Welcome to your two-week whirlwind adventure across Europe! This itinerary brings you from the bustling streets of your hometown to the timeless charm of Munich, the vibrant vibes of Berlin, the fairytale magic of Prague, Budapest’s charm, and Vienna’s imperial elegance. Get ready for tales of beer gardens, hidden cafes, historical marvels, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Families, solo adventurers, and everyone in between, this one’s for you!
We embarked on this unforgettable whirlwind of an adventure from Kolkata, India, in October 2024, and if you’re in the mood to explore Central Europe during Fall, feel free to tailor up our itinerary according to your home, country, and transit connections.
Oh, and stay tuned – we’ll be dropping individual blogs for each of these cities, complete with kid-friendly spots, local foods, and quirky cultural gems.
Day 0: Goodbye, Kolkata! Hello, Airplane Food!
We’re packing our bags, double-checking passports, and gearing up for an epic European adventure that kicks off with a flight from Kolkata. If you’re traveling with a baby, be sure to check out the Experience We Have, which features blogs on the Best Hacks for Long-Haul Flights with Your Baby and What to Pack for Infants in your Carry-On and many such relatable reads.
Sure, those layovers aren’t always exciting, but this time we’ve got something to look forward to—an exotic stop in Qatar!
Day 1: Alsalam Ealaykum Doha, Qatar – Dunes, Deserts, and More!
Let’s just say the first day on this journey is anything but dull! Touching down in Doha, we start with a taste of the future in this stunning city that has skyscrapers taller than our travel bucket list. We’ll have our eyes on the Corniche waterfront promenade, winding past the blue Persian Gulf, and maybe spot the Museum of Islamic Art with its sleek, cube-like design. We walk through the ancient Souk Waqif and spot falcons and gold, all in one place! Qatar also provides a guided layover tour of 3 hours, which provides a glimpse of this Arabic gem in the utmost comfort. Check out their website for more details.
For adventurers like us, we’ll hit the road to Zekreet, a village just west of Doha where the scenery changes into windswept desert sculptures. Fun fact: Zekreet is home to East-West/West-East, a massive art installation by Richard Serra, which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie! This day is a fantastic mix of the glitzy cityscape and desert adventures, a preview of all the surprises Europe has in store.
Psst, heads up: We’ll have a deep dive into all things Doha (and desert!) in an upcoming blog.
Days 2-4: Hallo Munich, Germany – Beer, Bavarian Beauty, and a Dash of Alpine Charm
Day 2 is all about getting cozy with Munich’s rich history. Start at Marienplatz with the iconic Glockenspiel – a clock that’s more dramatic than your favorite soap opera! Swing by the Englischer Garten and see locals surfing in the Eisbach wave (yes, surfing in a city park).
On Day 3, get ready for a day in the Alps! Just an hour away from Munich, visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This quaint town, known for its Alpine charm, offers stunning hiking trails and cable cars with sky-high views. Walk around town to capture the most stunning picture-postcards of the traditional Lüftlmalerei or murals on almost every buildings, some about a century old!
It’s our final day in Munich, and duly dedicated to the Oktoberfest Extravaganza! Girdles and lederhosen, out and about! Oktoberfest is the ultimate cultural immersion – and don’t worry, it’s surprisingly family-friendly. Between massive tents with live bands and rides that rival Disney, everyone can have their fill. Grab a “stein” of apple juice for the kids and a Bavarian brew for the grown-ups!
Stay tuned for an Oktoberfest survival guide, touring Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and must-see spots in Munich!
Days 5-6: Willkommen to Berlin, Germany – History, Mystery, and A Whole Lot of Art
After our Bavarian escapade, we’re off to Berlin, a city pulsing with history and artsy coolness. On our first night here, Luck accompanies us, as we dive into a celebration of the reunification of East and West Germany – The Festival of Lights!
Day 6 is all about exploration of Berlin through public transport. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the touching Berlin Wall Memorial, from the historic Nikolaiviertel to the thrilling Checkpoint Charlie, this city packs an emotional punch. Plus, who can skip the East Side Gallery, where graffiti meets political commentary along the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall?
