Italy and France
 

I am planning to take my first trip to Italy and France. Total days available are 14. I will be accompanied by my wife and two kids (3 years, 1 year).

The idea is to spend 3 days in Rome before travelling to Paris by rail/road. I intend to stay in Paris for 3 days.That leaves me with another 8 days for travelling and visiting country sides, preferably along the Mediterranean. I'll appreciate if someone can suggest a suitable Itenarary

I personally recommend taking a look - - on www.whichbudget.com - - at the low cost flights between Italy and Paris (Pisa, for example, but others as well), rather than traveling by train, such a long distance (and costs much more than flights). You have many options of places to see in either country, and avoid such a long train ride.

Best wishes,

Rex

If I were in your shoes, I would add no more than one other destination. How much touring will your kids allow you to enjoy? I personally think you will find plenty to do in those two cities and perhaps do day trips away from them and have your "home base" in just two locations.

When you will be going?

Hi Umar,

I suggest that you increase your time in Rome to 4 days, then train to Venice for 3 days. See www.trenitalia.com.

Fly VCE to ORY on www.myair.com

Stay in Paris for a week.

Have a nice visit.

((I))

I agree with some of the other posts in that I would only do maybe 3 cities. If you have never been to Paris you can easily do a week there. I would recommend 4 days in Rome, 3 in either Venice of Florence and a week in Paris. You can also do a day trip to Giverny, or somewhere esle while in Paris. But there are tons of combinations. Remember, you will go back.

Definitely add more days to Paris and Rome. Especially since you've never been, three days in each is nothing. Maybe you could add a couple of day trips to fill out your schedule. Both places are incredible, with more than enough to keep you occupied.

Also, with two virtual infants, I think I'd prefer to keep extra travel to a minimum.

I think you need to consult a map. Going from Rome to Paris by rail/road, spending three days in Paris, then going back to the Mediterranean doesn't make sense.

I'd spend at least 4 days in Rome, 5 days somewhere along the Med or making your way north, and THEN head to Paris for at least the last 4 days.

Sounds like a fun trip - I just spent 13 days in France & Italy in October and started in Paris for a few days then trained to the south of France to Nice, then trained to Naples. I recommend Pompeii for the kids, and more time in Rome - also the Amalfi Coast is breathtaking and a nice break from the city. Have fun!

sheri_lp, Are you sure you would recommend Pompeii for the kids? For ages 3 and 1? I haven't been yet, but from all I've read, I don't think that's a great idea. Also, it's in the opposite direction of where he wants to go.

I think StCirq and Ira have good ideas.

<< Are you sure you would recommend Pompeii for the kids? For ages 3 and 1? >>

As a parent, and a pediatrician, and an uncle to 29 nieces and nephews, let me assure you that it doesn't matter which destinations you choose for the children. Pompeii might be less stroller-friendly than some destinations, but I haven't been there in a long time.

In fact, I would assert, that for the most part, traveling overseas with children that age is not because you want to... or want to "take them somewhere" - - but rather because you don;t have any good alternative choice (and that's not the worst thing is the world, of course)...

Best wishes,

Rex

If Rome and Paris were your first choices and you're just looking for other places to go from each, I think you should choose either Rome or Paris, and then decide where in the countryside you'd like to go in the general vicinity of Paris OR Rome. Or if the Meditarranean is your real preference, then maybe skip both Paris and Rome and just stay somewhere along the Mediterranean. To me, it looks like you are planning to cover too much distance too fast. That doesn't seem that pleasant for two adults, and probably even worse with two very young children.

Hi

another alternative :

Start Rome
Train to Nimes / Montpellier
Train to Paris

You can compare roman remains around Nimes with those in Rome. Maybe rent a car and add visits to the coast, Provence , Aigues Mortes, Cevennes etc.

Train Nimes - Paris is 2hr59mins and booking in advance it is possible to get a ticket for Euro 20. I've just missed the deal price cut off and booked one for end January at around Euro 39.

Photos of the area here : www.the-languedoc-page.com

Peter

Nimes sounds great, or anywhere in Provence or Tuscany, someplace where you can all relax a little in the countryside or village or even a beach between the two cities. I agree, more time in each city, then a week in a gite or agriturismo where the kids can run (or toddle) around and make noise (or even watch a favorite video). And you can let them do it to their hearts' content, while you hold hands and soak up the scenery while enjoying the local beverage. Or put the little ones in a backpack and take them hiking if that's more your cup of tea.

Thankyou all for useful tips. In light of the various responses I figure there are two following options:

1- Visit Rome first and afterwards Paris. I initially thought that from Rome to Paris a drive in early June along the Riveria through Nice, coupled with lunch picnics and over night stay at different places ( 4 atleast) will be fun. Has anyone out there experienced this route? In light of what is being suggested, I am willing to consider air travel.
2- The other option is to leave out Rome for the time being. Spend 4-5 days in Paris before taking a drive South towards Nice and surrounding places. Maybe the kids won't mind spending three to four hours of drive every day.On the way back I can use the TGV.The drive to Louire valley around Paris also sounds interesting? Any other ideas for day trips around Paris will be welcome.

Based on your valued experience and my general interest to combine city life with drive through the country side, please recommend what will be more feasible ?

I am just a bit concerned if the kids will be able to adjust in a place like Paris and Rome (not to mention their parents). Please do let me know if there are some specific interests/acceptable options for my 3 year old son in Paris and Rome?

Many thanks.

Hi Umar,

I like your idea of 5 or so days in Paris followed by a drive through France. Keeping the driving down to 3 hr or less/day is a good idea.

Driving in France is, I think, a lot easier than driving through Italy.

When will you be going?

Enter "children in Paris", with the quote marks, in the "search this forum" box.

((I))