My husband and I are planning a two-week vacation in Italy with our 2-year old. We absolutely have to rent an apartment so are constrained to two one-week rentals. We have never been to Italy so would like to experience city and countryside. We are debating whether to do Rome/Tuscany (one week each) or Florence/Tuscany. What do you suggest? Especially with a 2-year old?? All advice appreciated.

I would do Rome and the Tuscan countryside (just to be specific as Florence is Tuscany too)<BR><BR>Rome is a bigger city so less congested. And I don't think a 2 year old would be interested in art (my 3 and 4 year olds aren't) which is what Florence is all about.

We took our 2 1/2 year old to Tuscany (GReve in Chianti)3 nights and Rome 3 nights about 3 weeks ago. We had a great time in both. We stayed at Castello Vicchiomaggio in Greve (got a one room apartment for a steal 70 euro per night).It is a rustic apartment with a small kitchenette, living area, etc. The room was in the main castle and huge, but the bathroom was the smallest I every saw (LOL). My son was very excited to learn that we were going to stay in a real castle, and play soccer on the grass. He loved the turtles in the garden. One negative, we didn't get to do much wine tasting in the area because we were traveling with a toddler. Nor did we try the fancy restaurants. One day we bought local produce and cooked it in our rooms, and the second night we ate take out in Sienna. Very good though.<BR>In Rome we stayed at the Domus Julia in the Suite. It was great as well. My son Loved ROme. He loved the ice creme, sitting on the steps (not just the Spanish steps, but any steps). He loved throwing his coin in the Trevi fountain. We used an English Nanny agency one night while we were in ROme called Angels. If you would like more information on any of the above let me know, and I will be glad to help. <BR>We are going to Florence in a couple of weeks, and I can give you my opinion on that, but Rome and Tuscany were great. **Just a tip. My son loves all of our trips, his passport is pretty impressive, but we are living temporarily in England, so there is no jet lag for him. When we first came over, he had terrible jet lag, and was the worlds most miserable child for 2 or 3 days. So if you are traveling from America be prepared for a difficult couple of days.

I'll tell you - I was bored in Florence and I'm 47. Your 2-year old will love any of these cities as soon as they get have some gelato!!

I would just like to thank everyone for their replies and sharing their experiences and opinions. This is a great resource-- we've decided to do one week in Rome and one week in the Tuscan countryside. If we can, we might sprinkle some daytrips in there. Thanks again!!!!

Are you sure you want to do this with a 2 year old?? I hope for your sanity, and that of your fellow airplane passengers, that your child travels well. Just returned from Rome on a flight where two toddlers from two different families cried non-stop (and I mean non-stop) for 9 and 1/2 hours. There was a near riot, people were asking to move on a completely full plane. I could have sold ear plugs for $25 a pair. Many people made rude comments to the parents when we landed in Chicago. The mother cried all the way through customs. I have two kids and 6 and 8 and I wouldn't subject them to that kind of situation until they are much older. Unfortuantely, flying is just like taking the Greyhound, except faster.

Just in case this affects your planning, I don't believe it's an absolute given that you must rent an apt. for one week minimum. There are a number available through www.initaly.com for only 2 and 3 day minimums, both in cities and in the countryside. <BR><BR>Also, bring a good stroller with wheels that can withstand cobblestone streets and that reclines so the baby can sleep.. but that can also fit on board the plane and in a taxi trunk. <BR><BR>Taxi's aren't easy to hail in Rome, the metro has a limite route on the fringe of the historic center of Rome and buses aren't easy to use, especially w/ a stroller. Best place to find taxis, other than at official taxi stands which are rare, is in front of any big hotel or at the major tourist sights. Also, you can ask at restaurants for a radio taxi to be summoned, though you'll pay a premium for this.<BR><BR>I mention this only because I've traveled with somewhat older kids and we find a need to get back to our hotel often for rests midday. <BR><BR>