mama_mia

I too have taken teens to Italy. They enjoyed Tuscany but really liked Rome and Venice. What did they like? Seeing places they had always read about or heard about in class (the BIG sites), seeing what other teens were up to, sitting in cafes and people watching, and yes, observing all the street entertainment--the good and the bad.

I do try to involve them in planning--even if it is just googling a town and saying "Does this look like someplace we should go?"

We do find apartments worked nicely for reasons stated above.

Mimar

Air France and Alitalia both fly nonstop from Marseille to Venice. Couldn't find a non-stop flight from Nice for the day I picked at random. The airport for Marseille is not far from inland Provence, about an hour by car from Avignon.

tracilee

EuropeNewbie1 - here are a couple apartments to check out. Both have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and AC:

In Paris: http://www.myparisvisit.com/rental-t...-paris-40.html

In Rome: http://www.romecapitalapartments.com.../Boccaccio-140

Jax76

Forget the D-Day beaches. It's a separate trip and one that may not be interesting to teens. If you get a hot streak it won't be fun.

By peak summer season do you mean August? If so, the cities (esp. Paris) will be a bit emptied out, which can be dreary or great depending on your POV.

I am personally biased in favor of Paris and Rome. The one day trip I'd say you must do is Pompeii -- fascinating and teens will probably love it. Florence is not a day trip IMO -- either skip it entirely or give it at least two full days.

What you have to be careful of is museums with no A/C, common in Paris. If it's really hot, cathedrals are usually cool, especially the crypts.

Have a great time!

GillsinEurope

I just rented an apartment on homestay.com in Switzerland so I'm hoping it's a good site. I can let you know in May after we stay. I've also just recently booked on airbnb.com when we were in Chile a couple weeks ago and have found it to be good. No problems with correspondence or payment.

Mimar

I like renting apartments and villas; it's especially good for a family. But, for a nervous newbie, hotels are preferable. There will be somebody who speaks English and can recommend restaurants, give directions, etc.

TDudette

I have to agree about taking a day from Venice. Add it to Paris or Rome-whichever has the most places you wish to visit.

And I do agree with Jax76 & zeppole-your teens would enjoy Pompeii. That can be a long day trip from Rome. Ostia Antica a shorter one.

Please do a trip report after you return!

EuropeNewbie1

I think I will try to book apartments at all or most of these locations. I've done this on almost all recent vacations and we really appreciate the space. My only criteria are clean, sleeps 4, safe area, and most importantly A/C. I would rather spend my money on memorable tours and nice restaurants than lodging at upscale hotels. It also saves money and time if you can prepare an occasional meal in the apartments.

javafan1

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