Family Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Washington, DC
Depart IAD at 5:45 PM
Flight Details: United Airlines (UA6321)
Confirmation: I6321Q
Duration: 8h 15m
Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER (typical for this route)
Baggage: 1 carry-on + 1 personal item included, checked bag fees apply
Manage SeatsReminders & Tips
- Arrive early at IAD to avoid summer travel congestion.
- Use United's lounge if eligible.
- Pack snacks and chargers.
- Pack essentials for overnight flight
Weather
Hot, ~88°F (31°C), High, typical summer weather humidity
Sunset
8:25 PM
Day 2: Zurich & Elm, Switzerland
Arrival in Switzerland and an alpine adventure!
Arrive ZRH @ 8:00 AM
Customs & currency exchange in arrivals hall.
Family Travel Tip
After a long flight, a hike is a great way to fight jet lag. For the kids, turn the Elm trail into a game: who can spot the most unique flower or find the coolest-looking rock? Promise a Swiss hot chocolate in the village afterwards as a reward.
Weather
72–80°F (22–27°C) in valleys, cooler at elevation
Sunset
9:00 PM
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF) (Cards widely accepted)
Emergency
Medical: 144, Police: 117
Day 3: Zurich, Switzerland
Museums, chocolate, and city sights!
Main Plan
Visit Confiserie Sprüngli at Paradeplatz
Iconic café famous for its hot chocolate, pastries, and Luxemburgerli macarons.
Family Travel Tip
While in Zurich, if you need a break, the iconic Sprüngli café at Paradeplatz is a must for hot chocolate and Luxemburgerli macarons. For a fantastic bookstore with a children's section, head to Orell Füssli on Bahnhofstrasse. If it's raining, the Swiss National Museum near the main station is an excellent, castle-like alternative with engaging exhibits.
Day 4: To the Alps!
Wengen via Kandersteg / Sörenberg
LEAVE EARLY! Plan to depart Zurich by 8:00 AM to have time for an activity.
Drive from Zurich towards the Alps
3 - 4 hours (total driving time) (~180-200 km)
Mid-Journey Activity Choice
Doing both the toboggan and a Sörenberg hike will be very difficult in one day. It's best to choose one.
Family Travel Tip
During your stop in Interlaken before heading up the mountain, Café de Paris is a popular spot for a break with great pastries. For a good bookstore, seek out 'Bücher Lüthy' right on the main street, Höheweg. If rain foils your outdoor activity plans, the St. Beatus Caves, just a short drive from Interlaken, offer a dramatic and dry underground walk along waterfalls.
Final Leg: Lauterbrunnen to Wengen
Train
Sit on left side for valley views
Weather
Cooler, 68°F (20°C)
Sunset
8:55 PM
Day 5: Mountain Views
Wengen Adventures
Explore Mountain Trails
Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (1.5 hours)
Highlights: Eiger North Face views, Alpine flowers
Männlichen Panorama Trail
Difficulty: Easy (1 hour)
Highlights: 360° mountain views, Photo opportunities
Ride the Männlichen Cable Car
A quick 6 minutes up ride up for panoramic views.
CHF 32 return return
WebsiteVisit Kleine Scheidegg
Access via a Train from Wengen (20 minutes, CHF 15.20).
Attractions: Jungfraujoch Railway station, Eiger views, Mountain restaurants.
Family Travel Tip
In Wengen village, Café Gruebi is a cozy spot for coffee and cake, perfect for a post-hike reward. The public restrooms at the Wengen train station are clean and well-maintained. On a rainy day when high trails are slick, the 'Trümmelbach Falls' down in the valley (Day 7's original plan) are a fantastic, mostly-covered alternative as the waterfalls are inside the mountain.
Weather
60–70°F (16–21°C)
Sunset
8:55 PM
Day 6: Grindelwald Trip
Grindelwald & Wengen
Morning: Hotel Swap & Depart
- Check out of Hotel Edelweiss.
- Walk luggage to Hotel Belvedere and store at front desk.
- Take train from Wengen down to Lauterbrunnen to get the car.
Grindelwald Adventures
Evening: Return to Wengen
- Drive from Grindelwald back to Lauterbrunnen.
- Park the car in the long-term lot.
- Take the train back up to Wengen and check into Hotel Belvedere.
Dinner in Wengen
Family Travel Tip
While in Grindelwald, the 'Sportzentrum' has an indoor swimming pool and ice rink that serves as a perfect rainy-day backup plan. For a classic café experience, stop by 'Bäckerei-Konditorei-Café Ringgenberg'. Comfortable, public restrooms are available at the Grindelwald-First gondola station.
Weather
Mild, 67°F (19°C)
Sunset
8:50 PM
Day 7: Mürren Adventure
Mürren & Gimmelwald
Getting There
Train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, Bus to Stechelberg, then Gondola up to Gimmelwald/Mürren.
