Hi, This is my tentitive itinerary:

Friday, June 23- Arrive Rome
Relax, check out Piazza Navona. Walk to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Saturday, June 24- Tour Vatican City (St Peter’s, climb the dome, tour the Vatican Museum).

Sunday, June 25- Tour- Colosseum,, Forum, Pantheon.

Monday, June 26- Train to Santa Margherita-
Maybe see Leaning Tower while changing trains in Pisa.

Tuesday, June 27 –Friday, June 30 –
Relax, take a train to CT to explore the five towns. Hike the trails, take a small boat between some towns.

Saturday, July 1- Train to Venice-
St. Mark's Basilica. Doge's Palace. Go up the Campanile bell tower for city view Sunday, July 2- Murano Factory, Gondola ride.

Monday, July 3
Tour Accademia, explore Dorsoduro neighborhood, visit La Salute Church

Tuesday, July 4 – Train to Milan –
See Duomo,
6:45pm reservations to see Last Supper

We will be traveling with our four children (between the ages of 9 and 18). Kids first time in Italy.

What do you think? Too much time in SML? Should I go to Florence for 2 nights, then to Venice? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It was suggested in pp to go to the lakes instead but the kids rather go to a beach and we are meeting friends in SML for 2 nights. I would like to break up the 6 hour train ride to Venice somehow.

Haven't been to SML yet, but will be in Lerici on the Ligurian Coast this June. We will be spending 4 nights there. I can't help but say that I think your time in Rome is just too short, especially with the pre-teens/teens you will be travelling with. Rome is so much more than the Vatican and the Colesseum, and the kids will want time to just explore. My kids LOVED Rome. I would suggest adding a night to Rome from SML.

I would not add Florence as I think that would just be too much moving around. Since you are visiting with friends in SML just relax and enjoy the visit.

Are you flying out of Milan? Is that the reason for the trip there?

Yes, I would like to add time to Rome but our friends will only be in SML until the 28th (2 nights together). I took time off of Rome to be there with them. But I could leave SML earlier as they will be gone anyway.

We had to fly out of Milan..that is the reason for the stop there. Thanks for your input!

Anyone have any restaurant recommendations? Thanks for helping. I enjoying reading this site.

ttt

The Pantheon is between the Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona. You can see it that day rather than go out of your way on Sunday. If you want to see an interesting church on Sunday, try San Clemente which is near the Colosseum. There are two levels of excavations below the main church.

While I understand you concern about the long CT-Venice train ride, it seems as if you have set a full schedule for your arrival day in Venice. It's probably better just to get there--especially since you will have your luggage with you. I'd get the earliest train possible. You 6-hour ride will be broken up by a change of trains somewhere, which might be enough of an adventure with four children.

Florence would certainly be easier than CT, but I think your kids will enjoy the seaside break as well as the charming terrain of CT. You don't have too much time in CT--really only one full day when you consider travel time between cities.

Hi bmad,

I would take a day from CT and add it to Rome. Are your friends people that you see so seldom that it's worth planning your trip around them, or do you see them frequently at home? You will have to decide.

ellenem, bmad actually has 4 full days in CT which is plenty considering the short time in Rome and Venice.

Buon viaggio!

Oops! I didn't see the "-Friday, June 30"

Then I agree that you could probably steal a day and use it elsewhere, probably in Rome.

Right now we have 5 nights in SML. I think I will add a night to Rome. Then maybe we could do a day trip to Pompeii. Is it worth the trouble to get there?

Again, I really appreciate all suggestions!