alan h's activity

Question.

Did you consider going via uk and eurotunnel  to avoid the risks of a long rough ferry trip?  Not sure it would be much dearer (if at all) or longer time.

Suggestion

Although I usually use Via Michelin to look at potential routes, the Drive Alive planner gives a plethora of hotels etc along the route, so might help.

Wow!  That's quite some journey to make with 2 kids and a dog.  I don't think I'd do it.  I'd leave the dog (and kids) at home).

HOWEVER (Hopefully to assist you)

I assume you're using the Irish Ferries ship  as I belive they allow dogs on board.  (Whoever you use  you do need to be very clear of, and have planned for, what rules and requirements the Ferry company imposes.  Anyway, it's an 18+ hour long trip  arriving late morning at Cherbourg.

A lot depends on how well the dog will take to a long road trip.  We allow about5 hrs driving a day, plus a "walkies" break of at least 30 minutes every couple of hours.  Also - will that suit the kids?

A journey of that sort of distance needs to be a part of the holiday, rather than a "blast down as quickly as possible to Molise" trip.

I'd do about 3 - 4 hrs max on day 1 - say 200 miles max, followed by 300-350 miles a day thereafter ....... so probably up to a total of 4 overnights on the way down.

Route??  With the dog, we'd  choose the autoroute for a smoother and quicker trip.  (More scenic routes may cause travel sickness and are slower). 

Hotels etc?  We would suggest using hotel chains like Ibis, as they (usually) take dogs (and children) and have restaurants that accept the dogs.  ALWAYS CHECK DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL THAT DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN ROOMS SND RESTAURANT - DONT RELY ON THE WEBSITE. 

There are cheaper hotel options, but you get what you pay for.  Remember  it is part of the holiday experience. 

Well ......  that's your 'starter for ten'.

Try 

Notizie storiche sulla citta di Gravina (455-1860)

3rd response - 3rd advert.

I wondered how long it would take you to pop back and add an advertising link to your post.  You didn't disappoint  - except that it's one of your usual cr#p links.

If you tap on the Menu on the Comune website it gives various options,  one of which is Sevici et Uffici.  Click on that and you get a list of the offices etc.  Click on an office and you often get an email address for a person in that office.

Good luck

Have you tried phoning the comune,?  Here is a listing of numbers etc from their website

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=htt…

One other thing to consider

https://www.italymagazine.com/comment/268511

The best way to see Venice from Padua is to catch the train in, and be amazed by the views as you leave the Station in Venice and gaze onto the Grand Canal.  Gobsmacking

Personally,  I'd take the following route.

Get on the autostrada and head past Milan  and on towards Lake Maggiore and up past Gravellona Toce and into Switzerland (buy vignette at Swiss border Post or Petrol Station by border).

Through the Simplon Pass - well worth the trip for the scenery  - and on past Lake Geneva. 

We then go across the border into France near Pontarlier and then go towards Lyon and on the autoroute to Calais.

Where to stay -

Stop 3.  I recommend Hotel la Paix in Bapaume - great restaurant and good breakfast, and handy for Calais

Stop 2  We stay in Beze.  Couple of fair hotels including Hotel Le Bourgignon , but last time we stayed at a B&B just outside, called the Moulin de Belle Isle.

Stop 1..  Swiss hotels tend to be expensive.  We stay in the Ibis in Sion Est - nothing fancy but good food and clean bedrooms .

You however should look at the route and decide your stops.

Planning the route is half the fun of the trip- yours sounds great.