Mirl

It was on my mind as well - the number of countries in six weeks. My initial (and still preferred) is just Italy and Maybe france.

This is like a pilgramage type of trip. Portugal - mainly to see Fatima. France - to see Lourdes. (But I love France anyway), Italy - well, too many there to list. We may just leave it to france and Italy. There is so much just in Italy alone!

But in any country, it was just to soak in the beauty that is Europe. Just to be. There. Hear it, smell it, feel it, taste it. See it... as a child. It will be different when we bring them next when they are 5 or 10 years older...

Confused about the driving now. Will have to research more. Thank you for the information on the restricted zones. I have been warned. Will be aware.

Thank you lovely people!
M

poutine

Some sites which may help you decide:

General prices/sizes for cars (with 6 you will need a van I think) www.autoeurope.com If you want to camp, it is pretty much 100% assured that you will need a vehicle. It is usually not too difficult to park in a lot of the edge of the city and take public transit in - avoids parking costs and prohibited driving zones. Research this info in advance, and either have GPS or similar to help you out. If you start in France there is also the option of achat/rachat (you get a brand new car which they take back from you at the end of your contract) with Peugot and Renault. In France there are also very few prohibited driving zones compared to Italy.

General prices/routes for the train www.bahn.de This is a german website available in english which is very comprehensive for all of Europe.

For great info on routes, timing and cost (including gas and any tolls) try www.viamichelin.com

I have never camped in Europe, my kids are older than yours, and have had the opportunity to travel in Europe half a dozen times. We have spent several weeks in both France (south) and the northern half of Italy (Siena up) during the end of June and July. We found Italy so much hotter. It was mind numbingly hot for us. Depending on what climate you are used to, and what activities you want to do, this might influence your decision. One of my kids favorite trips was when they were 7 & 9 we spent three weeks from the French/Italy border to Carcasonne - there were beaches, amazing Roman ruins, local markets, incredible caves, old ruined castles and abbeys to scramble through, and the cocorde d'or in the Arles Roman amphitheatre. (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocarde_d'or)

I find some good ideas for kids activities at this website: http://www.travelforkids.com/

Good luck!

SloJan2

I have driven extensively in Italy, including every city mentioned. As I said, there are areas you can't drive but it is a small adjustment to make. The restricted zones are a minor inconvenience compared to the convenience of having a car when you are traveling with children. To warn the poster off of renting a car for this reason is an injustice.

poutine

Personally, I don't how you can camp and not have a car.

StCirq

I think it would be completely insane to camp in Europe without a car. Lug kids and equipment around on trains and then figure out how to get to the campgrounds?? Nuts, IMO.

In the Périgord there are some exceptionally lovely campgrounds. They are rated using a star system (as I think all the campgrounds in France are). The 4-star ones are really something to behold - gorgeous swimming pools, nice cafés, fancy laundry and shower facilities, and lovely affordable rooms and cabins. When the kids were young and we were spending summers at our house in the Périgord we used to go to the local campgrounds all the time to do our laundry. The kids would play in the pool, we'd have a glass of beer or wine at the café, and we'd all meet some pretty interesting people. I think it must be a delightful way to travel with kids - so many more opportunities to meet other kids than on a more traditional hotel- or apartment-based trip.

WTnow

I just happen to stumble upon this old thread and wanted to say for the record that in our experience, camping is the BEST and cheapest way to see Europe.

I know the original poster already went, but in case anyone else in need stumbles upon it as I did. I DO agree with the posters who said that 4 countries with 4 young kids in a few weeks was too ambitious.

We've been traveling and camping Europe for 6 years now as a family on a non-stop world trip ( 44 countries on 5 continents) on just $23/day pp and European camping has been one of our fave things.

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2012/1...with-kids.html

I've got a ton of info on our website about various campsites and our experience. We've done it by small campervan, but also have a tent and at times have booked cabins.

There are soooo many wonderful and amazing campsites in Europe and if you are there outside of highest season, they are cheap and full of luxury usually with the sweetest people from many countries.

Almost all have VERY easy walking or mass transit options into the city they are in or near...every city or site in Europe. Almost all have pools and fun things for the kids to do as well as stores and restaurants and outdoor movies, dances for the kids, free kids clubs etc.

VERY easy to tour in the morning and rest and play in the afternoon. Slow travel works best with kids ( and I think most people).

Just my 2 cents because I think it is an outstanding option that most Americans miss.

WTnow

BTW, I also love the option of a rental apartment, but camping is cheaper and has built in friends, entertainment, pools, health clubs, water parks etc and access to other families who want to connect.