Leave Birmingham around 06:00 via the M40, M25 and M20, allowing roughly 3–3½ hours before traffic and the Eurotunnel check-in. With two teenagers, pack breakfast and drinks for the car, and book a Eurotunnel Le Shuttle departure with plenty of margin—arrive at least 60 minutes before check-in, and preferably 90 minutes in August. Keep passports, driving documents, insurance details and the booking confirmation accessible rather than in the boot.
After checking in, head into Folkestone for a short break at Folkestone Harbour Arm. It is an easy place to stretch your legs beside the sea, with independent food stalls and harbour views; allow about an hour and expect approximately £10–15 per person for a casual lunch. Parking is available around the harbour and town centre, though spaces fill quickly on summer weekends. Check the Harbour Arm’s current stall and opening times before travelling, as individual traders vary.
Take your mid-afternoon Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossing from Folkestone to Calais. The train itself takes about 35 minutes, but allow time for check-in, passport controls and unloading. Once in France, drive into Calais—roughly 15 minutes from the terminal—and spend an hour walking along Calais Beach and the seafront towards the Calais Lighthouse. It is a useful, low-effort stop after the crossing, with room for the boys to run around and plenty of cafés for an ice cream or drink. For dinner, choose a well-reviewed brasserie in central Calais, budgeting around €20–35 per person; stay near the centre or waterfront for a more pleasant evening than eating beside the motorway.
Aim to leave Calais around 18:00 and take the A26 south towards an overnight stop near Reims, allowing approximately two hours without a long break. This is deliberately not a full drive to Switzerland: stopping around Reims keeps tomorrow’s journey manageable and avoids arriving exhausted. Choose a family hotel with secure or enclosed parking, ideally near the A26 rather than in central Reims, and confirm late check-in before booking. Refuel before leaving Calais or at a service area, and remember that French motorway fuel is usually pricier than supermarket stations in nearby towns.
Leave the Reims area around 07:00 for the drive to Interlaken, allowing 7–8 hours including fuel, toilet and food stops. The practical route is A26/A6/A40/A41 via Geneva; check ViaMichelin before leaving, particularly for August traffic around Lyon, Annecy and the Geneva border. Make sure the car has a Swiss motorway vignette before joining Swiss motorways—buy it online through the official Swiss e-vignette service or at a border petrol station. Keep passports, driving licences and vehicle documents accessible, as you may encounter checks at the France–Switzerland border.
Break the journey at Lausanne or Montreux for about 1½ hours. Montreux is the easier family stop: park near Montreux Riviera and walk along the flower-lined lakefront towards the Marché Couvert, with views across Lake Geneva and towards the mountains. For a quick lunch, pick up sandwiches or salads from Fleur de Pains; for something more substantial, La Rouvenaz has a broad menu and a relaxed lakeside setting. Keep this stop light rather than lingering over a long meal—the final drive through the Valais and around the Lake Thun area can still take several hours.
After arriving in Interlaken, check in and leave the car at your accommodation if possible; central parking is limited and expensive, commonly around CHF 2–3 per hour or CHF 15–25 for a day. If you reach Interlaken Ost before roughly 17:00, take the Harderbahn funicular up to Harder Kulm. The ride takes only about 10 minutes, but allow around two hours for queues, the viewpoint and the return journey. From the platform, you get the classic outlook over Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the Jungfrau massif. Check the last descent and current operating times on the Harderbahn website before setting off; August queues can be significant, so do not leave this until the final departure.
Walk from Interlaken Ost into the centre via Höheweg, the town’s main promenade, in roughly 15 minutes. Continue through Höhematte, where paragliders often land and the mountains open up dramatically ahead; it is a pleasant 45-minute wander without adding another demanding activity. Finish at Hüsi Bierhaus on Hauptstrasse, a casual choice that works well with teenagers, serving burgers, Swiss dishes and local beer alongside soft drinks. Allow approximately CHF 25–45 per person, and reserve or arrive early for dinner in August.
