Family-friendly Vacation to Venice & the Swiss Alps

Arriving in Venice from the US, you'll likely land at Marco Polo Airport in the morning. Because our kids were under 15, we had to wait in the immigration line to talk to an agent, which took about an hour. The airport is on the mainland, so you’ll need to take a water taxi to the island of Venice. The walk to the water taxi area is about ten minutes. We opted to take a private water taxi, which costs about $175; you can purchase tickets at the airport. The ride took about 30-minutes and the kids loved it. There is also more economical public transportation that will get you from the airport to your hotel but generally takes more time.

Upon arriving at our hotel, Aqua Palace, we checked in and left our luggage at the front desk as our room wasn’t ready yet. With lunchtime approaching, we wandered the nearby cobblestone streets and stopped at the first restaurant we saw where the kids enjoyed pasta, while my wife and I shared a Margherita pizza and bruschetta. Note: there are pizza and pasta restaurants every few feet.

We had received a recommendation that the Peggy Guggenheim Collection was a nice, kid-friendly art museum, so we made our way there. After a leisurely 20-minute walk, including a stop at St. Mark’s Square for some photos, we arrived. The museum, though small, had interesting art and sculptures. While it wasn’t as kid-friendly as we had thought, our children, ages eight and ten, still enjoyed it and got in a few good laughs.

On our walk back to the hotel, we indulged in some gelato to cool off, as it was quite hot — close to 90 degrees in late July. Frequent breaks for water and ice cream were essential.

Back at the hotel the front desk receptionist escorted us to our room. Once inside, we were pleasantly surprised by its size. We had a suite with two large rooms connected by a small hallway leading to a spacious bathroom. The kids slept on a sofa bed and cot in the living area, while my wife and I enjoyed the privacy of the bedroom. The room offered ample space for everyone.

By dinner time, everyone was tired from the long day and minimal sleep on the overnight flight. We asked the concierge for a restaurant recommendation and ended up at Ae Sconte. The restaurant, located in a small plaza, just down the street from the hotel, offered both indoor and outdoor seating. The kids had fresh-made pasta, while my wife and I enjoyed a Caprese salad, Branzino and seafood pasta — everything was delicious.

After dinner, we explored a few souvenir shops before heading back to the hotel for the night.

After sleeping in and having a leisurely morning, we enjoyed a delightful complimentary breakfast at the hotel, which featured a generous selection of fruits, oatmeal, meats, eggs and fresh baked breads and croissants.

Our first adventure was a private tour at the Jewish ghetto in Venice. After a 20-minute walk from the hotel to the northern part of the island we arrived and checked-in. The tour provided us with a fascinating glimpse into the ghetto’s history dating back to the 1500s and included visits to two of the five active orthodox synagogues. We all found the experience enlightening and learned much that we hadn’t known before. For anyone interested in Jewish history we would highly recommend the tour.

Following the tour, we walked approximately 15 minutes to the Fondamente Nove to catch a water taxi to Murano. The ride is about 15 minutes with a brief stop at the cemetery. After exiting the water taxi, it was a short walk to Ferro Toso, a charming glass making shop where the kids crafted small Murano glass pendants. While their creations were baking and cooling down — which took about an hour — we visited the OMG Factory for a glass blowing demonstration. In just 15-minutes, the artist skillfully shaped a vase and a horse. Then we took some time to visit and admire the beautiful glass pieces in the shop. If you have the time, I recommend visiting Murano, especially if you’re looking for some high quality glass art. Note: Items made in Murano will include a stamp on the piece. There are many shops that will claim pieces are from Murano that are not.

In the late afternoon, we returned to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Rejuvenated, we ventured out for souvenir shopping and exploration, making our way to the Rialto Bridge and other bridges over the grand canal for some memorable photos. We concluded our day with dinner at Al Gazzettino, where we highly recommend the restaurant. With a canal-side table, our kids enjoyed waving at the passing gondolas and we savored a delicious meal accompanied by a complimentary Caprese salad and dessert tasting.

For our final day in Venice, we began with another delicious breakfast at our hotel, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. Each day, we had the opportunity to wander through the streets in different parts of the city and diverse neighborhoods to reach our destinations and today was no different.

Our first activity was Ca’Macana Masks at 10 am, where the kids had the chance to create their own traditional Venetian masks. They thoroughly enjoyed selecting, painting and decorating their unique masks, making for a memorable and hands-on experience. The entire activity took about an hour.

After a hot 30-minute walk back to St. Mark’s Square, we enjoyed a quick lunch at Café Chioggia, before heading to Doge’s Palace for our early afternoon self-guided tour.

