rey

We are thinking of going to Italy this summer with our two children (5 and 10). We have never been to Italy before and have not been to Europe with the children. Can people please advise on a trip that would work--three weeks. We are thinking about the Tuscany area but we generally don't know how to start to plan such a trip. We would go in late July or August. Probably the big cities (such as Rome) would not make sense. We love the outdoors and are not that interested in spending lots of the trip in the big cities. ALso has anyone rented an apartment in Italy before and had any luck. What can we expect to pay for a moderate hotel (let's say equal to a Marriott here?) Thanks

Ingrid Napoli

<BR>We have been to Italy several times, including a wonderful Backroads bike tour through Tuscany. But on our last trip we took our girls, aged 11 and 13 at the time. We flew to Rome, spent three nights at the wonderfully located Minerva Hotel (previously Crown Plaza Minerva) and then took a train to Naples (we did'nt stay there, its not worth it)and on to Sorrento. This is the most beautiful place we have been to in Italy. The girls fell in love w/it and so did we. From there (we stayed at the Tramontano Hotel-spectacular views), we visited Capri (you walk to the ferry from the hotel) and took a local bus to Positano (my husband got dizzy on the winding road). We also took a train to Pompeii. We want to go back. This is a relaxed area for travelling w/family, everything in Sorrento is within walking distance and the restaurants are inexpensive and great. The lemons are the size of grapefruits.<BR><BR>We suggest you access italianvillas.com for researching the Tuscany region. Also fodors has a site for this area. If you are willing to drive a car most of the time, then it would be fine. It is also very beautiful there and you could make a good itinerary visiting Sienna, San Gimigiano and Lucca. Buy a couple of good books on your areas of interest, like for example the Eyewitness Travel Guides and Fodors.<BR>Let me know later what you decided so maybe I can be of further help. Good luck.

John G

Florence is the perfect place to abandon your kids. Im sure the gypsies would take them and put them to work as pickpockets. I heard that Ivana Trump left one of her kids tied to the doorknob of Santa Maria Novella after the little girl gained two pounds from too much Krug. Im happy to give sound advice. Ciao.

James

We took our 4 yr old son. Went to San Pietro, in the Vatican City. Held my son in my arms so that he can lie down facing up, letting him marvel at the majestic sight and space and art work. He also played in the plaza infront and ran around with pigeons. Rome is great with kids. We plan to return to Italy soon so that he can see more.

Audrey

First of all, relax, you sound uptight already. Just do the things that you would normally do with your children, such as bike riding, walks, sightseeing. I would say base yourself in an area by a town to use as a base and one that you would like to come to often and get to know it, as children like routine. Look at one of those coffee table books with pictures of Italy and pick out an area that you would like. That is what we did and picked out the area around Volterra. We went into town often to our favorite shops for food, etc. Have the children be a part of the planning and they will be more receptive once they get there.

Audrey

Post Script: You will have a wonderful time with your children in Italy, I am sure.

Jan

Italy is a wonderful country for traveling with kids. We have gone several times/year for the past three years with our 3 and 4 year old. We have rented villas (which I highly recommend), and rented suites or 2 room "apartments" in hotels. Florence is not a great city but Tuscany in general is fabulous. Lots of interesting, small cities to wander through. Northern Italy, Verona, Venice etc. are also good options. I have neglected the South (so far!) so I am not much help there. We also did Sardinia which has wonderful beaches and clean, warm water.<BR><BR>At that time of year, villa rentals are in high season. You could rent a 2-3 bedroom villa for about $2,000/week. Smaller apartments are available and have had good reports and they are $700-$1,000. Hotels will be at least $150 on up (3 star). For more specific information, please feel free to email me.<BR>have fun!