The end of July 2017 we will pack up our kids for their first cross Atlantic excursion. While they've been to numerous other countries, this will be their first on another continent. What amazing adventures await!

We will travel by train from Frankfurt to the small village of Braunsbach (about 3 hours away), to visit with relatives and tour this town that was devestated by a destructive flood in May 2016. They have worked steadfastly to put their lives back together and have made significant progress rebuilding.

After one night in the mountain town of Fussen and a tour of one of the most famous castles in the world, Neuschwanstein, we will arrive in Baar, Switzerland. We will hike, visit mountain towns, explore the Zurich zoo and the transportation museum, and will delight in enjoying our cousins there. They have generously offered to host us at their mountain cabin in the state of Tessin, overlooking the northern lake towns of Italy. Paradise!

Italy seems to call to all who love art, food, history, and adventure, so our last week is dedicated to all these in this romantic country. Our flat off Piazza San Marco in Venice should serve us well as we wander the narrow cobblestone streets and bridges of this unique city. The apartment in Castello Sonnino's tower from the 1300's in Montespertoli, Tuscany will provide the perfect respite for our days at the beach south of Pisa. And our modern apartment in the Monte neighborhood of Rome, a 5 minute walk from the Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum, will be a cool relief from the stifling August heat.

The key to dragging your kids through the churches, castles and ancient sights of Europe without constant complaining... lots of time doing things you KNOW they will love! Pool time, beach time, picnics and frisbees at a park, places where they can be free to explore and play, these are the secret ingredients to a happy family on the road.