Good afternoon,
I'd like to plan a trip for my family (myself, husband, and 3 adult children (18-22 years old) to Italy at the end of May. We have no flexibility in the dates. We will either have 6 or 7 nights (pending time off requests).
I have been to Italy numerous times, but the last time was 20 years ago so it's been quite a while. I LOVED Cinque Terre and Lake Como. From reading, talking to others my understanding is that Cinque Terre is very touristy and crowded. My family wants to avoid crowds at all costs. I considered Lake Garda, Verona, Parma/Modena, but then as I researched more and more I realized we would be in Lake Garda at the time of the German holiday and this is also the week leading up to Republic Day (June 2). I also realized that rain is a possibility in Lake Garda that time of year.
Our hopes and dreams: minimal to no rain (I know, Mother Nature is Mother Nature), combination of beautiful scenery, quintessential Italian towns, cultural and food experiences, and hoping for 1 beach/water day and a boat excursion. On prior vacations, a boat excursion has been a highlight of our trips. We have also enjoyed food tours and cooking classes. We would be willing to move home base once during the week but trying to avoid more than that due to only having one week.
I wanted my family to see at least one iconic Italian city and then have a few days to relax and take in seaside/lakeside scenery. Other options I have considered:
As stated above:
1) Garda 2-3 days, Verona day trip and then 2-3 days in Modena/Parma?
2) Sestri Levanti 3-4 days with trips to CT, Portofino and 2-3 few days in Parma/Modena/Bologna?
3) 1-2 days Venice plus remainder of days in other nearby towns/coast around Venice?
Is the week leading to Republic Day actually crowded enough that we need to take this into consideration or am I overthinking it? My daughters would love to see Amalfi but, again, we are wanting to avoid over touristy places and I have told them they can come back and do this on their own some day. My husband is a car fanatic so I thought some time in Modena/Ferrari museum would be a treat for him. He and I can also return one day without the kids to see this region, but I thought the food culture in Bologna/Parma/Modena would be something they would enjoy.
So, I am asking this wise forum for help: does what I want exist? Can I have it all for the end of May :)? Do any of the above itineraries fit that or what itineraries have I not considered?
Water, picturesque towns, food, culture, an iconic city, avoiding crowds/going off the beaten path a little, an accommodations for a family of five?
Thank you in advance.