Taking our extended family to Europe

Early summer go to Italy. Ireland and Scotland will be cool and rainy, while Tuscany or Umbria should be really nice. You can get a villa that will be perfect for your trip. Be sure to get a pool for the kids that will be available during your stay. Most have them, some don't but most don't open the pool until a certain date.

Go to www.vrbo.com , select the country / city of your choice and view all the apartments and houses you can rent there. I've used this site with great success. You should be able to find something that will suit your family.

Well my vote is Italy, it will be warmer, and cheaper. The pound is worse then the euro, plus renting a nice villa with a pool is going to be fun for the kids, and the adults can sit out there and eat olives, antipasto and drink local wine,, lovely sounding isn't it!! LOL

I disagree that early summer in Ireland would be too cool or wet. I have seen very warm days in Ireland even in April. There a lot of self-catering cottages available for rent that could suit your purposes. It all depends on what you wish to see.

The average summer highs are 19-20 degrees celsuis, that is less then 70 degrees. I am sure they have warmer days here and there, but , I very much doubt that Ireland is known for outdoor pools,, like the ones many villas offer in Italy. Kids love pools.

It can get to 80 or warmer in both here (Scotland) and Ireland. But you won't have to worry about hot & sticky weather or needing an air conditioner. You also get really long days in early summer - sun rises before 5am and doesn't set until 10:30pm. May and June and early July are the best time to visit Scotland!

With 15 people you could probably rent a couple of houses or flats in Edinburgh and/or the Highlands and have a wonderful time.

You probably should think about using public transport because the cost of enough vehicles and gas for that many folks could be prohibitive. Remember that cars here are smaller, so you'd be looking at no more than 4 people plus luggage per car (or less, depending on the amount of luggage). Little kids can often get free or heavily discounted train/bus tickets and the 16 year old and any other school age kids can get discounts for transport, museums and events.

Thanks for the input! We are excited about our trip and you have helped.

SCOTLAND! Consider basing yourselves in the Inverness area. Lots to do and see! It is one of our favorite places to go. We spent 5 days there this summer (it was our 43rd trip)and I still wish we'd had more time. I can't wait to go back!