Northern Italy and a bit of Bavaria, a family trip
Aug 12th, 2016, 12:27 AM
#23
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about your holiday and viewing your photos. I think we were a day or so behind you in visiting Mittenwald - a beautiful area we're keen to explore further.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Aug 12th, 2016, 04:40 PM
#24
four_maccas .......looking forward to reading about what you enjoyed there, I just love Mittenwald, so much like a fairytale to me, but I guess it is too quiet for some. You must have had some sunny days, it cleared on our last day. (Coincidentally came across your Slovenia report as I want to convince my husband of a Croatia/ Slovenia holiday. )
Paqngo.... Dolomites are incredible and the villages so lovely, enjoy!
Thanks for comments, I read so many TR's and realised how much more I gained from them than any other resource.
Paqngo.... Dolomites are incredible and the villages so lovely, enjoy!
Thanks for comments, I read so many TR's and realised how much more I gained from them than any other resource.
Aug 13th, 2016, 05:13 AM
#25
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Really enjoyed your report and your pictures are incredible. What a nice family vacation. Sounds like you did a good job of keeping your kids engaged. Having taken kids/grandkids to France a few times I know that can be a challenge at times. I like reading trip reports too and yours has lots of great info. Thanks for posting it.
Aug 13th, 2016, 05:53 AM
#26
So happy you went to Cinque Terre. I love it there and so what if it is crowded. Beautiful place and the hiking will be forever etched in my brain hopefully.
Bavaria is our favorite go to place. Love that gorge. Glad you did public transportation.
Bavaria is our favorite go to place. Love that gorge. Glad you did public transportation.
Aug 14th, 2016, 01:07 AM
#27
john, I have really enjoyed our family trips, and we've included things I'd never have done if we'd been without them... we've quad biked in Cambodia, stayed in a treehouse in Thailand, visited the Schlumpf collection car museum in Alsace. I think that's our final family holiday though, so difficult to get annual leave during school and university term breaks. So next year I am probably going solo for 2 weeks and hubby might meet me later for 3 weeks. (I'd like to visit more of France, better check your TR's.)
Macross, I only included Cinque Terre as it was on the 19yr old's wishlist and so glad we did. Just stunning coastline and those villages on the cliffside, amazing. And we always include Bavaria when we go to Europe, my 'happy place'. Although Italy is now on our list of places to return to. I like revisiting places and including some new ones each time.
Macross, I only included Cinque Terre as it was on the 19yr old's wishlist and so glad we did. Just stunning coastline and those villages on the cliffside, amazing. And we always include Bavaria when we go to Europe, my 'happy place'. Although Italy is now on our list of places to return to. I like revisiting places and including some new ones each time.
Aug 14th, 2016, 12:27 PM
#28
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your wonderful trip report. I was delighted to read a trip report of a family with teenagers in tow. Our family (myself, husband, son 16 and son 17 [their ages at the time of travel]) are currently planning a trip to Europe next year. Our tentative itinerary to fly in to Zurich (mid-June), make our way to the Dolomites for a week, head to Dusseldorf for the start of the 2017 Tour de France, and then fly back to Chicago.
A couple questions: what did your sons really love (and also dislike) about Ortisei and Mittenwald? Did they wander about the town by themselves and if so, what was their favorite thing to do as "brothers on the town?"
Second question: like your family, we always use public transportation when in Europe and base our destinations based upon accessibility. Did you find it relatively easy to get around Ortisei and the surrounding areas for hiking, sightseeing, etc via public transportation? And at any point did you consider renting a car for your trip vs. taking public transportation? (And I'm primarily referring to using a car to get from one major destination to another, NOT for driving around a city once there.)
While we love to take only busses or trains, as our kids get older and discounts get fewer, I'm beginning to give car rentals some more thought. We've never rented a car in Europe and would prefer not to, but since our travel funds are limited, we need to carefully budget our trips.
Would be interested in your opinion on this issue.
Thanks again for your great trip report! I've bookmarked it and will be studying it - and the other reports on the Dolomites - in my planning. Wonderful!
A couple questions: what did your sons really love (and also dislike) about Ortisei and Mittenwald? Did they wander about the town by themselves and if so, what was their favorite thing to do as "brothers on the town?"
Second question: like your family, we always use public transportation when in Europe and base our destinations based upon accessibility. Did you find it relatively easy to get around Ortisei and the surrounding areas for hiking, sightseeing, etc via public transportation? And at any point did you consider renting a car for your trip vs. taking public transportation? (And I'm primarily referring to using a car to get from one major destination to another, NOT for driving around a city once there.)
While we love to take only busses or trains, as our kids get older and discounts get fewer, I'm beginning to give car rentals some more thought. We've never rented a car in Europe and would prefer not to, but since our travel funds are limited, we need to carefully budget our trips.
Would be interested in your opinion on this issue.
