My husband and I are planning to take a two-week trip to Italy with our sons (10 and 12)in late March, early April, flying in and out of Rome. <BR><BR>We were thinking about 5 days in Rome, 3 days for Alamfi Pompeii and Herculaneum, and then Florence and Tuscany (Pisa, Sienna, Volterra) for the rest of the trip, then back to Rome to fly home.<BR><BR>Is this a good way to spend our time? A reasonable itinerary?

that sounds like a wonderful trip but i would recommend not going to Pisa. I haven't been to some of the other places you mentioned but Pisa is not worth seeing. If you are set on viewing the tower then I would simply get off the train in Pisa, go to the tower and get back on the train. The town is dirty and unsafe. Florence is a must and I would absolutely recommend going to Chinqa Terra. It is the most amazing place in all of Italy. Try not to do too many places in two weeks and remember to include relaxation into your trip. Otherwise you will become overwhelmed with the viewing every historical sight in italy (they are amazing but endless).

We took a trip with our kids in 2000. They insisted on seeing Pisa. Although it is a bit out of the way, it was a highlight for them. The town wasn't as nice as others, but I didn't see it as exceptionally dirty, nor did I feel unsafe. (We drove) Many told us to avoid the going there because it was out of the way, but I'm glad we did. And I believe the tower is once again open.

I agree with the above poster. We took two kids to Italy (10 and 12 also) in July and seeing the Leaning Tower was a highlight for them. We stayed in Lucca (they loved riding bikes on the walls), took the train to Pisa (quick trip) and returned to Lucca in a couple of hours.

We went in 2000 w/ our 12 yr old son. He loved Venice the most. We also enjoyed Verona, lots to do in Florence, Pisa, Tuscany/Umbria, Sorrento, Pompeii/Vesuvius and Rome (Sistine Chapel is a must). My son thought he was in heaven w/ all the Pizza and gelato he could eat..and in fact he was!

Sounds great! We did a 10 day similar trip last March with our kids (same ages) and they loved it. Italy is a great country to bring kids. We did skip Pisa because of inconvenience and time involved. We spent 3 nights venice, 1 florence (history of science museum great for kids and nice break from art museums), 1 orvieto (great underground cave tour), 4 Rome (with day trip to pompeii). We rented a car to get around and also stopped in San Gimingnano (sp?).

Don't skip Pisa. It was one of the highlights of our trip last summer for both our 9 and 11 year-old. We went in the late afternoon and had a great (and inexpensive) dinner very nearby. Also, I think Venice is a must see. We spent several days in Tuscany (Florence, Volterra, and other small towns), but frankly, our kids weren't that impressed; they had seen enough old towns by then. I'm sure a lot of people would disagree but I'd head to Venice and leave Tuscany for another time (unless you want to build in some downtime for hiking etc.).

It's a very nice itinerary; anyway maybe you want to visit too many places. You have to choose between Florence or the other towns of Tuscany.<BR>About Amalfi, Pompei and Ercolano: the best solution is to stay at Sorrento for 5 days so that you can visit each place and others too, and keep relax and good dinners, too.<BR>If you need help, no problem: write me e-mail. <BR>Ciao.

Kari<BR>I suggest going to the catacombs while in Rome. I think you and your children will find them extremly interesting.

Many thanks for all your comments, they were really helpful. Here's how we finally decided to organize our time:<BR><BR>Rome -- 5 nights (Hotel Pension Italia)<BR>Sorrento -- 5 nights (Hotel Il Nido)<BR>Orvieto -- 2 nights (still seeking hotel, would appreciate any recommendations)<BR>Siena -- 2 nights (still seeking hotel)<BR>Rome -- last night <BR> <BR>These message boards are SO helpful! I promise to post our experiences when we get back.<BR><BR>Thanks again.<BR><BR>Kari<BR><BR>

Kari, I look you listened my suggest about five nights at Sorrento.<BR>Your choice, Il Nido, is fine, because it is a nice hotel 2 stars but, beware, it is far 5 km. from the centre of the town and from the railway station. <BR>The view is wondeful, rooms are clean and fine and there is a garden.<BR>About Orvieto, my suggest is Palazzo Piccolomini, a very charming 4 stars. It is into a building of XVI century. Rooms are comfortable.<BR>About Siena these are my four suggests: <BR>Certosa di Maggiano <BR>Palazzo Ravizza <BR>Park Hotel Siena <BR>Villa Scacciapensieri <BR>In the period you're having your Italian tour it's Easter. It means now it's already hard to find free rooms.<BR>Have a nice trip.<BR>Ciao.

looking forward to reading your trip report.<BR><BR>Don't miss Capri.

Vincenzo, I looked up your suggestions on the Internet -- they all look gorgeous! But unfortunately they are beyond my budget. Do you have any less expensive recommendations for Siena and Orvieto?<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>Kari

Kari, I live close to Sorrento but, because of my job, I travel very often and I know very well Tuscany and Umbria.<BR>The following are the back-up suggestions after your focus about budget. <BR>Orvieto:<BR>Fattoria di Titignano <BR>Fattoria La Cacciata <BR>Filippeschi <BR>Grand Hotel Reale<BR>The first two are farms with accomodation like agriturismo, very nice for your sons.<BR>Fattoria di Titignano has rooms into a castle and a beatiful view on a sweet lake.<BR>Fattoria La Cacciata has horses for clients.<BR>Siena:<BR>Antica Torre<BR>Santa Caterina <BR>When you arrive at Sorrento I'm glad, if you wish, to meet you and your family.<BR>If you wish, write me an e-mail and I give you my phone number.<BR>Ciao.<BR><BR>