Italy 2nd trip - Verona, Ferrara, or Bellagio
 

My husband, I and kids are taking our 2nd trip to Italy. First was Rome, Tuscany, Venice. Now we are doing Sorrento, Umbria, and ??? What do you think is most appropriate. Kids are boys 10 and 12. We need to fly out of Milan - tickets already bought. Thanks.

For children, I'd recommend Ferrara AND nearby Bologna. Bellagio and Verona are wonderful, but I think that Ferrara's castle with a moat and Bologna's mediaeval look would appeal to your sons.

kat, The obvious choice to me is Lake Garda and Gardaland as a bonus. I assume you are driving. You can also do Verona as a day trip from there. Look at Torre del Benaco on the east shore.

My sister just came back from Italy having visted both Lakes Garda and Como. She preferred Como and Bellagio in particular to Garda.

www.vistaphotos.com

Of course Como is more spectacular, but is your sister 12 years old?

I agree with bob's recommendation of Lake Garda for the boys. Not a lot for children to do in Bellagio. I don't know where you are based in Umbria, but if you are driving north, you could stop for a wonderful lunch in Bologna, stop to see the castle in Ferrara afterwards, and continue onto Lake Garda.

Eat in the food capital, visit a real castle, and rides galore? Wow you guys are great and my boys will be forever greatful they weren't dragged to their 10,000th church. Thanks.