Traveling with young kids can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For our holiday break, we embarked on a half-month journey to Europe with our two little ones: a six-year-old and a two-year-old. This trip was special in many ways, as it was their first long-haul flight and their introduction to the wonders of Italy and Switzerland. While Italy was a familiar destination for my husband and me, Switzerland was a first for all of us. The experience was nothing short of magical.
Rome: History and Good Food
We began our trip in Rome, using it as a base to recover from our long flight. This wasn’t our first time in the Eternal City, but our previous visit in 2017 had been cut short due to the scorching summer heat and my husband falling ill. This time, Rome unveiled itself in a much kinder light—cooler weather, healthier spirits, and the joy of seeing it through our children’s eyes.
From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, every ancient structure left us in awe. The sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship gave us goosebumps as we imagined the hands that built these marvels centuries ago.
While we soaked up history, we also indulged in Rome’s culinary delights. Our six-year-old, unprompted, declared that pizza and pasta in Italy just “hit different.” Kids truly have a way of capturing the essence of a place!
Milan: Christmas Markets, Monza, and Verona
From Rome, we traveled to Milan, which became our base for exploring northern Italy. Known for its style and sophistication, Milan offered a mix of shopping, sightseeing, and festive cheer.
The Christmas markets were a highlight, with their twinkling lights, aromatic mulled wine (for the adults), and delicious seasonal treats. We also visited the Christmas village, Villaggio delle Meraviglie, which was a delightful experience for the kids and us alike. The magical atmosphere, fun activities, and the chance to meet Santa made it an unforgettable day for the whole family.
One morning, we took a quick trip to Monza for brunch. The small city’s charming atmosphere and local cafes provided a refreshing change of pace and a delicious start to the day before returning to Milan for more adventures.
A quick hour-long ride on the Italo speed train brought us to Verona, a picturesque gem of a city. Verona charmed us with its romantic ambiance, beautifully preserved architecture, and a sense of timelessness. We spent Christmas Day in Milan, making it a festive and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Spiez: The Gateway to Our Must-See Destinations in Switzerland
Next, we transitioned to Switzerland by taking a scenic train from Milan to Spiez. Nestled by Lake Thun, Spiez served as a perfect, less-touristy base for exploring the places we wanted to visit in Switzerland. Although winter fog occasionally cloaked the town, its cozy charm made up for it. Staying in one place allowed us to avoid lugging our bags and kids around too much, giving us more time to enjoy our surroundings. It was foggy the entire time we were in Spiez, mainly because it's at sea level. However, just a few train stops away, once you go slightly higher, the Alps and a beautiful sky usually reveal themselves."
From Spiez, we embarked on day trips to Thun, Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Gstaad. Zermatt dazzled with its iconic Matterhorn, Grindelwald offered snowy adventures, and Gstaad exuded a luxurious Alpine charm. Spiez itself was a delight to explore, with its serene lakeside setting and postcard-perfect views.
Zurich: A Perfect Finale
We ended our European adventure with a few nights in Zurich. This vibrant city was a wonderful mix of history, modernity, and natural beauty. We strolled along its charming canals, indulged in some last-minute shopping, and savored Swiss chocolates. Zurich provided a fitting finale to a trip that was as enriching as it was enjoyable.
Traveling with young children was not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweighed the effort. Seeing Europe through their eyes made familiar sights feel new again. Their excitement, curiosity, and even their candid remarks added a layer of joy to every moment. From the history of Rome to the snowy peaks of Switzerland, this holiday break was one for the books. Here’s to more adventures ahead!
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