European Winter Trip

Hi!!! As promised here is our overview of our trip to Europe as a family of 5 to Prague, Munich, Colmar, Kayserberg, Schloss Lieser, and Paris

This trip was truly special for our family, this was our first time traveling over Christmas and New Year’s. We decided to skip the usual gifts this year and instead prioritize experiences together, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made!

The kids absolutely loved every moment, from ice skating in Munich to riding gondolas through Colmar, and it really brought us closer together as a family. There was something magical about seeing all these beautiful cities decorated for the holidays, sharing meals, walking historic streets, and simply being present with each other.

This itinerary captures all of our highlights, hotels, kid-friendly activities, and foodie experiences we loved along the way. It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever and a guide for families who want to make their own European holiday adventure just as unforgettable.

Travel Overview ✈️🚆 – coming from 30A Florida.

• Outbound Flight: Atlanta → Paris → Prague (Delta) 

  • Arrived in Prague around noon on Day 1

   

• Between Cities (Europe): Trains

  • Prague → Munich → Colmar → Schloss Lieser → Paris

  • Tip: Book first-class train tickets. More space, quiet, and perfect for families; surprisingly affordable compared to first-class flights

   

• Return Flight: Paris → Boston → Atlanta (Jet Blue)

Day 1–3: Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Hotel: NH Collection Prague Carlo IV — Presidential Suite

Prague was an amazing first stop, especially during the Christmas markets. The city felt safe, walkable, and full of history, perfect for exploring with three kids. 

Highlights & Family-Friendly Fun

• Christmas markets – stunning decorations, lights, and festive food

• Largest mirror maze you’ve ever seen — huge hit with the kids

• Lego Museum, Museum of Illusions and other museum options.

• Hike to castle – great adventure with gorgeous views

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• Charles Bridge – iconic and picturesque

• Nutria spotting/feeding along the water – large water rodents resembling otters

• (A)Void Café – unique glass circular door entrance, fun for all ages

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Food & Drinks

• Trdelník — cinnamon-sugar pastry funnel cake filled with ice cream or fruit

• Mini pancakes (lívance), chocolate-covered waffles, and other baked treats

• Glühwein (hot mulled wine) & Medovina (hot honey wine)

• Delicious Italian food — fresh pasta, amazing pizza and family-friendly options

Family Tip: Booking the Presidential Suite was the only way all five of you could stay together comfortably. Hotel was decently affordable considering.

Day 4–6: Munich, Germany 🇩🇪

Hotel: Bayerischer Hof – booked 2 connecting rooms 

Munich felt like a clean, safe, and slightly smaller version of a major city. Even during the holidays, it was walkable and festive, with a ton of luxury shopping.

Highlights

• Christmas Eve ice skating at Karlsplatz – it snowed, making it magical

• Christmas markets – cozy and kid-friendly

• Walking around the city to soak in the holiday atmosphere

Hotel & Amenities

• Gym and spa – kids allowed in the sauna

• Indoor pool – perfect for kids to swim on Christmas Day

• Gorgeous views of inner-city trains passing by

• Walk to everything from hotel
• Several bar options inside the hotel

Food & Dining

• Early Christmas Eve – sushi dinner 

• Dinner at Hofbrauhaus Munchen – traditional German food. Alcohol and Alcohol-free beer options

• Dinner at Brenner – great cocktails, steak, and upscale comfort food

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Day 7–10: Colmar & Kaysersberg, France 🇫🇷

Accommodation: Airbnb in Colmar

Colmar is a storybook Christmas town, full of charm, lights, and decorations. Extremely kid-friendly with plenty of sights, shopping, and festive energy.

Highlights

• Gondola ride through “Little Venice” — ~25–30 min, under bridges, with history guide

• Red lock bridge — personalized lockets with family names

• Day trip to Kaysersberg (~25 min drive) — smaller town charm, coffee, and shopping

• Shops filled with souvenirs and festive items

• Inspired the movie Beauty and the Beast

Food & Dining

• Savory & sweet crepes, chocolate desserts, waffles, donuts

• Le Comptoir de Georges — dining on the water is a must; magical views

Takeaway: Two days in Colmar is enough; the third day can be a short trip to Kaysersberg.

Day 10-11: Schloss Lieser, Germany 🇩🇪

Hotel: Schloss Lieser – Suite (they rolled in 3 fold out beds for the kids into the living room area)

A luxury castle experience, perfect for a couple’s getaway, but not very kid-friendly.

Highlights

• Spacious suite with private dining and living room

• Kids loved the huge room, but couldn’t use the spa or pool

• Room service was excellent, unique and intricate desserts, but no kids’ menu

• Huge soaking tub and elegant décor

Takeaway: Beautiful, peaceful, and romantic — would not recommend for families seeking activities.

Day 11–13: Paris, France 🇫🇷

Hotel: Saint James Paris — Villa Apartment Longchamp

Paris was iconic and magical, though two nights barely scratched the surface. Definitely plan 4–5 nights next visit.

Apartment Details

• Two-story layout – kids had their own floor

• Same amenities as far as daily cleaning, nightly turndown service, room service

• Kitchen, two coffee makers, living room, breakfast nook, and more

• Two bedrooms plus convertible third optional small bedroom to sleep one.

• Three and a half bathrooms – great for a family of five

• Kids allowed in the pool but had to access spa across the street in main hotel building

Highlights & Sightseeing

• Eiffel Tower – second floor, unforgettable view

• Louvre Museum – saw the Mona Lisa

• Arc de Triomphe – classic landmark

• Berthillon – amazing, iconic ice cream shop

• Louis Vuitton Café – desserts; book reservations in advance

• Strolling through streets and enjoying shopping

Dining

• Le Castiglione – New Year’s Eve dinner (smaller menu due to holiday)

• Cute local restaurant near Eiffel Tower – casual, charming (there are SO many options)
  

• Lunch – Italian pasta and pizza near the LV Café
• Café Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton store, France – Coffee and Dessert
• La Galerie Dior at 30 Avenue Montaigne – Coffee

Takeaway: Spacious apartment, central location, kid-friendly pool — perfect for families. You’ll return for more time!

✅ Overall Trip Takeaways

• Europe is extremely family-friendly when planned with the right hotels and activities

• First-class trains are worth it – easy, quiet, spacious for kids

• Balance city exploration with downtime for kids (pools, walks, local treats)

• Christmas season adds magical charm, but some stores may close on holidays. We will be back soon!