Start at Interlaken West for the Lake Thun boat cruise, ideally on a sailing around 09:00–09:30. The full outing takes about 2½ hours, and the slow passage across the lake is the best way to appreciate the mountains without packing in another hike. Check the BLS Lake Thun timetable the evening before, as boats are less frequent than trains; arrive 15 minutes early and bring water, sun cream and a light layer. A family day pass or regional travel pass can reduce the cost, but otherwise allow roughly CHF 35–70 per adult depending on the ticket and discounts. On arrival in Thun, walk from the landing stage into the centre in about 10 minutes.
Visit Thun Castle first, before lunch crowds build. Allow around 1½ hours for the museum and towers; the castle usually opens from approximately 10:00 to 17:00 in summer, with admission commonly around CHF 10–15 for adults and less for teenagers. The stairways and rooftop views are particularly good for the boys, though the upper tower can feel tight. From there, wander through Thun old town, following the covered arcades and raised pavements around Obere Hauptgasse and Untere Hauptgasse. Keep lunch relaxed here for about an hour—Restaurant Rössli is a dependable traditional option, while Mani’s works well for something quicker. Reserve if you want a sit-down table, especially on a Sunday in August.
Take a train back towards Interlaken Ost, then continue by bus toward St. Beatus Caves; allow roughly 35–45 minutes each way, or drive if you have the car, using the lakeside road and the cave car park. The cave paths and waterfall scenery make a cooler, atmospheric contrast to the boat trip; allow two hours, wear proper shoes and expect damp surfaces. Summer opening is generally around 09:30–18:00, but check the official timetable before setting out, and budget approximately CHF 15–20 per adult with reduced youth fares. Return to Interlaken for dinner at Restaurant Laterne, a cosy old-town choice for rösti, sausages and other Swiss dishes; expect around CHF 30–50 per person. Book ahead for a family table, and leave room for an early night—the following day’s Lauterbrunnen outing is best started in the morning.
Take a morning train from Interlaken via Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, allowing around 20–25 minutes. Aim to arrive by 09:00, before the valley becomes busiest. From the station, walk into Lauterbrunnen Valley and follow the mostly level valley-floor path beneath the sheer cliffs; allow roughly two hours at an easy pace, with plenty of pauses for photographs. The walk is straightforward for teenagers, but bring water and sun protection—shade is limited in places. A short uphill detour from the village leads to Staubbach Falls, where the path and viewpoint take about 45 minutes; the waterfall is usually most impressive earlier in the day.
Continue farther along the valley to Trümmelbach Falls, around 35–45 minutes on foot from Lauterbrunnen; buses also run along the valley if you want to save energy. The entrance is generally open from around 08:30 to 18:00 in summer and costs approximately CHF 16–18 for adults, with reduced prices for children. Inside, lifts, tunnels and stairways reveal the glacial waterfalls thundering through the mountain—wear shoes with good grip, and expect spray and damp surfaces. Return to Lauterbrunnen for the cable car to Grütschalp, followed by the mountain railway to Mürren. Allow about three hours to wander this car-free village, browse its flower-filled lanes and enjoy views towards the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; check the cable-car timetable before setting off, as the last connections back are important.
Return to Lauterbrunnen and have dinner at Hotel Oberland, a relaxed choice close to the station with Swiss and international dishes, typically CHF 25–45 per person. Booking is sensible in August, particularly for a table for four. If the family still has energy, take a gentle post-dinner stroll through the village rather than adding another excursion; the cliffs and waterfalls are particularly atmospheric as the valley quietens down.
Leave Lauterbrunnen around 08:30 and drive via the Brünig Pass and A8 to Lucerne, allowing roughly 1½–1¾ hours. Park at Parkhaus Altstadt or Parkhaus Bahnhof, both convenient for the old town and Bahnhofquai; August spaces fill quickly, so check availability before setting off. Walk first to Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower, Lucerne’s essential introduction. Allow about 45 minutes for the bridge, river views and photographs, but remember that the wooden bridge is open-air and can be slippery in wet weather.
