10-day road trip northern Italy with the family

Looking for a family trip full of fun, water fun and Italian charm, perfect for families who want to explore and relax together? This tour takes you from the sparkling lakes to the heart of Emilia-Romagna. You'll start at Lake Lugano, where you can swim, supp, sail or just laze on the beach. In Lugano, the green Parco Ciani awaits, with playgrounds and cozy spots to picnic by the water. Take the cable elevator to Monte Brè for breathtaking views, stroll along the turquoise waters of Valle Verzasca and discover the charming lakeside village of Gandria. Then travel on to Emilia-Romagna, where you'll explore cities like Bologna, Modena and Ravenna. Think towers to climb, alleys full of stories, colorful mosaics and of course: fresh pasta and the best ice cream ever! And for little speed demons, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello is the icing on the cake. In short, this trip is full of action, variety and family fun!

DAY 1: Departure to Lake Lugano

After a car ride that, let's be honest, wasn't always relaxing with the kids in the back seat, you'll arrive in Porlezza on Lake Lugano. You stay 4 nights in a family room with separate bedroom in a child-friendly hotel near the lake. The ideal base for your first days of vacation. From now on the vacation has really begun!

DAY 2: Lugano and Monte Bre

A short drive of ± 13 km takes you to Lugano, a Swiss town with Italian flair. Stroll through the charming historic center with its narrow streets, stylish boutiques and cozy squares. Enjoy a drink in the lively Piazza della Riforma, the beating heart of the city. Be sure to take a walk through the beautiful Parco Ciani, a lakeside green oasis with palm trees, ancient cedars, flowers, fountains and walkways with benches-ideal for a picnic. Children can have fun on the lawns or in the playground with climbing equipment and slides. Afterwards, you can take the cable car that will take you to Monte Brè in 10 minutes. You will enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, Monte Rosa and the Alps.

DAY 3: Boat ride and Gandria

Today you can enjoy a relaxing day by and on the water. From the hotel beach, you can kayak, paddleboat, snorkel or supp. You can even rent a boat or participate in a boat excursion, including to the caves and to the Swiss Customs Museum. Be sure to give us a call if you like to do this, and we'll be happy to arrange it for you! You can also take the water cab to the most picturesque villages such as Porlezza, with its Saturday market, Osteno, Valsolda and Gandria. A boat and cab service to Lugano is also available. For little ones, the boat tours are extra exciting, as the Pirelli Tour takes them on a treasure hunt while the Ninja Tour explores for hidden turtles. Meanwhile, adults can grab a drink or a bite to eat at the Beach Lounge & Pop Up Restaurant & Prosecco Bar. Insider tip: In Gandria, parking spots are scarce. The water cab is not only more fun, but also the most relaxing choice. Those who enjoy walking can follow a stretch of the car-free path along the lake toward Lugano.

DAY 4: Day trip to Valle Verzasca and Valle Maggia

Just over an hour's drive from the hotel are two breathtaking valleys: the Valle Verzasca, with its turquoise river, its photogenic stone bridge Ponte dei Salti and the 220-meter-high dam from the James Bond film GoldenEye. A must for adventurers and families alike. Children can play safely along the water's edge or explore in mountain villages such as Sonogno. Further on is the Valle Maggia. It is quieter, wider and greener, with impressive waterfalls like Foroglio, idyllic picnic spots and charming villages. Bring water shoes for the river boulders and be mindful of strong currents on hot days; choose play spots at shallow bays and check local advice on water levels locally.

DAY 5:Lake Lugano and on to Emilia-Romagna

After a ± 335 km drive, check in for 5 nights at a family-friendly resort located east of Bologna in a vast park. You'll stay with the family in communicating or family rooms and enjoy the garden with several pools, a playground and wellness and sports facilities. Plan a relaxing afternoon by the pool after the drive; that way you'll start tomorrow's city visits fresh.

DAY 6: Bologna

Cozy Bologna is known for its lively streets, its delicious pasta, its daily markets and its impressive medieval towers. Those who dare to climb the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli will be rewarded with stunning views of the entire city. At the heart of the city is the Piazza Maggiore, where you can enjoy a drink and/or an ice cream as a family. The Giardini Margherita, a large city park with playground and pond, is ideal for an afternoon of rest and play. Bologna's famous portici provide shade on hot days-perfect for strollers and little legs. Get to the tower early or reserve a time slot on site to limit queues.

DAY 7: Modena and the Ferrari museum

Today you can visit Modena, the city of Aceto Balsamico. You will stroll through colorful streets and through cozy squares such as the Piazza Grande, overlooking the imposing cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower. Those who dare can climb the tower and enjoy a magnificent panorama. At the Mercato Albinelli, the smells and colors tantalize your senses as you stroll past stalls selling local delicacies. For car enthusiasts, the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, about 20 kilometers from Modena, is an absolute must. The museum takes you behind the scenes of Ferrari racing, with gleaming cars, interactive displays, racing simulators and temporary exhibitions. Speed, technology and design come together here in a unique experience.

DAY 8: Dozza and Ravenna or Mirabilandia

In the morning you can visit the atmospheric Dozza. This charming medieval village is known for its colorful murals found on almost every house. In the heart of the village stands the impressive Rocca Sforzesca, a well-preserved fortress that you can visit. After lunch continue towards Ravenna, known for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics. Through a walk through the historic center you will visit several buildings where you can admire the beautiful mosaics. Those who prefer to go for fun and action today can take the kids to Mirabilandia. This is one of Italy's largest amusement parks that includes a wild west village, Dinoland with life-size dinosaurs and the new Nickelodeon Land, where children can meet heroes like PAW Patrol and SpongeBob. In Ravenna, many sites are scattered throughout the center; buy your tickets locally at one place and bundle visits, saving time. For Mirabilandia, it's best to work with a clear plan: start at the back of the park and move against the flow.

DAY 9: Parma or Ferrara

Today you can choose between elegant Parma or lesser-known, but atmospheric Ferrara. Parma is known worldwide for its Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, which you can taste in numerous delis. In addition, you will admire the impressive cathedral and the colorful baptistery. In the Parco Ducale there is space to walk, play or just unwind. You can also opt for a trip to Ferrara. This city immediately feels pleasant, especially for families. The eye-catcher is the imposing Castello Estense, the former palace of the powerful Este family, with exciting corridors, old prisons and towers overlooking the city. Around the historic center run the old city walls, on which you can take a leisurely walk or a bike ride. Insider tip: ZTL zones often apply in Italian city centers. Park on the outskirts of the center and walk or take a bike, quieter and more carefree.

DAY 10: Back home

Today you catch the ride home. If you don't feel like doing the ride all at once, you could possibly stay one or more nights at Lake Como or in Alsace, France. Lake Como is ideal for a last splash; Alsace for a relaxing stopover with half-timbered villages and good restaurants.