We just booked flights into Rome for 10 days the first 2 weeks of August 2014. We want to spend 4 days in Rome but unsure of where to spend the rest of our time. My husband and I will be traveling with our 2 girls (9/7yo), my parents and my husband's mother. We would like to find somewhere to relax but would allow for day trips and other sightseeing-type activities. We had initially thought the Amalfi Coast would be perfect, but because it's high season, we are having trouble finding a villa or home that we can rent for less than a week (7 night minimum). Additionally, we the fear the crowds might be overwhelming. Where else should I consider visiting? We love the views of the ocean, but certainly aren't married to the beach. I would love to hear opinions about other places we should consider. Thank you!

Rent a villa with pool in Tuscany. Many easy day trips in rhe area.

Have you been to Italy? Where? What would the others enjoy?

I think HappyTrvlr's idea is good, and would also suggest a villa with a pool in Umbria, also with plenty of day trips.

Italian Riviera

Lake Como

I hope you are prepared for weather that is both very hot and humid. Make sure any property you stay at has good AC (many don;t)and a pool. With so many people you can ou won't want to all be together all the time - so I would ensure that you have options to do different things on some days.

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, we are prepared for the heat. We live in Florida so are used to hot and humid. We will be sure to check and double check on A/C.

Some of us have been to Italy. My parents to Tuscany and Florence, me to Rome and Capri and my mother in law was born and raised near Termoli.

I will certainly look into Umbria and Tuscan villas. What about Cinque Terre? Any feedback about this or the Italian Riviera?

I'm about to write about Cinque Terre in the trip report I am currently working on. The hiking was the big draw for us there, but I'm not sure if that would be the best for your group, unless you are all very athletic. The hiking was tough in spots and the 2 easiest trails are closed. They were affected by the landslides and are now repaired, but they are waiting for government certification. However, I would hope they'd be open a year from now!

There are certainly ferries or trains you could take to all the towns and a train trip to Portofino. If you want to follow along, here is my report:

Abruzzo 2.0 – 2nd Yr Italian Cooking School(+ Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence)

I do think for that time of year though, you'd likely enjoy Tuscany or Umbria with a pool more, and save Cinque Terre for a vacation for you and your husband or for when the girls are older and can hike. It all depends on how you all vacation and what interests you.

If Tuscany has booked up already (and it may have or the prices may be very high) think about alternatives like the Euganian Hills (bike riding), or further north into the lower Alps (hiking)