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

Day 1: Arrive in Florence

Florence, Italy

9:00AM

Arrival at MXP Airport

Welcome to Italy! Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and collect your rental car.
Pick up your rental car at the airport.
EUR200 (for rental car), 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive to Podere Vignola

Enjoy the scenic drive through Tuscany on your way to Podere Vignola.
Follow the A1 highway to Florence.
EUR30 (gas), 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Podere Vignola

Settle into your beautiful, family-friendly accommodation surrounded by nature.
Drive to Podere Vignola.
EUR150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at All’ Antico Vinaio

Grab a delicious Florentine sandwich at this popular spot in the city.
Drive into Florence's city center.
EUR30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Piazza della Signoria

Take photos and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this historic square.
Short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Palazzo Vecchio

Dive into history by visiting this iconic palace adjacent to the piazza.
Very short walk.
EUR12, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy hearty Tuscan dishes in a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere.
A short walk from Palazzo Vecchio.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Florence Discovery

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Gilli

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at this historic café.
Drive into the city center from your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Immerse yourself in Renaissance art at this famous art museum.
A short walk from breakfast.
EUR12 (under 18 free), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample various street foods and local delicacies in this vibrant market.
A brief walk from the Uffizi.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Climb the Duomo

Challenge the family to climb the famous dome for breathtaking views of Florence.
Short walk to the Duomo.
EUR20, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Piazza del Duomo

Enjoy gelato and people-watch at this vibrant square by the Cathedral.
Right outside the Duomo.
EUR15 (gelato), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Wrap up the day with authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy setting.
A short drive from Piazza del Duomo.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Florence Highlights

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at Podere Vignola.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Accademia Gallery

See Michelangelo's David and delve into Renaissance art.
Drive to the gallery.
EUR12, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Boboli Gardens

Explore these stunning gardens and enjoy a picnic atmosphere.
A short drive from the Accademia.
EUR10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Gino

Delight in authentic pizza in a laid-back restaurant.
Drive back towards the city center.
EUR30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across this famous medieval bridge and check out the jewelry shops.
A short drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria La Carraia

Get some of the best gelato in Florence as a special afternoon treat.
Walk from the bridge.
EUR10, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria All’Antico Vinaio

End the day with more delectable local dishes served in a family-friendly atmosphere.
A short drive from gelato shop.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Experiences in Florence

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a new day with breakfast at Podere Vignola.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day Trip to Pisa

Take a short drive to Pisa and marvel at the Leaning Tower and the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.
Drive about 1 hour to Pisa.
EUR50 (gas), 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Allow the whole family to enjoy climbing the famous tower.
Walk from the parking area.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria da Bruno

Enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal at a charming local trattoria.
Short walk from the tower.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Pisa’s Historic Center

Stroll through the historical streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Walk around the area.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Florence

Drive back while cherishing a day filled with discoveries.
Drive back to Florence.
EUR50 (gas), 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Tito

Wrap up the day with more Tuscan specialties served in a rustic setting.
A short drive or walk from your hotel.
EUR50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Florence before heading to Switzerland.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Grindelwald

Hit the road for a beautiful 6-hour drive to Grindelwald, soaking in the scenic views.
Follow the A1 highway.
EUR80 (gas and tolls), 6 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at accommodation in Grindelwald

Arrive at a charming, budget-friendly hotel in this picturesque mountain village.
Drive to your accommodation.
EUR120, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Grindelwald Village

Take a leisurely stroll around the village and immerse yourselves in its stunning scenery.
Walk around the village.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant C und M

End your day with a delightful dinner featuring classic Swiss dishes.
Walk from the village center.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Winter Adventure in Grindelwald

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to start your adventures.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skiing or Sledding

Enjoy a day of skiing or sledding on the family-friendly slopes available in Grindelwald.
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 activities.
At the ski area.
EUR70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Grindelwald's First Cliff Walk

Experience breathtaking views from the famous suspension bridge.
Return via gondola.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel to Rest

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

6:30PM

Dinner at Alpenglow

Savor a cozy dinner at this lovely restaurant surrounded by stunning views.
Drive or walk from your hotel.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: More Grindelwald Wonders

Grindelwald, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another hearty meal to prepare for a new day.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jungfraujoch

Embark on a memorable journey to the 'Top of Europe' for stunning views and experiences.
Take the train from Grindelwald.
EUR150 (train tickets), 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Jungfraujoch Restaurant

Enjoy a warm family meal surrounded by magnificent snow-capped peaks.
On-site at Jungfraujoch.
EUR70, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ice Palace

Visit the fascinating Ice Palace filled with intricate ice sculptures.
On-site at Jungfraujoch.
EUR20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Grindelwald

Take the train back to Grindelwald and wind down after a fantastic day.
Train back.
N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Grindelwalderhof

Conclude your stay with a delightful dinner in this charming restaurant.
Walk or drive from the train station.
EUR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a final breakfast in Grindelwald before heading to Milan.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Milan

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

3:00PM

Check-in at accommodation in Milan

Settle into a budget-friendly hotel for your stay in the cosmopolitan city.
Drive to your hotel.
EUR100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Wander through this stunning arcade and enjoy some window shopping.
Drive or walk from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Spontini

Experience Milanese-style pizza in a casual family setting.
Short walk from Galleria.
EUR30, 1 hour
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Day 9: Milan Exploration

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore.
N/A
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Duomo di Milano

Marvel at the spectacular Gothic architecture and consider climbing the rooftop.
Short drive or walk from your hotel.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Milanese

Enjoy authentic Lombard cuisine in a homey and welcoming environment.
A short walk from the Duomo.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore this remarkable castle with beautiful gardens and museums to discover.
Drive to the castle.
EUR10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Shopping on Via Montenapoleone

Experience high-end shopping and window displays on Milan's famous fashion street.
Short drive or walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Osteria Boccino

Enjoy a family-friendly dining experience with traditional Italian dishes.
Drive back to the hotel area.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Final Stroll at Navigli District

Take a leisurely evening stroll along the canals and reflect on your journey.
Drive or walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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