JoMark

Our family of 5 (3 teenage daughters 13-18) will be visiting Italy in mid July for just 8 days, & could do with some guidance on accomodation.We were thinking of spending a couple of days at possibly Lake Como, then visiting Venice, Florence and Rome -could we fit in a visit to Cinque Terre? It is not critical that we actually spend nights at any of these places (except Rome)- in fact having chosen very touristy destinations to visit, we'd then like to stay somewhere a bit less overwhelmed by tourists -must still be accessible by public transport. Our budget is moderate (absolute max $250 US a night) & hostels with a suitable family room would be ok.
In Rome we are considering Eurores -Apt Fornaci, di San Pietro which is about 2 minutes from the Vatican (and it has aircon!)Opinios?. As well,any suggestions on things to do that would appeal to our teenagers would be much appreciated.

bobthenavigator

In just 8 days I would choose 2 of the above--probably Como and Venice. You could squeeze a third destination if you keep it north. Are you aware of travel times?

ellenem

JoMark,

Just noticed that you posted this same message twice. Since you're new I'll say "welcome" and give you a hint. If you click on your screen name, all your posts will come up in the list at left--easy way to find replies to your query.

<<could we fit in a visit to Cinque Terre?>>

I'm not sure that you could fit in a visit to all the other places you mentioned in just 8 days, never mind add in Cinque Terre. Does this 8 days include your travel days to and from Italy?

If you truly have 8 days (10 nights) I would relocate no more than three times. It may be difficult to find apartments for only 2- or 3-night stays. Keep in mind that each time you change locations, the checking in and out and travel will take up at least half a day.

You plan to definitely stay in Lake Como and Rome. Florence is a reasonable daytrip from Rome, but Venice is really too far for a daytrip from either Como or Rome, even a stretch from Florence.

Good luck with your plans.

JoMark

Hi Bobthenavigator,
I think my potential plans indicate ignorance of travel times-put it down to living in a country where 300km is easily doable by 10am. Your advice is appreciated & I think we need to reconsider- just because the tours can cover this ground doesn't mean we can & appreciate the experience.
ellenem, yes I am a first timer I had trouble with the original post- even now when I click on my screenname the forum displayed at the top is US and not Europe. I thought I'd been careless the first time so re-posted, paying attention to the forum & subject selection & still it displays under US. I cannot find this post other than by clicking on my screen name. Even when I type in the exact title and search, no luck. Guess I put it somewhere very obsolete. Thanks for your advice, confirming that I'm attempting too much in too short a time. 8 days doesn't count arrive & leave, but 3 locations would seem the max- so some tough decisions to be made. A shame Australia is sooooo far away- too tempting to try & do it all.

wliwl

JoMark:
Both your posts seem to show up just fine.

You have probably got way too much planned for such a short visit. I'd choose TWO places max.

Here is a link to our trip to Rome last June with two teenage boys. Hopefully it will help you out a little:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34645892

I think if you slow down a bit, you and your kids will have a lot more fun together, and realy get the flavor of the place - rather than just "seeing" a bunch of stuff. Do you know what I mean?

ga9497

Venice
Check out the pensioneaccademia.it
They have family rooms. We had one that accommodated four but there was definitely enough room for another single bed