European road trip

[Travelwith]

Hello, finally getting around to think about a holiday next month. We’re a family of four, with a preschooler and a toddler. We’be booked to stay at Bella Italia in lake Garda for a week in mid-May and are planning to drive from England, crossing over to Calais. From there we’ve about 3.5 days to get down to lake Garda. On the way back, we’ve got 5 days to get from lake Garda back to Calais. Any route suggestions? Places to visit or stay? Things to do that a 4 year old and 1 year old would love? They are largely good travellers. And We’re planning to drive over the 1 year old’s nap at lunchtime (so about 2 hours) and then fit in extra driving where needed (maybe at night or early morning). But ideally would do something fun in the morning and afternoon! Thank you!

Hi @Travelwith how did your holiday go? Did you enjoy Bella Italia? Curious to know if the water was warm enough to.enjoy swimming in May, if you are happy to share your experience. Thank you!

Hi! I didn’t find the water warm enough for swimming! The kids played in the splash area/more shallow bits but the 1 year old really found it too cold. The preschooler was okay and liked the slides, but we didn’t spend as much time in the pool as we have done when in similar parks in July. It also rained a couple of days we were there and temperatures were only 17-20C on those days (which feels pretty cold when you’ve packed for summer and it’s raining on you!). Site was a bit muddy, but still fun! I know people who were there at the same time the year before and got temperatures of late 20s, so appears to be luck of the draw. That being said, we really enjoyed it. The site is very good, setting is lovely etc. But it is set in the alps, so if we were going again we’d aim for later in the summer.

Thank you @Travelwith I appreciate that information. Our boys will be desperate to swim so I will consider some other options.