The Doge’s Palace, with its stunning architecture, intricate decorations and rich history, was truly impressive. It is a must-visit for both individuals and families of any age. My wife and I were captivated by the palace’s historical and architectural significance, while our kids were particularly fascinated by the palace's prisons. The combination of beauty and history made for a perfect last activity to our Venetian adventure.

Returning to the hotel to pack up, we headed out for dinner at Ae Sconte once again, where the kids had been eagerly anticipating the freshly made pasta. We wrapped up our Venetian travels with a final stroll through the enchanting streets and made one last stop at Suso Gelateria. The gelato here was simply outstanding, offering a wide variety of delicious flavors and providing a sweet ending to our Italian journey. Overall, we had a great time but would recommend staying in Venice for one or two days.

Today was a seamless travel day filled with efficiency and ease. We started with an early morning departure via a private water taxi, which transported us quickly back to Marco Polo Airport. Checking in for our SwissAir flight to Zurich was a breeze, and we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast in the spacious Priority Pass lounge before our flight.

The short, one-hour journey to Zurich was enjoyable, and our kids particularly appreciated the small chocolate bar provided as a snack, a thoughtful touch from SwissAir. They were also thrilled by the unique boarding experience — ascending and descending via steps onto the tarmac, followed by a bus transfer to the terminal, which added an extra element of fun to the travel experience.

Upon arrival in Zurich, we rented a car from EuropCar, with the process being swift and hassle-free. After collecting our vehicle, we took a leisurely detour through downtown Zurich for a stroll and a late lunch, savoring the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

We continued our journey to our next home away from home, the Boutique Glacier Hotel in Grindelwald. This charming hotel promises a cozy and welcoming stay, setting the stage for our upcoming adventures in the picturesque Swiss Alps. The hotel has a small spa for adults that requires. Our Signature Room Comfort was incredible, featuring a luxurious king-sized bed for us and a sofa that converted into bunk beds for the kids. The room also had a sink and shower area and a separate bathroom. The true gem, however, was the balcony. Here, we enjoyed a large hot tub and a comfortable sitting area with breathtaking views of the Eiger. From our balcony, we watched paragliders gracefully glide down the mountains, adding a touch of magic to our Alpine escape.

After a day of travel, we opted for the convenience of dining at the hotel restaurant during sunset. The stunning views elevated our dining experience, making it truly memorable. While we waited for our food, the kids were able to play in the grassy field below the hotel. For dinner, the kids got their favorite, pasta, while my wife and I shared salmon and a salad. Everything was delicious. The hotel also boasts a fine dining area where a five or seven course meal is served that highlights the vibrant flavors of the mountains.

We began our day with a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel. The spread featured an array of options, including fresh fruits, freshly baked breads and croissants, eggs, potatoes, a selection of meats, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal and a variety of coffee. After savoring our meal, we took a short drive — less than five minutes — to the Pfingstegg gondola parking lot. A quick gondola ride transported us to the top of the mountain, where the kids enjoyed a play area complete with slides, swings, a mini zipline and a bounce house. For those more adventurous, the fly line and toboggan run awaits. The fly line offers a slower, winding descent through the trees lasting about 3 minutes. The toboggan run is a bobsled like activity, sliding down the mountain on a sled. These activities were fun and the lines were short, however they are not as impressive compared to other mountain activities such as those at Mount Pilatus, which offers similar and a broader range of attractions. This is one mountain that if you're short on time we could have skipped

Next, we explored the charming main street of Grindelwald, where we enjoyed lunch and wandered through its quaint shops. Our journey continued with a one hour drive to the public parking area for Giessbach Falls. This stunning waterfall cascades down the mountain in multiple tiers ending at the lake below. We took a short 20-minute hike to a viewpoint where we could walk behind the waterfall, after which the trail winds down to the historic Giessbach Hotel. For the more adventurous and experienced hikers, there are additional hiking paths that extend to the top of the falls and down to the lake. At the hotel there is a funicular that will take you down to the take. We did take the short ride but I wouldn’t say this is necessary as there isn’t much to do once you get to the lake unless you are either taking a boat ride or planning to hike back up.

After the waterfall, we drove to Interlaken, which is about 30 minutes away and halfway back to the hotel in Grindelwald. We walked around the main street, Hoheweg, souvenir shopping while searching for an authentic fondue restaurant for dinner. Fondue Villa and Garden was recommended and it did not disappoint. Seating was all outside in a shaded area, a beautiful setting. We shared the traditional alpine cheese fondue. There was unlimited dippers to go around and included olives, pickles, breads, peppers, onions, pineapple and potatoes. For dessert we opted for the chocolate fondue which came with a variety of fruits, cookies and brownies. To say the least, we did not leave hungry and kids under ten are half-priced. We spent the evening relaxing and watching the sun set from the hottub on the patio of our hotel.