Continue into Lucerne Old Town, wandering through the lanes around Hirschenplatz and Weinmarkt to see the painted façades and small independent shops. Then visit the Jesuit Church on the Reuss, whose ornate interior is a cool, quiet break from the summer crowds; entry is generally free, though donations are welcome. Allow around 1½ hours for this relaxed circuit. For a quick lunch, pick up something from Confiserie Bachmann near the station or old town—sandwiches, pastries and cold drinks are easy with teenagers—then walk a few minutes along the river to Bahnhofquai.
Take an afternoon Lake Lucerne cruise from Bahnhofquai, ideally one lasting two to three hours. Check the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) timetable that morning, as sailings vary by date and some boats are busy in August; arrive 15–20 minutes early for seats on the open upper deck. The cruise is the day’s slower, scenic section, with excellent views towards Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi without needing another mountain excursion. Fares vary by route, but expect roughly CHF 25–60 per adult depending on the sailing and class, with reductions often available for children or Swiss travel cards.
After returning to the quay, stroll along the Reuss to Restaurant Mill’Feuille, beside the river. It is a good family choice for a relaxed dinner, with burgers, salads, vegetarian dishes and lighter options at approximately CHF 25–45 per person. Reserve ahead for four in August, particularly for an outdoor table, and ask for a riverside seat if available. From there, it is a short walk back through the old town to the car park; allow extra time if you have parked at Parkhaus Bahnhof, as the pedestrian route and evening traffic around the station can be busy.
Leave Lucerne around 08:00 for St. Moritz, allowing 4½–5½ hours of driving before stops. The route follows the A2 toward Göschenen, then the mountain roads through Andermatt and over Oberalp Pass before joining the A13 toward Thusis and the Engadin. Check TCS road conditions before setting off: the pass can close temporarily after bad weather, and August traffic can slow the approach to the Gotthard area. Keep water and snacks in the car, and confirm your St. Moritz accommodation has reserved parking—street parking is limited and expensive.
Break the journey in Andermatt, a good-sized alpine village where the family can stretch their legs for an hour. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with cafés and bakeries around Gotthardstrasse; Restaurant Toutoune is a relaxed choice for pizza, pasta and generous lunches, while Gasthaus zum Sternen offers more traditional Swiss dishes. Expect roughly CHF 20–35 per person for lunch. From Andermatt, allow about 30–40 minutes to reach the summit area of Oberalp Pass. Stop at the viewpoint near the pass road for photographs of the stark high-mountain landscape; bring jackets even in August, as the summit sits above 2,000 metres and can feel distinctly chilly.
Continue toward Thusis for the Via Mala Gorge, one of the most memorable roadside stops in Graubünden. From the car park, the signed route leads down to viewing platforms above the narrow gorge; allow about an hour, including the stairway sections. The entrance fee is usually around CHF 6–8 for adults, with reduced prices for children, and sturdy shoes are sensible because the surfaces can be damp. Afterward, continue through the Rhine valley toward St. Moritz, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in, leave the car parked, and wander around St. Moritz Dorf rather than trying to drive between sights—the centre is compact but hilly, with excellent views over Lake St. Moritz from the lakeside paths.
For dinner, reserve at Chesa Veglia, the historic restaurant complex in St. Moritz Dorf. Its wood-panelled rooms and old farmhouse atmosphere make it a fitting first evening in the Engadin, with Swiss specialities alongside Italian dishes; budget approximately CHF 35–60 per person before drinks. August tables fill quickly, so book ahead and request a family-friendly table. After dinner, take a short walk along Via Maistra and the quiet lanes above the lake; sunset light over the surrounding peaks is often the best introduction to St. Moritz.
Take the short drive from St. Moritz to Punt Muragl, following the road towards Pontresina; allow about 10–15 minutes, plus time to find parking near the funicular station. Ride the Muottas Muragl funicular up to the mountain terrace, ideally arriving around 09:00. The views over the Upper Engadin lakes are exceptional in the clear morning light, and the family-friendly panorama paths give the teenagers space to stretch their legs without committing to a serious mountain hike. Allow roughly three hours here, including the ride, photographs and a drink or snack at the mountain restaurant. Return on the funicular and drive towards Staz Lake, parking near the lakeside access; fares are usually around CHF 35–45 per adult return, with reductions often available for children and Swiss travel passes.
