Dave_Ohio

My daughter's friend is contemplating a week-long family trip (with husband and four children ages 7,8,11,13) over Thanksgiving week. This will be their first trip outside the USA. They want an active/culture/food experience. They're talking about Italy, and mentioned possibilities including Venice, a Tuscan villa, and a city or town to use as a base. I love Italy, and have no problem thinking of places there I want to see, and ways to do it, but not necessarily with four younger children along. My recommendation to them is to rent an apartment in central Rome, and crawl all over the city, taking in its sights, history, art, and food. They could also take a scavi tour, and go further out to see the catacombs, daytrips to Ostia Antica, i Castelli Romani, etc.

What do you think?
Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions other than Rome that I could pass along? How about the Rome recommendation? Ways to improve on it, leads for rentals, things that children would enjoy, etc.

Appreciate any input.

annhig

Dave - my only caveat about Rome is that the weather might be a bit chilly by then. and IMO that really rules out a tuscan vila too - just too cold to be fun.

also, the Scavi tour has a strict age limit of 15s and over - which would exclude all their kids. not a complete no-no for Rome, but it certainly rules out that tour.

if the weather bothers them, the south of spain might be better. seville, granada, walks in the mountains, a run on the beach at Malaga - that could all be a lot of fun.

Beth16

Definitely seems to be the logical choice to rent an apartment in Rome. They would not be able to do the scavi tour because those under 15 yrs old are not permitted. If the Underground Colosseum tour is open I would definitely recommend as that was fascinating, though I do not remember if there was an age restriction on this one.
Climbing St. Peter's Basillica would be fun, checking out all of the different gelato places (my favorite - Il Gelato San Crispino right by the Pantheon)
They could take the train to Florence for a day trip. But most likely if that week includes travel days they may be better off staying in Rome as the jet lag, especially with the younger ones, could hit hard.

Jean

If it's going to be Italy, Rome makes the most sense IMO. Although the kids are too young for the scavi under St. Peter's, they could easily day-trip to Ostia Antica or to Orvieto. In Orvieto, there is a tour of the tunnels and caves under the city and riding the funicular up the hill is fun. If the kids could handle a very long day, they could even contemplate going to Pompeii as long as the weather is dry. Via Appia, the catacombs, Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa... so many options. You/they would have to investigate the Castelli Romani and perhaps pick one that appeals to everyone that is also easy to reach by public trans. Actually, a week might not be enough time for everything the kids would enjoy.

socaltraveler

One week with 4 children, I would pick one city, probably Rome, rent an apartment and explore the city. Do day trips as mentioned above. In late November the Tuscan villas/ countryside will be largely shuttered up, end of season. Rome would be a great place.

Sassafrass

Have to agree with your pick for late Nov with four kids to Italy: Rome.

bobthenavigator

I must be candid and say I would pick another time. The time is short and Nov is the wettest month in Italy. And, it turns dark at an early hour. I would take the kids when they have more time and better weather.

capxxx

I think it could be great to visit Italy in the relaxed off-season -- just bring jackets along and the kids will be fine. Some of my favorite trips to Europe have been in the winter months.

Definitely they should get an apartment.

Rome could be fine, but somehow I'm thinking a smaller city might be more manageable for first-timers with quattro bambini along. Florence, for example, is a good central location for daytrips to Pisa/Lucca by train, Siena by bus, and even Venice for an overnight trip. Or Bologna, maybe.

Saraho

We have spent a week or two in Rome several times during late November and early December. It does get dark early, but the old part of Rome is so well lit at night that it is lovely to walk around then. I would definitely go again at that time of year. One bonus is that it is not as crowded then as it is in Early fall or in spring. You and your children will enjoy Piazza Navona at night. You can choose a collection of lovely nativity figures. There will be lively entertainment going on there at night- music, magic tricks, etc.

Dave_Ohio

Thank you all for your replies and your input!

My daughter is relaying the information to her friend. I suspect the family is looking at that particular time as having more affordability and less impact on school schedules.

If there are any further ideas, please let me know.

RoamEurope

Well, I'm in the minority but I would split 4/3 between Rome and Florence. Florence with kids is magical. The smaller scale is more manageable, the pace is more relaxed and the two cities give very different perspectives to kids. The train trip is manageable quite easily... the only question is where to fly out of at the end.

tuscanlifeedit

Roam: those are awfully young children. I'm not sure I would want to herd cats more than once in one week.

I say Rome or Florence.

Bob, I know that your knowledge in this area is very deep, but I just did a great deal of research on the subject, and according to the historic data I collected, October is Italy's wettest month. Approaching December might not be bad at all.

charnees

As for rentals, they definitely should rent an apartment. A week in a Rome apartment would be far better than a hotel, as there is more room to move around and you have a kitchenette. If your friend does not use the Internet, though, finding an apartment is going to be difficult, as it's time consuming to do the research.

Dave_Ohio

Update:
The family is making their plans for the trip, and someone seems to have her heart set on spending time in a Tuscan villa, regardless of the season.
Anyone have a recommendation for a place in late November?

zoecat

All in southern Tuscany-

http://www.lafoce.com/

http://www.cretaiole.it/

http://www.appartamentialpoggiolo.it/

http://www.santantonio.it/

They can also browse through this site-

http://www.tuscanhouse.com/

bobthenavigator

Bad idea---Tuscany is bleak then.
Save it for spring break--actually the entire trip.

Dave_Ohio

Update:
I learned this week that the family has decided to stretch the trip to ten nights. The final plan is for two nights in Venice, four in Florence, and four in Rome. Apartments, no villas in the picture. I admire this couple's courage in undertaking this adventure with four children!

Thanks to everyone for your help. I'll let you know how it turned out, if/when we hear from them again.

Dave_Ohio

Epilog:
The family stuck with their 2-4-4 scheme above, traveling by train between cities. They lucked out with perfect seasonal weather in their regions. Everyone survived, and the mom, who got to celebrate her 40th birthday in Venice, was still beaming when I talked to her about it recently. They liked Florence the best, and were able to day-trip to Pisa and Siena while there.

One of the kids would eat nothing but pizza on the trip. Fortunately, they were in Italy. \/

Hboggini

Dave_Ohio - the trip described in this discussion is almost exactly the one I am planning now. Thanksgiving week in Italy with 3 kids (14,13,6), mom and dad. I was thrilled to read all of the suggestions and feedback. I would very much like to get more info from the woman who took the trip. Is is possible to be put in touch with her? I am specifically looking for her accommodations in Rome and recommendations for packing. Thank you so much.

Dave_Ohio

Hboggini:
I am in contact with this family only via my daughter. I will pass your request along. Perhaps she'll either join in the Forum, or send me the info to post.