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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are starting a VERY long term plan to take the kids to Europe (specifically, at least Italy) next year or maybe in 2017.  Kids will be 12, 7, and 5 (2016) or 13, 8, and 6 (2017).

Tell me about your European family trips...Can anyone help me get started in terms of planning and budgeting?

When is the best time of year re: crowds/prices/weather?
What did you do that you consider "can't miss" - and what are the places that you'd drop from your itinerary given a second try?
What travel websites or booking agencies did you use? Do I need a travel agency?
Did anyone rent a house? How?
Do we need a car? 
What's a ballpark trip cost for a family of 5 who doesn't need anything too fancy?
Any great books or planning websites I can check out?

Thanks so much! [/quote]

We lived in Europe for 3 years when kids were roughly the ages of your kids. In that time, we made several trips to Italy:

1) Venice, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena
The kids were 9 and 5 on this trip. We went for spring break which is a very busy time for Italy. We avoided Rome for that reason but Florence was also very crowded. That said, the weather was good and smaller towns were not overcrowded. Venice was also pretty busy but Florence was insane. The kids enjoyed Venice and Lucca the most. Rent bikes in Lucca and ride around the city walls. Of course do a gondola ride in Venice, but kids also enjoyed wandering the alleys. Be aware children must be 8 to ascend the Leaning Tower.

2) Sicily - Catania, Taormina, Mt. Etna, Agrigento, Siracusa
Kids were 10 and 6 in this trip and we also went for spring break. Weather was good and it was not at all crowded. Sicily is a bit rough around the edges but we enjoyed it. Taormina is very lovely and must see the amphitheater. We also had a private guide take us around Mt. Etna. Still covered with snow in April FYI - people were skiing so we couldn't do hiking. The temples in Agrigento are very impressive but not much else to do in that area (although we loved the Scala dei Turchi -- google it). Siracusa is also a lovely town - kids enjoyed this trip.

3) Rome, Positano, Pompeii
Kids were 10and 6 and we made this trip in late June to meet up with my in laws. I do NOT recommend Rome in June. Obscenely hot and crowded. It was not relaxing as the streets were packed from 10 am through the day. To see anything really for heat and crowds you had to be up and out very early. We did enjoy the colosseum which we visited early and bought tickets in advance. The other hit was four person bike in the big park. All those famous landmarks? Not interesting to my kids. Flip side - they LOVED Positano. Natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere, great food. We were only there 2-3 days but it was amazing. We stopped by Pompeii on our way back to Naples - again, late June it was way too hot and crowded. Shame as I think it was f as imaging.

4) Naples, Capri, Positano
Kids were 7 and 11. Went late June/early July. We made this trip to spend more time in Positano since we all loved it so much. Spent one night in Naples which was a waste of time. Capri is also amazing but super crowded during the day with day trippers. Stay on the island to enjoy it in the evenings - there is also great dining. We spent 3 nights. Took the ferry to Positano and spent 5 more nights. We all love it so much. Beach is so relaxing.

Italy is such a great country for families because the Italians like kids. Also the food is great and most kids like it. We stayed in hotels but with 3 kids you might do better with apartments. Some hotels have suites or large enough rooms for two double beds and a rollaway. I always email directly and ask about beds if it's not clear or if I want something different. Many will accommodate if you arrange it in advance.

We have almost always rented cars in Italy but you must be a confident driver. I also strongly recommend taking the rental company insurance. Just trust me on this one. ;) There of course are trains and buses etc. but we have always liked the freedom of having our own car. [/quote]

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