9-Day Affordable Family Road Trip: Milan, Florence & Grindelwald

Day 1: Arrive in Milan

Milan, Italy

10:00AM

Check-in at accommodation

Start your adventure by checking into a budget-friendly family hotel in central Milan.
Drive from the Milan Malpensa Airport to your hotel in the city center.
EUR100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Spontini

Grab a quick and delicious slice of pizza at this local favorite before heading out to explore.
Short drive or walk from your hotel.
EUR30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan’s iconic cathedral and, if time permits, climb onto the rooftop for panoramic views.
A short walk from the restaurant.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Wander through Italy's oldest shopping mall and let the kids enjoy the atmosphere and window displays.
Stroll from the Duomo.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Boccino

Enjoy a budget-friendly family dinner in a cozy atmosphere, featuring traditional Milanese dishes.
Drive or take local transit from the Galleria.
EUR60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panificio Pattini

Start your day with fresh pastries and espresso at this local bakery.
A short drive or walk.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sforza Castle

Visit this stunning medieval castle and explore its beautiful grounds and museums.
Drive to Sforza Castle.
EUR10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try the famous panzerotti, a type of savory pastry, at this popular street food spot.
Short drive/walk from the castle.
EUR40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Discover Italian art in this renowned gallery, where kids can enjoy the art while browsing together.
Drive to the gallery.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping and Gelato in Navigli District

Stroll along the picturesque canals, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in gelato from a local shop.
Drive to the Navigli District.
EUR20 (Gelato), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy authentic Milanese cuisine in a family-friendly setting to wrap up your day.
Short drive from Navigli.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Florence

Hit the road for a scenic 3-hour drive to Florence, taking in the Tuscan landscapes along the way.
Follow the A1 highway.
EUR50 (gas), 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at accommodation in Florence

Settle into a budget hotel or guesthouse for your stay in Florence.
Drive from where you park.
EUR90, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at All’ Antico Vinaio

Savor a famous Florentine sandwich, perfect for families on the go!
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Piazza della Signoria

Take photos and relax in the lively piazza, home to impressive sculptures and beautiful buildings.
Short walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Palazzo Vecchio

Dive into history by exploring this iconic palazzo, adjacent to Piazza della Signoria.
A short walk from the piazza.
EUR12, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

End your day with hearty Tuscan dishes in this bustling trattoria, popular with locals.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Florence Adventures

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Gilli

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast of coffee and pastry at this historic café.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Immerse yourselves in Renaissance art at one of the most famous galleries in the world.
Short walk from breakfast.
EUR12 (under 18 free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore this vibrant market and sample street food as a family, perfect for pickiness!
Walk to the market.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Challenge the family to climb the famous dome, rewarding yourselves with unbeatable views.
Walk to the church.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Piazza del Duomo Exploration

Enjoy gelato and people-watch at this vibrant square where the Cathedral is located.
Short walk from the Duomo.
EUR15 (gelato), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Taste authentic Tuscan dishes in a warm family environment.
Short walk to the restaurant.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Florence to Vineyards

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with breakfast at your accommodation before a day trip.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Chianti Region

Spend a leisurely day driving through the beautiful Chianti vineyards and olive groves.
Drive towards Chianti, about 30 minutes.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

10:00AM

Wine Tasting (Family Friendly)

Visit a family-friendly vineyard for a wine tasting paired with local snacks while kids enjoy local juices.
Drive to selected winery.
EUR50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Enoteca Tognoni

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring typical Tuscan dishes with views of the vineyard.
Drive back to the village.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Castellina in Chianti Village

Explore this charming village with cute shops and views of the surrounding countryside.
Short drive in Chianti.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence in time for a colorful sunset.
Drive back.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria 4 Leoni

End your day with a meal at a cozy restaurant known for its pasta dishes.
Walk to the restaurant.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Florence before departure.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Grindelwald

Prepare for a beautiful 6-hour drive to Grindelwald, crossing into Switzerland and enjoying stunning alpine views.
Follow the A1 highway.
EUR80 (gas and tolls), 6 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at accommodation in Grindelwald

Settle into a delightful budget-friendly hotel in this spectacular mountain village.
Drive to accommodation.
EUR120, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Grindelwald Village

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village and admire breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Walk around the village.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant C und M

Treat your family to a wonderful dinner featuring classic Swiss dishes to kickstart the mountain experience.
Walk from the village center.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Winter Adventure in Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before a day of fun.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skiing or Sledding

Hit the slopes for skiing or try a fun family outing on the sledding paths available for all ages!
Short drive to the ski area.
EUR200 (equipment rental and passes), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Berggasthaus First

Warm up with lunch at this mountainside restaurant after your adventures.
At the ski area.
EUR70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Grindelwald's First Cliff Walk

Experience breathtaking views from the suspension bridge overlooking the stunning landscape.
Return to the gondola for the cliff walk.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel to Rest

Take some time to relax and refresh after your exciting day outdoors.
Drive back to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Alpenglow

The perfect end to your day with a cozy dinner in a charming setting that welcomes families.
Drive or walk from your hotel.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: More Grindelwald Wonders

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another hearty breakfast to prepare for the adventures ahead.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jungfraujoch

Take a day trip to the 'Top of Europe' via train for an unforgettable family experience!
Take the train from Grindelwald.
EUR150 (train tickets), 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Enjoy a warm lunch at the highest railway station in Europe while surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
On-site at Jungfraujoch.
EUR70, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ice Palace

Walk through the fascinating Ice Palace filled with incredible ice sculptures.
On-site at Jungfraujoch.
EUR20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Grindelwald

Ride the train back to Grindelwald and relax after a fulfilling day.
Take the return train.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Grindelwalderhof

End your trip with a splendid dinner in this quaint restaurant before preparing to head back to Milan.
Walk or drive from the train station.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast in Grindelwald before setting off on your journey home.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Milan

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Milan, reflecting on your extraordinary trip.
Follow the same route back.
EUR80 (gas and tolls), 6 hours

3:00PM

Return rental car

Finalize your trip by returning your rental car at Milan Malpensa Airport.
Drive to the airport.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure from Milan

Head home, cherishing the incredible family experiences shared during your adventure.
N/A
Free, N/A
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