We have only 2 nights left to plan in our Italy itinerary. From Venice, we are debating going to Florence AND Cinque Terre or just one. (I'd prefer to pick only one area....but I would love your thoughts). After Tuscany area, we will then be heading to Rome where we will stay for 3 nights. Our oldest loves art and I personally would love to get to Florence, as we did not get there on our last visit (just my husband and me). But, my husband thought all of the kids would enjoy hiking and the landscape in Cinque Terre. Any guidance? If we can manage both...considering train from Venice to Florence for the day...leaving Florence after dinner at night to stay outside the area. Then, train to CT...or, car to La Spezia to then get on trains there (back to La Spezia in the evening after dinner). I'm tired just typing this out! HA! Is it better to try to manage the train system with kids/luggage? Heard driving in CT is a mess. We are traveling August...yes...THIS August...last-minute trip we couldn't pass up! We have already booked accommodations in all places except for this area and time is not our friend - appreciate the quick response. Thank you!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32524 posts
With only two nights, I would definitely suggest Florence! Not only will it be more efficient for transportation but you'll have better luck finding accommodations. For stays in the Cinque Terre in August, it's best to start looking in February. Also, given the interest in art, Florence is a better choice.
With only two days, you can't do both. Having a car in the Cinque Terre is about as useful as a boat anchor.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12885 posts
Definitely pick just one.
Walking along the trail in CT in August will be like grilling a steak. Much of the trail is along the rock cliff face. You will get the direct sun and the heat radiating off the rock. At least you will be cooked evenly
There is no "driving in CT" You leave the car somewhere and take a train to whichever town you choose.
If I had to choose, it would be Florence.
Posted by
US
131 posts
I'd definitely pick just one. I've been researching out the wazoo for our family trip in July and I ended up leaving out the CT after realizing it's just a bit too far to reasonably get to without staying at least 3 nights. And I didn't want to "waste" three nights in the CT when there's so much else to see in Italy. I ended up opting for Lake Garda instead. It's simply stunning and will give my kids a version of the beach experience they want to do. And it's easy to reach from Venice. We are starting our trip in Rome, then Tuscany, Lake Garda and finally, Venice.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
The Cinque Terre villages are so crowded in August that I really doubt any kid could like them. Not that Florence will be much better, but at last crowds have more space to fill up there.
Driving in the Cinque Terre isn't a mess: if you are used to mountain driving and you don't suffer from motion sickness it's just painfully slow. The trains run in tunnels between the five villages, the roads go up and down the Appennines. Then you have to find an empty spot where to park and that's a mess!