annhig

beginnernomad - well done. this is IMHO a MUCH better itinerary - and putting Sirmone towards the end will give you some down time as you say, though there is a water park, and Gardaland nearby if the kids get bored. otherwise the boats will get you all round the lake, so no need for a car.

BTW - where are you headed to in Cornwall? we went for a wonderful walk on Perranporth beach today [we live about 15 minutes' driveaway from there] but the countryside is exceptionally wet.
I'm really hoping that we have dried out by the time the summer holidays come round!

jgg

Beginnernomad - It looks great!! You earn a gold star for listening to everyone's advice and making it work for you! It's great that you actually have the full 14 days, it will make your trip that much more enjoyable.

We have not been to Sirmione, so can't comment from personal experience, but I suggest you check out the Sirmione forum on TripAdvisor and see what you can find out about the town there. Here is a link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum..._Lombardy.html.

ellenem

Glad to help with the train schedules.

For me, I would take a day fro Sirmione and add it to Venice, so you will have at least one day to wake up in Venice, spend the entire day, and wander the darkened streets. I think your one-night stay in Venice will feel rushed--not the best way to end your trip. Plus, even getting a late flight out of Venice, it takes a while to get to the airport on the mainland, so you might not have as much of a day as you'd like.

Sassafrass

Once again, Ellenem is right on. Could you depart Sirmione mid-afternoon on day 12 so you have one full uninterrupted day in Venice? IMHO, that would make a big difference to the end of your trip.

knoxRichter5

Here is the gladiator camp info:
http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Rom.../d511-2466GLAD
Another thing to get them in the mood is to have the youngest read Thieves of Ostia (and its sequels) by Caroline Lawrence, a kids' mystery series set in ancient Rome. Perhaps too juvenile for the older one, but perfect for the younger.

Also, there is a nighttime tour of the Colosseum you might consider, which would give you touring time after everything else shuts down.

Also, I read blogs by people writing in English from Rome - their recommendations are far more right in the moment. My favorite is http://www.roninrome.com/ He gives great tips on how to get through the Vatican in particular. I am sure Florence/Venice have comparable bloggers. Good luck!

annhig

knoxRichter - do you have a link to the night-time tour of the colosseum?

annhig

knoxRichter - do you have a link to the night-time tour of the colosseum?

kybourbon

annhig - In the past, the night tour has been seasonal (late summer/early fall) and tied to other late night events (Vatican Museums Friday night opening). Three to four sites open at night (each site only open one certain night). In the first year or two, I think they rotated nights.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-colosseum.cfm

knoxRichter5

I think they are usually offered through Pierreci.it (English page available) and Walks of Italy. Both companies got great reviews in other Fodor's forums. I just looked at Pierreci, and they do not have a night tour listed right now, but they may just be a warm month thing? Also, if Rome gets lots of rain, it is canceled. They also seem to offer tours of the 3rd level sometimes. You go on these tours in groups of 15 or so, according to the other posts.