Family Italy holidays

[SusieWinwood]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a family holiday to Italy? We aim to go in 2012, probably early or late season. Our DD will be 3 almost 4 then. I'm not keen on beaches so that isn't a priority but a pool is. We have a small budget for the right place. We are not into trawling old buildings and churches etc but are happy to stroll and take in the local scenery etc.

I have no idea if self catering/half board or all in would be the better option as I believe Italy is very expensive to eat out.

TIA

Susie

[VHG]

Well as were are only JUST in 2010 that is REALLY planning ahead !

[pookieljh]

lake garda is good

[spudqueen]

Try Cattolica, which is near Rimini, on the Adriatic coast. Yes it has a beach, but these are very well organised. Most of the beach is privately owned and you pay for the use of a sunbed, but the facilities are brilliant. Most of them have a childrens play area, games (table tennis, boules, table football), toilets, changing rooms and showers, a pool and a jacuzzi, the one we used last year even had a gym. They are very, very clean, and there are boat trips you can take. There's a local coach company which does day trips (we went on a couple - one to San Marino), and a railway station, so you can get out and about if you want, though we were happy to spend time there. There's an aquarium in Cattolica which apparently is very good. I would suggest that you go half board. We had a buffet breakfast every morning and there was a choice of meals in the evening. Many of the hotels have pools, but we preferred the beach. Italy is very child friendly and I'm sure you'd have a great time.

[sara3]

I have to agree with the above, I've also been to Cattolica and would happily go back :o)