Spain or Italy: Getting started

Jenny - Italy is my first choice - Roma first - then perhaps the train to Le Cinque Terre and the amazing trails between the villages. In Rome I would suggest http://www.hotelforte.com/en/index.htm
The Hotel is located directly at Piazza di Spagna and easy walking to The Via Veneto, The Roman Forum, The Trevi Fountain, and, of course The Steps themselves - so much fun to just sit there with a Gelato and watch the people - Also, many nice Cafes on the side streets by The Steps.
Five minute cab ride to the train station and then up to La Spezia and then the local to The Five Villages - From La Spezia it's only minutes to the first village. In Vernazza I would suggest staying at http://www.nerinarooms.it/ Directly on the Harbor and some fantastic views. Walk the Via Dell'Amore(lovers path) from Manarola to Riomaggiore - A relatively flat, mostly paved section with Incredible views - about 25 minute walk with a Cafe halfway for a cold beverage.
If you had 14 days instead of 10 I would then suggest a few days in Tuscany so that you could see the Hilltowns.

Have A Great Trip , Ciao, Greg

Jenny,

Italy for sure!

I traveled in Spain for 10 days and Italy for 12 days recently, and while I loved both, Italy (to me) is the better choice for children (even though they are older). Both are incredible places to spend time, but Italy has many more grandiose moments that they will remember FOREVER.

I also agree with Greg in that you should make Rome your first stop. It's an easy place to get flights into and it makes for an impressive first impression of Europe (if this is in fact their first trip). After Rome (4 or 5 nights) I would go to Florence (4 nights) and a day trip or two to outlying Tuscany. Although Rome and Florence are close (quick train ride) they are completely different. You might find that some people might not recommend Florence, (some are disappointed, and it confuses me slightly) and I think its because they expect something more like Rome. And last but certainly not least, the Cinque Terre. I could talk about this for days, but my one real piece of advise is if you're staying with kids choose Monterosso. Oh and my other advise is don't go to Venice.

But if you do choose Spain....Granada is a must.

Hi Jenny,
Consider the climate as well. Spain seems hotter and drier to me than Italy in the summer. I'd pick Italy for the history and beauty. Also, I'd vote for going for 14 days just for comfort; in my family, 2 of us suffer from jetlag and 2 easily adjust to the change in hours.
I wouldn't miss seeing Pompeii and a couple of hours along the coast, and it's an easy daytrip from Rome with some lovely views. I like Florence, but one day might be enough for a first time.

Venice for a least 2 days- the kids will love the back streets, vaporetto's and a trip to one of the out islands. And of course the history behind Venice itself. Awesome.

We did a month in Spain and Portgual(2007)and although they are facinating and Spain being a very large country to get from point A to B ( so there is considerable travel time) my vote is Italy.

Jenny,

Which month are you planning to travel? Just about anywhere in Europe is hot and crowded in July and August, however countries like England will usually be cooler.

A few suggestions you might consider. As this is your first trip, I'd highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door before you get too far in your planning. It will provide you with lots of information including Itinerary planning.

Choosing the U.K. for your first trip is a good idea in some ways as there won't be as much "culture shock" as with other locations, and no language issues (of course keeping in mind the old saying about "two peoples separated by a common language").

Given the ages of your kids and the fact that this is your first trip, you might consider providing them with a view of somewhat different cultures. One suggestion would be to start in England and finish the trip in Paris (using open jaw flights of course). They might enjoy the trip under the Channel by train!

If at all possible, try to make the trip at least 14 days. Keep in mind that you'll lose the first day in flight times and time zone changes (you'll arrive the day after you departed). You'll also be jet lagged for a few days, so probably won't be up to "full touring speed".

I usually use Gatwick when flying into England as it's smaller and easier to get around. Given your location you could also consider flights from Toronto Air Canada, Air Transat, Canadian Affair). You might want to speak with a Travel Agent regarding best flight options from your area.

Whichever country(s) you choose, I'd highly recommend having a look at ETBD country specific Guidebooks (ie: England, France) as they provide lots of detail on good Hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, opening times, etc.

Good luck with your planning!

Thanks for all the replies. In the end, two friends let me know that Italy can be very hot in the south in the late summer. After some careful consideration I dropped the Italy idea. Now I'm investigating England and Scotland. Wish me luck!

Hi Jenny,
I know you are looking at England but we took a trip to Germany/Austria last summer and the kids (18,15) loved it. We did a circle tour around Munich. My kids loved Neuschwanstein, HerrenChiemsee, going to the top of the Alps in Salzburg,and my son especially liked Rothenburg. Just an idea. I also thought it was very cost effective even with the rising dollar. I was able to book nice 2 star rooms for 130 euros for 4 people and using Lander train tickets it cost us $225 for the 4 of us for 5 days of travel. We took 10 days for our trip and it was sufficient