Preparing for a trip to Italy

Last updated on July 28th, 2020 at 10:35 am

Having only ever been to Italy as a traveling teenager and once as a young adult, we are so excited to be taking the kids there this May. Whenever we go somewhere new I like to research where we can go, what we can do, and find my bearings. I like to get into our hotel and know where things are immediately. It wastes time from our holiday if we leave it until we get there. So here we are planning our week in Italy and sharing with you a few ideas along the way.

We will be getting a rental car to explore Italy a bit more while we are there. I always compare prices on rental cars as they can get pricey. We are flying in to Verona and want to see Milan and Venice too. It’s not far from our accommodations. If you happen to be in the area and in need of a rental car, check out cheap car rentals at Milan airport. We plan on exploring Verona and Milan as days out while we are there by car.

We are staying at the Eurocamp Bella Italia that lies on the south eastern tip of Lake Garda, at the start of the Olive Tree Riviera. I have long to go to Lake Garda with it’s beautiful views and fun water sports. It’s the perfect family destination. We have a 3 bedroom mobile home booked with a deck for some good fresco living. Granny is coming with us which always is an added bonus.

Now that we have our destination and accommodations set. Let’s plan some days out and find what is close by to choose from.

NEARBY TOWNS FOR US TO VISITS:

Peschiera del Garda: 2km
Bardolino: 14km
Verona: 24km
Salo: 40km
Brescia: 44km
Venice: 139km

As mentioned above, we will definitely try to go to Verona and Venice. We love a good educational day out too, show the kids history and Verona is the best city for this. They have kept so many historical sites, buildings and architecture.

Venice is one to love for gondela rides. They even have safe kids events to learn how to row like a gondelier. From pretty lagoons and fun market shops to explore too. There is a food tour for families that is geared around kids. Venice isn’t just for adults. They are also known for glass making family classes.

There are also theme parks which we will be checking out. My kids love a good theme park. They are called Gardaland and CanevaWorld. It’s a short drive for us.

GARDALAND:

This is one for the ride lovers and aquarium seekers. Gardaland has something for the whole family. The Colorado Boat ride looks like one we would all love but the Space Vertigo is definitely one for thrill seekers. We always love a good aquarium with shows too.

CANEVA WORLD:

Has an amazing Aqua Park that is perfect for the hot Italian weather in May. We have a three kids that love the water so this looks so great for us for a day out. Between the restaurants, shows and rides that are available too, it reminds me of a little Disneyland. It’s notoriously known for Movieland – The Theme Park of Movies with actors, stuntmen, pilots and all the magic of Hollywood!

When not on the road I fancy lying on the beach and letting baby boy tuck into the sand while the older two build sandcastles with Granny. By the way, there is direct access to the lake from our park.

Around the lake are some really stunning towns, including Desenzano, the largest town on the lake and home to the lake’s largest market every Tuesday. Sirmione is also close by and well worth exploring the fortified harbour and 13th century castle. We were told by some friends to check out Sirmione and Desenzano.

With our days planned out tentatively, the weather (fingers crossed) will be hot, we just need to sort out our packing. No doubt we will need some new sun hats for us all, shades too. If we forget to pack something it’s always nice to have a rental car to go out and do some shopping if we need.

Do you rent a car when you are traveling? It’s so easy to get a rental car at one location and return it into another location giving you the freedom to go more places wide and far from your original destination. Even for city sightseeing and days out or those shopping days with the kids when you might need to pack more than you can carry onto a bus, train, or in a taxi. It’s handy to have your own car to rely on.

Have you been to Verona, Venice or Milan with the kids? Or had a road trip and drove in Italy? If you have some tips you want to add or let us know before we travel, do comment below. We would love to know ahead of time. Keep watch in May on our ig stories will be sharing what we are getting up to on a daily basis and where we ended up going in Italy.

*collaboration