A scenic, multi-part journey across the valley floor and up the cliffside.
In Mürren...
Hike down to Gimmelwald
Easy (30-45 minutes)
A mostly downhill, paved path with stunning valley views. Perfect for families.
Family Travel Tip
In car-free Mürren, the Stäger-Stübli is a classic café for a warm drink and simple lunch. For a rainy day, the 'Sportchalet' in Mürren has an indoor pool. The most reliable and clean restrooms are located at the Schilthornbahn cable car station in Mürren and the Allmendhubel funicular station.
Weather
Cool in mountains, ~62°F (17°C)
Sunset
8:45 PM
Day 8: Basel Bound
Basel
Travel to Basel
Wengen → Lauterbrunnen (14 minutes, CHF 9.60)
Lauterbrunnen → Basel (180 km, 2.5 hours)
Evening Stroll by the Rhine
Route: Rhine promenade from Mittlere Brücke to Wettsteinbrücke
Quick Sights in Basel
Family Travel Tip
Upon arriving in Basel, Confiserie Schiesser on Marktplatz is one of Switzerland's oldest confectioneries, perfect for a welcome treat. 'Bider & Tanner' is an excellent, large bookstore with a great kids' section. If it rains, the 'Spielzeug Welten Museum' (Toy Worlds Museum) is an incredible, multi-story world of historic toys that will captivate everyone.
Weather
Warm, 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Sunset
8:45 PM
Day 9: To Budapest!
Budapest, Hungary, Hungary
Return Rental Car
Location: Basel Airport rental car return
Allow 30 mins for inspection
Fly to Budapest (BUD)
Wizz Air W6 2357 (typical)
Departs BSL: 5:10 PM CET
Arrives BUD: 6:50 PM CET
Family Travel Tip
After checking into your hotel in the Castle District, 'Ruszwurm Cukrászda' is one of Budapest's oldest and most famous pastry shops—a perfect first taste of Hungary. For a rainy arrival evening, consider a short taxi to the 'House of Houdini' museum, a magical and intriguing stop right in the Castle District.
Weather
Hot, 88°F (31°C)
Sunset
8:00 PM
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF) (HUF)
Emergency
Police: 107, Medical: 104
Airport to City
Airport bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest Metro (M3 blue line)
Day 10: Budapest Sights
Budapest
Visit Buda Castle & Castle Hill
Access:
Funicular from Clark Ádám tér (CHF 4 return) / Walk up Castle Hill / Bus 16/16A/116
Attractions:
Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, Royal Palace courtyards
Walk across the Széchenyi Chain Bridge
A 375 meters walk with great Danube views.
Best views from Buda side looking toward Parliament
Afternoon Choice
Hungarian Parliament Building
Book ToursCentral Market Hall
Hungarian paprika, Local crafts, Traditional foods
Dining Recommendations
Family Travel Tip
Near the Central Market Hall, the 'Central Café' (Centrál Kávéház) is a beautifully restored historic coffee house great for a relaxing break. If you're looking for an English-language bookstore with a cozy atmosphere, 'Massolit Books & Café' in the Jewish Quarter is a fantastic find. For a comfortable and clean public restroom, use the facilities inside the Market Hall itself.
Weather
Sunny, ~90°F (32°C)
Sunset
7:55 PM
Day 11: Baths & Park Fun
Budapest
Visit Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
What to Bring:
Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Towel (or rent on-site)
Relax in City Park (Városliget)
Attractions: Vajdahunyad Castle, Millennium Monument, Budapest Zoo (if interested), Boating lake
Budapest Circus at 5 PM
2 hours with intermission show, suitable for all ages.
Book tickets in advance!
Family Travel Tip
While at the City Park, 'Gundel' is a legendary, high-end restaurant, but its garden café offers a more relaxed setting for a memorable cake and coffee. If it's a washout, the indoor sections of the Széchenyi Baths are still enjoyable, and the 'Hungarian Agricultural Museum' inside Vajdahunyad Castle is surprisingly engaging and a great way to stay dry.
Weather
Hot, ~88°F (31°C)
Sunset
7:50 PM
Day 12: Copenhagen!
Copenhagen, Denmark, Denmark
Check out of Hilton Budapest
Time: By 12:00 PM
Fly to Copenhagen (CPH)
Ryanair FR2347
Departs BUD: 19:35
Arrives CPH: 21:30
Family Travel Tip
After arriving in Copenhagen, drop your bags and head towards Nyhavn. For a classic Danish treat, find a 'vaffelbageri' (waffle bakery) for an ice cream cone. If it's raining, 'The National Museum of Denmark' is not far from your hotel and has excellent, interactive exhibits, including a dedicated Children's Museum.