Thanks again for your great trip report! I've bookmarked it and will be studying it - and the other reports on the Dolomites - in my planning. Wonderful!
Aug 15th, 2016, 01:16 AM
#29
MKECityMom, I have never considered hiring a car, and always choose destinations based on train/ bus accessibility.
Public transport is so cheap and easy in Europe, and I don't think we'd have been advantaged in any way; I marvelled at the bus drivers on those narrow roads and was glad that we were not driving.
However, I read quite a few trip reports and many non European travellers seem to prefer having a car, if you look at Tripadvisor there are a few regulars who discuss this, comparing one valley to the other and great drives through the passes.
We took the train to Bolzano, the bus station is only 200m away, and a bus left about 30 minutes later. I always checked timetables to ensure smooth coordination and no unnecessary rushing in the morning...
I chose Ortisei because it has 3 cablecar/ funicular options. And we only used the valley bus a few times. A lovely, totally safe town to wander and enjoy.
We walk quite a bit at home, so the boys are used to that, they liked the scenic mountain walks, especially the rifugios (and their apfelstrudel). But, 4 days was enough for them. I didn't plan on it, but finding the ziplining place was very timely (it was the only thing they ended up doing without us, actually). I see there is one in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, too, should you head there at all. We generally returned home mid afternoon, the boys were then free to do their own thing (they were too tired to head out themselves, so would just check out youtube videos, mostly). A week is a good length of time, though, because the weather is so unpredictable.
I had been to Mittenwald with my older son when he was 16 and he loved it then, so we included it in our last 2 holidays. They both like the vibe, it's small, picture perfect, lots of restaurants, and close to Garmisch which we visit when we want a slightly more busy atmosphere. It surprises me still, that they both love this little town. The most dangerous thing about Mittenwald is the 80 year old cyclists
The boys say they loved the food, and surprised us with some unexpected choices (spaghetti with fresh anchovies for the teen who declares he hates fish, and smoked salmon in a beer garden where nearly everyone seemed to be eating pork knuckle or schnitzel). The only thing they did not enjoy was the location of our apartment in Ortisei, as it was a steep, uphill walk home, after a day of walking.
Have fun planning.
Public transport is so cheap and easy in Europe, and I don't think we'd have been advantaged in any way; I marvelled at the bus drivers on those narrow roads and was glad that we were not driving.
However, I read quite a few trip reports and many non European travellers seem to prefer having a car, if you look at Tripadvisor there are a few regulars who discuss this, comparing one valley to the other and great drives through the passes.
We took the train to Bolzano, the bus station is only 200m away, and a bus left about 30 minutes later. I always checked timetables to ensure smooth coordination and no unnecessary rushing in the morning...
I chose Ortisei because it has 3 cablecar/ funicular options. And we only used the valley bus a few times. A lovely, totally safe town to wander and enjoy.
We walk quite a bit at home, so the boys are used to that, they liked the scenic mountain walks, especially the rifugios (and their apfelstrudel). But, 4 days was enough for them. I didn't plan on it, but finding the ziplining place was very timely (it was the only thing they ended up doing without us, actually). I see there is one in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, too, should you head there at all. We generally returned home mid afternoon, the boys were then free to do their own thing (they were too tired to head out themselves, so would just check out youtube videos, mostly). A week is a good length of time, though, because the weather is so unpredictable.
I had been to Mittenwald with my older son when he was 16 and he loved it then, so we included it in our last 2 holidays. They both like the vibe, it's small, picture perfect, lots of restaurants, and close to Garmisch which we visit when we want a slightly more busy atmosphere. It surprises me still, that they both love this little town. The most dangerous thing about Mittenwald is the 80 year old cyclists
The boys say they loved the food, and surprised us with some unexpected choices (spaghetti with fresh anchovies for the teen who declares he hates fish, and smoked salmon in a beer garden where nearly everyone seemed to be eating pork knuckle or schnitzel). The only thing they did not enjoy was the location of our apartment in Ortisei, as it was a steep, uphill walk home, after a day of walking.
Have fun planning.
Aug 15th, 2016, 04:59 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Loved reading your trip report.
Thanks for sharing, I will check out your photos tomorrow.
We have done a mix of of renting a car and train travel around Europe.
A few years ago we flew into Milan, trained to Lake Como and then trained to Tirano and picked up the Bernini Express, a beautiful train trip . In Switzerland we bought an 8 day Swiss rail pass which worked out a very good deal as it included trains, buses and boats and half price on mountain trips. Worth looking in to.
We have also done many trips to France, so many beautiful areas of France to explore.
Your trips with your boys will be lovely treasured memories.
Thanks for sharing, I will check out your photos tomorrow.
We have done a mix of of renting a car and train travel around Europe.
A few years ago we flew into Milan, trained to Lake Como and then trained to Tirano and picked up the Bernini Express, a beautiful train trip . In Switzerland we bought an 8 day Swiss rail pass which worked out a very good deal as it included trains, buses and boats and half price on mountain trips. Worth looking in to.