Today, we explored Mount Pilatus, a stunning peak near Lucerne. To avoid long lines, it's best to pre-purchase tickets, but remember that mountain weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast and consider buying tickets on the same day before arrival.

There are two ways to ascend Mount Pilatus: the cogwheel railway or the panoramic gondolas. Since we wanted to visit both the mid-station, Fräkmüntegg, and the summit, Pilatus Kulm, we chose the gondolas.

Boarding the gondolas is straightforward and efficient. The gondolas run continuously with minimal wait times. We disembarked at Fräkmüntegg, the final stop, where you can enjoy various adventure activities such as the toboggan run, ropes course, dragon flier zipline, Wipfelpfad (tree top walk) and hiking trails. Since we had already experienced a similar zipline activity at Pfingstegg, we decided to focus on other activities.

We started with the ropes course, which is self-guided. Instructors equipped us with harnesses and taught us the techniques needed to navigate the courses. Each course is marked with height minimums and levels. We spent about three hours tackling different levels, from beginner to advanced. By the end, we were both exhausted and exhilarated. Afterward, we took a break and had lunch at the restaurant, where we enjoyed pasta, salad and fries.

Next, we headed to the toboggan run, the longest summer toboggan run in Switzerland. It’s a ten-minute walk up a steep hill to reach the start. The run is suitable for all ages, though younger children may need to ride with an adult. Expect a wait of over an hour, so it’s wise to queue early. The toboggan ride is a thrilling ten-minute descent with twists, turns, tunnels and scenic views of grazing cows.

We then took the aerial cableway to the summit. As we ascended, we passed through a cloud layer, and once above it, the views cleared up magnificently. At the top, you’ll find restaurants, hotels, hiking trails and breathtaking views. Although we had limited time before closing, we managed to explore several viewpoints and climb higher for the best vistas. Fortunately, the clouds had cleared, allowing us to capture some stunning photos of the surrounding landscape.

By the time we returned to Grindelwald, it was late. We opted for dinner at the hotel restaurant and enjoyed a relaxing evening in the hot tub before turning in for the night.

Today’s adventure took us through the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, including Murren and Schilthorn. It’s a quick 30-minute drive from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen, where our first stop was Staubbach Falls. Parking is conveniently located across the street, just a short walk from the base of the falls. We decided to climb up, which took about 20 minutes. The path starts with a steep climb and then leads through a tunnel carved into the mountain. From there, uneven and sometimes slippery steps take you behind the falls, offering a spectacular view of the valley and town.

After enjoying the waterfall, we boarded three different gondolas: from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald, Gimmelwald to Murren and finally Murren to Birg. The Birg gondola features a small snack bar, a viewing platform with a glass floor, and an exhilarating thrill walk. Perched on the edge of the cliff, the thrill walk includes obstacles like a glass floor, tightrope and wire tunnel. At the end of the walk, you’ll find excellent photo opportunities. Due to rapidly changing weather and clouds at this altitude, it's best to snap your photos quickly.

Following our time at Birg, we took a gondola up to Schilthorn, which stands at about 10,000 feet. The gondola runs approximately every 20 minutes, and it can be quite crowded. At the summit, you’ll find a James Bond exhibition, as this location featured in Her Majesty’s Secret Service with George Lazenby. The kids enjoyed the interactive parts of the exhibit, particularly the green screen bobsled. We had lunch at the revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria. The food was decent; the kids enjoyed pasta, while my wife and I had the salad bar, where the pricing is based on the size of the plate. The panoramic views from the restaurant are spectacular, provided the weather is clear.

After savoring the views, we descended by gondola to Murren, a charming car-free mountain town. It only took about 30 minutes to stroll through the entire town, while visiting souvenir shops, and indulging in some gelato.

The day’s final thrill was with Airtime Paragliding. We headed to the meeting point near the gondola station, where the team helped us feel confident about the experience. To reach the take-off point, we hiked up a steep, 15-minute trail. Once there, the pilots prepared us with harnesses and basic takeoff instructions, which simply involved jogging down the hill until we were airborne. Within 10 minutes, we were all flying — first my wife, then daughter, son and myself. The gliding was serene and beautiful, soaring over the valley, past waterfalls and along the cliff edges. The weather was perfect, providing us with extra lift at times and a total flying time of about 30 minutes. The landing was smooth and easy, with instructions to keep our feet up.

