Just back from an incredible trip, my husband and I (and when I say "we," I truly mean "me") find ourselves already drawn towards the planning of our next adventure. As a fresh face in the world of travel blogging, I'm excited to take you along during these initial planning stages, a period of our journey I affectionately term the 'Dream Time' phase. Let's explore the realms of potential and promise together!

During this phase, I ponder questions like: Where would we like to go? What would be suitable for the kids? What do we want to do on this trip? This part is much more fun than the actual budgeting!

From our recent trip, my husband and I absolutely adored Rome and Capri. However, as we plan to bring the kids on our next journey, we're ruling out Capri as we'll be traveling in June/July/August—peak season.

Here's a rough outline of my plan:

Fly from JFK to Venice (direct)
3 nights in Venice
Private transfer from Venice to Florence (stop in Modena for lunch)
2-3 nights in Florence (Day trip to Lucca & Pisa)
7 nights at an Agriturismo in Tuscany
Private transfer from Tuscany to Rome, stopping in Umbria at Orvieto (Or if we can, stay a few nights in Umbria)
4 nights in Rome

Okay… How did I come up with this?

1. Venice, Tuscany and Rome are great to go to with kids (Florence, I’ve just never been too)

2. Modena is known for parmigiano cheese, balsamic vinegar and has a few Ferrari Museums

3. Pending on where the Agriturismo in Tuscany is, we may not need to spend a few nights in Florence

What is an Agriturismo?
So, what is an Agriturismo? The term is a combination of agriculture and tourism, referring to farm stays in the countryside. Each Agriturismo is unique, offering different amenities and experiences. They range from luxury resorts to simple, affordable stays.

Gradually, I'm exploring the realm of family-friendly agriturismos. Marta Correale, the voice behind the MAMALOVESITALY blog, offers a wealth of knowledge through her comprehensive post on the most family-friendly options.Click Here!

There is also a website devoted to Authentic Italian Agritourism, click here

My ideal Agriturismo would include:

• An onsite restaurant

• Breakfast

• A pool (it will be quite hot in the summer)

• A/C

• Wine tastings and potential tours

• Laundry

• A good location for visiting: Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Greve in Chianti, and potentially Florence, Pisa, Lucca

What are some things I’m thinking of doing with the kiddos, aside from the main attractions:

• Venice - Mask making workshop, glass blowing, treasure hunt tour, gondola class

• Florence - Marble paper making class

• Rome - Gladiator class, Vespa sidecar tour, monuments at night

• Pasta, pizza and or gelato making class

• Farm stays - potential horseback riding, hanging out with animals

• Food Tours - Venice, Florence and Rome

• Saturnia Hot Springs

• Playgrounds

• Chasing pigeons in all the Piazza’s

• Eating gelato

• Palio in Siena - a famous horse race among neighborhoods that takes place on July 2 and August 16th

At this initial planning stage, I'm considering various travel consultants and tour options, like:

• Katy Clarke, with her Untold Italy Tours

• I love what Joe Banana Limos has for luxury tours and transfers

• Arianna Cini, with her Slow Travel Tours Company *this one really caught my eye because they literally have a 7day kid-friendly tour at an agriturismo

• Lucia, Venice Walks and Tours

• Devour Tours

• GetYourGuide

• Diana Traficante, trvlbydesign
  

While I'm dreaming about this trip for Summer 2024, I think it might be a bit overwhelming for my husband. So, I'm tentatively aiming for Summer 2025!

I also plan to get a couple of books: "Glam Italia! 101 fabulous things to do in Venice" and "Glam Italia! 101 fabulous things to do in Florence" by Corinna Cooke, which I've found extremely helpful.

Always an adventure!
xoxo,
Nellie