Days 1 & 2: Helsinki : Gateway to Finland

Arrive in Helsinki in the morning if you can so you'll have more time for sightseeing and visiting the main attractions, some of which are in the environs. Check into a hotel for 2 nights.

Before the morning fades, visit the Ateneum Art Museum [SS] part of the Finnish National Gallery, spending at least 2 hours here.

After lunch, you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum with the biggest collection of historic buildings in the country. You can take a ferryboat from Market Square to reach this mini-archipelago in the Baltic.

Back in town, and if it's a summer night, you can head for the Linnanmäki Amusement Park 3km (2 miles) north of Helsinki. This is a fun fair for all ages, with splashing fountains, rides, restaurants, cafes, and theaters.

On the morning of the second day, you can pick up your pre-arranged rental car and explore some of the sights in the environs, which for many will be their first preview of the heavily forested Finnish countryside.

Heading out of town, drive 39km (24 miles) along E-79 north to Järvenpää where a signpost points to Ainola. This log-constructed building was the former home of Jean Sibelius, who lived here for more than half a century. Both Jean and Aino, his wife, are buried on the property. Finland's greatest composer created many of his major works here.

Return to Helsinki by lunchtime, and plan a second excursion in the afternoon to the historic town of Porvoo 48km (30 miles) northeast of Helsinki. Instead of driving, we'd recommend a summer trip aboard one of two boats that sail to Porvoo from Market Square in Helsinki.

Once at Porvoo, you can visit its late 13th-century cathedral and such attractions as the studio of Albert Edelfelt, one of Finland's most famous painters. Return to Helsinki for the night.

Day 3: Tampere

Leave Helsinki in the morning and head north along the expressway, E-79, following the signs to Hämeenlinna, a distance of 98km (61 miles). You'll pass forest-covered hills and meadows that eventually give way to open country dotted with lakes. Consider a luncheon stopover in Hämeenlinna: Finland's oldest inland town, founded in 1639, was the birthplace of Jean Sibelius. You can explore the old castle on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi.

After Hämeenlinna, continue northwest along E-79 into Tampere, 172km (107 miles) from Helsinki. Check into a hotel for the night in Finland's second largest city.

The city is built on a narrow isthmus between two lakes, and its attractions such as the Tampere Art Museum and Tuomiokirkko, its cathedral, are easy to explore. If it's summer, attend a night performance at the Pyynikki Summer Theater.

Days 4 & 5: Turku

In the morning of Day 4, leave Tampere and follow E-80 155km (96 miles) southeast to the historic seaport of Turku, the oldest city in Finland and its former capital. Check into a hotel for 2 nights and set out to explore the major sights, including the twin museums of Aboa Vetus [SS] and Ars Nova; Taidemuseo, the second major art museum in Finland, and Tuomiokirkko, the mother of the Lutheran Church of the country, dating from the 13th century.

On the morning of Day 5, while still based in Turku, take a summer boat ride aboard the S/S Ukkopekka to the town of Naantali, famous for its Old Town. Spend a day here, wandering and exploring, perhaps visiting Kulturanta, the stunning summer residence of the president of Finland.

Secure the makings of a picnic and enjoy it on the grounds of Moominworld, with a beach and several other attractions. Return to Turku for the night.

Days 6 & 7: Åland Islands

On Day 6, you can leave the port of Turku and take a seagoing ferry to Mariehamn, the capital of the Ålands, an archipelago lying off the west coast of Finland between Stockholm and Turku. The archipelago consists of 6,500 islands, islets, and skerries.

After arriving in Mariehamn, the only real town, check into a hotel for 2 nights. In the afternoon you can visit the Ålands Museum and the Museum Ship Pommern.

On Day 7, explore the other islands, which are connected by a series of bridges, causeways, and ferry services.

After a final night in Mariehamn, return to Helsinki for your ongoing transportation.

Days 1 & 2: Arrival in Copenhagen

Before renting a car to explore the countryside, you can take in the glories of Copenhagen itself, the most kid-friendly of all Scandinavia capitals. After your arrival and after you've checked into a hotel for 2 nights, take one of the bus and boat tours to orient yourself. Follow this up with a guided tour of Amalienborg Palace, where Queen Margrethe II lives with her royal family. After lunch, descend on the Tivoli Gardens, where you and your kids can wander for hours and also eat dinner.

