Italy - I have no idea where to start!

Kedi_Yavrusu

We have been thinking about going to Italy for our holiday this year, 2 adults and 2 children aged 7 and 4, going in August.

I really don't know where to start looking though and everyone keeps telling me how expensive it is there.

We are looking to rent a villa or apartment, we do'nt want anywhere too busy, not looking for nightlife or anything. Just somewhere nice abd quiet where we can go for nice meals, go to the beach, visit some sites etc.

Which are the best areas to start looking? Are some places much more expensive? Where would be good for children?

I am really confused at the moment :huh: so if anyone has any advice I would love to hear form you!

chickywiggle

you may find some helpful advice in one of these 12 pages.

happy35

i would look where you can fly to on Italy from your local airport and then research the surrounding area to find somewhere you fancy,

A friend stayed at a Eurocamp site in Italy a few years ago and the kids had a great time, she flew to Italy via Amsterdam and picked up a car at the airport.

Ponkle22

Obviously August is VERY hot in Italy. The Ferragosto (when nearly everyone in Italy goes to the coast for their holidays) is around 1st to 15th August. The towns can be quite empty and you can explore in peace but to be honest, the heat is even too much for my older children to do much of that in July/August.

The best place I can suggest is a campsite (nice campsite) in Tuscany, called Norcenni Girasole. There is a choice of tents, mobile homes, small buildlings and some villas (I believe). Its really beautiful and fantastically placed. The children will love it - though it is on a (Tuscan) hillside, but there is a little 'noddy' train to get you up and down the site. The pools and the water slides are great there, though I didn't visit it in peak Summer season - it could be a bit busy.

You can fly to Pisa - step right outside the airport door and right onto a train - the train is almost in the doorway! Then travel to Pisa Centrale station (one stop) and put your luggage in the left luggage locker and visit Leaning Tower etc. Young children cannot climb the tower but you can take the trick photos where you pretend to hold up the tower etc. You only need 2 hours or an afternoon MAX in Pisa. Then go to Florence on the train (dont try to drive in Florence - not advisable) and change trains for Figline Valdarno (nearest train station to Norcenni campsite). From Figline campsite you can access easily Florence (one hour away max), Arezzo, Sienna, Pisa etc etc. The campsite put on coach tours but you can easily get to the towns using public transport.

The best place to look ALL the above up is in the Trip Advisor website. You can do a search and find TONS of info or start a new thread in the forums. There are reviews in the 'hotels' section for the campsite and the forum for more info on the area, time of year etc. Try and look at the reviews that are posted in August or perhaps September (not everyone posts straight after their holiday) as it will give you a good idea what to expect.

Its good to start in Pisa and work your way down the coast.

When my daughter was 9 she fondly remembers our 3 night trip to the Island of Ischia. We went to the far side (Forio) but a lot of people visit the near side. The ferry will take you to either side (depends which ferry you catch) and you do not need a car at all, as they have the most fantasic bus system on the island. Pick a hotel where you can catch a bus outside of - I did. You can go around the island on the bus too, if you like. Such a lovely place.

Or you could stay in Sorrento (south of Naples) or perhaps travel even further south and visit Calabria (look up the area of Tropea and surrounding). The beaches are stunning and go on for miles. I prefer it to Sardinia.

The beaches will be heaving in August but its great to people watch.

Personally I would do a two centre trip if you can. But make sure you have access to a pool or sea to cool down.

A lot of Italian lets (apartements etc) won't have air conditioning (though some will). Air Con is ESSENTIAL or your children might struggle.

Its a lovely country.

There is a book you can buy called Kids Around Rome - but as I said above, it may be too hot.

Pity you can't visit in September when still warm but not so intense, but realise you have children so probably can't.

The Italian children are very friendly - just give them a ball and/or some water and they will play with your children happily for hours. the Italians adore children so your children will get lots of fuss.

Hope this helps.

poet123

http://www.poiano.com/lakegarda/apartments_lake_garda.php

We have stayed all over Italy but as we are taking our younget son only this year (older ones doing their own thing) we need to think about what he would like to do so we are considering the above and others on Lake Garda.

Like the poster above we have done Sorrento, Ischia, Procida, Positano, Florence, Rome, Venice. You may want think about the more lively resorts Lido de jesolo, Diana Marino.

If you want to rent an apartment I would look at Holiday Rentals or Owners Direct and narrow it down by the searches and where the flight are cheapest; Pisa, Milan, Venice Treviso, Pescara (depending on where you can fly from)

The searching is what I enjoy!

Kedi_Yavrusu

Thank you for the ideas, at least it gives me some places to start looking for.

We live in London so we could fly pretty much anywhere really.

I know it will be hot but we usually go to Turkey and we are used to the heat, my children are half Turkish! We certainly would want air con though so I make sure I check that if we rent a house.

Ponkle22

LOL I just realised I know you on another forum! (under a different name). Am going to PM you.