Alisha

We are taking my two kids and my mom to europe for a total of 12 days. Only my husband has been to Italy before but none of us have been to Barcelona. What suggestions does anyone have as far as how many days to stay in each? So far I am thinking that day 2-5 Rome (since day 1 is travel day) and days 6-8 Positano and leaving 10 am for days 9-11 in Barcelona and day 12 we leave out of Barcelona in the AM back to US so day 12 is travel day also.

The beaches in Positano and Barcelona seem nice, any suggestions on which is better for family with kids, both under 6 years old.

Thanks

bobthenavigator

Are you flying from Naples to BCE? Why go so far?
The beaches in Positano are more like gravel. But, there are some great beaches not too far from there. Here is a sneak preview of Positano for you.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4481

CathyM

3 days for Rome and 3 for Barcelona is pretty short for these cities, particulary when you are traveling with 2 kids. With only 10 days in Europe I'd consider limiting yourself to Italy or Spain.

Alisha

We thought since we are going to Rome, it would be nice to see Barcelona on the way back to US since we have always wanted to see Spain even if for a short time. We are flying direct to Rome and then taking a train Rome to Naples and taking a train to Positano and a driver will take us to the Hotel. Then Naples airport flying to Barcelona and Barcelona home. Do you know if the beaches in Barcelona are nicer? We are staying near Ramblas

Alisha

In Rome we are planning on going to the Ruins mainly and then just soaking in the area and planning not much else so we hope to have time to just relax and not sightsee too much. We thought Positano would be relaxing also as we leisure the area. For Barcelona, I was thinking that maybe we should do one extra day there and one less in Positano? I know this is a bit ambitious, but we thought we could try to do it.

Alisha

Does anyone recommend skipping Positano and doing 5 nights Rome and 4 nights Barcelona?

Alisha

Thank you for the link bobthenavigator

cheryllj

"We are flying direct to Rome and then taking a train Rome to Naples and taking a train to Positano and a driver will take us to the Hotel."

FYI - You can't take a train all the way to Positano. There are various ways of getting from Naples to Positano (like hiring a driver or taking a boat), but the train will only get you to Sorrento, and from there, it's a bus or boat or cab to Positano. With 2 kids under 6, you will probably want to hire a driver.

bobthenavigator

Stay in Italy and save Barcelona for your Spain trip.
Theer are great beaches north of Naples at Gaeta/Sperlonga.

danon

Does anyone recommend skipping Positano and doing 5 nights Rome and 4 nights Barcelona?"

When are you going?

Alisha

we are going early October

ira

Hey Al,

>We thought since we are going to Rome, it would be nice to see Barcelona on the way back to US....<

It would also be nice to see Paris, London, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon.........

Do keep in mind that you will be <s>dragging 2 kids around</s> traveling with 2 children.

Stick to Italy this trip.

kybourbon

It sounds like you already booked flights. If you have, then skip Positano this trip as you don't have time.

October is not beach weather in Italy or Barcelona.

danon

agree with PP regarding beach time. Something to think about.

NanBug

Yes, skip Positano. You'll be running yourselves ragged, otherwise.

franco

<In Rome we are planning on going to the Ruins mainly and then just soaking in the area and planning not much else so we hope to have time to just relax and not sightsee too much.>

That's a misconception. Rome is the greatest city on this planet IMO, but it's definitely not a place to relax. Hardly any other city is as exhausting as Rome. And I'm not sure what you mean by <planning on going to the Ruins ... and not sightsee too much>. Very probably what you figure about "the Ruins" will be a misconception, too. You could easily spend several months in Rome exclusively visiting ancient ruins day by day, one "ruin" greater and more interesting than the other, so <going to the ruins> and <not sightsee too much> don't definitely match.

Alisha

Thanks for the feedback. Perhaps we will stay in Italy and go to Florence and Tuscany instead and skip Spain.

Egbert

Good idea, 12 days is not enough time. I loved Positano, nothing to really do, just a romantic place. A daytrip to Capri is nice. Skip Naples if you go although Pompei is a must see.

Alisha

Any one have comments on Florence vs Tuscany hotel stay for family friendly hotels?