5-day mother-daughter (11-yr-old) trip to Europe
 

We have 5 days next August to travel alone in Europe. Would love to do Italy (Venice/Florence? Venice/Rome?) or London (I have been to both), maybe Prague. I would like to show her some Jewish history, art, way of life, would appreciate any ideas about the best options, places to stay, things to see.

If you have 4 1/2 to 5 full days in Italy, I would suggest one of the following.

1) 5 days in Rome with a long full day trip to Florence.

2) 3 days Rome, 2 days Florence.

3) 3 Days Florence, 2 days Venice (or reverse)

Option 1 would be less rushed and more relaxing. Option 2 is rushing it. Option 3 is ok. If option 2 or 3, try to fly into one town and out of the other.

If you arrive in the AM, sleep on the plane. After check-in and lunch, start a easy walking tour. To keep from standing in line, make reservations everywhere you can.

Discuss what to see with your daughter. Get her involved in the planning. It's her trip as well as your.

Whatever you decide, have a great family trip.

ttt

If you type Jewish Venice (or Florence, or Rome ...) into google, you can find websites with suggestions about interesting places and walking tours in each city.

I think Venice may hold the most interesting and numerous Jewish historical sites of the three -- much of the old Ghetto is still preserved (I think it is the oldest in Europe), and there are some really old synagogues, for example.

I on the other hand would skip Florence and do the split between Venice and Rome. I loved both and 5 days will be just enough to leave you aching for more.

I would vote for something in northern Europe at that time of the year with the horrible heat in Rome and environs. Not to mention so many shops and restaurants are sometimes closed for vacation. Personally, I think Prague would be perfect for appreciating Jewish history and experiencing a place that is so unique. The weather would be great and there are so many wonderful places to explore,shop,eat,etc.

I would also vote for Prague in August for that purpose. There is a lot to see in Prague related to Jewish history, art, etc.