I am looking for some help we are traveling to Italy in mid September and will be traveling with our son who will be four at the time. He is well traveled but understand the limits of a 4 year old. We are looking to absorb the Italian ambiance as much as possible with a 4 yr old - we love sitting in the piazzas and people watching, we will keep the museums to a minimum.

Here is what we have proposed we are flying into Venice and out of Florence. We have been to both of these ciites years ago but are looking to add a small town to really get the feel of Italy out side of these heavily toured cities. Any suggestions for a small town that is in the vicinity we will be traveling? I know Bologna and Verona are not exactly small towns but the are not as heavily traveled as Florence and Venice and I thought it would be a good mix? Thanks very much!!

Day 1 Venice
Day 2 Venice
Day 3 Verona
Day 4 Verona
Day 5 Bologna
Day 6 Bologna
Day 7 Florence
Day 8 Florence
Day 9 Florence
Day 10 fly home

Nine nites in Italy dictates 3 destinations to me. Since Venice and Florence are givens, that leaves one more option. Verona and Bologna are really not small at all--you should pick a village of less than 10K. I would split it 3-3-3 and put the village in the middle--with a car. I suggest these: Cortona, Montepulciano, Panzano, Volterra. All are very charming and fun. Good luck !

Oops ! Forgot the Dolomites--a very good option. Look at Ortisei in Val Gardena--lovely and scenic.

Thanks for the suggestions - are there any ideas if we plan to train it the whole time?

Thanks

Hi BP,

It's about 1:15 hr by train from Venice SL to Verona Porta Nuova. You might want to consider doing this as a daytrip and spending one more night in Venice. Less packing and unpacking.

Otherwise, I like your trip, although as Bob notes, you are not going to a small town.

You might want to consider staying in Fiesole (20 min on the no.7 bus from Florence) instead of in the city.

You might find the Florence and Bologna parts of my trip report helpful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044