Elaine

My husband and I are traveling to Italy for the first time this June with our three boys, ages 19,16,12. We will spend three days in Rome and then a week on the Adriatic Sea above Bari @ Rodi Gargancio. Any information would be appreciated-what to do, where to eat, helpful tips, etc. I am excited but also nervous about taking 3 kids. When you invest this much on a vacation I want it to be memorable! Thank you!!!

Barb

Bring the kids to the Colliseum, the Pantheon and the Catacombs. As well as Vatican City. The Catacombs are cool at any age and to see what Gladiator was all about is pretty impressive. Also stop by Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps later in the evening after dinner when many people are out and about. Also gelato every night before bed will be a great daily tradition.

claire

In Rome, In addition to some of the excellent suggestions you've received already, I'd also recommend you visit Castel Sant'Angelo (incredible (& brutal at times) history and fine view of Rome, and especially of the Vatican/St. Peter's, at the top)and, at night, the Piazza Navona with lots going on. The boys should find plenty to interest them in both spots, and you can make your stay as short or as long as you want it to be. Depending on your family's interests, you may want to schedule a half day walking tour of some of the high points. This is, I think, especially helpful at a site like the Forum unless you've REALLY done your homework or like reading a book or listening to a tape as you walk along.

me

If the boys haven't seen the movie Gladiator's, be sure to rent it before you go.<BR><BR>A great authentic Italian family restaurant, filled with locals is Marios on Via Del Moro in Trestavere. It has great food and is very inexpensive. When we were there it was filled with Italian families having dinner. I think the boys would like that neghborhood in any case. Lots of young people around and very lively in the evening. Piazza Navona in the evening is also a nice area to spend some time at.

LJ

I know your boys will love Rome esp. if you can manage a sports activity while in town: soccer should still be on if its early in June.Even if you can't get seats, just being in Rome when on of their teams is playing is a kick: the Italians love their sports.<BR><BR>The Adriatic in the area you speak of is wonderful, scenic and with lots of history: I am not familiar with the specific location you mentioned but am assuming its on the Gargano Peninsula. If so, you are in luck as the area is built for family vacations:camping facilities seem to breed lots of attractions and plenty of young people. Italian teenagers often take their vacations as a group (but perhaps not as early as June)and the area combines fabulous natural wildlife with seasonal discos in a combo only the Italians could make work.<BR><BR> For a more sophisticated break, check out Vieste esp. the genuine home/handmade gelato at the gelateria by the harbour square. Excellent restaurants are to be found further up the hillside. The beaches are vast and surrounded by great hiking trails and historical fishing struts hanging off the cliffs. Also a very pretty and historic church at the far end of town.<BR><BR>Take the ferry to the islands off the coast if you get a chance.We escorted a mixed school group (inc. my then 17 year old daughter) there 2 years ago and I rather think your boys will enjoy the sights on the Italian beaches most of all! (You will get an eyeful yourself of the local male strutting his stuff but its all good family fun, nothing too outrageous).<BR><BR>Best wishes for a great trip: we will be there next spring for a whole year!