My sister has been to Italy twice, with a teenage son the first time and a new grandson who lived there and the second time to visit the now 5 year old grandson who is back in the states. He went everywhere with them and had a blast, even camped in the Alps when he was only a couple or so months old. She has esp. enjoyed Venice and considers it a must for any time spent over there.

On a travel program I watched a couple of years ago, they pointed out that it is really inexpensive, in places like Rome, to rent rooms in the monasteries or nunneries/abbeys. I don't know if children can be accomodated, but the prices were low and included a good solid meal per day, I think it was breakfast.

You might also check with universities to see about dorm rooms. I know in the summertime here, they can sometimes be rented quite inexpensively.

Good luck,

kat