10 days in Italy with children | Lake Lugano, Bologna & Emilia-Romagna

Day 1: Departure for Lake Lugano

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

Day 2: Lugano and Monte Bre

A short drive of ± 13 km takes you to Lugano, a Swiss city with Italian flair. Stroll through the charming historic centre with its narrow streets, stylish boutiques and cosy 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 green oasis by the lake with palm trees, ancient cedars, flowers, fountains and walking paths with benches, ideal for a picnic. Children can play on the lawns or in the playground with climbing frames and slides. Afterwards, you can take the cable car that will take you to Monte Brè in 10 minutes. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake, Monte Rosa and the Alps.

Day 3: Boat trip and Gandria

Today you can enjoy a relaxing day by and on the water. From the hotel beach you can go kayaking, pedal boating, snorkelling or stand-up paddle boarding. You can even hire a boat or take part in a boat excursion, including trips to the caves and the Swiss Customs Museum. Be sure to let us know if you would like to do this, and we will be happy to arrange it for you! You can also take the water taxi to the most picturesque villages such as Porlezza, with its Saturday market, Osteno, Valsolda and Gandria. There is also a boat and taxi service to Lugano. The boat trips are extra exciting for the little ones, as the Pirelli Tour takes them on a treasure hunt while the Ninja Tour goes in search of hidden turtles. Meanwhile, the adults can have a drink or a bite to eat in the Beach Lounge & Pop Up Restaurant & Prosecco Bar. Insider tip: parking spaces are scarce in Gandria. The water taxi is not only more fun, but also the most relaxing choice. Those who enjoy walking can follow a section of the car-free path along the lake towards 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-metre-high dam from the James Bond film GoldenEye. A must for adventurers and families alike. Children can play safely by the water or explore mountain villages such as Sonogno. Further on is the Valle Maggia. It is quieter, wider and greener, with impressive waterfalls such as Foroglio, idyllic picnic spots and charming villages. Bring water shoes for the river rocks and be aware of the strong currents on hot days; choose play areas in shallow bays and check local advice on water levels.

Day 5: Lake Lugano and on to Emilia-Romagna

After a drive of approximately 335 km, check in for 5 nights at a family-friendly resort, located east of Bologna, in a sprawling park. You will stay with your family in connecting or family rooms and enjoy the garden with several swimming pools, a playground and wellness and sports facilities. Plan a relaxing afternoon by the pool after the drive, so you can start tomorrow's city visits feeling refreshed.

Day 6: Bologna

The charming city of Bologna is known for its lively streets, delicious pasta, daily markets and impressive medieval towers. Those who dare to climb the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the entire city. In the heart of the city lies Piazza Maggiore, where you can enjoy a drink and/or an ice cream with your family. The Giardini Margherita, a large city park with a playground and pond, is ideal for an afternoon of rest and play. Bologna's famous portici provide shade on hot days, perfect for pushchairs and little legs. Go 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. Stroll through colourful streets and lively squares such as Piazza Grande, with views of the imposing cathedral and the Ghirlandina tower. If you dare, you can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful panorama. At the Mercato Albinelli, the smells and colours will tantalise your senses as you stroll past stalls selling local delicacies. For car enthusiasts, the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, about 20 kilometres from Modena, is an absolute must. The museum takes you behind the scenes of Ferrari racing, with shiny 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 colourful murals, which can be found on almost every house. In the heart of the village stands the impressive Rocca Sforzesca, a well-preserved castle that you can visit. After lunch, continue on to Ravenna, known for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics. Take a walk through the historic centre and visit various buildings where you can admire the beautiful mosaics. Those who prefer fun and action today can take the children to Mirabilandia. This is one of Italy's largest amusement parks, featuring a Wild West village, Dinoland with life-size dinosaurs and the new Nickelodeon Land, where children can meet heroes such as PAW Patrol and SpongeBob. In Ravenna, there are many sites scattered throughout the centre; buy your tickets on site in one place and bundle your visits to save time. For Mirabilandia, it is best to have 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 the lesser-known but atmospheric Ferrara. Parma is world-renowned for its Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, which you can taste in numerous delicatessens. You can also admire the impressive cathedral and the colourful baptistery. In the Parco Ducale, there is space to walk, play or just relax. 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 with views over the city. The old city walls surround the historic centre, where you can take a leisurely walk or bike ride. Insider tip: Italian city centres often have ZTL zones. Park on the outskirts of the centre and walk or take a bike for a quieter and more carefree experience.

Day 10: Back home

Today you will start your journey home. If you don't feel like doing the drive in one go, you can stay for one or more nights at Lake Como or in Alsace in France. Lake Como is ideal for a final dip; Alsace for a relaxing stopover with half-timbered villages and good restaurants.

Frequently asked questions about the 10-day family road trip Lake Lugano – Emilia-Romagna

When is the best time for a family trip to Lake Lugano and Emilia-Romagna?

May, June and September are ideal. The water in Lake Lugano is warm enough for swimming and cities such as Bologna and Modena remain pleasant to explore. July and August are warmer and busier.

Is it necessary to have your own car for this trip?

Yes. With a car, you can easily reach valleys such as Valle Verzasca and villages around the lake. Trips to Modena, Ravenna or the Ferrari museum in Maranello are also much easier with your own transport.

Why is this trip to Italy ideal for families?

The trip combines water activities on Lake Lugano with child-friendly cities in Emilia-Romagna. Swimming, boat trips and mountain excursions are interspersed with pizza, ice cream and Ferraris. Thanks to two fixed places to stay, the pace remains relaxed for parents and children alike.