My wife and I along with two sons (16 and 19) will be arriving in Rome on July 16th. We need to be in Venice by Saturday the 21st to catch our 12 day cruise. The kids have never been to Italy but my wife and I were there around 6 years ago. We are planning Monday and Tuesday in Rome than renting a car on Wednesday to drive to Seina and then Florence. We are planning to drop off the car in Venice on Friday afternoon. I think the kids will start getting a little bored with museums and churches. My question is what are some good places to stop after Florence? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
My boys (big and little) really enjoyed the Ferrari factory in Manarello, just outside Modena. A little off the track, but not much. Note, you can visit the extensive museum (and shop!) there, but cannot tour the actual factory floor. We also like visiting Vinci, west of Florence. Home town of Leonardo--lovely little town to visit, including the da Vince family home and a small museum.
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
A stop in Florence is a must. Look at the RS book for all you can do. Two days would be fine. But get reservations for the academia and Uffizi. Make sure you go on days they are open. Milan for a day gets you to see 'The Last Supper' a castle and a great view from the Duomo. I also enjoyed Padavo which is right along the way to Venice. It is just a half hour from Venice. A young city with great streets that your kids would love. I really enjoyed the Giotto Fresco. Rent the car on the way out of Rome. You don't want it in Rome. That is what we did and then we drove to Florence. Once you get to Florence park the car and walk until you are ready to leave. You don't want to try to drive in Florence. If you go to Milan, again, find a place to park centrally and than use the subway to get around town. In Venice drop the car at the airport and than take a boat ride to venice. You have your choice water taxi, water bus (forgot the name or land bus. If you don't mind spending $110 euros you might enjoy the water taxi with the family. Also if you don't have a clue where you are going they do help you get to where you want to go. We took the water taxi there and the water bus on the way back.