Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany: A Slow-Paced Family Adventure in the Heart of Italy
WHY WE WENT
In the spring of 2019 trip we decide on Tuscany. We wanted a slow-paced trip that would allow us to travel but more importantly, bond as a family of four. Also, I craved Italian food all through my pregnancy with Avery so Italy was on the brain.
HOW LONG WE STAYED
From May 18 to June 8, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of Tuscany.
WHO WENT
The Laing family – Dave, Ana, Owen (4 years old) and Avery (8 months old).
WHERE WE went
Tuscany! We started in Florence, went to Lucca for one week, Cinque Terre for a few days, stayed in a farmhouse outside of San Gimignano for another week and then back to Florence for our journey home.
HOW WE DID ITALY
Fearlessly, we embraced Italy, leaving any worries behind. Actually, our biggest worry was whether Avery would adjust to the time change or not.
Our goals were simple: eat great food, enjoy the nice weather (much needed after a LONG Canadian winter), relax and really get to know our new family dynamic. Italy delivered on all fronts!
Time change
To navigate a six-hour time change, we set out on an overnight flight. Avery, the little trooper, adjusted seamlessly to the new schedule.
Owen barely slept on the flight and then was too excited to be in a new city that he went down beautifully for an afternoon nap and then his new bedtime.
A potentially daunting time difference, that I think deters many parents from travelling with their kids, was actually just a very minor hiccup.
transportation
Dave had been to Italy before and told us how awesome the train system was and since Owen loves trains, that’s what we did! I downloaded the Omio app and we just bought tickets as needed.
It wasn’t until our third week that we rented a car, with two car seats, to get around and do day trips.
accommodations
All AirBnbs. Man, we found some great spots. Some had too many stairs but that’s the price you pay for rooftop patios. All of our spots had outdoor space which allowed us to enjoy ourselves during nap times and after bed times. Each one had a pack-and-play for Avery since I filtered for family-friendly places (a detail I completely forgot about so we brought our own). Here, here, here, and here.
Our days
Our days were a delightful blend of leisurely strolls, incredible feasts, and the occasional Aperol Spritz on sun-soaked patios. Owen got to run around piazzas chasing pigeons and Avery discovered her love for bold flavours (parmesean and truffles). We cooked at home, hung out on our beautiful patios or by the pool on a farm we call paradise. We also enjoyed wonderful meals out at nice restaurants or wineries that all welcomed our kids and provided high chairs.