of having other kids there.

Since traveling with kids, we've slowed down our pace and made sure to only see 1-2 sights a day. Playground stops are a must, as is daily ice cream breaks.

Thank you very much a all responses.
I am planning to be there between June 25 and July 07, 2010.

Andrew

Both of your kids may like hiking while in Switzerland. We stayed in Lauterbrunnen a few years ago at the Hotel Staubach. It was a basic hotel, but comfortable and the staff was so helpful in helping us plan child friendly activities. If you end up in Lucerne I would recommend Mt Pilatus. The first stop on the gondola has a great playground and the second has one of the longest luge rides in CH. You can also hike instead of taking the gondola and train up to the top. Myswitzerland.com is a good reference.

are the kids boys? head to stuttgart after you leave koblenz area. rs guide says there is nothing to go there for. i guess he didnt visit the bmw museum. we spent 5 hrs there with our sons and could have spent more. they said it was "man disneyland". fab audio guide self tour and futuristic design. mom loved it too.

you really should spend some time in bavaria. lots to do for all ages. castles, gondolas, luges, ruins, hikes. and the bodensee(lake constanz)area was nice as mentioned. we just drove along but visiting the island sounds appealing.

Once again thank you to all of you.
We have a younger girl and older boy, but we may all enjoy visiting the BMW museum.
Any other suggestion for a food, night stays, etc.
Andrew

We take our kids (16 M 12 F) to Europe just about every summer and really enjoy Grindelwald. We like renting a Chalet through Interhome anywhere from 3 days to 1 week. Lots to do in the area like Trotti bikes, summer Rodelbahn, ropes course, lots of mountain tops (see Steve's guide for these). If you are driving you can reach this part of Switzerland in one day from Koblenz. I have done it a couple times before. You could break the drive up by stopping in the Fussen area (slight detour) to see King Ludwig's castles. If your 12 year old is a Porsche fan you can visit the new Porsche museum in Stuttgart on the way down to Bavaria. I would wait on Paris for your 6 year old. Good luck.

For Stuttgart, I believe you mean the Mercedes museum, or Porsche museum. BMW is in Munich. The name stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke.

In Stuttgart visit the Mercedes factory, you can actually see the cars being built, very cool. Also around Stuttgart is the Ritter Sport chocolate factory, Ludwigsburg town, with the Ludwigsburg Palace, very interesting and has wonderful park grounds for kids. It has plenty of parking but is also easily accessible by train. Also in the general area of SW Germany is Europa Park and Legoland (Legoland is geared more toward the 6yo). From Koblenz, I would head to Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Lake Constance (Meersburg and Island Mainau), Lucerne, then head up the wine route through Riquewihr, Strasbourg, up to Koblenz. Pick 3 or so cities and explore them instead of spending time in the car.....torture!