Hi all-
We are doing 2 weeks in Italy in June. Bookended with Venice at the beginning and Rome at the end, we have a house rented in a small village near Pistoia in northern Tuscany for 7 nights in the middle of the trip. We're a family of 4 with two teens, ages 18 and 14, who are well-traveled and have been to Europe before. We have a car rented for the week. I don't want to be too rigid so if we need a day to just rest we can have it, and so we can change plans daily if we discover something wonderful we must do! But, I am trying to plan a loose itinerary and getting a bit overwhelmed. On the list are: Pisa (half day at most), Lucca, Viareggio (just for an afternoon on the beach), Cinque Terre (an entire day), Florence, and Voltera (which is a long drive but I think I have to see it!). I love wine, and we all love food. We also want to see the major sites, but with teens I've found we have to do some active things in between and not try to do too many museums and churches. Any suggestions, itinerary ideas, must-do's, and help is greatly appreciated!
Posted by
Portsmouth
5261 posts
I know Pisa is iconic and the draw is strong but I felt so underwhelmed by it. As it was we took the walk from the airport as we had some time to kill, if I'd made a journey purposefully to see it I suspect my disappointment would be moee keenly felt.
It's a tower, that's leaning and it was saturated with tourists all taking the obligatory "look, I'm holding up the tower" photo. That was in February, I can't imagine what June will be like.
Posted by
Florida
274 posts
I agree that I was underwhelmed by the leaning tower of Pisa, but not by its Baptistery and Cathedral, which were beautiful and worth the trip. The Baptistery is known for its acoustics, so make sure you're there when the attendant on duty sings a few notes (every half hour). It's a pretty incredible experience. The town itself is also nice to wander through and is much less crowded than you'd think (all the tourists are at the tower).
Would you be driving to Cinque Terre? Just for the day? I'm not sure that that would be worth it (from what I can tell, it's 2 hours each way). What about a visit to Bologna instead? It's a university town with lots of red brick, a laid-back vibe, and delicious food (this is where Bolognese sauce originates).
When I studied abroad in Florence, my roommate and I would frequently take the train over to Viareggio for a beach afternoon. It's an interesting experience - in a good way! Very different from US beaches (although pretty similar if you've been to a busy Caribbean island) - lots of vendors walking around selling scarves, coconuts, bottled water, etc. Just keep an eye on your belongings.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
A very easy day trip would be Montecatini Terme (a beautiful Spa town)and the village above Montecatini Alto, that you travel to by funicular.
Agree, Viaggio great for a beach experience.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Yes we're driving to Cinque Terre. I've got it at 1 hr 45 min each way, which I agree is a long way. But I can't be that close and not see it! My plan for that day is to get going early and stay late, and enjoy the drive along the way.
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
PISA/LUCCA--We enjoyed visiting Pisa and climbing the tower. Our 2 boys were elem. and middle school age and one of my favorite pictures is of them coming down the tower where you could also see how deeply worn the steps are. The tower is such an iconic sight too. Climbed it again on a girl's trip with my sisters. Reservations needed. Love Lucca! Could combine Pisa and Lucca as a daytrip. You can rent bikes here and ride around the wall or walk it.
VOLTERRA--Been to volterra several times and it is very nice. There are alabaster workshops throughout the town. Have brought back beautiful alabaster chess sets from here.
MONTERIGGIONI--If you are planning on going to San Gimignano you could also stop at Monteriggioni, a tiny walled village, where you can walk the wall. Our kids loved stopping here as back in the day it was in one of their video games (they also knew their way around Paris from this video game).
CINQUE TERRE--You could park the car at the train station in La Spezia and train into the C.T. villages. Maybe that was your plan? We have driven to the C.T., specifically Vernazza prior to the 2014 flood, coming from France (we were working our way to the Amalfi C.) and it was a harrowing drive once we left the autostrada. Have been here 4x now but never drove here again.
FLORENCE--Love Florence! Been here many times and there is lots to see here. We climbed domes and many a bell tower in Europe which our kids always enjoyed. Have driven here several times but you must be aware of the ZTL's.
VIAREGGIO--Haven't been to the beach here but did take our kids to a beach on the French Riv. Very interesting.
We stayed in agriturismi a number of times when we traveled with our kids to Italy and they always enjoyed the pool as it was very hot. So if your house has a pool it will be a win-win. We always had the best time traveling with our kids and miss those days as they are young adults now. Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks everyone for the input and advice! I really appreciate it.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Janet- what is the name of the video game? I want to ask my kids about it! Thanks!