Viva Italy in July - Places to Visit pre or post the trip?

[lat]

I am seriously considering booking this trip for the 5 of us. I want to stretch the trip for another 5-6 days prior to the trip. Anyone has done that? Where do you think is worth going on our own? I will have my mother, my 2 DD (10 and 13) and DH.

Thanks so much!!

 

[redzinner]

Some have traveled by train to Pompeii for the day.

Four of us visited Ostia Antica on a Rome pre-day in 2008.
There are many museums in Rome you could visit also that the ABD tour does not include.

Others have done post days out of Venice going to a nearby beach ... Lido?

 

[carpenta]

The town of Orvietto is a wonderful trip north of Rome. It is an Etruscian town that dates back to before the founding of Rome. It is a time capsule and a wonderful drive through the Umbrian countryside. Look it up. Also Capri is an easy ferry ride out of Sorrento or Naples. And if you travel to Florence it is a two or three day stay to enjoy all the sights.

 

[GAN]

My suggestion would be to stay in the Siena region, I would stay just south -known as the Crete Senese region:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/cypress_roads.htm

Siena is a spectacular city(one of many you could say that about in Italy). Certainly Rome, Florence, and Venice are spectacular as well -but to us, Siena has a special feel. I guess you could say that it keeps it's small city charm behind it's walls -Rome and Florence are "busy" cities. I suggest you stay here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...Canto_del_Sole-Monteroni_d_Arbia_Tuscany.html

The reviews don't lie -you will be treated as family(enjoy one of Laura's fantastic meals), and the countryside is simply breathtaking. Rent a car and explore small towns and villages -the driving in this area(and the Chianti region, if you choose) is quite simple and fun. Outside the walls of Siena can be a little confusing, but nothing to worry about. Enjoy!

 

[glassslipper2004]

Orvieto is part of the Viva Italia trip - or at least it was when I went on it. It was a lovely place to visit.

Venice was by far my favorite part of the trip, and we had only a few days there. I would recommend adding on a few days at the end to see more of Venice, its islands (lace making, glass blowing), museums, etc.

As for the "pre" part, if you could get down to Capri it is apparently breathtaking there. I'd love to do that too someday.

 

[Diskidatheart]

I would suggest visiting other parts of Italy if you are planning on a 5 day pre-trip. I agree with Glassslipper that I would do at least 1 day extra in Venice if not more. Venice was also my favorite and I wish we had spent more time there. Orvieto was nice, but since you already are going there, I thought a 1 day visit there was enough. You could also take a train to Florence since you only spend an afternoon there as well.