Hi
we are a family of 5. Our children are 10, 9 and 3. Generally they are very easy going (except when they are not!)
So we will arrive in Rom in June 11 and leave on June 20th.
We are thinking of staying in Rome for 4 nights and then head to Florence with our rented car, with 1-2 stops in between.
What are the cities that you recomment we visit and / or stay?
Any particular activities?
What is meant by the word agrotourism and is it worth it?
Are there children's activities in this area for example an amusement park or similar?
In terms of accommodation we are looking for an apartment but the central ones seem to be quite expensive.
How difficult is it to stay in the Vatican area which is a bit far off and use public transport?
Any tips are most welcome!
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San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15156 posts
What are the cities that you recomment we visit and / or stay?
With a car you should look for an out of town villa hotel or agriturismo. An excellent location (logistically) would be between Siena and Florence. For suggested towns use any guidebook or even websites such as www.borghiditoscana.net.
Any particular activities?
Just visit hill towns, drive the beautiful countryside, wineries etc.
What is meant by the word agrotourism and is it worth it?
Agriturismo are former old farmhouses now converted to rental accommodations for tourists. Many are also working farms (to some extent) because the production of a crop is a requirement to obtain Government grants to help restore those old houses.
Are there children's activities in this area for example an amusement park or similar?
Yes. Also many out of town hotels and especially agriturismo farmhouses will have swimming pools.
In terms of accommodation we are looking for an apartment but the central ones seem to be quite expensive.
The historical center of Rome is expensive, unfortunately there is no way around that.
How difficult is it to stay in the Vatican area which is a bit far off and use public transport?
Not difficult. The area near the Vatican is called Prati. The metropolitana passes through Prati.
Any tips are most welcome!
The most important tip to know is that having a car while in Florence is a hassle, because of severe traffic restrictions in the historical center. One solution would be to return the car when you arrive in Florence, and stay in Florence without one. Then to go back to Rome you'd take the high speed train (90 minutes). Another solution is to stay outside of Florence city center, or even in an agriturismo/villa outside of Florence altogether and visit Florence from there (you can park the car at one of the various lots outside of the historical center).