PalenQ

But le Cinque Terre itself is steep and with pebble beaches>

Monterosso- a CT town -has a fine sandy beach that has been rated by some sources amongst the best in Italy.

It may not be huge but a real sandy beach:

https://www.google.com/search?q=mont...w=1745&bih=864

PalenQ

I would not go to CT for a beach vacation however if there and if staying in another CT village hop trains to Monterosso to give the kid a treat - trains run all the time between all 5 Lands.

janisj

OP's first thread asked about France, then this one about Italy . . . But per his latest thread, it seems they have decided on Finland . . .

massimop

Appears to me that OP is spending 1st half of September in Finland, 2d half in France & possibly Italy

PalenQ

-1 from France to Venice by plane>

Could also do Paris-Venice by overnight train: www.thello.com

PalenQ

The night train from Paris to Venice could save lots of time - daytime travel time that is and also save on cost of a hotel that night -book a private compartment and bring food and beverages aboard and make a cozy time of it.

You could book a privat double -kids under 4 need no ticket if they do not need their own bed.

PalenQ

OP's first thread asked about France, then this one about Italy . . . But per his latest thread, it seems they have decided on Finland . . .>

Maybe before Finland?