Day 2:

Pay a call on Den Lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid), the most photographed statue in Scandinavia. After that, explore Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of the greatest art museums in Europe. If your child is older, he or she will find much art to fascinate here, perhaps a prehistoric sculpture of a hippopotamus. In the afternoon, visit Frilandsmuseet, an open-air museum and reconstructed village that evokes life in the 19th century, lying at Lyngby on the fringe of Copenhagen.

When you return to Copenhagen, you can do as many families do and pay a final visit to Tivoli Gardens, or else you can visit another amusement park, Bakken, on the northern fringe of the city. If you like merry-go-rounds and roller coasters, Bakken is even more fun for some families than the more carefully manicured Tivoli.

Day 3: Helsingør & Roskilde

On the morning of Day 3, check out of your hotel and drive 40km (25 miles) north of Copenhagen, taking the E4 express highway. Once at Helsingør, you can pay a morning visit to the Dutch-Renaissance-style Kronborg Castle, legendary home of Shakespeare's fictional Hamlet. Kids may think that Walt Disney created this dank, spooky place, which is surrounded by a deep moat.

After a 1-hour visit, you can head for our final destination of the day, the cathedral city of Roskilde, lying 72km (45 miles) southwest. It's reached by following Route 6 all the way. Check into a hotel in Roskilde for the day and set about to explore this ancient city. Call first at the Roskilde Domkirke. Kids delight in seeing the 16th-century clock where a tiny sculpted St. George on horseback marks the hour by charging a dragon. Afterward, drive 20km (12 miles) north of Roskilde to see the Viking Ship Museum, displaying the remains of five wrecked Viking-era ships. Return to Roskilde for the night.

Days 4 & 5: H. C. Andersen's Odense

On the morning of Day 4, drive west from Roskilde for 134km (83 miles) until you reach Odense. To do so, you have to cross the Great Belt Bridge into Nyborg, lying west on the Funen side. From Nyborg, E20 will carry you to Odense, where you can check into a hotel for 2 nights. In Odense, you can take in some of the major sights of the city, including the H. C. Andersen's Childhood Home. If it's summer, you might even hook up with a 2-hour walking tour, taking in all the highlights. Check with the tourist office.

Visit Funen Village, an open-air regional museum depicting life in Denmark in the 1700s and 1800s. In a busy afternoon you can visit both Egeskov Castle, one of the grandest in Denmark, and Ladbyskibet, 19km (12 miles) northeast of Odense, to see the ruins of a 10th-century Viking ship.

Days 6 & 7: Denmark's Beautiful Island of Ærø

Leave Odense on the morning of Day 6, driving south to Svendborg, a distance of 43km (27 miles), following Route 9. Once at Svendborg, take a car ferry over to the island of Ærø, a distance of 29km (18 miles) from Svendborg. Once here, check into a hotel in the tiny island's capital, Ærøskøbing, for 2 nights and set about to explore this Lilliputian town, with a driving tour of the island to follow on Day 7.

Begin first on foot by walking the cobblestone streets of this most enchanting of Danish villages, saving the driving tour of the island for the following day. The main attraction of the town is Ærøskøbing itself, although there are specific sights of minor interest, including the Ærø Museum and an 18th-century church, Ærøskøbing Kirke. Dine in an old kro (inn), and later walk down by the water to watch the yachts and other boats bobbing in the harbor at night.

On the morning of Day 7, while still based in Ærøskøbing, set out on a leisurely motor tour of the island, stopping at random to enjoy anything that fascinates you. We'd head east to the "second city" on Marstal, really just a modest port town. After a 2-hour visit here, you can take the southern road all the way to the little port ofSøby in the northwest. From Søby, you can drive southeast back to Ærøskøbing for the night.

After a visit to Ærø, you can easily return to Copenhagen the following day, using a bridge and a ferryboat. Copenhagen lies 176km (109 miles) to the east of Ærø.

Days One and Two

Depart from the US overnight, arrive in Dubrovnik, meet your tour guide at the airport and transfer to hotel. Relax in the evening, enjoy Dubrovnik by night, explore the Old Town with its unforgettable lights, music, small local restaurants, concerts, folk dancing and more.

Day Three

Walk to the Old City of Dubrovnik for a half day sightseeing tour. Visit the old Franciscan Monastery, with the oldest Pharmacy in Europe (founded in 1317). See the Rector's Palace, old Cathedral, Dominican Monastery, and walk magnificant city walls a mile long. This is a place where past and present unified in a wonderful harmony offer their soul to every visitor. This old city a real architectural, historical and artistic treasure.

