anthonyjr

I am in the process of planning a trip to Italy for next summer with my children (ages above) I have an itinerary that an agent gave me but wanted some feedback. We definitely want to go to Rome and end the trip relaxing near beach/lake....I would also like to spend some time in Tuscany countryside. We will using private transfers and tour guides.

2N Venice - tour of Verona on way to Florence.

3N Florence - 1/2 day tour of museums. Day trip to Cinque Terre, Pisa, Luca. Cinque Terre looks beautiful but not sure good for kids especially 6 year old? I would like to possibly add a day on this part of the trip

3N - Rome - on way to Rome stop in Siena and San Gimignano. Should this be a day trip from FLorence instead? 2 1/2 days of tours of museums, sights, etc

4N AMalfi - on way stop for tour in Pompeii. Day trips to Capri and Positino and Ravello.

We would ideally prefer 3 cities and are thinking of removing Venice from the trip. SHould we stay more days in Tuscany? Is Amalfi appropriate for the kids or should we reverse itinerary and go to Lake Region?

ANy help would be appreciated. Thank you

ellenem

I applaud your idea to eliminate a location. This seems very busy, especially since you will be moving four children. I would allow for a relaxing day earlier in the schedule, balanced against all those travel days. Are you traveling from the USA? Add jet lag considerations into your first day or two.

Here's how your proposed schedule looks, day by day. Does this have the balance of action and relaxation for which you were hoping?

Day 1: arrive Venice; sleep Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: travel to Verona; travel to Florence; sleep Florence
Day 4: Florence
Day 5: day trip to Cinque Terre, Pisa, Lucca
Day 6: travel to Siena and San Gimignano; travel to Rome; sleep Rome
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome
Day 9: travel to Pompeii; Travel to Amalfi Coast; sleep Amalfi Coast
Day 10: daytrip Positano; sleep Amalfi Coast
Day 11: daytrip Capri; sleep Amalfi Coast
Day 12: daytirp Ravello; sleep Amalfi Coast
Day 13: travel to airport; fly home

anthonyjr

Yes, we are traveling from the US. What are your thoughts on eliminating Venice and adding more time in Tuscany? And thoughts on AMalfi and Cinque Terre?

bilboburgler

Way too busy and with kids frankly exhausting. You need to cut and cut again. Yes take CT out, its a series of cliff based villages with buses and hiking in between. In the summer it will be hot; I'd insist on at least one pool day in the countryside (Tuscany) for the poor mites to recover.

Which Month? August can be very hot and steamy which makes Venice a little unpleasant. You are giving Florence one day (1!) the birth place of the renaissance probably deserves more than one day. Pisa is generally crowded in the summer and honestly the leaning tower is just a tower that leans. I'd convert this to a half day in Lucca with bike rides around the walls (private transfer? just hop on the local train, it will be enviromentally more sensible and you need to see what a european train is like, even if just a commuter one).

Time after Rome, no idea but I think you will be mainly on a highway following tourist buses from site to site. I'd stay in Tuscany (which is frankly, beautiful and pleasant place to hole up for the summer).

bobthenavigator

This trip is all about travel logistics with 4 kids. You need to focus on that. You say private transfers---what does that mean? The cost would be prohibitive.

anthonyjr

Timing is 1st 2 weeks in July. Thanks for the confirmation on eliminating Cinque Terre and Pisa. Lucca sounds great with the kids.

This is a very preliminary itinerary...Obviously know private transfers will be much more expensive...exploring options at this point.

Any help on time after Rome would be great.

NYCFoodSnob

Forgive my frankness, but I think your itinerary is insane. Not only will you exhaust yourself (and your spouse, assuming), you will exhaust the kids. And I can see a lot of frustration and fighting.

What is your goal? To see everything you can in the shortest amount of time or to have the most enjoyable vacation? If you want a great vacation that the kids will love you for, pick two places and allow enough time to relax and soak up some fun.

July in Italy can be god-awful hot. The heat and humidity can be so intense, it will zap every ounce of energy available.

I love Venice and spend many months there, but July is my least favorite month for a visit. Kids seem to love Venice because the place is so unusual and mysterious, but in crowded tourist spots, it's very easy to lose a kid or two. If I had no choice but to go in July, I'd stay at the Hotel Cipriani, because they have a fabulous pool, and it's a quick, private boat launch to Piazza San Marco. You'll need a ton of money. The kids might also enjoy Hotel Excelsior on the Lido or San Clemente Palace on its own island. They both have pools. It takes a bit longer to commute to those beach places. If you're on a budget, you might be able to secure a deal at the Hilton Molino Stucky, which is also a bit off the beaten track but not so bad. They have a rooftop pool but, IMO, their pool lounge area is too small. Poor design.

I would never go to Florence in July. If I had to, I would stay at Torre di Bellosguardo, and be sure to travel with a cell phone so I could call for a taxi every time I needed to go somewhere. You can also consider the Villa San Michele Hotel, but I think the Bellosguardo has the better view. Both have lovely pools.

