Family trip to Italy with a daughter 17 and son 14
 

We are planning a trip to Italy for a total of 20 nights. Part is to visit family part sightseeing. We are thinking to fly into Milan, go to Turin maybe 2 nights (we have family there but possibly need accomodation). Move on from there to a small village Camagna Monferrato for 4 nights (we have a family house there). From there to Piacenza (more family) 2 nights (need accomodation). On to Venice (more family) 2 nights (need accomodation). Fly to Reggio Calabria for 4 nights with family (no accomodation needed). Then fly to Rome for another 4 nights to spend on our own. That leaves another 4 nights to fill. In Rome we plan a tour to Naples and Pompeii. In Venice we would like to also fit in Gardaland. Pisa, Siena, Florence and Assisi all appeal. But we don't really have an idea of an itinerary. Does anyone have any ideas? Also accomodation recommendations for a family of 4. I am the only one who has been to Italy but I was a child so I'm not sure that counts.

The itinerary you describe totals 18 nights, leaving 2 nights to add to your itinerary to mae 20. Is this correct?

Whether you have 2 or 4 nights more to plan, I would add one the extra nights to the places you have already mentioned. Two nights someplace means you have only one full day there, plus each time you change locations you will lose at least half a day to leaving accommodations, getting to stations/airports, waiting at stations/airports, and the actual traveling. So, if you have 4 nights to add . . .

Turin - 3 nights (+1)
Camagna Monferrato - 4 nights
Piacenza - 3 nights (+1)
Venice - 3 nights (+1- could add another night here to add Gardaland)
Reggio Calabria - 4 nights
Rome - 5 nights (+1 for Pompeii)

Yes, you are right! I can't add! Maybe I'd keep the nights as you say but only 2 night in Camagna Monferrato - that would be 20 nights. You are correct in mentioning the time lost waiting at stations.
Can you suggest particular places of interest worth going to? Also particular recommendations of accomodation? Thank you for your reply and suggestions - all comments or answers are much appreciated. I hope when I return I can help someone too!

To make the best suggestions, we need to know what interests you and your family. Museums? Hiking? Art? Shopping? Fine dining? Relaxing? Have you chosen any of these destinations for a particular reason (aside from to visit family)?

Thank you ellenem, again, for your reply! I have read some of your trip reports and realise that you have heaps of knowledge about Italy. I have thoroughly enjoyed your reports!Yes, mostly the trip is about family but also history, art, italian food and wine, museums and churches to some degree.

Hi Marcellina,

definitely what ellenm said. when we travelled with our kids when they were about this age, they far preferred holidays where we stayed still as much as possible.

so i would definitely add a night [or two] to your first stop simply because you will need time to recover from the journey and any jetlag, and the first stop will set the tone for the rest of the trip. Get the kids onside, allow them to get their europe legs, and you'll be fine. Rush about, and you may have a difficult 3 weeks.

Thank annhig! That's a great suggestion. In fact we have quite a lot of family in Turin so the extra day is probably needed also. Our daughter is really keen but our son not so much which is why I would like to add Gardaland to the itinerary. I'm not sure what else will appeal to a 14 yo boy.

you'd be surprised what he might like!

our first visit to Italy our son wasn't much older than yours, he loved Gardaland [and there's a water park nearby too if you are going in the summer] but he also liked going out and ordering our breakfast, eating the food, exploring the towns we went to [which are very different from what you find in the UK, and the US] and even going to churches and museums. one game we played was "find the ugliest baby" - and another [and this dates me] trying to find a work by each of the "ninja turtles" - ie michelangelo, donatello, leonardo and raphael.

as my DD just said [when i had to get her to remind me of their names] "who says that kids' TV isn't educational?"

I'm sure that you can find your own games to play with your kids, depending on their, and your, interests.

Yes, that sounds like my son's type of fun. I'm actually in county Australia so I know all of it will be so different to what we have here. This has given me a lot to think about. I can't wait!

Oooops, I mean countRy Australia!