Hi All,

Have been reading the site and am in awe at the wealth of info here. I Appreciate any suggestions for my upcoming trip to Italy from 6/24-7/4, for a total of 9 days on the ground. It's our first time in Italy, and we will be traveling with 2 kids ages 11 and 16.

I am an art lover myself, but my family's eyes glaze over after just a few hours at most museums and historical sites, so I would like to strike a balance between seeing the some of the art and historical treasures in the cities we visit, keep it interesting for the 11 year old boy and 16 year old girl, and leave time to enjoy the local color of the places we visit.

I was told that Rome/Florence/Venice is what most people do on their first visit, but I am not sure how much time to allot to these major cities. I also have read about so many charming side trips and towns that I am open to any and all suggestions, even if it means skipping one of these cities.

I am using miles to book flights, and am flying into Rome and home from Venice, but perhaps have some flexibility to change the return city if there is a compelling reason to do so. Also, I am contemplating an additional day or two because I am worried about having time to tour around without feeling rushed.

Advice? thank you.

Rhonda

I would stay in Rome for 5 days because there is so much to see. A wild place for the kids to visit is the Capucine Church on Via Venetto (I forget if that is the correct name but it decorated with the skeletal remains of the former monks)- it sounds ierie but my daughter that it was very cool when she was about 11. I also think that your kids will grow to appreciate art in Italy because art is so integral to the experience. Five days could keep you quite busy in Rome but you could plan an organized day tour to Pompeii or Naples, Capri, and Sorrento- that would be a lovely summer experience. You could take an early morning train to Florence and arrive mid-morning. Then go to the Accademie to see David and later to the Uffizzi. The following day you could do more sights in Florence then take a train later in the day to Venice arriving in the evening. Then you'd have two full days in Venice. Venice is really magical. Since you're going in the summer you could forego Florence and stay on Lido beach in Venice. You could do a day trip to Ravenna or Padova. Another option instead of Florence is Sienna so that they can experience a hill town. Don't try to pack in too much because you'll be traveling more than experiencing Italy- and your kids will need to get into the groove.

Rhonda,

We went to Rome, Venice and Florence last March for the first time with our kids (daughter age 12 and son age 9 at the time).
Here is the link to my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34599242. You may find it helpful.

I would do your best to try to add a couple of days if possible. With 9 days I would probably do 4 Rome, 2 Florence, 3 Venice, but if you could even add just two days 5 Rome, 3 Florence, 3 Venice would be even better.

With only 9 days I would skip any long daytrips, there is so much to see in the cities that you will not want to miss. We loved Italy and have planned a trip back for this June where we will be doing many of the smaller towns as well as a return trip to Rome (everyone's favorite!)

Solidify your plans, then start booking your hotels as June/July is a popular time. There are many great threads here on different hotels in all the cities you will be going to.

Good Luck and have fun. You are planning a wonderful trip for your family!

Sounds like you have a great trip planned! Here is my report of going with a 15 and 18 year old (we also went to PAris ont he same trip, but won't include that here). Maybe it will give you some ideas for Rome anyway.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34645892

HI:

We will be taking our three kids for 2 1/2 weeks end of June through beginning of July. We are flying into Venice (4 nights), then to a tuscan farmhouse (3 nights) to make day trips to Florence and/or Siena... they want to check out olive oil making, then to Rome for 4 nights and then end in Sorrento (renting an apartment for a week ) so that we can chill, see Capri, Pompeii and hang with the locals. We fly out of Napoli. They are bringing journals and some good reading... they will love to check out the cafes, people watch and eat gelato. Hope this helps. Have a blast!

I went to Italy for 25 days in Sept.If I were you Iwould be careful it is very hard to walk with the kids in the big citys Rome would be out ,its so dangerous ,very small sidewalks etc.The only place I would even consider with children that age is Positano Venice and Lake Como area.Making matters worst your going in june. listen this my opinion Iwould never take a trip like that with children even though you have a 16 yr old.The walking the crowds and the kids will take away from your enjoyment.Perhaps if you do the hill towns Sienna and some villages in the cinque Terra ,no traffic is allowed it will be less stressful. Good luck if you do decide. P.S When we stayed in Venice we chose the Lido Island 20 minutes from Saint Marks by Vaparetto .Beautiful in every way and less crowded.

lilminkey, what are you saying will happen to kids in Rome? They're old enough to not run out in traffic. Are you implying that they'll be abducted? Or get lost? Or get hit by a car?

Ronnie56-

I am going to Italy this may-june with an 8 year old and 23 month old as well as 7 other adults. We have big cities all over the world and kids live there with the crowds and traffic, ie New York City. We went to Ireland and were in Dublin when my niece was 7 and the baby was 11 months old.

We are spending 6 nights in Rome, 5 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. We are going to take a day trips to Pompeii, Siena, San Gim., and possibly Pisa. Your kids will love it.

Have fun!

We've taken our daughters, now 11 and 8 to Rome three times so far and never had a problem walking around with them. For ideas on things to see and do, you can read my trip report entitled "Principesse Tour" and my travel note entitled "Chills and Thrills in the Eternal City" both at Slowtrav.com.

thanks for all the responses...it has given me a good start. I plan to extend my trip by a few days based on your feedback.