Traveling to Europe with 3 kids (8, 5 and 1yr). We only have 14 days and need help?

Question

This is our first time to go to europe. Unfortunately, we only have 14 days to spare. We're visiting relatives in London and Edinburgh, but we would also like to go to other places, since we're already there. We plan to visit Paris, Rome, Venice and Florence. Do you think it's doable? How many days should I alot for each place? Do you know of any good places to stay that won't break my bank?

You're probably thinking we're crazy to bring the kids there - but I have no choice. So please, just give me good advice....

Thank you! :)

Answer 1

I'd leave the kids with the relatives and then take a couple of day trip to one of the cities on your list.

Traveling with kids that age will be very hard and you will not see much.Kids do not like to do the things that parents like to do.  (like sightseeing, visiting museums, lookin at scenery, shopping, etc.  )

Only an idea - good luck

Answer 2

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Answer 3

To be honest, it sounds like too many cities for only fourteen days. Since it is the first time you will be going to Europe, I'd try to cut a few of those cities out. I've been to all of the cities you've mentioned, excepting Paris, and I did them in four separate trips! There is so much to see to each town, I'd hate for you to have to rush through each city. Here's what I propose:

Edinburgh: Will take you two full days to get a full sense of the place. Albeit a beautiful and lovely town, it is rather small and the attractions few for children so young. You can hit Edinburgh Castle (that'll take an hour or two) midday. They fire the one o'clock cannon at, well, one o'clock, so that'd be fun for the kids. You can then take your kids to the Camera Obscura (just down the street from the Castle), which is LOADS of fun. It's all about optical illusions and has a ton of hands-on exhibits. That'll take a few hours (you'll have fun too!). If you have time, take that same road straight and the Children's Museum is there. That museum is free but VERY small. It'll take about a half hour to get through. There is a great kid-friendly restaurant there called Wannaburger; BEST burger and fries! (You get free M&Ms at the end of the  meal!) You may want to add another day in since you're visiting relatives.

London: If you plan on exposing your children to all of the museums and sites here, you'll need at least four days; five if you're including hanging out and spending time with your family. The list of things to see is way too extensive.

Rome: At least three days; four if you can. There is a lot of art and shopping in this city, and should not be rushed.

Venice: Two days, tops. It's a city for couples, so I don't think your kids'll get a big kick out of it. You can go to some of the islands off of the main island. Lido has a beach. Murano is famed for its blow glass. Burano is famed for its lace. They'd get a big kick out of the pigeons (don't feed them! you get fined for it now) and the fact that they're surrounded by water, but I really think Venice is a town for adults.

Florence: Beautiful city! Love it, love it! My favorite! There is a lot of art here (Uffizi, the Accademia), and everything is so grandiose, kids may like it. I would say three days in Florennce if you're with kids; five without. If you go, you have to take the kids to Vivoli. It's on Via Stinche (you're going to walk toward the Arno, to the left side of the Duomo. Take the road on the left right after the museum, and Vivoli should be on your right, at the end of the alley; it's scary-looking but it's really not). Best. Gelato. EVER.

You can try tripadvisor.com. It's a great site that allows you to read reviews of attractions on hotels, restaurants, and attractions, written by your fellow travelers. You can also see candid photos by fellow travelers, so you can see an honest picture of what a hotel looks like. I love that site!

Please feel free to e-mail me. I've been to Florence and London and Venice three times, each for an average of 10 days per city, and I just recently got back from London and Edinburgh. I love sharing information about the places I've been to and I don't even care if you give me any points. I'm just excited you're going somewhere I've been to!

It's [e-mail], and have a great trip if I don't hear from you!