My daughter just graduated from high school and I would like to take her to Europe at the end of June. We are thinking about Italy or Greece, but open to other ideas. Can anyone suggest a 10 day itinerary that includes some sight-seeing, shopping, beach time and stays in 3 to 4 different towns? We are both very active and would love to hike and/or bike some. I have been looking at a trip ton Italy including Venice, Florence and Cinque Terre. But, I have never been to Italy and am not sure what would be best for us?

Hello wfbound, our experience has been that teens that age enjoy Venice and Rome much more then Florence. Lots of our teen family members including daughters have gone to Italy at that age and it has held true for all of them. But that doesn't mean it would for your daughter not knowing her interest of course.

Cinque Terre would no doubt be a great area for your daughter since she likes hiking.

I would suggest that you have your daughter get involved with some research, websites and a few guide books from the library. I think that would help you two decide which places would be of the most interest. I would strongly suggest with ten days (if you mean ten days actually in Italy) I would only stay the maximum of three different places as you lose at least a half a day of more when moving from one are to another. Stating the number of nights you will have in Italy really gives a better idea of the actual time you will have in Italy. What a beautiful graduation present! Btw, you best get on this organization right away, Italy gets lots of tourist in June. Also, check into multi-city aka open jaw flights which means fly into one airport and home from another airport so that you do not have to backtrack. If you decide to go to Venice I would strongly suggest that you fly into Venice and fly home from your last city (Florence, Rome, Milan etc.) as it is easier to fly into Venice then depart from Venice as most flights from Venice tend to leave very early in the morning. Venice is a good place to get over jetlag and to unwind also.

Loveitaly gives good advise regarding flying open jaw and letting teenager help plan.

Venice,Cinque Terre,and Rome may be a good mix.
All 3 are incredible.
There are alot of differences to experience.

The Serene One will never disappoint.
Just wandering around is an education.
Dont miss St. Mark's mosaics,they are fabulous.

CT for an outdoor adventure.
Your teen will love all the paths.
You will love little villages.
Try the sweet drink Sciachetra, served with little biscuits.

Rome for shopping, museums, restaurants..ect...
There are endless options.

May I suggest staying in apartment verses hotel.
Most agree that it makes you feel more like a local and can be cheaper as you can cook meals and not have to eat at restaurant every meal.

Here are the apts. I have stayed at in these 3 places.
They may not work for you but will give you idea of nice, clean, and affordable apts...

http://www.knowital.com/veneto/venic...partment1.html
In a great area right by Vaporetto stop.
**********
http://www.cinqueterre-laposada.com/...partments.html
ask for Sole Y Luna apt.
The view is out of this world.
**********
https://www.romesweethome.it/apartme...nt.asp?lang=it
Campo de Fiore area was perfect.

Hi

We stayed at a B&B, Nicolas' Inn in Rome. It is just a corner from the coliseum. The owners are very nice and will help you with restaurants, visiting or anything you need. The rooms are very nice too!. http://www.nicolasinn.com/de
In Venice we stayed at another B&B Ca Angeli http://www.caangeli.it/deu/caangeli.html. We would return to both of theses places whitout any hesitation.