LiCon

Would you say that Italy would be a good family trip for children ages 10 and 11? Also, best place to stay and how can we make the trip affordable? We would love for our boys to get a little more "world" experience, but can't afford to spend $10,000 on a trip either! We love learning about new cultures and really taking in the local atmosphere. Any suggestions?

vjpblovesitaly

I would say yes, that would be a good place to visit. There is no "best place" to stay.

I think you need to scan the internet and see about prices during the time period that you hope to visit and decide if it is affordable. An apartment might be less expensive and give you a kitchen to make some meals "at home."

There is a Europe forum where you should post more specific questions after doing some research to see if this trip is within your budget.

nytraveler

You should post this on the Europe Forum.

As for suggestions - what is your budget and how much time do you have - provide more info when you post there. Airfare will be a major expense and where you are will control costs. Do realize that tickets for much less than $1000 each are rare - even in mid winter.

boom_boom

Do consider an apartment rental rather than a hotel. We did that for a week in Rome, shopped in the local market everyday for meals, went to the corner coffee shop every morning. It was a much better exposure to Rome than we would have had in a typical hotel stay.

LiCon

Thank you, I will continue research and take your suggestions into consideration.

TDudette

Hi LiCon, Yes, do post this in the Europe Forum--you'll get more advice there. Your children would love Venice and the entire concept of getting almost everything by boat.

Rome's ruins would probably be of great interest as well.

A totally off the wall suggestion (only because Rome, Venice and Florence or the usual "firsts" for new visitors) might be the Genoa area. Assuming you are in the U.S., the children will have learned more about Columbus than the Holy Roman Empire at this point.

You could stay on the water in a nearby town and take the train into Genoa to see the port with the recreations of Columbus' boat.

Another different one would be the Sorrento area. Pompeii and other ruins might be of interest.

But, again, please repost this in Europe--many people with more Italy experience than I.