My family of 5 (kids ages 8, 10 & 12) are planning a 10 day trip to Italy in February with my parents. I'd love some feedback on our planned itinerary before we book all the tickets. Jet lag is not an issue, since we will all be leaving from France. Our family has traveled a lot, and spent one day in Rome on a Med. cruise last year. This will be my parents second European trip, first to Italy, and they are not entirely comfortable with being in a foreign country (but they really want to go to Italy - which is why they are going with us). No mobility issues, ailments or anything to slow us down. Thurs - fly Paris to Rome, get settled, see some churches Fri - Vatican (Museum + St. Peter's) Sat - Pompeii day trip Sun - historical Rome + whatever else Mon - early train to Florence, get settled +?? Tue - Florence Museums Wed - Other florence sightseeing or wine tour of the area (my parents may wine tour without us) Thur - train to Venice
Fri - Venice Sat - Return to Paris We have flexibility as long as it is not more than 7 vacation days for my husband. We originally were starting in Venice and working our way to Rome, but that would put us in Venice just two days after the end of Carnival. Thoughts?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32220 posts
Dina, Your proposed Itinerary looks well organized, and although it's somewhat "busy", it seems reasonable. For the day trip to Pompeii, I'd suggest leaving early as it will be a LONG day. Having a Guide while touring the site will make the visit much more interesting and rewarding for your group. I'd highly recommend Gaetano Manfredi (if he's available at that time). If he's not available, you'll probably be approached by Guides offering their services as you approach the ticket office. As you're travelling in February, I'm not sure how important reservations will be for the Museums in Florence? Hopefully someone else can advise on that. Happy travels!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32912 posts
That looks great, and well planned out, Dina. I just wish I were going! Other than it being a tad rushed I can't see any other flaws. Sounds great..
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
132 posts
Dina, We did a multi-generational trip to Rome with my folks and teenage daughters a few years ago. We didn't do the Pompeii trip - I read that it is a long day and I thought it was more than my folks could handle. I can only speak for the Rome part - but your plans looks good to me. Since there were 6 of us, we splurged for a private tour of the Vatican and Vatican museum. We used Context Tours. You are going to have a fabulous time....and great memories. All 3 generations have declared it one of our best trips ever. Enjoy!
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
The only thing I would change is visiting Ostia Antica instead of Pompeii. Pompeii is a looong day trip from Rome and in February the days will be very short. Plus Ostia Antica is very cheap to reach - only a 1 euro per person over 12 each way.
Posted by
OP
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
Thanks for the input. Pompeii is a "must do" on this trip (because I really want to see it!). We've gone back and forth on how best to get to Pompeii, and settled on a day trip from Rome (even though it is $ and a long day). We did consider flying from Paris to Naples in the morning and visiting Pompeii the day of arrival, but we had concerns about what to do with our bags (only carry-ons, but we still have to deal with them), and whether we would want to spend the night in Naples, or be able to make it to Rome, find the hotel, etc. I wish there were an easier way to see Pompeii. This will be my third trip to Rome and I've sworn that this time I am finally going to Pompeii.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Dina - there is luggage storage at the Pompeii entrance - and when we were there a few years ago, it was free.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
Your trip looks busy, but it is not a marathon at a dead run. It is well planned and it looks like fun. Buon viaggio,
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Dina Have you researched how you are going to get to Pompeii? Do you have access to RS Italy Guide? The fast train leaving early in the morning for seven people will be expensive. Bus tour probably will be, too. You might check out a private tour from Rome and compare the cost. However, once you reach Pompeii, you are required to use a local guide, anyway. Lots of decisions just for this one day tour! Your trip is packing in a lot. Just wonder if your parents will be able to keep up with you and not be totally disoriented. Bobbie