So excited for our first trip to Italy - myself, my husband and two teens! We are meeting up with family and have a villa rented in Tuscany the last week of August. We land in Venice 8 days before and I’m thinking 2-3 nights in Venice, 2 nights in Florence - where would you go between the two cities - we’ll still have 3-4 nights! I’d love your itinerary ideas - Thanks.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4781 posts
I would do 3 nights Venice, 4 nights Florence with a day trip to Siena
Posted by
5645 posts
Bologna or anywhere in Emilia Romagna is a good option, being on the train line.
I would also strongly consider staying longer in Venice and Florence, for the cities themselves as well as for day trips.
Because of the heat, you could consider a spur trip from Venice to the mountains, or to the coast near Florence.
Posted by
California 🦋
5334 posts
I agree with Cala.
Florence deserves more than 2 nights which translates to one full day.
3 nights = 2 full days, and so on…
Siena is an easy day trip (via bus)
Having said this, I’d recommend spending an overnight or 2, (if time permits) if you want to experience this beautiful city without the day trippers.
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1583 posts
Bologna could be an interesting overnight stop on the train ride from Venice to Florence. There is a 360 3D map available online.
It has several layers of history and very photographic architecture. It is famous for food. It is also the site of the Lamborghini Auto Museum which looks fabulous. You could make a side trip to Ravenna from there if you want to see the wonderful Christian Mosaics. Check these online to see if they spark your interests. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1327 posts
I wrote a treasure hunt for teenagers in Venice. Its a bit dated, like referring to an internet cafe, and the bookshop mentioned has closed.
Might be fun for your kids.
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/venice-for-teenagers-762890/
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for all the great ideas - we arrive on a Friday and I really liked the suggestion of the mountains so now I’m thinking Fri - Sunday in a mountain town like Cortina d'Ampezzo? Seems like a 2.5 hour train ride and we are in at 7am. Then 3 nights Venice and 3 nights Florence…..
But keep the suggestions coming!!
Posted by
Ohio
43 posts
Hi Lara! I’m planning a trip this summer with our 2 teens also - I think the couple of days in the mountains sounds great! Wish we had time for that or a few days in Cinque Terre.
Posted by
USA
47 posts
There is a train from Florence to Venice that goes through Bologna. Just spent a week in Bologna and would highly recommend it as a stop over or for a couple of nights.