Travel Review: Family Trip to Italy, Florence, Rome, Venice, Vatican & Catacombs Tour, Cooking Class, Gondola Ride

We had a vacation that involved 2 families with a grade schooler and some young teens meeting and then traveling together with 9 people total through Venice, Florence, and Rome.  We would not have been able to do a fraction of what we did if left to arrange it all on our own.  We had plenty of back and forth with the travel agency to come up with an itinerary that fit our group.  We would have loved to add some side trips and wine experiences, but we chose to keep the group together and focus on seeing the essential sites.  Our trip included walking tours in Venice and Florence, and a historic Rome walking tour, Catacombs tour, and Vatican tour.  We also did a gondola ride in Venice and both the Accademia and a cooking class in Florence.  We had plans for an Ancient Rome and colosseum tour, but had to scrap it due to the Republic Day parade shutting those tourist areas down; the local tour company scrambled to arrange a city walking tour instead and got us passes to see the historic sites on our own.  Overall we were satisfied with their efforts to adjust those plans.  Touring with our own guides was great and allowed us to slow down, make gelato stops, and get the "dumbed down" version to keep it a little more kid-friendly.    

We usually arrange our own travel, but have to say that having it all done for us was a huge relief that allowed both families to relax and enjoy the experiences instead of stressing about details.  We had a detailed schedule laid out of the transfers and the activities, and when it was time to go somewhere, drivers and vehicles appeared punctually.  It was truly an easy, relaxing trip.  During planning we were able to review the hotel options and find those that fit the way we like to travel, and all were great choices for us.  All the hotels were very comfortable/nice and well located; we were near enough to the sites, but away from the most touristy areas and the crowds.  Could not have been more satisfied with any of the places we stayed or with the overall experience.