I'm hoping to get some suggestions for an itinerary for Italy. My husband and I will be there for 2 weeks in April with our 5 year old and 3 year old. This will be our first time in Italy. We'll arrive early morning April 13th in Milan and leave from Rome the morning of April 25th. At this point that's all we have figured out. My husband would like to visit Venice, Florence, and Rome, but isn't firmly set on that. I'm not sure if going to Venice isn't a good use of our time. Any advice would be appreciated, I'd like to decide on where we'll be staying so I can start the search for accommodations. Thanks!
Posted by
4323 posts
I think two weeks is a good amount of time for those three cities--but you should strongly consider your family's own rhythms and such in choosing an itinerary. I don't think I would plan on intensive museum visiting with kids that age, but there is no rule that you must visit museums in those cities. I'd hate to chase the three-year-old I know best in Venice (he'd surely end up in a canal), so I can see saving Venice for a future trip and maybe chilling at the lakes for the first few days.
Posted by
3122 posts
Have you decided whether you plan to rent a car? I can definitely see the advantage of a car with small children because they'll settle in and the car will feel like "home" for the duration of the trip. However, driving in Italy means learning the rules about not only things like speed limits and yielding right of way, but also the zones in various towns/cities where cars are prohibited, and figuring out where to park. In other sections of this website there's detailed information on that subject.
Generally speaking, driving in Italy is probably easier and much more convenient if your trip focuses on rural and small town destinations. Since your husband wants to visit the major cities, a car may be more of a hindrance -- you should discuss that and come to a decision.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5370 posts
Venice would be a nightmare with two small kids. Water everywhere, steps everywhere, strollers are not possible. Don’t do it.
Florence is also far from ideal as the main attractions are museums.
You need to start thinking like parents when you travel.
Stay one week in the north in an Airbnb and one week in Tuscany at a farm.