Italy with a toddler
 

Hey everyone,
I'm back from a very long haitus here at Fodors. After we returned from our London/Paris trip in September with the little babe, we had a trip to Minnesota, then about 3 bad colds, then the holidays, and now... I can't believe it's been so long. I'll get around to posting my trip report soon... I started writing it but got so caught up reading PLMN's report I forgot to finish mine.

Anyway, travelling with our toddler wasn't EASY, but it was very enjoyable. And since we don't yet have another baby on the way, we figured we should start planning our next trip, to Italy, for Spring 2006. When my toddler will be 3.

I know there are tons of posts about this (especially from Huitres) and I'll be sure to read them all.
But as a starting point, I'll ask this main question, and look forward to your answers:

WHERE would you say is the best home base with a toddler? We know from experience that museums and restaurants are out of the game, so perhaps a wondeful quiet village or small town with parks, beautiful chuches, gelaterie, and quick drives to SOME sort of cultural exhibit would be nice. And since this isn't our first trip to Italy, I'm not feeling compelled to see it all again... just looking for great ideas as a starting point.

Thanks,
Kat

Hi skatterfly! I just returned from Italy 6 days ago and it was freezing cold! Me and my little one had a wonderful time in Italia - as we always do - and I would take a last minute trip like that any time!

I wanted to recommend Lucca. In fact, it is one of my most favorite cities in Italia and I am very comfortable there. I fell in love with the place in January 2003 and have been going there ever since. I like the feeling of the enclosed wall ramparts circling the city, as well as the history and friendliness of the town, its people, culture, etc. I think it would make a terrific home base as it is within close train distance to Florence, Pisa, Siena, and the Livorno coastline. You are also close to the Cinque Terre if you want to have a couple days on the coastline.

I stay in Lucca every time (except this last trip!) and love returning there. If you have never been there, I at least recommend a visit. :)

Hi Huitres, Thanks for the reply. I bet it was cold this last trip.

Lucca, hmm... I was there last time pre-baby, and I didn't enjoy it so much. Thought it was a bit boring. But maybe, with a child, it would be different. I'll consider it.

Where do you stay? Do you get an apartment or stay in a hotel?
~kat

I'd rent an apartment or maybe stay at an agriturismo. A real working farm would be interesting to your child. Unless they offered half-board, you'd be forced to drive for dinner every night, however.

How about Umbria? There are lots of nice little towns there, easily accessible by car. Stay in, say, Spello or Todi or thereabouts. Then you can visit Perugua, Assisi, Orvieto, Bevagna, Montefalcone, Spoleto, etc.

Perhaps I am less adventurous when it comes to lodging. I go for budget and clean, proximity and location to things is important too. Traveling with a toddler/young child without a car does make it hard to stay in the out-of-the-center type places (like an agriturismo, villa in the country, etc). I take trains and busses from town to town, so stay in nice lodging that I can walk to from a train station. Hmm....if you thought Lucca was boring, it still may be for you. I don't find it so, in fact, I love the quaintness and charm of the city.

Umbria is a nice idea and not as touristy as Toscana. Bear in mind these are all high hill towns so travel (without a car) can be challenging. I stayed in Perugia Sept 2003 and visited all the towns around and liked it a lot but don't think I would make a point to return there (just my preference as I am more familiar with Liguria, Toscana, Lazio regions).

Since my trip to Milano 4 weeks ago, I've since been back to Italy (last week) for work and was south of Rome this time. (I traveled without my little child and do admit it was much easier!) I am going back to Italy (Liguria) and also Monaco on April 30 and she will definitely come with me on that trip - 4 more weeks! :)

Skatterfly,

I shall not help you until after I've seen your full trip report.

Four pages, one sided, single spaced, no. 11 font, 8.5 x 11 paper, 1" margins.

((I))

Hahahahaha Ira, I'm sad to say it's already much much longer than 4 pages. But I'll get it posted soon. I keep getting derailed by the day-to-day antics of my toddler, but I have some time over the coming weeks to work on it. And may I just say I'm absolutely astonished that even a single person actually _wants_ to see it. Thanks for the interest. I have had writing it.

~kat

skatterfly,

Looking foward to your report.

My kids are pretty grown up now, but based on my past experiences:

The worst home base with a toddler would be a small hotel room without a play area or kitchen.

The best would be a large apartment in a central residential area next to a park (that includes a playground) if you're staying in a city.

Or a house if you are in the country or a small village.

Skatterfly, when I was three, my dad spent six weeks in Florence on business, and he brought me and my mom with him. We stayed in the Leonardo Da Vinci hotel, which was across the street from a park. My mom used to take me to the park every day. There was a big pond in the middle, and you could rent tricycles there, so my mom would rent a trike for me and I'd ram around the pond. I made friends with a little boy there and we'd play together. :)

Museums are doable with a toddler. My mother took me to see the David - and I still remember it to this day! (30 years later).

We also used to take the B bus to Fiezole (sp?) and walk around the ruins.

We left Florence and went to Pisa and Venice briefly. I barely remember Venice but I do remember being outside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. :)

All of this information is 30 years old, but I hope it helps.