In the afternoon, on your drive to Catvat, pass the Dubrovnik Riviera, small villages like jewels along the coast (Kupari, Srebreno, Mlini, and Plat). Cavtat, once upon a time was a Greek colony called Epidaurum, with a rich history. Today it is a charming small village scattered on the Peninsula surrounded with an azure blue sea, hundred year old pine and cypress trees, and a charming marina with sailing yachts from all over the world.

Return to your hotel and stay overnight.

Day Four

Visit Montenegro, the youngest country of Europe, which gained its independence in 2006. Drive through Konavle valley, part of the Dubrovnik region.

Enjoy the unique Fjord of Kotor where small medieval cities are scattered along the coast. Stop on the small island Gospa od Skrpjela and visit the seamen's votive museum and church, an exceptional experience.

Next arrive in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Their Roman, Byzantine and Gothic churches, public buildings and steep city walls will tell you a lot about the rich history of this small city.

Drive to St. Stephan, an island hotel since 1950, when the Pastrovich family sold their houses to the government. Today it is a unique hotel connected with a narrow path to the mainland. Discover the medieval old city of Budva within the city walls.

Return to your hotel in Dubrovnik to stay overnight.

Day Five

Depart to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Take a beautiful drive along the coast, pass the border into Herzegovina, and cruise along the charming Neretva River. Reach Pocitelj, a small village with a typical Oriental influence. Tall, elegant Minarets, mosques, and Turkish houses all exhibit a real Ottoman, Turkish flavor. Painters, writers, and poets come here every spring searching for inspiration.

Half an hour later arrive in Mostar, the capitol of Herzegovina, with its bridges, mosques, Turkish houses, old Bazaar (market) on one side and a modern city on the other side. The Old Bridge (built 1556) was destroyed in the war in 1994, and with international help was rebuilt again.

Finally, drive to Split and stay overnight.

Day Six

In the morning take a half day sightseeing tour of Split: visit the historic Old Town, Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace, museums and galleries. We'll see the gallery of the famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic and Marjan Park.

The afternoon will be free to enjoy the picturesque streets of old Split, its medieval squares, perhaps even go shopping.

Day Seven

Meet your guide and transfer to Split harbor, to embark on a ferry ride to Island Hvar, a stunningly beautiful boat ride among the Croatian islands. Hvar is well known for its oldest European theater, beautiful Renaissance squares and churches, Gothic buildings and a magnificent renaissance Lodge.

Excellent red and white wine, virgin olive oil and lavender fields are characteristic of this island, which is also called the San Tropez of Croatia.

Return to Split and stay overnight.

Day Eight

Meet your guide and drive to Trogir, a small medieval city 20 miles north of Split. Visit its famous Cathedral with a magnificent Radovan Portal, stroll narrow cobbled streets and medieval squares surrounded with dreamy, stony houses, enjoy the yacht harbor and the old fortress of Karmelengo that protects the town from the sea side.

In the afternoon take a drive to the pristine greens of the River Krka waterfalls. Lush vegetation, blue-green water, and the sound of the waterfalls will magically touch your soul. You can take a swim in a crystal green water that will welcome you, offering you the best refreshment of the day.

Return to Split and stay overnight.

Day Nine

After breakfast depart from Split to Plitvice Lake National Park. This natural wonder is one of the most exciting destinations in Croatia. The breathtaking 16 Upper and Lower lakes surrounded by thick forests and hills are unforgettable. We'll walk along the Lower lakes, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.

In the afternoon drive to the Croatian capital of Zagreb and stay overnight.

Day Ten

Meet your local guide and discover this interesting city of Zagreb, visiting Gornji Grad (Upper Town), enjoying the roofs of old Zagreb, steeple of St Stephen Cathedral, and the old Baroque St Catherine's church. Walk by the famous Zagreb Theater on Zrinjevac Square where also numerous galleries and museums are located. Zagreb is a modern vibrant, city with a rich history.

Afternoon, explore Zagreb, its shops, coffee houses, flower market (beautiful arrangements of dry flowers can be taken home). Zagreb is famous for a fine dining restaurants and a good local wine selection.

Day Eleven

Transfer to the Zagreb airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Brussels

Whenever the kids step out of line in Brussels, uttering these magic words should get their attention: "Maybe we should tour the European Union administrative buildings today." I'd wager that they (and you) would prefer the Atomium. And while you're there, in the city's northern Bruparck district, think about seeing Mini-Europe. Back in the center of town, treat the kids to an exposé of bold little Manneken-Pis; grown-ups usually wonder what all the fuss is about, but kids love him. By the way: Going around the city by tram can't hurt.