Walk around Staz Lake, a calm forest-fringed spot between St. Moritz and Pontresina. The circuit is mostly easy and takes around 45–60 minutes, though you can linger longer for a picnic or, if conditions are suitable, a swim from the designated lakeside area. Bring food from St. Moritz, as the choice immediately around the lake is limited and August afternoons can be busy. Continue by car or on foot along the valley route to Pontresina, where an hour is enough to wander the historic centre, particularly Via Maistra, with its traditional Engadin houses, painted façades and mountain views. Keep the afternoon moving rather than trying to see every side street: the next stop is the more open Morteratsch Glacier trail, reached by driving about 15 minutes from Pontresina to the Morteratsch railway-station area, where paid parking is available.
Follow the marked trail towards the glacier for around two hours at a comfortable family pace. The path is straightforward but rocky in places, so trainers with decent grip are preferable; the full route to the viewpoint is roughly 2.5–3 km each way, and you can turn back earlier if the boys have had enough. Read the dated glacier markers along the way—they make the retreat of the ice surprisingly tangible. Check the weather before leaving St. Moritz, as cloud can obscure the glacier and afternoon thunderstorms are possible; allow extra time for parking in August.
Drive back to St. Moritz for dinner at La Stalla, a relaxed rustic restaurant known for pizzas and pasta. Book ahead for a family table, especially if you want to eat around 19:00–19:30, and expect approximately CHF 25–45 per person before drinks. It is a good place to keep the evening uncomplicated after a full day outdoors. If you still have energy afterwards, take a gentle stroll along Via Maistra or the nearby lakefront rather than adding another formal attraction; sunset light over the surrounding peaks is often the best final view of the day.
Leave St. Moritz around 08:00 for Como, allowing four to five hours of driving plus stops. Take the route via Silvaplana, Julier Pass and Tiefencastel, then continue over Maloja Pass towards the Italian border. This is a beautiful but properly alpine drive: expect narrow bends, cyclists, and slower traffic behind coaches, so keep the schedule loose. Check TCS road conditions before leaving and make sure your Swiss motorway vignette is valid; the route itself is mainly pass roads rather than motorways.
Pause at the Maloja Pass viewpoint for about 30 minutes. The small pull-offs around Maloja give wide views back towards the Engadin lakes and down into the Bregaglia Valley; early morning is usually clearer and cooler than later in the day. Keep jackets handy even in August, as the pass is over 1,800 metres.
Continue downhill to Chiavenna, where you can leave the car in one of the public car parks near the centre and spend around 90 minutes exploring the pedestrian streets, stone lanes and small squares. Have lunch at Crotto Ombra, a traditional local restaurant built into the hillside, or Crotto al Prato if you prefer a more rustic setting. Look for local specialities such as pizzoccheri, bresaola and bitto cheese; a family lunch will generally come to around €20–35 per person. Most kitchens serve lunch roughly from 12:00 to 14:00, so avoid arriving too late.
After lunch, drive about 10 minutes north to the Acquafraggia Waterfalls near Piuro. The lower viewing area is easy to reach, while the paths above offer better perspectives if everyone is wearing proper shoes. Allow around an hour, but take care on wet rocks and do not swim beneath the falls. In August, this stop is especially refreshing before the final descent towards Lake Como.
After checking into your accommodation in Como, leave the car parked and walk towards the lakeside promenade. A relaxed one-hour stroll around Piazza Cavour, Lungolago Mafalda di Savoia and the harbour is ideal after the long drive; the light is particularly pleasant in the early evening, and there are plenty of gelato stops along the way. If you arrive before dinner, wander through the lanes around Via Vittorio Emanuele II, but remember that shops often close for a midday break and reopen later in the afternoon.