We have also done many trips to France, so many beautiful areas of France to explore.
Your trips with your boys will be lovely treasured memories.
Aug 16th, 2016, 01:02 AM
#32
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, new camera so I went a bit nuts..
aussie_10... my other half wants to include Lake Como on next year's trip in June; I'll be posting questions very soon, so don't disappear on me
aussie_10... my other half wants to include Lake Como on next year's trip in June; I'll be posting questions very soon, so don't disappear on me
Aug 16th, 2016, 06:47 AM
#34
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply & suggestions. Our itinerary is still evolving, but it will now include Varenna on Lake Como. We've been there twice already, once with our boys. They loved it so much they have begged to return for at least a couple days...so I'm trying to integrate that into our trip. I'm happy to share info on Varenna. (Hmm...let me see, did I do a trip report? I'll have to research that.)
One of the things that our sons loved about Varenna was that within a few minutes, they could pretty much navigate about the town themselves while my husband and I could enjoy a cocktail. The same is true of Murren, Switzerland, which we also enjoyed. They also enjoyed walking/running in the surrounding hills and mountains.
We balance large and small cities/towns so we can build in relaxing time and usually stay a minimum of 2 nights, usually 3, in each place.
OK, back to work to make some money to pay for this dream trip!
One of the things that our sons loved about Varenna was that within a few minutes, they could pretty much navigate about the town themselves while my husband and I could enjoy a cocktail. The same is true of Murren, Switzerland, which we also enjoyed. They also enjoyed walking/running in the surrounding hills and mountains.
We balance large and small cities/towns so we can build in relaxing time and usually stay a minimum of 2 nights, usually 3, in each place.
OK, back to work to make some money to pay for this dream trip!
Aug 16th, 2016, 09:49 AM
#35
One of the things that our sons loved about Varenna was that within a few minutes, they could pretty much navigate about the town themselves while my husband and I could enjoy a cocktail. >>
our kids, especially our DS always enjoyed that; just about his favourite activity in Rome was going out in the morning to buy our breakfast from the cafe opposite our apartment. How he managed with only one or two words of Italian I'll never know but he always brought home the right change!
our kids, especially our DS always enjoyed that; just about his favourite activity in Rome was going out in the morning to buy our breakfast from the cafe opposite our apartment. How he managed with only one or two words of Italian I'll never know but he always brought home the right change!
Aug 31st, 2016, 03:57 AM
#38
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mea culpa Adeldaidean - sorry for late response. I've been busy planning our trip next year to Europe - now complete!
We loved Varenna (I much preferred it to Bellagio). We reserved two rooms at the Bed & Breakfast Il Bolentino in May 2013. The first room was for two (my husband and myself); the second was for our two boys (ages 11 and 13 at the time) plus my father. That second room featured a bunk bed and a single bed. The owners were very nice. They didn't speak much English, so between my baby Italian and their baby English, we did OK. We also mistakenly overpaid on the last day and the owners came chasing after us with the extra money. We would definitely stay again. It's not a luxe B&B, but for a family or someone who prefers a quieter, more "local" approach to traveling, it's perfect.
We really enjoyed walking around Varenna, stopping for gelato, lingering over dinner. We hiked to Castello di Vezio one day, which had a wonderful casual restaurant, as well as spent one day hopping around Lake Como on the ferry...spending some time in Bellagio and Lenno (I think...which, if correct, was really lovely and I'd definitely consider staying there someday).
http://www.bbebvarenna.it/index.php?lang=en
Ciao!
We loved Varenna (I much preferred it to Bellagio). We reserved two rooms at the Bed & Breakfast Il Bolentino in May 2013. The first room was for two (my husband and myself); the second was for our two boys (ages 11 and 13 at the time) plus my father. That second room featured a bunk bed and a single bed. The owners were very nice. They didn't speak much English, so between my baby Italian and their baby English, we did OK. We also mistakenly overpaid on the last day and the owners came chasing after us with the extra money. We would definitely stay again. It's not a luxe B&B, but for a family or someone who prefers a quieter, more "local" approach to traveling, it's perfect.
We really enjoyed walking around Varenna, stopping for gelato, lingering over dinner. We hiked to Castello di Vezio one day, which had a wonderful casual restaurant, as well as spent one day hopping around Lake Como on the ferry...spending some time in Bellagio and Lenno (I think...which, if correct, was really lovely and I'd definitely consider staying there someday).
http://www.bbebvarenna.it/index.php?lang=en
Ciao!
Sep 15th, 2016, 03:16 AM
#40
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Adelaidean I've finally read your trip report and your holiday sounds wonderful. You and your family sound like keen and adventurous travellers. I travelled with my parents as a teenager often and appreciate that they took the time show us so many different parts of the world.
So where are you going to next year?
So where are you going to next year?
