My family recently just got back to the US from a 9-night trip to Iceland. It was amazing with lots of memories made.
We took our 4-year old and 6-year old children. We are already planning our next European Vacation for July 2023. Our family of four have already traveled to Portugal, Iceland, and Ireland (twice) so we do have the experience and patience (haha) to travel with young children.
We are considering a 9-night trip next July 2023. We would fly into Florence (or Milan) and out of Milan (or Florence). We plan to have three bases: Como (need Town suggestion), Cinque Terre, and Tuscany (need town suggestion). Before children, we did spend a few days in both Florence and Cinque Terre.
So here is my potential itinerary:
Base 1: Varenna or Bellagio (3 nights)**
--- What would be the most kid-friendly Town? We are open to these two or others that are on Lake Como.
--- We also plan to take a day trip into Lugano, Switzerland.
--- Would you rent a car from Milan Airport or take a train? If coming from Cinque Terre, would you drive with a stop in Parma on the way?
Base 2: Cinque Terre (3 nights)**
---- We would drive from Lake Como (or Tuscany), stopping in Parma to break up the trip.
---- We probably will stay in Riomaggiore as there is an apartment we loved a few years ago. Other villages are open to suggestions, however, that could be more kid-friendly.
Base 3: Tuscan Town (3 nights)
---- What Town gives you the most rural settings that are near vineyards with beautiful views? We probalby will rent an apartment or house that has a private swimming pool. We may visit Florence as a day-trip, but we prefer to be outside the city.
---- Would you stay in Tuscany last or first? The order of this trip would be based on the most convenience of traveling by car rental and / or taking trains. I am open to any option.
Thanks in advance for all your help.