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snorkelling in italy - and any other brilliant ideas

Posted by on

My family (husband, 13 yo son and 10 yo daughter) will be spending around 4 weeks in Italy in mid 2015 and I am trying to condense the 5 months worth of things I want to do into that time. Am looking at:
5-7 days in Rome
Pompeii (maybe as a day trip from solerno)
Solerno for a few days (a day or two exploring the coast
5-7 days in Tuscany (Not sure about agriturismo or base in one of the towns. Im assuming we need a car for a few days to explore some of the towns
Cinque Terre - Is it worth the extra money to stay a night or two (thinking of Vernazza) or is it do-able in day trips from La Spezia?
Hopefully over to Venice
Was thinking of Lake como and Milan, but they may not make the final cut.
I cant find much info on anything unmissable on the eastern side of Italy. Is there not as much there or is it just less touristy (which sounds good to me)

Also, although my kids are quite keen on the history and sights of Italy, they will want some time in the water - any suggestions for reasonable snorkeling places (not obscenely expensive) - maybe the islands off Tuscany? Is it worth a trip out to Sardinia.

I know a lot of what I am asking is just opinion and preference, but that is all Im after

Posted by
1994 posts

On the east coast... Ravenna has some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in Italy, and intact, very early churches. It's not far from the Adriatic coast, 2 or 3 hours south of Venice by train. Many people get around by bike, and they can be rented easily. The city itself is modern.

Posted by
32405 posts

I'd definitely recommend at least two or perhaps three nights in the Cinque Terre. Given that you want some beach time for your children, Monterosso would be the best choice as it has the nicest beaches of the five towns. Those are the beaches in the "new town" area, and there's also a beach in the "old town" area. Some of the beach areas are "pay" versions, but there are free parts as well.

Lake Como would also be a worthwhile stop (IMO) for a few days, but you could probably skip Milan.

I assume you're referring to Salerno in south Italy?

Posted by
11613 posts

Near Ravenna is Ferrara, a beautiful city with a significant castle. Also Urbino and the Republic of San Marino, all on the eastern side.

Posted by
11852 posts

You have time for a lot in 4 weeks! I like to look at it in terms of NIGHTS not days. then you know how many full days you have in a location. Your travel days are just that: travel days with packing, check-out, check-in, orientation. So with what I hope is 28 nights for you, and not necessarity in this order:

  • 5 nights Rome is plenty with kids
  • Amalfi Coast - if you pick Salerno it is a ways from Pompeii but it can be done. Spend 5 nights and go to Pompeii, Paestum, cute towns like Ravello, Positano. (Personally I might pick Sorrento not Salerno, but it is a personal choice.)
  • Tuscany at least 5 nights. Yes you need a car. It's a toss up on agriturismo vs town. If you stay in a town you can walk around at night after dinner and try lots of restaurants. If you stay at an agriturismo, you may be stuck eating there if you are wine drinkers.... You could stay a week and do 4 nights town and 3 nights agriturismo, for example.
  • CInque Terre - 3 nights for hiking, swimming, riding the ferry. If you have a car in Tuscany, drive to La Spezia to drop it before attempting the CT. Alternatively, if you go to the CT first, rent your car in La Spezia for Tuscany.
  • Venice - 4 nights as it is a magical place. Go to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello; cruise the Brenta Canal, and just walk around gawking.
  • Sardegna - 5 nights for snorkeling and beach time. The Tuscan islands are OK, but Sardegna is better for this experience. Plus you get a ferry ride!

So that is 27 nights. A whole week in Tuscany is not too much. I don't think you are missing a lot by not going to the Adriatic coast on your first trip here. You have to draw a line somewhere. :-) Think about Puglia, Abruzzo and Umbria for a second trip if you love the first one.

Posted by
100 posts

If you are going during the summer months, I think an agriturismo with a pool is def the way to go. And just to throw out another idea for something off the beaten path, check out Italyfarmstay.com. I have no direct knowledge of it, but I know the area fairly well ( my parents have a home nearby) but it gets GREAT reviews on different sites. Your kids seem to be at the perfect age for such a place. It will give you a taste of a non tourist but gorgeous area. They offer horseback riding, pasta and cheese making, hiking etc..

I would be interested in what you decide. My dream is to have a month in Italy.

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