After the exhilarating flight, we dined at Restaurant Steinbok in Lauterbrunnen, a local favorite recommended by our paragliding pilots. The menu offered a range of options; the kids shared a pizza, while my wife and I enjoyed a salad and kabobs. After a full and exciting day, we returned to our hotel in Grindelwald, reflecting on our memorable experiences as we settled in for the evening.

Today, we took the Gelmerbahn funicular to Lake Gelmer in Guttannen, about an hour’s drive from Grindelwald. The Gelmerbahn, which accommodates around 30 passengers and operates roughly every 30 minutes, is known for its steep incline and limited capacity, so advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. The funicular, an open-air vehicle, ascends the mountain in a backward-facing seat for a roughly ten-minute ride. Although the ride is smooth, the steepness frequently obscures the track below.

At the top, several hiking trails are signposted, but we opted for the two and a half mile circuit around the lake, which takes about two or three hours. The trail begins with a paved path leading to a bridge that spans the end of the lake. From this viewpoint, you can marvel at the vivid blue lake, surrounding mountains and waterfalls.

Beyond this point, the trail becomes more demanding. It transitions from a narrow dirt path to rocky climbs, bridge crossings over waterfalls and edges overlooking steep cliffs. Numerous photo opportunities arise along the way, and many hikers pause to relax on large boulders and enjoy snacks or lunch. Despite the challenging terrain and occasional anxieties about missteps, our kids handled it well. This hike is a fantastic experience, though we wouldn’t recommend it for children under ten unless they have prior hiking experience.

We chose to ride the funicular down, but it is also possible to hike both up and down, which takes about two hours each way. The descent is equally steep, but facing forward allows for stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the base of the funicular, we crossed the slightly wobbly Handeckfall suspension bridge, which offers panoramic views of the valleys and waterfall below. A short walk from the bridge leads to the Hotel Handeck and Nature Resort. Our kids were exhausted by this point, so we skipped the hotel visit but took some photos on the bridge.

By mid-afternoon, we returned to our hotel, where we packed for our departure the next morning. We spent some time relaxing in the hot tub to ease our legs before enjoying our final dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Today marked our final day at the Glacier hotel as we transitioned from Grindelwald to Lucerne. Due to a hot tub malfunction a few days earlier, the hotel provided a complimentary private spa appointment, which allowed our kids to join. The spa experience, though small, was elegant and included two glasses of champagne for us and two glasses of orange juice for the kids. We were also treated to a heart-shaped berry plate. The kids enjoyed lounging on the water beds, while my wife and I took advantage of the steam room and Finnish sauna. A highlight was outdoors where a larger hot tub featured bubbles and jets, which the whole family enjoyed.

After a relaxing morning, we drove to Interlaken for our first activity of the day: a chocolate-making class at Funky Chocolate Club. This cozy café offers everything from coffee and craft beers to strawberries and sandwiches. Arriving early, the kids snacked on fresh strawberries dipped in melted chocolate while I bought a 100% chocolate bar to indulge in later. The class, held in a private room, accommodated around twelve people and lasted just over an hour. We began with a chocolate tasting, sampling a variety of different types, from cocoa beans to white chocolate. Each of us then created three chocolate bars, choosing between dark or milk chocolate. We melted, mixed and poured the chocolate into molds, then decorated our bars with sprinkles, chocolate nibs and various toppings. The bars needed to cool and be packaged, a process that took about an hour and a half. During this time, we explored Interlaken for souvenir shopping and found a casual restaurant nearby for lunch.

With more than enough delicious chocolate bars in hand, we drove to our next hotel, the Art Deco Montana in Lucerne. Located downtown, the hotel is perched on a steep hill overlooking Lake Lucerne. It offers a few complimentary outdoor parking spaces as well as a parking garage for $32 per night.

The lobby, though small, was elegantly designed, and the concierge and reception staff were exceptionally friendly. Check-in was swift, and we were escorted to our room on the sixth floor, where the penthouse suites are located. We were amazed by the room's size, which included a sleeping area with three beds, a private bathtub separate from the bathroom, and a large bathroom with an infrared sauna and steam and experience shower. Our room also featured a balcony with a spacious hot tub overlooking the lake. After unpacking quickly, we ventured out to find dinner. Fortunately, a funicular in the hotel lobby provided a convenient 60-second ride to street level, sparing us the steep hill climb.

The hotel recommended Restaurante De Ernesto for traditional Italian cuisine. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. After dinner, we strolled along the river and capped off the evening with dessert from Bachmann before heading back to the hotel for a relaxing soak in the hot tub and a restful night.

