Is it possible to do Italy off the beaten path?

Question

In July? With a young/small family (i.e., I have a 1 year-old baby)? The trip would probably be 4-7 days. If it helps, we are in NYC (have access to the major nearby airports: JFK, LGA, EWR), and would prefer direct flights if possible. Also, where would we stay? A hotel? Rent an apartment or villa? Any info would be helpful. I'm partial to Cinque Terre but 1) know it's not off the beaten path, and 2) am not sure if it's exactly baby-friendly. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes of course.  Try www.virtualtourist.com as a source to help you with your trip.  Direct flights from NYC to Rome are possible but if you would like to have a taste of Tuscany you would need to come into Pisa Airport which would require a layover.  Cinque Terre is beautiful!  In July it will be busy, but not overly busy.  Taking a stroller on most of the trails will be difficult but the first trail, the name escapes my right now but in English it is the Trail of Lovers is easy and stroller friendly.  Hotels are good if you have money but if you are looking for a cheaper option try hostelworld.com, hostels are not just places with bunk beds anymore, you can have your own private room to yourself and they are much more personable than a hotel.  I reccommend Cinque Terre and if possible venture to Volterra in Tuscany.  Have a wonderful trip.  One last site- http://homepage.sunrise.ch/homepage/avon...

Answer 2

Any place can be done off the beaten path.  I find what works best is just fly in, rent a car (assuming your liscence is valid) and wing it. make sure to keep a couple hundered (US equivelant) in cash, and keep your credit card in a seperate pocket than your wallet.

Answer 3

Lufthansa or Alitalia are two airline bets. They both have flights in Milan - Malpensa, though with Lufthansa you would change planes in Frankfurt. Cinque Terre is nice but in July it is really overcrowded. It could get a bit difficult with a small child. My son is four and when he was smaller we always tried to rent a place in a slightly quiter area and then travelled around. If you really want to go to the Cinque Terre then basing yourselves in Levanto which is very near is not a bad idea. Levanto also has a reasonable beach, some good restaurants and you can get a day pass on the train that goes to the cinque terre. If you want you are welcome to contact me for more ideas and accomodation advice