Book ahead for dinner at Osteria del Gallo in the old town, especially with four people in August. It is a good choice for traditional Como cooking rather than a formal tourist meal; expect approximately €30–50 per person depending on drinks and courses. Reserve for around 19:30–20:00, then take a final stroll through the old town, where the streets are liveliest after the heat of the day has eased.
Start in Como’s historic centre around 08:30, before the streets and ferry terminals become crowded. Begin at Como Cathedral, on Piazza del Duomo; allow about an hour to see the Gothic façade, Renaissance interior and colourful stained glass. From here, walk through the pedestrianised centre towards the lakeshore and the Brunate funicular station on Piazza Alcide de Gasperi. The ride takes only a few minutes, but queues can build in August, so buy tickets early—roughly €6–8 return per person. At the top, take a relaxed walk around Brunate, following the viewpoints and quiet residential lanes for broad views over the city and Lake Como. Wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops, as some paths are steep and uneven.
Return by funicular and browse the Como market and surrounding old-town streets, allowing around 1½ hours for food stalls and lunch. For a casual stop, look for local cheeses, cured meats, fruit and focaccia to share; Piazza San Fedele and Via Olginati are good nearby streets for a wander after eating. Then walk back to the waterfront and take a ferry to Bellagio. Check the current timetable at Navigazione Laghi before setting out—the crossing time varies by service, and return boats can become busy in August. Allow roughly three hours in total for the ferry journey, lakeside lanes and gardens. In Bellagio, wander Salita Serbelloni, browse the small shops, and follow the waterfront towards Punta di Bellagio; keep an eye on the return time, as services become less frequent later in the day.
Return to Como and take a taxi or drive along the lakeside road to Cernobbio for dinner at Trattoria del Glicine. It is a more polished choice but still suitable for a family, with dinner typically around €35–60 per person. Reserve ahead for an August evening and mention that you are travelling with two teenagers. If driving, allow extra time for the narrow lakeside roads and ask the restaurant about nearby parking; alternatively, a taxi avoids the hassle after the ferry. Expect the day to run until around 20:30–21:00, so keep the Bellagio visit flexible rather than trying to fit in another attraction.
Leave Como around 08:00 for Sirmione, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours rather than relying on the nominal motorway time. Take the A9 and A4 east towards Brescia, checking live traffic before joining the A4; August queues around Milan, Brescia and the Lake Garda exits can be substantial. Continue to the peninsula car parks outside Sirmione’s historic centre—Parcheggio Monte Baldo is convenient but fills early, while larger car parks farther back may involve a 10–15-minute walk or local shuttle. Do not try to drive into the old town itself, where access is restricted.
Walk through the narrow centre to Scaligero Castle, the exceptionally well-preserved medieval fortress at the water’s edge. Allow about 1½ hours, including the climb onto the battlements for the best views across the southern lake. In summer, arrive as soon as possible after opening—typically around 08:30–09:00, though confirm the exact August schedule and ticket prices on the official museum website. Family admission is usually cheaper than four individual adult tickets, and the staircases are steep, so bring water and avoid carrying large backpacks.
After the castle, spend an hour along the Sirmione lakeside promenade, wandering beyond the busiest central lanes towards the quieter northern end of the peninsula. You can pause for a swim at Jamaica Beach if conditions and time allow, but treat it as a rocky lakeshore rather than a sandy beach—proper water shoes are useful. For lunch, stay near the old town and choose a simple lake fish, pasta or piadina rather than committing to a long meal; prices rise noticeably beside the main landing stage. Leave Sirmione by about 14:00–14:30 and rejoin the A4/A22 towards Rovereto, then take the approach road north to Riva del Garda, allowing 1½–2 hours with traffic. Ask your accommodation in advance about a reserved space, since central parking is limited and much of Riva is pedestrianised.
Once checked in, walk into Riva del Garda’s centre and follow the waterfront around Piazza III Novembre and the harbour, where the evening light catches the cliffs above the lake. This is an easy, relaxed hour after the driving day, with plenty of space for the boys to browse the gelato shops and watch the windsurfers. For dinner, Al Volt in the old town is a particularly good choice for traditional Trentino cooking in a historic setting; reserve ahead for four, especially in August, and expect roughly €30–50 per person depending on wine and courses. If the restaurant’s fixed opening hours include a midweek closure or the kitchen is full, check before setting out rather than relying on a walk-in.
