This will be our first trip to Italy end of September and there are 4 of us with 13 yr old athletic boys. Flying into Milan and out of Rome, we are looking to spend time in Venice, Tuscany, The Almalfi Coast and Rome. We are interested in visiting some hillside villages and possibly staying in a castle. Any recommendations on a logical itinerary since we only have 13 days on the ground? We want to be busy with the boys but not overbooked. We are not opposed to renting a car but would like recommendations on when to use public transit versus a car rental? Also, we anticipate alternating between renting vilas and hotelsso any recommendations are appreciated!
Posted by
Washington DC
27057 posts
How many nights do you have in Italy?
I think the logical route is just as you have listed it, Milan Airport-Venice-Tuscany-Amalfi Coast-Rome. Since your first day will be jetlagged (and short, since you'll have to take the train from Milan), I wouldn't count it at all, from the sightseeing perspective, and would want to spend 3 nights in Venice. (I'd like a fourth night, but your time is very short for the four areas you have chosen.)
Do you just want to see some smaller towns and cities in Tuscany, or are you also interested in Florence? This is one area where a car could be helpful--likely even necessary if you opt for an agriturismo or villa. I suspect your children would very much appreciate staying somewhere with a pool.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11300 posts
Going to the Amalfi Coast is a bit far for your 13 days if you want to have some quality time and not be constantly on-the-move.
Arrive Milano and go immediately by train to Venezia. 3 nights
Venezia to Firenze by train, rent a car and go to an agriturismo in Tuscany. 5 nights. An agriturismo with a pool and perhaps the diversion of farm animals will be a nice break from cities. Choose one with an apartment. Always nice for a little separation while traveling. Take day trips to hill towns. If you want to see Firenze, day trip there as well (but not by car).
Return car in Orvieto, train to Roma, stay 5 nights. Again an apartment would be a good choice. If you really want to, you can daytrip to Pompeii, but it is a long day. Better choice for ruins is Ostia Antica just outside of Roma.
If the Amalfi Coast is a "must," then you are stuck with a 3-4-3-3 distribution of nights. That is a fast pace, IMO, and 3 nights in Roma is just not enough.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5256 posts
Oh Laurel, you've slipped up, surely it should be Costiera Amalfitana ; )