If you’re already dreaming of a grand escape to Europe this summer, we’ve got you. Use our insider tips to plan your own vacation or let us do all the work and create an unforgettable summer adventure especially for your family.
ITALY
ROME
With historical wonders around nearly every corner, The Eternal City is equal parts fascinating and hip. You’ll probably want to spend a few days roaming around Rome on your own, but we also recommend booking some activities to really get to know the city and the culture. Our favorites include a private tour of the Vatican before it opens, taking a TukTuk tour of the city, getting a local chef to teach you how to make real pizza, and the Drawing Like Leonardo workshop.
Stay
Located in the heart of the city, this stunning hotel will put you within a stone’s throw of the Spanish Steps, while making you feel like you are miles away from the bustling crowds. There are tons of amenities designed for families. We especially like The Rocco Forte Kids Club where you might just be inclined to sneak away for a cocktail in the secret garden knowing the kids are well taken care of.
Eat
Our clients adore this classic, yet modern Italian restaurant owned by the same family for three generations. They purchase their olive oil and zolfino beans (beloved local small round beans) directly from farmers in the Tuscan countryside, and they shop the local markets every day to get fresh produce, fish and meats.
TUSCAN COAST
After you’ve absorbed the energy (and the pasta!) of Rome, leave the crowds behind and head to the Tuscan countryside. We love the less-traveled area of Maremma, which boasts a wealth of treasures, from castles and abbeys to beautiful cliffs and wide golden beaches. Spend the day on a private boat trip and enjoy a seaside lunch before heading back to the country for a horseback or bicycle ride with the kids. For pure indulgence, leave the little ones at the hotel and spend the day wine-tasting.
Stay
We love this hotel for its impeccable service delivered with an unpretentious vibe. Our perfect agenda? Relax by the pool, get a massage at the spa, or have the hotel pack the family a picnic to enjoy on the lovely grounds. (Hint: The bakery at the hotel is incredible.)
Eat
This one’s easy: just dine at the hotel; one restaurant is Michelin-starred.
SPAIN
BARCELONA
Barcelona is an incredible city offering a perfect blend of rich cultural experiences, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and a wealth of kid-friendly activities. Enjoy an afternoon strolling through La Rambla (also known as Las Ramblas), a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, street performers, and ice cream stands. Or pop over to Parc de la Ciutadella in the heart of the city to let the kids play, explore the zoo, or take out a rowboat on the lake.
Stay
Located on Passeig de Gràcia, the “Rodeo Drive of Spain,” this exclusive hotel puts you center stage for all Barcelona has to offer. The city’s best attractions, including La Rambla, La Sagrada Familia Basilica, and Gaudi’s Casa Batlló are just a stroll away.
Eat
This tapas bar is as authentic as it gets and a local favorite. They get their seafood only from the local Catalan fish markets and all vegetables are grown in the area and served as the seasons dictate.
MALLORCA
Many call Mallorca magical, and we wholeheartedly agree; it’s one of Nellie’s favorite getaways. The island is a quick flight from Barcelona and the perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with family. It has all you’d expect from an island paradise: lovely beaches, delicious seaside restaurants, artisan shops, and boat excursions for world-class snorkeling.
Stay
This stunning hotel is nestled in the Tramontana Mountains in the tiny village of Deia. Boasting two swimming pools, tennis courts, nearby beaches, and a location that’s a short drive to charming Soller, it’s the ultimate destination for relaxing and rejuvenating.
SWITZERLAND
LAKE LUCERNE, GRINDELWALD, LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY & INTERLAKEN
If you’re looking to beat the summer heat in Europe, we can’t think of a better destination than the pristine mountain villages of Switzerland. Spend the day in Grindelwald and take a leisurely hike or delight the kids with a ride on the thrilling mountain coaster.
Head to Murren just a short train ride away for a scenic gondola ride up to the tip top of the Alps. You’ll love the breathtaking vistas and kids will have the time of their life exploring mountain top playgrounds. Bike around Interlaken and watch the paragliders soar through the sky. The adventures are endless here.
Stay
Perched 500 meters above Lake Lucerne, this stunning hotel is luxury personified with the highest level of service. It hits all the right notes: delicious cuisine, incredible spa and wellness facilities, and bountiful amenities for families. The central location makes it the perfect place to call home for a few days while you explore the area.
Eat
Enjoy authentic Swiss cuisine with an 8pm show of traditional entertainment—dancing, yodeling, and more.
Paris & London
Paris and London are a cultural match made in heaven—history, culture, art, and delicious food, all accessible to young kids. And because you can travel between the cities in about two hours, this trip is a no-brainer.
PARIS
The wonders of Paris are yours for the taking. Float down the Seine, play at The Luxembourg Gardens, picnic under the Eiffel tower, or spend the day with the kids on a hunt for the city’s best croissant.
Stay
A very traditional Parisian grande dame hotel with a fantastic kids club on site? Yes, please! Because it’s located just around the corner from the Champs Elysées, it’s easy to imagine yourself popping into a shop or two or checking out the latest exhibition at the Louvre while the kids enjoy creative time at the hotel with dedicated staff.
Le Burgundy is another hotel our clients love—beautiful decor, great food, and more value-oriented in this very expensive city.
Eat
One of the city’s best creperies and great for families. We love both the savory and the sweet crepes.
LONDON
With its ancient castles, double-decker red buses, and fascinating historical sites around every corner, London is the perfect vacation spot for first-time European travelers. Summer is especially great in London because you’ll see more sun than rain and get to tour places that are otherwise closed, like Buckingham Palace. For history buffs, the Imperial War Museum is a must, and for kid-centric fun, The London Eye and Madame Tussaud’s are classics. And if your kid is a Potterheads, definitely plan a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.
Stay
Just minutes from Covent Garden, the Rosewood is a gorgeous family hotel with top-tier service; it’s a great blend of British posh and modern.
For something more modern and whimsical, Ham Yard is a family favorite.
Eat
Tucked away in the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House, this restaurant feels like a private club. Arrive early for your reservation so you can have a drink on the rooftop bar or sitting by a fireplace on the terrace. And leave the kids at the hotel; you’ll want this to be a date night experience.
GREECE
ATHENS & SANTORINI
Greece is a wonderful place to vacation with the kids, full of fascinating history, sun-drenched beaches, and crystal-blue waters. In Athens, hire a private guide and tour the Acropolis (make sure to book a morning session when it’s cooler out). Spend a lazy afternoon browsing the shops or tucking into one of the many historical museums.
When you’re ready to shift into relaxation mode, hop on a ferry to Santorini, a popular island with view-filled hikes, beautiful people and stunning cliffside views. Our rec is to stay in the town of Oia and book a hotel with private views to avoid the intense crowds from the cruise ships.
Stay: Athens
The most classic of all hotels in Athens offering insane views of the Acropolis.
Eat: Athens
A family-friendly spot with a relaxed vibe and views of the Coliseum.
Stay: Santorini
Boasts a beautiful, modern take on authentic Greek architecture as well as wonderful service. The views are so incredible, you’ll want to spend all your time soaking in your plunge pool and taking in the epic sunsets.
Eat: Santorini
Speaking of sunsets, this restaurant is so famous for them, it’s in their name. And on top of that, their food is spectacular.