Our family trip to northern Italy

Hi Kurt,
Others will have more firsthand info on the van situation but based just on what I know, it's going to be virtually useless for Venice (entirely pedestrianized) Fiesole (some very narrow, walled roads) and getting around the C.T. villages (with rare exceptions, also entirely pedestrianized). You are going to end up having to deal with toting "all those bags" one way or another, especially if your accommodations don't have a lifts (many do not). There is a reason keeping the size, number and weight of bags to a minimum is strongly advised when traveling Italy!

And if you haven't done so, you'll want to read up on ZTLs: limited driving zones with big fines if ventured into. Florence has a lot of them and they're not uncommon in many other Italian cities and towns.

Anyway, some healthy background reading is advised about managing a vehicle - especially a large one - in the destinations you list and any you think might stop at in between. Oh, and every driver will need an International Driver's Permit along with your domestic license. Apologies if this is all stuff you already know! :O)

And in towns with narrow roadways, stuff happens! Think about getting $0 deductible insurance on the van. If possible limit everyone to one carryon size bag and a personal item.

Read this about driving in Italy and restrictions involved [ZTLs]; avoid leaving anything of value in a car when parked:

http://driventoit.blogspot.com/

While useful if not essential out in the countryside, driving is not an efficient means of travel between cities. The preferred means of getting around Lake Garda is by ferry. Venice you would not be using a vehicle, and in the Cinque Terre driving is not recommended at all. Fiesole it's conceivable you could spending some time touring the countryside, but that's only two full days. If planning to visit Florence, where you would not drive, that leaves one day.

So maybe only one full day when driving makes any sense at all.

I'm curious about "all the bags" you will be carrying. You are all adults and you are going for less than two weeks. Is there any reason you will need to take more than one small suitcase plus perhaps a small backpack or tote for each person? Each person could easily handle that. Whether you drive or not, you don't want to be schlepping large suitcases around Italy. And I wouldn't want to be driving a large van around some of your destinations.

The only place on your list that I have been is Venice. It will be super crowded, at least in the main tourist spots, so hit Piazza San Marco first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive. You can generally wander around the side streets during the day with very few people. I did that for the better part of two days and loved it.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Depending upon where you stay in Cinque Terre, parking is next to impossible unless you are staying at a major hotel (not many of those) or an apartment complex with parking. Defiantly do the trail walk from Montessoro al Mare to Veranzza. It is the most challenging and the most picturesque. We did it round trip staying in Veranzza during lunch and walked up to the grapevines before heading back to Montessoro. It was a long day of walking up and down steep inclines, but it was absolutely beautiful. At 61 and a bit overweight, it took its toll on me, but I would do it all over again just for the sights and the beautiful trails.The two days of swollen feet were worth it! Walk on average is about 1.5 hours from Montessoro to Veranzza. WEAR good hiking or walking shoes. No open toes. No flip flops. I was amazed the tail guide let people in without proper shoes.

Be sure to check before your walk. . Trails can close at a moments notice due to rocks falling or slippery conditions.
Buses, trains and boats can also get you from town to town. Train ride is about 10 minutes between towns along the Cinque Terre area.
Have a blast.