Trip To Italy

[demari18]

My husband and I planning a trip to Italy next year with 2 grandchildren ages 8 and 11. Thinking of starting in Venice for 2 days, then taking the train to Florence for 2 days, renting a car and taking a side trip to Pisa, then on to an agrifarm with a pool near Todi for 3 days, then on to Rome and with a trip to Pompeii. Looking for suggestions if this seems doable with children. Their parents will also be on the trip.

[Italysearcher]

At 8 my Grandson was not that impressed with Rome. But he did like Italy. He stayed with us for 4 months, enjoyed playing in the park at midnight, the music and festas, the castles. History wasn't big on his list.
Depends on the kids. That's a lot of travel days. Pompeii is quite a drive from Rome. My bet is that Venice and the farm will be the highlights for them. Italy is all about culture, art, and history, at least in the tourist cities. Not that much for kids. There is an amusement park just outside Rome (not Disneyworld but should do the trick) in Valmontone. There is a wave pool in Frosinone (probably other places as well) but you don't have a lot of time for this type of entertainment I am sure.
This site might help
http://goitaly.about.com/od/familytrave ... h-kids.htm

[demari18]

Thank you so much for your help - What you said was in the back of my mind.

[claudio2574]

Two years ago I went to Venice with my daughter, 7 years. I was sure that the city on the water would have impressed her.
No way.
I was really disappointed about it. Now, at 9, she is starting some interest for the historical things, so we had a pleasant two-days trip to Siena (much smaller and enjoiable than Florence) and several flash tours to Rome (we live close to Rome).
I suppose it depends on the kid too much to imagine the outcome.

[demari18]

Dear Claudio,
Thank you for your helpful post about my planned trip. I have been thinking that a simple trip would hold better memories for the children than an all over the place trip - Thanks again - demari