After spending two days in Venice we will have a two day gap before we are due in Florence for 3 days. We are having trouble trying to decide if we should do stops along the way (Verona and Bologna) or try and go all the way to Cinque Terre. We are traveling with two children so hotel room size and things to do are improtant. What do you recommend?
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
The Cinque Terre is a long train ride from Venice, although not too bad back to Florence. You wouldn't have much time there. I would suggest doing Verona and Bologna, but reserving rooms there ahead of time to minimize your time getting from train to hotel. You might even be able to mix in a little time in Padua along the way.
Those towns will give you different varieties of Renaissance Italy, while going to the Cinque Terre is pretty, but not terribly cultural - especially for kids.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
It's about a 6 hour train ride from Venice to the CT. So I'd suggest skipping with the kids.
Verona has the Roman sites and Bologna has wonderful food.
If you have two nights I'd still suggest one or the other. Changing locations frequently is a pain
Posted by
Shoreview, MN, usa
187 posts
I would add a day in Venice and add a day in Florence. The days you travel, while not lost, aren't as full as when you're in town. And those days are tiring, especially with kids!
That would give you two days to get lost in Venice, one to hit the lagoon islands (Murano, Burano, etc).
You could always day trip from Florence easily.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
70 posts
Elizabeth makes a good point about adding days to Venice and Florence.
Are these the only 2 cities you have nailed down?
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
See Bologna for sure along the way. Not nearly as touristed as Venice or Florence. A great Medieval city. Wonderful food.