Ron76

We are in the very early planning stages of a 3-4 week trip to Europe with our 3 kids, ages 7, 10, and 12. In the Spring, we flew from Canada to Paris and did Paris, London, Venice, Tuscany, and Rome (a week in each place except Venice and Rome, where we spent a few nights in each). We are looking at another Spring trip (May or June) and are open to suggestions for a good "second trip to Europe". We are also open to going to other places in the world, but we want summer-like weather on our trip. What we loved about our last trip was staying in cities with lots of activities readily available for children (museums, sights, action, parks to play, green spaces, etc.) and having a relaxing week in a rural area as well. We would love if this trip incorporated some famous sites, mix of urban/rural, beach time would be beautiful, and possibly some outdoor adventure excursions (like hiking, biking, mountains, etc.). Any ideas? Thank you!

PalenQ

How about camping and don't think of mud and insects but a luxurious camping car you can rent and family-oriented camps to stay in with tons of kids that age and things for them to do - always a swimming pool - camps have great showers - often better than I've seen in some hotels and a price that is lower than a typical hotel - they safe and often in neat natural areas though many are also at the edge of large cities with great public transport to the centers.

There are campings everywhere - zillions of them and if you go before July and August you will be able to just drive and pop in any camp virtually and find a well-equipped spot.

so consider renting a camping car (RV) and moving slowly about some near area like Provence in southern France - the French Riviera, Switzerland (I've camped right under the majestic Jungfrau Massif in Grindelwald!) or the Mosel Valley or Rhine Valley - all presenting a mix of just want you seem to want.

Are you going by car or train?

pariswat

I gather you are coming again in spring and want summer like weather?

Spain/Portugal is an obvious choice then.
(southern Spain, atlantic side and even Madrid can be chilly in spring).

Barcelona has all you describe. And some more... Also Sicily is superb and nice weather.

justineparis

We are travelling about same time as you .. and for our summery weather stops we have chosen Greece ( Naxos and Mykonos) and Spain( Barcelona and Marjorrca).. I have been to both places before and loved loved loved them..

colduphere

Why not ask the same question on the Asia forum and see what you get? Our youngest was 8 when we went to Japan and China. Less relaxing but an incredible experience.

Ron76

PalenQ, we would prefer to be car-less in cities and use a train or rental car between destinations. We would also consider a short flight between destinations if it meant saving some travelling time. I love your idea of camping. We do a lot of tent camping in Canada and I never considered renting an RV. Will think on that!

Pariswat, yes, we are travelling in Spring, but want summer-like weather. When I say summer, I mean highs of 20 + degrees celcius during the day, where kids can swim (Canada-like summer weather . Great idea to return to Italy, but do southern Italy.

Justineparis, happy travelling to you! Greece is one of my number one choices. I have read that it is not a good time to go to Greece, but many other sites say it is just fine. I would love to include Greece in our itinerary or make it the destination.

Colduphere, good idea. We had toyed with the idea of China, but not Japan. Will keep those in mind too.

justineparis

There is absolutely no reports of any issues or tourist disruptions etc on the islands I am going to.. if you look on a map you can clearly see which island(s) are most affected by the refugees trying to flee via turkey.. and its not Mykonos, Paros, Naxos etc.. so I am pretty confident we will have no issues.. plus we are skipping Athens and flying straight into Mykonos and will take ferry to Naxos.. avoiding Athens was easy choice for me.. I had been once and didn't think much of it then.. and any problems or protests happen usualy in large cities .. not on holiday islands.. I feel pretty safe for sure in Greece( and with kids I do understand being a bit more wary now)

PalenQ

Camping is great in some areas in spring and though many are open there are few folks in them then - negating the family aspect - unless it is during the week before or after Easter in southern France or other warm climes when many schools are off and parents have vacations.

Ron76

Good to know, justineparis! Thank you!

mamcalice

We were in Athens, Naxos and Santorini last May. The weather was super for sightseeing, hiking and beach walking but not nearly warm enough for swimming, We saw hearty souls in the water on a Naxos beach but they were few and far between, That said, it was warm enough to enjoy the outdoors and there is plenty to see and do. We love Greece and love Sicily even more. Sicily might be slightly warmer. Why not combine the two if you have 4 weeks.