Berlin deserves its own spotlight, so we’ll be back soon with a blog to cover every nook and cranny.
Days 7-8: Ahoj Prague, Czechia – Spires, Squares, and the Astronomical Clock!
Next up is Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. Depending on where you stay, spend your first day here wandering through the Old Town or New Town. We found a vintage property just beside the downtown of New Town, Wenceslas Square, and explored its landmarks by the twinkling and glittering lights.
On Day 8, dive deeper into Prague’s bohemian vibe by exploring the artsy neighborhood of Old Town, Prague Castle, and perhaps take a scenic cruise on the Danube. Alternatively, ride a vintage convertible across the entire city at sunset. Fun fact: The clock on Prague’s Old Town Hall, the Astronomical Clock, has been delighting visitors since 1410 with its hourly show of moving apostles—kids will be awestruck.
Curious about what to eat, see, and do here? We’ve got a detailed Prague guide coming up soon!
Day 9-10: Helló Budapest, Hungary – The Land of Paprika and Chimney Cakes
Our 9th day takes us to Budapest, where Buda meets Pest across the Danube River in a city of thermal baths and grand architecture. We start at the Fisherman’s Bastion, which feels like a magical lookout point straight from a fairytale. Soak in the history of the Trinity Square, St. Matthias Church, and so much more. In the evening, head to a ruin bar like Szimpla Kert or Mazel Tov in the Jewish Quarter.
On Day 10, you can take a relaxing dip in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, explore Buda Castle, walk on Széchenyi Chain Bridge, or spend a shopping day at the century-old Central Market Hall. Walk on Váci Utca, the main street, and then head off to the Parliament building—a neo-Gothic wonder that even the kids can appreciate, thanks to its Harry Potter-esque vibes. And when the little ones need a snack? Grab some chimney cakes or “kürtőskalács”—a local pastry treat. In the evening, take one of the most stunning cruises of Europe, on Danube, gazing at the brilliantly lit bridges, buildings, and beyond.
Want to learn about the best spas, eats, and sights here? Our Budapest blog will have you covered.
Day 11-13: Hallo Vienna, Austria (with an International Day trip to Bratislava Slovakia)
And here we are—Vienna, the city of classical music, opulent palaces, and… schnitzel! Day 11 will be all about getting in touch with our inner child with a dash of history: Prater Amusement Park, a magical wonderland filled with vintage rides from the 1800s, filled with history and fairytales, with the piece de resistance – Prater Wheel aka Wiener Riesenrad, the oldest giant wheel of the world.
On Day 12, hop over to Bratislava, Slovakia, just an hour away. This quaint capital city is perfect for a day trip, with a castle overlooking the Danube and charming cobbled streets. Check out Bratislava Castle and St. Michael’s Gate, walk around the sculptures of main town square and explore the Blue Church. Finally, wrap up the day with some delectable Slovakian treats at one of the oldest restaurants in Europe – Bratislavský Meštiansky Pivovar aka Bratislava Flagship Restaurant.
Day 13 is our final Vienna day, perfect for St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Belvedere Palace, Karlskirch, Mozart’s House, and so much more. If you’re a music lover, splurge in a classical string quartet like us, in the neo-classical Peterskirch (St. Peter’s Catholic Church) for that ultimate experience on your final night. Finally, you’ll want to end with some Vienna-style desserts— sacher torte, hot chocolate, and more… think rich, thick, and unforgettable.
Vienna and Bratislava are magical, and we’ll dive deeper into them soon, so stay tuned!
Day 14: Fly Out of Vienna to Kolkata via Doha
And that’s it! Two weeks of unforgettable memories, countless miles walked, and more postcards collected than we can fit in our luggage. After a final stroll and a last bite of schnitzel, we’re back on a plane from Vienna to Kolkata, transiting through Doha, where this whirlwind began.
Central Europe is Truly an Underrated Charming Paradise
Whether you’re traveling with the kids or just your backpack, this Central Europe itinerary is packed with family-friendly fun, rich history, and a whole lot of magic. Get ready to bookmark all these spots because each city has its own dedicated blog coming soon with deep dives on food, sights, and the quirkiest, kid-approved adventures Europe has to offer!
Happy Travels! 🙂
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