We are looking at visiting our son who will studying abroad in Florence in the spring. We would arrive the last week of March and have 10 full days. We will definitely be starting and ending in Florence because the weekends are when we're hoping to see him. We'll have a 10 year old with us, as well. Ideally - I'd love to see Florence, Rome, Pompeii, and Venice. But I realize that might be too much, especially with Pompeii. Venice could be the 2nd weekend and return to Florence to leave on a Tuesday. When we travel, we do tend to go no stop and want to see as much as possible. I don't know when we'll be able to return - so as much as I'd love a leisurely fully immersive trip, this one will be more of the highlights.
Any advice on trying to see these 4 locations?
And roughly average cost of mid-price hotels? We are just now starting, so I know I'll be doing more research.
Posted by
6434 posts
I’m one of those slow travelers, but as long as it’s something your family will enjoy, you can visit two places during that week in between the two weekends with your son in Florence. I would not try to push it more than that, but if your son is going to be available for any travel in the weekend, Rome is the closest and most appropriate for a day trip.
Posted by
Irving
3497 posts
How many nights will you sleep in IT and will you spend two weekends in Florence?
Rome is 1h 45m from Florence and Venice is 2h 15m. Neither place is a day trip from Florence because there is so much to see and do. Florence and Venice both deserve a minimum of three nights and Rome four nights if you include Vatican City. If you add Pompeii make it five nights in Rome.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
We'll have 11 nights- arrive Friday 3/20 and leave Tuesday 3/31 - so I'm thinking Saturday 3/21-Monday 3/30 as days to see and travel. Pretty sure we would stay in Florence 3/21-3/22 and then be free to leave Monday.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6944 posts
Go to booking.com and use their filters to find accommodations. But book with the hotel website where possible.
To maximize your time in each place, here's my recommendation: Assuming you arrive on the first Saturday, spend the weekend in Florence with your son.
On Monday, train to Venice for 2-3 nights. On Wednesday or Thursday, train to Rome for 3 or 4 nights.
Have your son train to Rome Friday night after classes. (If he's old enough to study abroad, hes old enough to catch a train by himself).On Saturday do a day trip to Pompeii (it will be a long, full day).
On Sunday return to Florence.
Posted by
Seattle
389 posts
Also, don't forget to factor Easter and Holy Week into the equation. Easter is April 5th this year.
Posted by
Irving
3497 posts
Have you considered flying into one airport and out another? If you fly home from Venice, make sure it's not an early morning flight that would require an expensive water taxi to get you to the airport during the middle of the night. Visiting Florence, Rome and Pompeii would make the logistics easier. I like the idea of your son meeting you in Rome.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
5105 posts
It is really easy to fly in or out of the Florence airport.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13201 posts
Any advice on trying to see these 4 locations?
Book the Star Trek 'Transporter'.
Unless you want to be traveling all the time, you need to eliminate either Venice or Pompeii.
You could see Ostia Antica while in Rome to get your 'unearthed ancient Roman city' experience.
Posted by
9672 posts
Stick to Rome, Florence and Venice.
Recommend the Hotel Balesteri in Florence.
In Venice, the most affordable lodgings are near the main train station.
Use TripAdvisor.com to determine WHAT you wish to see in each city.
You will likely need to book some sites in advance, like the Coliseum, St. Peter's and Sistine Chapel, Academia and the Uffizi in Florence and St. Mark's in Venice.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2947 posts
Give your young son something really unusual to talk about - stay in a convent in Venice ! I recommend Istituto San Guiseppe! Well located midway between Rialto and San Marco. Good price. No religious requirement. My wife and I have stayed twice and love it. Check it out at www.monasterystays.com. You can book there or direct with the convent
Posted by
52 posts
One way to maximize your time and minimize stress in Rome is to book a private tour. We used Rick Steve's recommendations of family-run Miles&Miles with our kids and covered a lot of ground and learned a LOT in the process. We've had other friends use them as well who had the same amazing experience. Just a thought anyway, since you'll "go-go-go," as we say. Such a wonderful opportunity to do this with your son. Good luck!