Day 2: More of Brussels

Boys, especially, might want to take a look under the hood of Autoworld today. And is it being sexist to suggest that the girls might prefer costumes and lace at the Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle? Both genders will likely agree that the comic strips and characters at the Centre Belge de la Bande-Dessinée are pretty cool.

Day 3: Bruges

In this historic Flemish city, you can swerve past Old Masters, Gothic architecture, and mussel-slurping diners in one fast move. Achieve this satisfying feat by visiting the Boudewijn Seapark or the Kinderboerderij Domein De Zeven Torentjes -- or both. The open-top canal cruise boats are another good bet. And it's safe to go around by rented pedal-bike in the center of town.

Day 4: The Belgian Coast

A day at the seacoast is a no-brainer for families, especially in summer -- just imagine building sandcastles on the beach, swimming in the sea, and riding beach buggies and sand-yachts. Ride from one end of Belgium's seacoast to the other onboard the amazing Coast Tram. At Ostend there's the Noordzeeaquarium, and the museum ships Mercator and Amandine. Up the coast at Knokke-Heist, allow some time to check out the bird sanctuary at Natuurreservaat Het Zwin.

Day 5: Antwerp

Begin day 5 in Antwerp, with a visit to Belgium's only traditional zoo. Then, in the afternoon, cross over to Aquatopia. For other options, consider a cruise downriver to the harbor, and/or a visit to the National Maritime Museum.

Days 6 & 7: The Ardennes

From Antwerp, the drive here takes long enough that I'd suggest allocating 2 days for your family's visit to Han-sur-Lesse. On the first day, drive to the village and visit the Grottes de Han underground caverns; the next day, spend some time at the Réserve d'Animaux Sauvages before moving on.

Day 8: Rotterdam

Today, make your way to the Euromast for the greatest views of Rotterdam. Afterward, you'll probably need to choose between a boat tour through the city's vast harbor and a visit to the outstanding Blijdorp Zoo, but if you have time for both, by all means fit them in.

Day 9: Amsterdam

Going around Amsterdam by tram is fun for the whole family. I'm not sure, though, about going by bicycle. Parents might need to spend too much time watching out for the kids. I suppose it all depends on what age the children are. A canalboat cruise is a good idea. A visit to the Anne Frank House is interesting and thought-provoking for children about as old as Anne was when she hid from the Nazis here and wrote her famous diary. After this, try the Artis Zoo, or -- if you've had enough of zoos by now -- go onboard the Amsterdam, a full-size replica 18th-century ocean-going sailing ship. Unfortunately, the Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum) that is the ship's usual home is closed until some time in 2010, but the ship is still open for business, tied up just across the water at NEMO.

Day 10: More of Amsterdam

Today, choose between a visit to Madame Tussaud's and the Science Center NEMO -- either one is worthwhile, but both in a single day can be too much, unless it's raining. By way of variation, you could try in-line skating in Vondelpark, ice skating at Jaap Eden IJsbanen, or bowling at Knijn Bowling.

Day 11: Dolphins & Sailing Ships

From Amsterdam (your base), drive east today to Harderwijk and visit the outstanding Dolfinarium Harderwijk. Cross over into Flevoland province and head to Lelystad. Here, at Batavia Wharf, a full-size replica of a 17th-century sailing ship, the Batavia, is moored, and a man-of-war from the same century, De Zeven Provinciën, is being constructed.

Day 12: Enkhuizen

This town lies on the western shore of the IJsselmeer, a freshwater lake that until 1932 was a sea known as the Zuiderzee. Enkhuizen hosts the superb Zuiderzeemuseum, which aims to recreate traditional life around the transformed sea. Between getting to and from Enkhuizen and visiting both sections of this large museum, you'll need most of a day to do it all justice.

Day 13: Zandvoort

Always supposing the weather is good, there's nothing your standard young Amsterdammer likes more than to take a train for the short ride to Amsterdam's favorite seacoast resort, Zandvoort, on the North Sea. The locals will do this in all but the most abysmal weather, but if it's really too bad for the seacoast, try instead the neat little Visitor Center at the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Wood). You can peruse the nature displays here and get out and about in the park if the weather picks up.

Day 14: Back to Brussels

One way to break the monotony of a 3-hour drive back to Brussels is to stop off at the cluster of windmills at Kinderdijk, close to Rotterdam.