Be at Riva del Garda harbour around 08:30–08:45 for the first practical boat south to Malcesine. The crossing takes roughly an hour, depending on the service, and is far more enjoyable than driving the eastern shore in August traffic. Check the day’s Navigazione Laghi timetable before leaving—services can be less frequent than expected—and arrive early enough to buy tickets and board together. Take water, sunscreen and hats: the open deck becomes hot quickly, even with the breeze.
On arrival, walk straight into Malcesine’s compact centre and visit Scaliger Castle. Allow about 90 minutes for the tower, courtyards and lake-facing viewpoints; the castle involves steps and uneven stone, so sensible shoes are worthwhile. It generally opens from around 09:00, with seasonal hours and admission commonly around €6–€8 per person. The castle is busiest late morning, so keep moving through the first rooms and save the panoramic battlements for when the initial crowds thin.
From Malcesine centre, follow signs to the Monte Baldo cable car station—about a 10-minute walk from the castle. In August, buy or reserve timed tickets online if available, as queues can be lengthy and cabins may sell out around midday. The ride takes you from the lake to cooler alpine terrain; allow roughly three hours for the return journey and a short walk at the top. Choose one of the marked viewpoints rather than attempting a long hike in the afternoon heat, and bring a light layer because the summit can feel surprisingly cool.
Back in Malcesine old town, spend an unhurried hour wandering the narrow lanes around the harbour and browsing small craft and clothing shops. This is a good point for gelato—La Dolce Vita is a popular local-style stop near the centre—or a cold drink before returning to the harbour. Check the return boat time as soon as you arrive; late-afternoon departures are limited, and the final sailing may be earlier than expected. Aim to board back to Riva del Garda around 16:30–17:30, leaving a little margin for queues.
After returning to Riva del Garda, walk back through the centre rather than moving the car; the lakeside streets are pleasant in the evening and parking is awkward at dinner time. Book Bella Napoli ahead for a family table, particularly on a Sunday in August. Expect casual pizza and pasta at approximately €18–€30 per person, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to teenagers. Finish with a lakeside stroll near the harbour, but keep the evening easy—the boat, castle steps and mountain air make this a full day without adding another major attraction.
Leave Riva del Garda around 07:30 for the drive north via the A22 Bolzano and Merano, then continue over the mountain roads towards the Reschen Pass. Allow 5½–6½ hours overall, including stops; August traffic can build around Bolzano, roadworks and Alpine tunnels, so check A22 and TCS updates before setting off. Keep passports, driving documents and the Swiss motorway vignette accessible, and expect a mixture of Italian motorway and slower mountain roads.
Break the journey in Merano for about 1½ hours. Park near the centre at Parcheggio delle Terme Merano and walk into the old town beneath the covered Merano arcades on Via dei Portici. For lunch, Forsterbräu Merano is a dependable choice for schnitzel, pasta and local beer, while Pur Südtirol is better for a quicker spread of South Tyrolean meats, cheeses and bread. The arcades are pleasant for a short wander, but keep this stop disciplined: the more scenic section of the drive is still ahead.
Continue towards Lake Reschen, allowing extra time for the winding roads and photo stops. At the Reschen Pass, pull into the signed viewpoint near Curon Venosta for the famous submerged church tower of Sanctæ Katharinæ, rising from the lake. The roadside viewpoint takes roughly 30 minutes and is especially memorable in clear weather; it is not a swimming stop, and the lakeside paths can be breezy, so bring a light layer. From here, follow the Engadin route into Switzerland and on to Zürich, with border checks normally straightforward but traffic occasionally slow near Alpine crossings.
