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Traveling through Tuscany with Young Kids

Posted by (Washington DC) on

Hi Folks- We have about a 2 week family vacation planned in July to Italy. We are ending it at our Cousins' wedding @ Castello di Casole near Sienna.

Going to start our trip in Cinque Terre, then a few nights in Florence (where we plan to rent a car when we leave). Now trying to figure out how to spend the next 6 days before the wedding. I was looking at Arigturismo's - but wondering if we should just base out of Monltepulciano the whole time - or is that too close to Sienna and just seeing the same towns we could see when at the wedding? Or do we try to split the 6 days between Umbria/Assissi and Monltepulciano.

My daughters will be 3 and 5 - so just trying to minimize time on the road, but maximize what we see (realizing we move pretty slow).

So much good info on this site - but overwhelmed by all of it!!

Thanks in advance,
K

Posted by
11613 posts

First, figure out exactly how many nights on the ground you have. "About two weeks" is a little vague. Makes a big difference in how many different places you can visit. Even a two-night window can mean adding something wonderful to your list, or having to leave out something.

You seem to have six nights open. Mintepulciano is well-situated for daytrips, so you may have to choose between having a stable base (good for the kids) and perhaps spending more time on the road, or moving around one or two more times and having shorter driving distances.

You don't mention Firenze; the children might enjoy the huge carousel in Piazza della Repubblica.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks - Have you been to Assisi? Is it worth spending a few nights there and then a few nights near Sienna. That's what I'm thinking right now. But it changes frequently.

Posted by
907 posts

You are a bit vague but in general. No, don't spend "a few nights" in Assissi, just visit. Do visit Siena. You are close to places like Orvieto, Montefalco, San Gimignano, and so forth. Almost any hill town is worth a visit. You must go to Pienza while staying in Montepulciano. Also, Cortona is close.

Posted by
28462 posts

Assisi is lovely, and the basilica is spectacular. The mosaics might be enough to impress even young children. But Assisi is for wandering, and it is quite hilly. I don't think it would be a good choice for a lengthy stay with two small children.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks all - Sorry for the vagueness. We basically have from July 21-26th free. And my goal is to explore Tuscany. I'm trying to decide whether we should do 2-3 nights in 2 different villages (Sienna and ?) or just stay in Monltepulciano (or close by) the whole 6 nights.

We head to a wedding the 27th - that is about an hour from Sienna. I only think we will have a few hours 1-2 days for free time. So thought it might be worthwhile to spend a few nights in Sienna beforehand as well, since I doubt we will get to see much if just visit for a day.

Thanks for the feedback on Assisi - very helpful!

Posted by
451 posts

With kids that young, you will need to hit the important sites first thing in the morning. Find something for them every day or so. A park, a fountain to look at, a square to play with other kids. Gelato and if possible nap times. Going to ride bikes.

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