Our final mountain adventure took us to the breathtaking Mount Titlis. Gondolas to Titlis depart from Engelberg, a scenic 45-minute drive from Lucerne. As with our previous mountain excursions, I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and checking the weather forecast beforehand. Engelberg offers three parking lots at the base of the mountain, so finding a spot is convenient. From there, it’s just a short walk to the gondola station.

We arrived early and were delighted to find no line, allowing us to board the gondola quickly. In about 15 minutes the express gondola will arrive at Stand, where we transferred to the Titlis Rotair. This unique, rotating gondola offers a ten-minute ride to the summit, providing spectacular views as it slowly turns. At the top of Titlis, expect cool temperatures and stunning snow-covered landscapes year-round.

Once at the summit, we explored several attractions. Our first stop was the Glacier Ice Cave, an impressive structure carved into the mountain, showcasing a variety of ice sculptures. Next, we crossed a thrilling suspension bridge with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. We then enjoyed the Ice Flyer, a short ski-lift ride over the glacier to the snow tubing area. Although the tubing was closed due to construction, we still enjoyed the ride over the glacier, taking in the awe-inspiring scenery. At the summit, there were plenty of snowy areas where our kids played and slid around while my wife and I captured the picturesque views from various vantage points.

After our snowy adventures, we descended via the Titlis Rotair to Stand and took the Express gondola halfway down to Trubsee. This station offers a range of activities including adventure sports, hiking, a playground, a restaurant and a pristine turquoise lake. The first attraction we encountered was the zipline, which, for an additional fee, takes riders from the gondola station directly to the lake below. Nearby, we found a complimentary trampoline and a bag jump — a thrilling experience where you leap from varying heights onto a giant airbag. Although it was a bit daunting from the top, we all had a blast giving it a try.

From the bag jump area, it’s a short ten-minute walk down to the lake and playground. The playground, located beside the lake, features interactive water elements and other engaging play structures. Some children were braving the chilly waters, which are fed by melting snow from the mountains above. A brief 15-minute hike leads to a nearby waterfall, visible from the lake. The restaurant, situated across the lake, is just a ten-minute walk from the playground and offers beautiful views.

After enjoying around two hours at Trubsee, we took the Express gondola back to Engelberg and returned to our hotel for a bit of relaxation. Later, we ventured into Lucerne for a delightful evening of dinner and shopping.

Among the highlights in Lucerne is the iconic Chapel Bridge, which spans the river and offers a charming walking experience. As you stroll across the bridge, you'll find a quaint gift shop about halfway along, perfect for picking up souvenirs.

After exploring the city, we returned to our fantastic hotel and unwound in the hot tub, soaking in the stunning sunset over the lake. It was the perfect way to conclude a spectacular alpine day.

Today, we visited two fascinating attractions: Lindt – Home of Chocolate and the Swiss Museum of Transport. Located about a 30-minute drive from Lucerne, our first stop was Lindt in Kilchberg.

The museum operates on a timed entry system, and tickets often sell out days in advance, so it’s crucial to book ahead. If tickets are sold out, you can check the Swiss Railways website for same-day availability, which does not specify a particular entry time.

The Lindt museum features a spacious lobby and boasts the world’s largest chocolate fountain. Visitors receive an audioguide that provides detailed information about various exhibits. The tour offers insights into the chocolate-making process, from growing cocoa beans to roasting and processing. It also explores the history of Swiss chocolate-making, highlighting notable chocolatiers and the factors behind Switzerland's reputation for exceptional chocolate.

Throughout the tour, we enjoyed tastings of different chocolate varieties, from dark to milk chocolate. At the end, we had the opportunity to sample and take home around ten different flavors of Lindor chocolate truffles. Plan to spend about an hour and a half at the tour and gift shop.

Our final stop was the Swiss Museum of Transport, a short drive from downtown Lucerne. Despite its modest exterior, the museum is quite large and can take up to three hours to explore. The museum consists of several buildings housing various modes of transportation, including submarines, boats, trains, cars, construction vehicles, planes and space shuttles. There is also a large outdoor area with larger models of planes and ships. We chose not to visit the chocolate experience, IMAX or planetarium, but these are additional attractions worth considering.

After visiting the museum, we returned to the hotel for a bit of rest. In the late afternoon, we ventured out for some final shopping, strolling through local souvenir shops. We enjoyed our final dinner at Opus, a Mediterranean restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining options. We dined al fresco by the river, and the setting was beautiful. The restaurant offers a diverse kids' menu, and our meals were delicious and satisfying. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly.

After dinner, we continued exploring and ended up at one of the train stations, which was surprisingly spacious with numerous shops and stores. We enjoyed some gelato from a stand in the station, which was a delightful treat. The train station experience was a pleasant and unexpected way to conclude our European vacation.