After hotel check-in, head into Zürich’s old town for Lindenhof. It is a short walk from the central station area, though the uphill cobbled lanes are easier without large luggage. The terrace gives a compact sunset panorama over the Limmat, the rooftops and Grossmünster; allow about 45 minutes and arrive before dusk, as the viewpoint is open-access rather than a ticketed attraction. Finish with dinner at Zeughauskeller on Bahnhofstrasse, a historic beer hall serving Swiss classics such as rösti, sausages and sliced veal. Expect roughly CHF 25–45 per person; reservations are useful for four people in August, although early evening is generally easier than the 20:00 rush.
Leave Zürich around 07:30 for Reims, following the A1/A3 through Basel, then the A35 and A4 via Strasbourg. Allow 5½–6½ hours of driving in total, including a proper coffee or fuel stop; August traffic can be slow around Basel, Mulhouse and the Strasbourg approaches. Keep passports, vehicle documents and motorway-payment cards handy, and check the route before setting off for any tunnel or roadwork delays.
Aim to reach Strasbourg’s Petite France around lunchtime. Use a central car park such as Parking Austerlitz or Parking Sainte-Marguerite, then walk towards the canals and half-timbered lanes. For lunch, Chez l’Oncle Freddy is casual and teen-friendly, with generous Alsatian dishes, while L’Alsace à Table is a good choice if you want tarte flambée and regional specialities. Allow about 1½ hours for lunch and a compact walk along the Ill beside the covered bridges; this is enough to enjoy the atmosphere without turning the stop into another full sightseeing day.
Continue to Reims on the A4, roughly two hours from Strasbourg depending on traffic, and park at Parking Buirette or Parking Erlon, both convenient for the centre. After checking in, go straight to Reims Cathedral, where the west façade and the enormous nave are the highlights; allow about an hour. Entry to the cathedral is free, though the towers and certain guided areas require separate tickets and may have timed availability. From the cathedral, Rue de Vesle is a pleasant short walk towards the pedestrian centre for an ice cream or coffee before the next booking.
Reserve the Taittinger cellar tour in advance, ideally for mid-afternoon. The visit descends into the historic Gallo-Roman chalk caves and normally lasts around an hour; bring a light layer even in August, as the underground temperature is cool. Arrive 15 minutes early and check the exact tour language and tasting arrangements when booking. The estate is a short taxi ride from central Reims—walking is possible but less appealing after the long drive—and taxis or a pre-booked ride are preferable if the adults will be tasting.
Have dinner at Le Café du Palais, a relaxed classic close to the cathedral, with French dishes and a useful range of lighter options for teenagers. Expect roughly €25–45 per person before drinks; book ahead because August evenings can still be busy. Afterwards, take an easy stroll around Place Drouet-d’Erlon or return to the cathedral to see its illuminated façade. Keep the evening unhurried: tomorrow’s drive to Calais and the Eurotunnel is much easier if you have already fuelled the car and packed before breakfast.
Leave Reims around 07:30 via the A26 for Calais, allowing about 2½ hours before the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle check-in. This is a straightforward final French motorway stretch, but build in time for fuel, toilets and a proper breakfast stop; summer traffic can slow the approach to the terminal. Have passports, booking details and any required travel documents ready, and aim to arrive at least 60 minutes before your booked departure. The crossing itself takes around 35 minutes, with the advantage that everyone can remain in the car.
After disembarking at Folkestone, follow signs into town and spend about an hour at Folkestone Harbour Arm, a relaxed place for a final seaside lunch and leg stretch. The food stalls and small restaurants vary by season, but you’ll usually find fish and chips, burgers, pizza and ice cream, with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the Channel. Walk along the harbour promenade rather than trying to fit in the town centre; it is compact, atmospheric and gives the teenagers a useful break after the crossing. Allow extra time to find parking near the harbour, as spaces become scarce around lunchtime in August.
Set off from Folkestone in the middle of the afternoon, joining the M20 west and then the M25 and M40 towards Birmingham. The drive is roughly 3–4 hours in light traffic, but allow longer for summer congestion around London, the M25 and roadworks. A service-area stop is sensible after about 90 minutes, particularly before the final M40 stretch. You should reach Birmingham in the early evening; unload first, then keep dinner simple at home or choose a nearby local restaurant rather than adding another long journey after the drive.