Suggestion for a relaxing spot between Venice and Rome

Ortisei in the Dolomites is beautiful! And it works well with Venice too. You could eadily add Lake Garda. We love Lake Como but the Dolomites and Lake Garda might be more fun for kids.
Then you could head south to the Cinque Terre, Tuscany or Umbria before Rome.

I second Suki's idea of the Dolomites, especially the Val Gardena where you will find Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina. Magnificent mountain scenery, hiking, and biking await. No car needed. (PM me if you want details.) Spend at least 4 nights to enjoy this area. Skip the Cinque Terre as it is too crowded and not relaxing. We did not care for Lake Garda and you need a car there. Better Lake Como if you want a lake and enjoy it without having to rent a car.

Tuscany and Umbria are better done with a car, so that is a major decision.

If you want only one base, the Ortisei area. If more than one, add Ravenna or Ferrara (smaller cities with good transportation for day trips).

We stayed at Lake Como and in the Val Gardena this past summer and both were fantastic. We are actually returning to the Val Gardena next June because we loved it so much. We will finish in Venice. Can’t wait for our return trip.

We just returned from a 3 day stay in Umbria at the Black Truffle Lodge in Pettino. It was amazing and a real authentic experience that I highly recommend. They only have 2 suites (new and beautiful), but could fit your family of 4. I would call it rustic meets modern convenience. You are welcomed into the family (Francesca, Mac and their 2 young children, extended family) for your stay and can join them for breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay. I would recommend a car to fully enjoy the area (Spello, Assisi, Bevegna were our favorite hill towns within 30-60min) , the lodge a 30 minute winding drive up a mountain......but they offer a shuttle service to and from the train station (the other people there during our stay did not have a car). I think your boys would love the animals......dozens of sheep, chickens, 24 dogs. Be sure to do the day of Truffle Hunting with the dogs....it was amazing and then you get to eat them over fresh homemade pasta that Francesca makes in front of you while you eat the homemade prosciutto and percorino cheese, while of course, sipping prosecco. A great complement to your city experiences, totally different, unique and authentic Italy. Google Black Truffle Lodge......they have a wonderful website. Feel free to DM me with questions.

Visited Ortisei in September for 3 days and loved it. There are 3 lifts up to each side of town. A bus easily connects 2 other towns with lifts. Hiking and Biking is great in the area. It was real easy with a train to Bolzano, then Bus to Orteisi. I did visit Castlerotto as Rick has in his book for a couple hours. But I thought Ortiesi was better for a base with more lift options then just the Alpe De Siusi from right in down and not needing a connection.

Same trip also visited Lake Garda. Use Sirmione as my base. easy Ferry ride from Desenzano which is on the main train line leaving Venice. I've been to both Lake Como and Stresa and so far Garda was my favorite lake. Visited Bardolino, Malcesine, Garda and Limone on the ferry from Sirmione. We did plenty of biking, tried windsurfing and canyoning.

In Tuscany I love Siena over it's bigger rival Florence.

Thank you SO much for these awesome suggestions...just what I was hoping for! I'm taking notes and researching them all! Planning a vacation is one of my favorite pastimes!