--continued from Venice, Tuscany, Rome activities
What about Hotels and Meals?
In Rome, our hotel was the Hotel Exedra: upper-crust, but family-friendly; lovely rooms; location on the Piazza Republica, just across from a fine cathedral built -- this is Rome, Eternal City of layers of history--over the gigantic Diocletian Baths of ancient times.
As for meals: buffet breakfasts at the Exedra were outstanding. Meanwhile the meals we took in Rome in restaurants as a group were under-whelming; perhaps the logistics in seating a large group played a role, but downstairs windowless rooms just don't seem right in this city of al fresco restaurants. For meals on our own, our guides gave knowledgeable tips. (On another note: for those who care, there's a MacDonald's beside the hotel.)
In Tuscany, our home base in the countryside was the Borgo San Luigo, where guestrooms have been converted from old stone farmhouse-type buildings. Rooms vary, and the general style of the place will be the least familiar to American visitors. On the plus side, the setting is lovely (-take a walk to the nearby town), and "American-style" full buffets were excellent, as was our dinner on-property. On outings, lunch at Castello Vicchiomaggio and a Tuscan barbeque dinner get full marks.
Hotel Dei Doge, Venice
in Venice, our hotel was Hotel Dei Doge: formerly a palace, with the unique Venetian style of chandeliers, and still possessed of what may be the largest private garden in Venice. A beautiful spot, and also the venue for our farewell dinner.
See PHOTOS of hotels on the Viva Italia trip.
(Note: check current info at Adventures by Disney, in case hotel choices change.)
-Nice touch: each child gets a special "passport" and collects stamps for places visited.
-If you're carrying a laptop, take extra care during luggage transfer.
Bottom Line:
If it's your first trip to Italy: they don't get much easier than this, with all logistics handled. If you've been before and wonder if an Adventure by Disney would suit... Guests have time to explore on their own, and meanwhile benefit from "all details handled" (so helpful with family travel), and from the personal tour guides for sightseeing, and the unique special activities. Another plus is some "grown-up time" when kids have fun together or hang out with the guides.
Enhance your trip:
-for kids, get the Audio CD Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery, an entertaining story that introduces Venice and the music of Vivaldi.
-The Thief Lord, a best-selling "young-adult" type of children's book, is set in Venice. (Compare prices for The Thief Lord).
Continue to:
- photos of Adventures by Disney - Viva Italia
- photos of hotels on the trip
- Read more about Adventures by Disney, which has trips in Europe, Costa Rica, Wyoming, China, and more
*photos © Teresa Plowright
