Morning: Depart Long Stratton early and cross the Channel via ferry from Dover to Calais. The drive takes you through the scenic Kent countryside, perfect for a relaxed start with the children.
Afternoon: Arrive in Calais and explore the historic Calais Lighthouse and the charming Cité de la Dentelle museum, offering a quick glimpse of French maritime heritage.
Evening: Check into a family‑friendly hotel near the port, enjoy a simple French dinner, and rest for the next day’s drive.
Find HotelsMorning: Set off along the A26, crossing the rolling fields of Hauts‑de‑France. The journey includes a short toll break near Saint‑Quentin.
Afternoon: Reach Reims and visit the magnificent Notre‑Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned. A quick tour of a nearby Champagne cellar (family‑friendly tasting) adds sparkle to the day.
Evening: Dine in the historic centre and stay at a cosy boutique hotel, letting the kids stretch their legs in the nearby Parc de la Patte d’Oie.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Reims and travel through the Champagne vineyards, stopping for a coffee in a small village before crossing into the Grand Est region.
Afternoon: Arrive in Nancy to admire the elegant Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage square, and explore the surrounding arcades with ice‑cream for the child.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner of Alsatian specialties and settle into a family‑run guesthouse.
Find HotelsMorning: Head south on the A31 and A35, crossing into Switzerland via Basel’s border crossing; remember to have a Swiss motorway vignette ready.
Afternoon: In Basel, visit the striking Basel Minster and the quirky Tinguely Museum, which delights children with kinetic sculptures.
Evening: Stroll along the Rhine promenade, then stay at a centrally located hotel with easy access to public transport.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive through the picturesque Swiss countryside toward Lucerne, enjoying views of the Alps and lakes.
Afternoon: Explore Lucerne’s iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) and the poignant Lion Monument, both perfect photo stops for the family.
Evening: Sample Swiss fondue at a traditional restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable family hotel by the lake.
Find HotelsMorning: Cross the Alps via the A2 and A9, pausing at a scenic overlook in the Gotthard Pass for a quick stretch.
Afternoon: Arrive in Milan and marvel at the towering Duomo di Milano. A brief walk through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II provides shopping and snack options.
Evening: Enjoy a classic Italian pizza dinner and stay in a family‑oriented apartment in the city centre.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for the Ligurian coast, driving the scenic A7 and then the coastal SS1.
Afternoon: Reach the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre; explore Monterosso Beach for a relaxing seaside break and wander the pastel streets of Vernazza.
Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront trattoria and stay overnight in a family‑run B&B in Monterosso.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive north along the coast to Pisa, stopping at the world‑famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and its surrounding Campo dei Miracoli.
Afternoon: Continue inland to Siena, where the Piazza del Campo invites a leisurely stroll, and the stunning Siena Cathedral offers a glimpse of medieval architecture.
Evening: Enjoy a Tuscan dinner of ribollita and stay in a countryside agriturismo outside Siena.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for Rome on the A1, taking a brief stop at the historic town of Orvieto for a quick coffee.
Afternoon: Arrive in Rome and explore the iconic Colosseum and the nearby Roman Forum, with an audio guide suitable for children.
Evening: Wander the lively Trastevere neighbourhood, sample gelato, and settle into a centrally located family hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Leave Rome heading east to the Umbrian town of Spolento (Spoleto), where the Spoleto Cathedral and the ancient Roman Theatre await.
Afternoon: Continue to Florence, visiting the world‑renowned Uffizi Gallery (pre‑booked tickets) and the romantic Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Evening: Dine on Florentine steak and stay in a family‑friendly hotel near the Arno River.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel north to Bologna, strolling through the bustling Piazza Maggiore and climbing the iconic Towers of Bologna for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Head east to Lake Garda, stopping at the enchanting Sirmione Castle and taking a short boat ride on the lake.
Evening: Enjoy a lakeside dinner of fresh fish, then relax in a lakeshore resort suitable for families.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the long drive back north, retracing the route through the Alps via the A4 and A7, with a quick coffee stop in Milan.
Afternoon: Continue through France, pausing in Reims for a brief lunch and a final look at the Notre‑Dame de Reims Cathedral.
Evening: Cross the Channel once more and arrive back in Long Stratton, ending the adventure with fond memories and plenty of photos.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra day in Tuscany to explore the Val d'Orcia or visit the medieval town of San Gimignano. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the return leg through Bologna and Lake Garda, heading straight back to France from Florence, which saves two travel days while still covering the main highlights.