Tuscany is lovely for romantics. Besides a villa with a pool, there aren't many kid-centric things to do. I would save that visit for another time, without the kids.

Rome is really hot in July. Most Romans I know try to leave the city in July. Air conditioning can suck. If I had to go in July, I would stay at the Rome Cavalieri. Their pool is fabulous and the views from some of their rooms are magnificent. They offer transport to the city center.

IMO, Amalfi is a separate trip. Either go there and explore the south (there really is a ton of stuff to see and do) or stay and explore further north. If you had a month, I could see combining both. Maybe. Personally, I think it's insane to cram too many wonderful places into such a tight amount of time. When you do that, you lessen the memory and the trip's impact.

anthonyjr

Thanks for the honest reply. I knew it seemed like too much. We want a mix of sightseeing and relaxation. I am leaning towards removing Venice from itinerary. Would like kids to see Rome and Florence. Any thoughts on ending trip in Forte Di Marmi? Ive heard mixed reviews of this area....one being too much of a "scene" but one saying great for kids.

Thank you again!

annhig

Anthony - with 4 kids in Italy what I'd do is to go to one of the lakes and rent a villa with a pool within walking distance of a boat dock where i could get boats around the lake.

Garda is a good choice as there are loads of beautiful places around the lake and you can do day trips to Verona and even Venice. you could also go up into the Dolomites for part of your trip, which should be a lot cooler.

there's no way that I'd inflict all those cities and travelling on your 2 younger children. They will be hot and tired and bored in very short order, and you'll all be miserable. our first family trip to Italy was when our kids were 10 and 13, and we just stuck to Lake Garda and its surroundings. it wasn't until they were 14 & 17 that we took them to Rome, and that wasn't a moment too early. Then we rented an apartment and spent a week there, doing one day trip. our next foray was to Florence where we repeated the performance, and then we did the same thing in Venice.

Granted we are lucky because we live in the UK and can make repeat trips to Italy. but i wouldn't consider doing that trip if it were just the two of us, let alone doing it with 4 kids. Wait a few years to do the cities, and even then, i would intersperse them with lots of time for swimming, cycling, playing football, etc.

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"I knew it seemed like too much."</font></i>

I can't speak for anyone else, but many of us veteran travelers to Italy started our trips with insane itineraries (without kids in tow). I didn't have a lot of money in those days, so I wanted a big bang for my buck. After one of those 6-cities-in-2-week excursions, you quickly learn that less can be much more. Never planned a trip like that again.

I've never traveled to Italy with more than one teenager, but I've helped friends with larger families plan their vacations. For those who must travel in the heat of summer, a pool (no matter what age) is a great reliever of stress and exhaustion. You can't imagine how many families take the pool over another trip to a museum on a hot, sunny day.

A lot of first-timers don't have experience with the Mediterranean sun. She's a unique heat source. My first trip to Rome was in June, the temperature was only 82º. I'm a summer sports gal, and I was shocked by the sun's effect on me while touring the Palatine Hill. I nearly ended up in the hospital. I travel with a hat now, and I'm <b>never</b> without a bottle of water.

From what I hear, it's difficult to know a teenager's stamina with museums and touring until you test them. Plus, you have a 6-year-old in tow, which complicates attention needs. In the heat, while navigating the crowds, art works and buildings start to look alike. Without a good guide and/or English explanations, your brain is forced to work extra hard.

In Italy, you always need to allow time for the unexpected, especially when traveling between two places. Stuff happens that you never think of, and suddenly hours have gone by that you can't get back. Too many words aren't in English, so it takes time to navigate the language, even for ordinary activities. Ordering for 6 in a decent restaurant can be quite a challenge. Planning and doing that twice a day, every day, is a lot of work, and it will take time to do it with enjoyment. Never rush an Italian through a meal, especially your waiter.

I'm not the best person to speak about Italy's beaches or beach towns. I don't love them. I'm a Town of Southampton girl, and beaches rarely get more beautiful than that. Once you walk through that superfine, ultra-white sand, it's not easy to embrace the mud-like, stony stuff they have in Italy.

mamcalice

The agent that planned your trip obviously did not do it with children in mind. Choose 3 destinations - how about the lakes, Tuscany near Florence and Rome. Spend 5 days in the lakes, 5 in Tuscany and 4 in Rome. Try to find hotels or agritourismos with pools. There is lots to see and do in each of those places and you can take a day off when you get tired of sightseeing in the heat.

5 years from now, go back to Italy at a cooler time and visit the cities. Your children and you will be ready.

jgg

Ok, yes you are traveling with 4 kids - but really the 13 yo should be fine (assuming they are excited about the trip), the 11 yo may have some moments but overall should be able to keep up and I suspect the 6 yo may have more moments where they get tired, hot, etc. but overall I suspect they will follow suit with how the other kids are reacting. We did our first international trip which was also to Italy when our kids were 9 and 12 - we found it a great age to start and looking back could have started a bit sooner.

