Money plenty well spent
DS and DD are same ages as yours which probably allowed for a deeper appreciation of the culture side than the younger kids who seemed to have a blast in their own way too.
One note about expectations, we liked the pacing but you move, which also helps to have older kids. In fact, first thing we learned in each country was how to say "let's go" in the local language. Everyone kept up and held up fine but it makes one want to return especially - have to say - to Eze just to wander the streets, shops and gardens smelling those spices floating up from the market at the bottom of the hill. That is a place to get lost, explore and linger. Guides kept saying "its a buffet, come back for what you like." Yes please.
Cousin O. has a point about the food. The guides surveyed the group on day 1 about what everyone looked forward to the most. Many said the food in France and Italy. Similar survey at the end on highlights and not one vote for the food. (But is it the choice of restaurants or has America caught up with Europe on fine cuisine?)
The eateries were well chosen especially for location. For example, lunch on the roof of the Fairmont in Monte Carlo overlooking the mega-yachts was way more memorable for the view than the cheeseburgers (at $90, the least expensive menu item, rich indeed). Actually, the tastiest meal was the self-made pizza at the lemon farm in Amalfi despite the authentic farm smell. Super fresh olive oil, tomatoes and cheese, 3 min in the oven and then well, this is not pizza as we know it.
No complaints about the food, perfectly enjoyable but when you have just seen the David (avoiding a 2 hour line), maybe the next meal any where would not compare. Europeans eat meals for hours. Too much ground to cover for a true foodie experience.
Sometime it be that way.
Enjoy
DS and DD are same ages as yours which probably allowed for a deeper appreciation of the culture side than the younger kids who seemed to have a blast in their own way too.
One note about expectations, we liked the pacing but you move, which also helps to have older kids. In fact, first thing we learned in each country was how to say "let's go" in the local language. Everyone kept up and held up fine but it makes one want to return especially - have to say - to Eze just to wander the streets, shops and gardens smelling those spices floating up from the market at the bottom of the hill. That is a place to get lost, explore and linger. Guides kept saying "its a buffet, come back for what you like." Yes please.
Cousin O. has a point about the food. The guides surveyed the group on day 1 about what everyone looked forward to the most. Many said the food in France and Italy. Similar survey at the end on highlights and not one vote for the food. (But is it the choice of restaurants or has America caught up with Europe on fine cuisine?)
The eateries were well chosen especially for location. For example, lunch on the roof of the Fairmont in Monte Carlo overlooking the mega-yachts was way more memorable for the view than the cheeseburgers (at $90, the least expensive menu item, rich indeed). Actually, the tastiest meal was the self-made pizza at the lemon farm in Amalfi despite the authentic farm smell. Super fresh olive oil, tomatoes and cheese, 3 min in the oven and then well, this is not pizza as we know it.
No complaints about the food, perfectly enjoyable but when you have just seen the David (avoiding a 2 hour line), maybe the next meal any where would not compare. Europeans eat meals for hours. Too much ground to cover for a true foodie experience.
Sometime it be that way.
Enjoy
And my parents like to travel with us. Finding accommodations, rental cars, etc, for 8 people can be challenging.
ABDs are HIGHLY addictive!
