Would you pick up the car in Florence and then at the end of your Tuscany stay drop it to same place and take train to Venice?

Thinking maybe get hotel for one night in Florence to store bags, spend a quality day and night...then drive out the next morning. Is the car drop close to the train station?

Thank you! That was great to hear you went with your boys.

The train or private care out of Rome is a toss-up when you throw two jet-lagged kids into the mix. With the train, you'll have to herd them and your luggage onto a train at the airport, then do the same at the Rome station. That can be a bit much on you and them, after a long plane ride. At least with the private car, you can just walk out the terminal and plop yourselves into the car and relax.

Check with your hotel in Positano about boating. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that term. Rent your own boat? Rent a boat with a driver? Join a group?

I have looked up a few companies that rent for the day, they sail you around and make coastal stops for lunch and few hours to walk around Capri, swim if its warm enough. Its pricey but seems dreamy

Also, for those of you who took children...any great activities not to miss?

Nenglish,

I'd probably drop the car in Florence or wherever I stayed last that has a train station.

Where in Tuscany are you staying? We loved Siena as a base for driving. You stay at the Palazzo Ravissa hotel just inside the walls, they have private parking and it's an easy drive in and out of town. Also, Siena itself is a wonderful city. It Is very ancient, and you will often see people from the different contrades (basically, neighborhood groups: very loyal and competitive) in their traditional dress just marching through the streets. My boys loved this city, and we've visited with them twice. I'm not sure that they have a train station, but it's a short trip by car from Florence.

The private transfer to Positano will be nice after your flight. Even though train travel is easy once you get the routine, the first time on jet lag with two tired children might be stressful.

I hope this is helpful--have a wonderful trip!

You don't have to drop the car at the airport, you should be able to drop at Piazzale Roma (end of the causeway to Venice and next to Santa Lucia) and then take a water taxi from there.

We have done it several times, as long as your rental company will take it there.

I don't know what it's like in Oct., but in season in Positano, there are companies on the beach that do water tours to Capri and back. You might consider one of the rubber boats. We did it with six people. The driver takes you around the island into some of the coves that mimic the Blue Grotto. Then you can get off at Capri, tour town, and go back. Don't know what the swimming will be like in Oct.

We are staying at Borgo Argenina http://www.borgoargenina.it/
about 20 min from Siena :)