In a few days I will be visiting my daughter south of Milano. We will only have two weekends to travel. Our group will include 3 adults and three young children. This is my 5th trip to Italy (taking Rick along each trip). We've been to & loved Venice, Verona, Como, Cinque Terra and downtown Milan. Wanting to not trap the children in the car for great periods of time, I thought about Lucca/Pisa & Bologna. I've read much about northern Italian cities/villages but wonder what places are your favorites. If you have positive lodging suggestions, I'd love to check them out as well.
Posted by
Vicenza, Italy
319 posts
If you're there for the weekend, I would go to the beach for a day while you are in Lucca/Pisa area. If you're there in the summer there are a lot of resort towns with beaches. You may have to pay to rent a chair, but it would be great for kids. I love Blozono (where the Ice Man is). I think Rick recomends some hiking near there. Other nice Villages/areas are Lake Garda area, Asiago north of Vicenza, or Bassano Del Grappa.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
There has been much snow in Trentino-Alto Adige, so Bolzano or the Domomiti would be fun to visit if you want winter activities.
Parma is a great city, more tourist friendly than Bologna for you, and even closer.
Genoa has Europe's largest aquarium.
Posted by
OP
Rapid
19 posts
Thank you for the suggestions, Michelle. I am not familiar with the villages you suggest & will enjoy researching them. I will be in Italy in January but the beach towns still sound interesting. I appreciate your knowledge!
Posted by
OP
Rapid
19 posts
Giovanna,
We have enjoyed Parma. Loved the "Italian stroll" in the evening. The other suggestions I'll check out as well. Gravi!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I can enthusiastically recommend Lucca as a base. The walled city retains significant midieval character. It's very pedestrian friendly because cars are kept mostly to the perimeter. Biking is very popular, particularly along the tops of the walls. There are parks and playgrounds for kids.
It's a great base by car or train for Pisa, Florence and much of Tuscany. You can be in Bologna by car in about 90 minutes.
We stayed in the Hotel Melecchi, just outside of the city walls. It's a family run place with large, airy rooms and very affordable rates. They do not have a website but the tourist information office can make a connection. Giovanni, the manager, speaks very good English. It's a good choice if you have a car because it has its own private lot in back and it's easy to get to and from.
Posted by
DC
209 posts
If you're near Milan, Bergamo is not very far at all. It's a very nice town with interesting architecture. There are two centro areas to explore. I've been meaning to get back and spend some more time there. We only got to peek at it on our way through to Como.
Posted by
OP
Rapid
19 posts
Thanks, Doug and Tamara. I'll enthusiastically check out your suggestions.
Posted by
DC
209 posts
I just remembered Conegliano...they are known for good prosecco. There's a castle with a nice cafe for lunch. I don't know if you'll find yourself out this far east, but here are some links:
http://www.nline.it/conegliano/indexe.htm
http://www.nline.it/conegliano/itine.htm
Posted by
OP
Rapid
19 posts
Conegliano looks like a lovely little village. I like their website. Thank you, Tamamra.