emmagus

We are forced due to the circumstances in japan to cancel our trip to visit family the week of April 16. We have American Airline vouchers. I was thinking Italy or Rome but it will be Easter week!! Crazy?

I am having trouble figuring out how to book a trip so last minute because we are so upset about the unfolding events. But we do want to be sure to use our plane vouchers. Any suggestions? Ideas? Perhaps outside of Rome like Assisi or a little of both.
We have 7 year old boys and I am sure they would love Herculaneum. Just not sure how much will be closed that week or if rome will be jam packed crazy and we should think of something else.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Michael

Herculaneum is near Naples. However Tarquinia is within reach, with a nice Etruscan museum and underground tombs that can be visited. What about Bomarzo? But you would need a car.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622914974923/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622914974923/

ekscrunchy

Key issue in the discussion is whether or not you are willing to rent a car.

Agree that Rome will be busy; can you find a hotel room to suit?

Viajero2

Michael-- what's with the Japanese looking figures in Bomarzo? Great pics by the way! Orvieto looks like a MUST SEE!

Michael

Bomarzo is a garden of monsters created in the Renaissance. Yes, Orvieto is a must see, but perhaps less interesting for children.

emmagus

We have rented a car in the past in Italy so it is possible although I can't imagine wanting to drive IN Rome.
I was going to start looking for an apartment to rent since my kids are young. I am not really sure what neighborhood would make sense to look in? I know parts of Rome are really loud an I live in NY and would love to get away from crazy noise at night.

bobthenavigator

Look at Palazzo Olivia in Rome

bilboburgler

I just stayed in the vatican area very quiet and the underground drops you anywhere. Used sleepinitaly.com and stayed in apartment Germanico. Very good market and food shops around the corner.

If I had 7 year olds I'd go to Tuscany and stay in a walled city so they could go running around

emmagus

Billboburgler that is a good point. I will check out a smaller town as an option

bilboburgler

St Quirico or Buonconvento is pretty good

emmagus

My seasoned travellor friend thinks we are crazy to try to plan a trip to Rome on the fly....but honestly, with vouchers, we are kind of stuck, I am worried we won't be able to use them later in the year (or else the boiler will break or something!).

So far, it seems all the apartments are booked in Rome so this is all a moot point. I think an apartment is essential for family happiness! And then I want to plan to leave rome for Good Friday and that entire weekend....but just not sure where to go.