Okay, so crazy idea and I need some input.
I lived in Italy for a semester when I was in college circa 1997, predominantly in Rome, but we pretty much went from Naples area to Florence and everywhere in between (I was a Classical Archaeology major, so we went anywhere there were ruins, but mixed in some Florence because it was Florence). Then I took my wife to Sorrento for our honeymoon in 2004.
Anyway, I would like to take my family to Italy maybe spring break of next year. I was thinking arrive on Sunday in Rome, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday in Rome, Thursday train to Venice for half a day and travel to Florence, Friday in Florence, fly out of closest airport Sunday (Milan? Pisa?). I don't love Florence but think a day and overnight there would be good for the kids. In Rome I was thinking of Hotel Quirinale because of its convenient location and its being nice enough for the family to enjoy.
Is this totally nuts? I don't want to stay overnight in Venice, but think the kids should see it. I don't want to spend too much time in Florence. I figure I'm going to have to fly out of Milan or Pisa and don't really care that much about time spent in either location.
I'd hate to shorten Rome to two days. I think that would be tough.
Any thoughts?
I completely recognize this will be a whirlwind and does not do any of the places we are going justice, but that's life with kids.