my family is planning a 14 day european trip with two early teens. My mom likes germany and italy. I am searching for more ideas. We want a mix of some art and architecture along with some activities that my 11 year old brother, that has a short attention span, will enjoy.

how are you traveling by car or train or ??? - makes a difference on responses.

we will rent a car

My favorite first trip for a family starts and ends in MUnich and includes Salzburg, the Bavaria castle country, and Lake Garda in Italy. Get a good map and the Rick Steves guide book for that area. Car prices are best in Germany.

YOu will also like Berchesgarten, Do a Salt Mine tour and a visit to Hitler's Eagles Nest. Sure worked for me when I was a short attention spanned kid. YOur mom will love the scenery around Koenigsee. The drive is windy though so it is less attractive if motion sickness is a problem.

Google "Rodelbahn"

Thank you so much for your ideas. GO RODELBAHN!!!!!!!!

germany and Switzerland are excellent for travelin with youn teens. Legoland, Europark, rodelbahn and hiking in the alps. Luzern with swimming plus a visit to the transportation museum is sure to delight all ages.

As far as Italy goes, it is very young teen friendly and has a ton of gory history sure to entrance. Rome with the coliseum, the catacombs and even a vatican tour as long as you have a tour guide who has the stories to make it good...and there are a ton. If he is an avid reader, pick up some of Caroline Lawrence´s Roman Mysteries.

Oops, Norther Italy also has gardaland, which is a fun amusement park. I have raised two kidlets here and we always incorporate visits to sites like these when we travel. Some may see it as a waste, but it pays dividends.

That is cool! I love learning about Rome's history.

Well, without the gross part.....