Our first trip was in late March so didn't have the weather issues but returned to Italy 15 months later in June when they were having a major heatwave in Rome. My main advice is be absolutely sure you have a hotel with good air conditioning. Our hotel in Rome didn't have good a/c (they were closing right after we left to do some remodeling incl improving the a/c!) and it really did take it's toll on us - really hard to get relief if no a/c in your room.

We have been to all the places you and others have mentioned. I have to agree that kids do love Venice - the water, the gondolas it's just so unique (however we have been twice but only in the spring).

Our kids found Tuscany a little dull - lots of driving every day and stuff not all that exciting for them, though my son did enjoy the torture museum in San Gimigano. We stayed at Fattoria Tregole in Castellina in Chianti which we did really like and does have a pool.

We really enjoyed staying in Lerici which is just below the CT. It was a great town and easy to do a daytrip to CT from there - we did a boat trip rather than hiking. We also did a great private cooking class while there - that is something that I think your kids would really enjoy. It was very hands on and we all had a lot of fun! The beach in Lerici was quite crowded but we went one day to a private beach at Eco de Mare - yes we had to pay but it was worth every penny for the beautiful location and less crowded beach.

Also, before we went on the first trip we watched tons of movies like Lizzie McGuire, When in Rome (Olsen twins), Only You, Roman Holiday, etc. Then when you are there the kids have something to relate it to and it makes them very excited for the trip. We only did the major museum/art stuff so as not to overtax them.

Here are some links to my trip reports which also include pictures:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...eflorence2005/
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...-tuscany-rome/
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...es-milan-2010/
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...pe/italy-2013/

NYCFoodSnob

Forget the San Clemente Palace I mentioned above. It has closed and is awaiting a new owner.

WWK

Our kids are now adults, but we have been to Italy many times with them since they were little. What we've learned: Tuscany is deadly boring for kids. So are the lakes.

Florence/Venice/Rome are stifling hot in July, and truly miserable unless you know for sure that your hotel has excellent AC.

Which is why we typically head south to the Amalfi Coast and Naples. Yes, it's still brutally hot and crowded, but if you know how to plan it, you can spend a lot of time on the water, and tour beautiful towns in the early part of the day. Also, the food is kid friendly- lots of excellent pizza, no heavy sauces, stuff Nona would make.

With two weeks, I'd fly into Rome, then take the fast train to Naples. Arrange a private transfer to a hotel on the AC. Spend about ten days between one of those towns and Capri.

Then train out of Naples to Rome. Spend a few days in Rome. Fly home.

WWK

Just realized you expressed an interest in seeing Pompeii, so you could tack a few days at the end of the trip onto Naples, a city that gets a bad rap, but which we've grown to love.

Then you could easily visit Pompeii one morning, but do it early before it's too hot!

Alternatively, if you opt for a private transfer ( E 480 Naples-Rome) you could ask the driver to stop at Pompeii on the way back to Rome. To be honest, with six people and luggage in a van, it's almost cost effective.

Good luck!

annhig

nice plan, WWK.

IMO accommodation with a pool is more or less essential with kids in the heat of summer.

colduphere

Our kids were a little older than yours (16, 14 and 10) when we did this trip in August - Rome, Amalfi, Venice. Total of 13 days. I think you are right thinking three places is about right with 13 days

Stayed here with a great pool near Sorrento:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Campania.html

Went to Capri, Pompeii (now that was really hot), Mount Vesuvius which were all enjoyable. Stayed on the Lido in Venice. As mentioned water makes a huge difference with kids.

In our experience kids love trains. The ride from Sorrento to Venice flew by, so to speak. But it sounds like you have transportation taken care of.

anthonyjr

Thank you for all the advice.

How did you like the Lido in Venice? Was thinking of staying at the Excelsior or the Hilton. I like the idea of Venice, Rome, AMalfi....but what are the thoughts on not going to Florence? My older 2 seem pretty interested in seeing the museums/David, etc.

Definitely staying in hotels w/pools. Looking at the Grand Hotel Parco Dei Principi or the Cavalieri in Rome (tho not as convenient).

colduphere

We really liked the Lido but we are in the minority here on this forum. Starting and ending the day with a vaporetto ride was ideal for us. I believe one day we even returned to the Lido at lunch and then went back to Venice. The boat is like the train for our kids - fun. If you are going to do that you may want to buy a transportation pass - we had Venice Connected passes - they also allowed us to skip some museum lines.

Florence would have been nice but it would have meant another stop. Something had to give (we were heading to Switzerland after Venice so we had enough stopping and starting for one trip).

msteacher

If your kids are truly interested in Florence, then it would be great to include it in your trip. But something else would have to give... maybe Amalfi? A trip to the "big three" of Rome, Florence, and Venice has certainly been enjoyed by many families.