Buckets, Spades and…Basilicas!
Scopri I’Italia…
Trying to find the perfect family holiday is not easy. The bottom line is that the hard working Mums and Dads are hell-bent on making sure the kids have all the fun that they often forget it’s their holiday too and there’s really only so many sand castles you can build before boredom sets in and the urge for a burst of culture becomes over-whelming. Well, we have the answer to your prayers and we’re going to let you into a secret. You can have the best of both worlds and keep everyone happy. The answer? Italy!
In short, Italy is one of the most beautiful countries you could ever visit. It’s steeped in history and culture and is a haven for art and architecture lovers. Italy is also a gastronomical delight and is famous for its rich, flavoursome dishes, wine and ice cream (gelato). From exciting bustling cities to relaxed, pretty beaches on the coast, there’s truly something for everyone.
For many years, Italy has been a romantic paradise for tourists. Up and down the entire country, there’s a huge choice of beaches, lakes, cities and quaint, sleepy towns. One of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Europe, Italy has it all and visitors fall under her spell so much that they return year after year.
Many of us seem to head to resorts in other countries in the search for that perfect holiday that will suit the kids. Sometimes we have forgotten that there is a whole world out there beyond the doors of the kids clubs, theme nights and the ice cream shop. Don’t get me wrong; if ice cream is your thing, you won’t have much to complain about in in home of the gelato, Italy invented the stuff!
Anyway, back to the nuts and bolts of the holiday action. In short, Italy will tick every box on even the most demanding holidaymaker’s wish list. Just imagine long sunny days spent playing with the kids on a beach or by a pretty swimming pool but being able to hop on a bus, a train or perhaps hire a car and being able to see some of the world’s most dazzling churches and historic landmarks?
A popular choice for combining activities for the kids with an injection of culture along the way is Al Fresco Holidays. Al Fresco offers value for money mobile homes across Europe. For us, this was the ideal solution; home from home accommodation in fun surroundings but within easy reach of some of the most beautiful cities on the planet!
In our case, bella Italia. Al Fresco offers a choice of parks in Italy:
Lake Garda, Lazio, Tuscany, the Adriatic Coast and the Venetian Riviera.
Here’s a handy guide to the magnificent places you can visit from these locations:
- Lake Garda: Verona
- Lazio: Rome and the Vatican City
- Tuscany: Florence, Siena, San Gimignano
- Adriatic Coast: Rimini, Bologna, Ravenna
- Venetian Riviera: Venice
There’s also a great choice of luxury accommodation on offer for families. Just because you’re travelling with kids, doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. I’ve taken many holidays in Italy, with and without the bambini, and have never had to compromise on standards.
Italians love children and will think nothing of having them stay in even the priciest of hotels.
A few to consider, and favourites of mine that combine child friendly with style and elegance are:
- Hotel Du Lac Du Parc, Riva, Lake Garda
- Hilton Sorrento Palace , Sorrento
- Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
- Hotel Caesius, Bardolino, Lake Garda
- Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco, near Barga, Tuscany.
These hotels are all available through talkholiday.
TOP EXCURSIONS/MUST SEE:
- St Mark’s Square and Basilica, Venice
- The Vatican City, Rome
- Il Duomo, Florence
- The Trevi Fountain, Rome
- Open air opera at Verona Arena
- Juliet’s House, Verona
- The Spanish Steps, Rome
- Early Christian Monuments/ Mosaics at Ravenna (Unesco World heritage)
Apart from keeping everybody happy and trying to plan a decent mix of activities, over the years Italy has brought great joy to my life. My love for Bella Italia simply grew as the years flew by and the more holidays I took up and down the country. Every nerve in my body tingled as I took a morning stroll in the piazza, listening to the babble of the locals chatting to each other and the peel of the church bells calling the faithful to prayer. The sound of church bells on the continent is something that still moves me. I always arrive in Italy full of hope and excitement for the days and nights ahead, almost in anticipation of the magic that can happen when you fall under her spell.
It’s all so seductive and dreamy but you will need practical information to help you on your trip, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s some handy tips:
CURRENCY: Euro.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: Italian, German, English
TIMEZONE: +1 hour GMT
RETAIL THERAPY: Designer fashions from chic city boutiques. Best buys include locally produced wines, pasta, leather goods and arts and crafts.
LOCAL CUISINE/FOOD: Traditional Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, fresh fish and seafood and an amazing selection of ice cream (gelato) are available.
WHEN TO GO: April – June is a nice time to visit as the weather is warm and cities and resorts are less crowded. July and August can get very hot and as this is when Italians take their holiday and it can be very busy.
WHAT TO TAKE: Smart, casual attire appropriate for the season. Italians are super stylish and frown upon scantily clad tourists in the cities. Sensible walking shoes are advisable when sightseeing.
ETIQUETTE: Italy is full of churches and visitors are welcome. They are also places of daily worship so be sure to dress appropriately.
Shorts, tank tops, and sleeveless garments are taboo. In summer carry a sweater or sarong to wrap around your bare shoulders before entering a church.
Driving: EU member states licences are acceptable. Non-European licence holders should obtain an International Driving Permit.
HELPFUL WORDS AND PHRASES:
- Si………………………………………….. Yes
- Per Favore………………………………… Please
- Prego……………………………………… You’re welcome
- Grazie……………………………………… Thank you
- Ciao………………………………………. Hi (informal)
- Buongiorno………………………………… Good morning
- Buona Serra……………………………….. Good evening
- Scusi………………………………………. Sorry/Excuse me
- Where is?……………………………………………… Dov’e
- The Museum……………………………….. Il museo
- The Church………………………………… Il chiesa
Buon viaggio!