Weather
Mild, 70°F (21°C)
Sunset
8:55 PM
Currency
Danish Krone (DKK) (DKK)
Emergency
Call 112
Airport Metro (M2)
13 minutes to Kongens Nytorv to city, runs every Every 4-6 minutes
Day 13: Tivoli & Nyhavn
Copenhagen
Visit Tivoli Gardens
Hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Evening shows and lights - check schedule at entrance
Explore Nyhavn
Historic waterfront with colorful 17th-century townhouses
Canal tours available (1 hour, ~110-150 DKK (~$16-22))
Also Nearby
Rosenborg Castle (Crown Jewels)
Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 Copenhagen K
Family Travel Tip
Near Tivoli Gardens, 'Conditori La Glace' is Copenhagen's oldest and most famous confectionary, an unforgettable stop for cake and coffee. 'Politikens Boghal' is a great bookstore right near the main walking street, Strøget. For a rainy day, the 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' right on City Hall Square is a fun and quirky indoor alternative.
Weather
68–72°F (20–22°C)
Sunset
8:50 PM
Day 14: Mermaids & Bikes
Copenhagen
See the Little Mermaid
Best Time: Early morning (7-8 AM for fewer crowds)
Walk Strøget Shopping Street
Pedestrian shopping area - longest in Europe (1.1 km long).
Climb the Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
Get panoramic city views from this 34.8 meters tower.
Spiral ramp instead of stairs - great for kids!
Explore Like a Local
Rent Bikes via "Donkey Republic" App
Approx. ~25 DKK/hour (~$3.75)
Try a Danish Hot Dog
Find vendors at Nørreport Station, Strøget
Family Travel Tip
While exploring near the Round Tower, 'The Living Room' is a famously cozy café with a basement full of comfy chairs, perfect for a relaxing break. For a guaranteed clean public restroom, use the facilities inside the Magasin du Nord department store at Kongens Nytorv. If it rains, the 'National Gallery of Denmark' (SMK) is nearby and has creative workshops for children.
Weather
Sunny, ~70°F (21°C)
Sunset
8:45 PM
Day 15: To Iceland!
Reykjavik, Iceland
Fly CPH → KEF
FlyPlay FP201
Departs CPH: 12:35 CET
Arrives KEF: 13:55 GMT
Pick up Enterprise Rent-A-Car Car
Location: Keflavík International Airport
Check in to Hotel
e.g., Hotel Reykjavik Centrum or Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre
Book in Advance!
Essential Apps & Packing
Apps: Veður (weather), road.is (road conditions)
Pack: Waterproof jacket, Warm layers, Waterproof shoes, Swimsuit
Family Travel Tip
Upon arriving in Reykjavik, 'Brauð & Co.' is a must-visit bakery known for its incredible cinnamon buns—a perfect welcome snack. For a great bookstore with a cozy café inside, find 'Eymundsson' on Austurstræti. If it's a rainy evening, the 'Perlan' museum offers an amazing indoor ice cave exhibit and a 360° view of the city.
Weather
50–60°F (10–16°C), wind possible
Sunset
10:00 PM
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK) (ISK)
Emergency
Call 112
Day 16: Golden Circle
Iceland
A full-day scenic drive (300 km (186 miles))
Along the Way...
Pet Icelandic Horses
Look for farms offering respectful encounters.
Relax in a Geothermal Spa
Try the Secret Lagoon (less crowded alternative).
Family Travel Tip
On the Golden Circle route, the Visitor Centre at Þingvellir National Park has clean restrooms and a small café, making it a good first stop. At the Geysir area, the 'Geysir Center' across the street is a large complex with shops, multiple food options (from soup to sandwiches), and well-maintained bathrooms, perfect for a midway break.
Driving Tip
Fill up before leaving Reykjavik area. Most stations are self-serve and require a credit card with a PIN.
Weather
Cool, ~56°F (13°C)
Sunset
9:55 PM
Day 17: Homeward Bound
Iceland → Washington, DC
Last Icelandic Adventures
Last-minute souvenir shopping in Reykjavik.
Scenic drive to KEF through lava fields.
Return car at KEF
Return full tank. Allow 15-20 mins.
Fly KEF → IAD
Icelandair FI614
Departs KEF: 19:45 GMT
Arrives IAD: 20:10 (EDT) EDT
KEF Duty-Free Picks
Chocolate: Omnom, Nói Síríus brands, Salts: Saltverk sea salt, Skincare: Blue Lagoon products.
Family Travel Tip
At Keflavík Airport (KEF) after you check in, 'Joe & The Juice' is a great spot for a final healthy snack or coffee. There's a well-stocked 'Eymundsson' bookstore for last-minute Icelandic reads. The airport is modern and spacious, with plenty of clean restrooms and gate-side play areas for kids to use up their last bit of energy before the flight home.
Weather
Windy, ~55°F (13°C)
Sunset
9:45 PM
Trip Complete!