Last minute Trip to Italy... in 10 DAYS! Yikes need advice

Posted by brian (Seattle) on 01/31/10 07:38 PM

Help!
We're flying into Trieste (try to get to venice that night... will stay in Venice or Mestre- wherever we can then to florence, and rome.

NOT planning on car rental.

1) Would like to get advice on nice enough hotels/pensiones for 2 adults and 2 kids (9&11).

2) Any itinerary advice would be great!

3) Finally, it would be nice to take a 2 night breather from a city, but with no car, do you know any agriturismos or other spots to stay that aren't too far from the trains (cinque terra crossed our minds, but I'm unsure of Feb weather).

Thanks!
BT

Posted by Denise

Lake Forest, CA, USA

02/01/10 12:16 AM

1633 posts

Brian, there have been a lot of recommendations lately for accommodations in Venice. To find those, go to the first post on this "To the Boot" forum which is titled "Get answers to your questions — searching Rick's Archives". Then click on Steve's first post and input Venice Hotels in the search box. You will then get a listing of recent posts on that subject. For example, I just found these hotels listed: www.hotelslucia.com and www.pensioneguerrato.it I haven't stayed at eather one, however, it looks like they can accommodate families. As far as your itinerary, how long are you staying in Italy? What are your kids interested in? Go to the library or book store and look through tour books. Two years ago we took our 16 yr. old to Rome, Orvieto, Florence, Venice, Bolzano, and Pisa. Orvieto is a quaint, charming hilltown that you can access easily from the train. It's a great town to get your 2 night breather from the cities. We also went to Bolzano where there is a museum containing the Ice Man. It's in the northern part of Italy by the Dolomites so it might be out of your realm. My son also really enjoyed walking up the tower of Pisa. He's a physics guy. Have fun on your trip making lifetime memories with your family!

Posted by brian OP

Seattle

02/01/10 07:24 AM

14 posts

Thanks for the venice tip!

Do you know if Cinque Terra is worth it this time of year?

Posted by Ron

Carbondale, IL, USA

02/01/10 08:19 AM

1201 posts

No on the CT, for two reasons:

It's a ways off your path and not all but a lot of places will be closed. But it's your call.

Do not waste any time for getting reservations in Venice. You will be there druing almost peak Carnevale time. Shrove Tuesday is Feb 16.

Try www.venere.com for hotels or www.veniceapartments.org for apartment rentals.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

02/01/10 08:21 AM

7580 posts

While I normally do not get too concerned about lodging, there are two factors to consider. In many tourist areas, including Venice, some hotels may still be closed, or at least only opening the week of Feb 8th. If you create plans, at least call or email to determine if they are open, rather than just showing up.

Keep in mind that the weekend of Feb. 13 through the 16th is the height of Carnival in Venice (and other areas) so rooms may seek a premium for that. Carnival starts as early as the 5th, so I would definitely contact someone about rooms. Carnival might be a neat experience, so maybe try to find someplace to celebrate with the locals.

Not sure if I would travel all that way to the CT in February. Maybe consider a couple nights in either Sienna, Orvieto, or a smaller Umbrian or Tuscan town on the rail route.