Deepa

We leave next week for our long awaited trip to Italy. We start at an organic farm in Umbbria in Baschi, very close to Orvieto, for 6 nights. Wondering what would be our day trip plans? Since our children are small, 5 and 1 year respectively, we would not want our driving times to be more than 30-45 minutes or so each way. Todi, Spoleto and Orvieto, definately seem doable. The rest - Gubbio, Bevagna, Spello etc. do seem a bit away and of course my plans of going into Le Marche for shopping at the Tod's outlet seem very far fetched (literally). We would not do any day trips into Tuscany since we are headed to Pienza for 4 nights in the next leg of our holiday. Any ideas would be welcome.

Thanks
Deepa

claude315

Lucky you!! I had two wonderful weeks in Umbria recently and think it one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

As a granny of 8 (mother of four) I would suggest you 'play it by ear'. Since you are based in Baschi you can do as you wish when you get there - depending upon the humour of the children, the weather or whatever other influences there may be.

It was my experience that the 'unexpected' moments provided the best memories.

My best wishes for a wonderful holiday!

Steve_James

Deepa - Not in Umbria but ... how about Lake Bolsena?

A lovely area for a picnic, boating ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Deepa

Thanks Claude315 for the sound advice on playing it by ear.

Hi Steve, will just search for the Lake you mention on my online Encarta atlas to gauge distances etc. Don't know if I mentioned it earlier but we were very grateful for your lovely suggestions on driving itinenaries in the Dolomites area, which we did 2 years ago. One of our best holidays ever.

The top of my post says 3 replies, and I can just see two, hmmm. What's going on with Fodors.

Steve_James

Deepa - Here's the website. There's a map there (- it doesn't look far):

http://www.bolsenalake.com/

It's a volcanic crater lake. Very attractive setting ...


Another possibility might be Bomarzo Monster Park. I've never been, but it has been mentioned here before:

http://www.bomarzo.net/index_en.html


Or ... how about a visit to some of the local thermal baths? Saturnia isn't far from Lake Bolsena, near Pitigliano. Not Umbria, admittedly - but easier from Baschi than Pienza ...

http://www.pensioneweekend.it/images/saturniab.JPG

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. Glad you were able to use some of my Dolomites suggestions

bobthenavigator

Civita is certainly worth your time if you have a stroller for the small one.

motor_city_girl

Orvieto is really nice, great park for picnicing. I would NOT go on the underground tour with your kids. Some areas are difficult walking. Our tour had a couple with kids about the same age and they were miserable.

Deepa

Steve, Lake Bolsena is certainly doable from Baschi. Perhaps I should have mentioned that after the Pienza stay, we are heading to the Maremma (Scansano) for 5 nights, so will probably do Pitigliano from there and am wondering if the Bombarzo park will be a better day trip from there.BTW, we didnt just use some of your suggestions in the Dolomities, we followed two of your itineraries (to the mountain passes)to the tee and were totally awed by the area.

Bob, civita would be great if we could walk there with the stroller. How long do you think the walk would be from the car park? I will do a searh as well from earlier posts to get more info.

Motor city girl, do you know where exactly is the picnic spot in Orvieto. We have been there twice and just recall driving all the way up to the town. Don't recall seeing an open area around on the way to the town.

Thanks everyine for your replies.

mebe

Deepa - we are taking a similar trip to Umbria for a week with a fifteenth month old and wanted to stay near Orvieto - can you tell me the name of the farm where you are staying ?
Thanks!
Mebe

newyorker

We have travelled several times to Italy with our kids (the twins are 5 and the little one is 3). We have found that we can keep them on usa east coast time in Italy. That means that they are able to go out to a late dinner with us. Generally, even the best restaurants in Umbria welcomes small kids. Eating is a big part of my Italy experiences so it's great to include the kids. Keep in mind that many restaurants wont even open until 8 pm.

There are great towns to visit. Trevi is close and there are great restaurants there (check out the dinner Albergo Il Borgo Dell'Ulivo, about 1 mile north of Trevi). Assisi is great and Perugia too. Although I love Gubbio you should skip it. Less is best with kids. My kids are happy swimming. We get to soak in the ambience while they do what they want. If your five year old likes swimming I'm sure there are rivers or lakes or the hotel pool to keep the child happy. Most town exploration involves climbing up hills. It will be hot. Try doing up/down exploration early or late in the day. And if your child does not like hiking then don't do much of it. Bring a stroller, but keep your hands tight on it because if you let go on one of those hills you have a problem. maybe you can take them fruit picking. The idea is to do alot that they like rather than have them do the things you like. Be very flexible with the plans. If your first day exploration works, try a second, but never over do it. Overall our kids have had great trips to Italy and we have loved enjoying it with them.

motor_city_girl

Deepa, when you get off the funucular are park areas on either side with spectacular views.

Deepa

Topping hoping for more replies for day-trips from Baschi, Pienza and the Maremma.

Also, is Civita suitable for going with the kids? Is their a place in the main town for the kids to walk around a bit? Thanks

Steve_James

Deepa - From the Maremma nice day-trips would be Castiglione della Pescaia and also Porto Santo Stefano and the Argentario peninsular.

You might want to consider a boat trip to nearby Giglio island too.

Capalbio is an attractive little hill village. If you're interested in Etruscan ruins you might want to visit Roselle near Grosseto.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Deepa

Thanks Steve. Have pasted all your suggestions into my notes to carry for the trip.

If you have time, please could you let me know how long the walk is on the bridge to Civita and whether it is child friendly once we get there.

Thanks again.

Steve_James

Can't help you there, Deepa.

Topping ... hoping someone else can.

Steve

Grinisa

The bridge isn't that long. We parked our car about 50 feet from the beginning of the bridge and walked over to Civita in under 10 minutes. The end is a bit steep so with a small child and stroller, it will take somewhat longer. I'm not sure what you mean by is the town "child friendly." There isn't much in the town, just lovely views. There is a piazza in front of the church to run around in and lots of elderly people stand in front of their homes and gardens offering "tours" of their property for a couple of Euro. Not much to interest children.