We're a family of four-boys ages 9 & 12, flying to LHR late March. We've been to London and UK several times. Plan is to spend 2-3 days in London and travel on to Italy where we'll have 3-4 days on the ground in Italy. Need advice on how to get there and what to see in the time we have. Thanks.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Fly from London to Italy. There are a hundred places in Italy to choose from, and you have a very short trip of 3-4 days, so you'll want to do some thinking about what YOU like and tell us, so we can give more helpful advice regarding which one you should do. The big three are Rome, Venice, and Florence, but they're not the only choices.
Posted by
OP
Wyoming, US
7 posts
Thanks. After reviewing this site & RS books, we're leaning toward Venice. Hope the boys will enjoy it. Suggestions?
Posted by
Monroe, WA, USA
151 posts
Venice is great with kids. It is full of maze-like lanes and just walking from place to place is an attraction. My daughter enjoyed the Doge's Palace (creepy dungeon area more than stately drawing rooms) There is also the traditional gondola ride (she is still bitter we skipped it this time). A day trip to the glass blowing and lace making in Murano and Burano is worth a thought. We also managed to book a hotel that had a family apartment which worked really well for us since a lot of Venetian rooms are small.
I would focus on one city for the length of time you have. Do Venice really well and your boys will remember it always. Rush and move a lot and they will remember what the inside of the train stations looked like.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, United States
19 posts
Venice is an extremely unique city, but Rome is my favorite city in all of Europe. So many sights and interesting things to see.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Phil: Good choice. Everyone seems to like Venice, except for the prices and crowds. There is not another city like it anywhere in the world (except in Las Vegas). Cruise the Grand Canal, do the major sights on St. Mark's Square (the square itself, the Doge's Palace, and St. Mark's Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and so much more. With just 3 to 4 days in Italy, suggest you just do Venice, which it sounds like is your plan.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Just a comment on Kent's caution about the costs of Venice. Visiting the city doesn't have to be more expensive than other Italian cities, especially with kids. While restaurant meals are more expensive, Venice compensates with snack bars (cichetti) and innumerable take-away pizza options. It's an easier place to get some food and picnic because there are no cars or motor scooters.
I'd very much endorse concentrating on Venice. Your kids will love it and you don't have to worry about them getting lost (well, for too long) or run over.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
I'd go with Rome for the kids. Venice would appeal more to adults in my mind.