taking teenagers to Italy
 

Am planning a 10 day trip this summer with my two teenagers (daughter-16 and son 15) to include Rome, Florence, and Venice. My daughter is definitely excited because she loves the art, but son is a little hesitant because he doesn't want to spend 10 days sight-seeing. Any suggestions about how to make this trip more enjoyable for them?

What does your son want to do? I suppose you will have to compromise some to accommodate both your children. If he's not interested in art museums, let him choose some alternatives for all of you to explore. He may very well change his tune once he gets there. My kids are younger but aren't always thrilled about art museums, but the 2 times we took them to europe, it was an understanding that there were some museums we were seeing regardless of how they felt. Many of the things they were not at first interested in, fascinated them once they were there. We did try to break up the site-seeing and museuming with some 'fun' type activities.

Personally, my teenager would not have a say-so in going on vacation anywhere. If he/she were lucky enough to go to another country and experience their culture and, best of all, not have to pay for any of it, I'd drag them kicking and screaming. It'll take about 10-15 years for them to appreciate the fact that they got a wonderful change to see the world. What does your son like to do in his pastime? Try to gear a day or two to him and you're likely to less complaining from him.

Don't misunderstand me, my son is definitely going and doesn't have a choice but I would like to make it enjoyable for all. And like you, I think that once he gets there he will be impressed with what he sees and enjoy it all(or at least most). He basically is a typical boy and enjoys sports and general "activity".

Bring a ball to kick (or throw) around. We always pack one, and spend down time in a park. Maybe you can try to track down some local sports events while there. If he likes science check out the History of Science museum in Florence. Also, rent headsets and take tours whenever available. Hearing the stories behind the sites, brings much more life to it. Also,let him watch some movies with Italy as a setting. The movie Gladiators brings a whole new perspective to the Colliseum.

Rhonda<BR>I took a similar trip last April with my then sixteen year old son and eighteen year old daughter. I expected to run into problems with museums with my son because he had never enjoyed them in previous trips. To my surprise, he really enjoyed the entire trip, including the museums. It's kind of like he had grown up and neither of us had recognized it until this trip. A couple of thoughts--be realistic about how long your son can really spend in a museum. If you and your daughter are art lovers and want to spend 4 hours in the Accademia in Florence he's going to hate it. Both my kids enjoyed the statues more than paintings, one of the biggest hits was the Borghese villa in Rome with all the Berninis. St. Peter's blew them away, the Vatican museum is overwhelming but you have to do it. We only did one museum a day but it depends on how much time you have. Give everybody one day to schedule. Take lots of gelati breaks. Lots of great people watching in Rome at the Spanish Steps, and Trevi fountain. We always finish our trips with a vacation from our vacation. Our Italy trip ended with Sorrento and we spent beach time on Capri and Ischia. Go to Pompeii, my kids enjoyed that a lot. And if your son enjoys chaos and flea markets daytrip to Naples. You'll have a great time.<BR>Frank

My teenage daughter liked Italy so much that she's taking Italian and working while going to university to help pay to return to study there! It's a great experience and what was really interesting to her (and me) was how the Italian students dress like those in the U.S. Also impressive was how the Italian teenagers love opera (she does too).

Some will disagree with adding ANOTHER destination to &quot;the big three&quot; with only ten days - - but you might try spending two days in the &quot;upland&quot; Veneto area.<BR><BR>You could base anywhere on the northern end of Lake Garda, and get in a day of windsurfing - - followed by a day trekking your legs off climbing up to any of the various castles around Trento. There's a terrific free 50-page book distributed by the official tourist office of Trento - - and here's a sampler of some of the better known ones:<BR><BR>http://www.initaly.com/regions/taa/castles.htm<BR><BR>I would start with two days of Florence, then rent a car and relocate to the Veneto for two nights. turn in the car upon arrival in Venice, two nights there, and then train to Rome to finish the trip.<BR><BR>I realize that this is not the straight line path between the big three, but I think it's the best way to link them up.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Rhonda,<BR><BR>We did a trip similar to yours this past summer, with our 14-year-old daughter, who couldn't be less interested in museums, etc., and our 12-year-old son, who is a sports nut. Had a great time staying out on the Lido instead of Venice itself, because after a long hot day of sightseeing, they were able to come back and jump right in the water. They also loved Stresa on Lago Maggiore, where they did some water skiing and boat trips. Also took a half day trip from there to Switzerland. Whatever you do, I'd recommend breaking up the sightseeing with a few days of total relaxation. Some other areas of Italy to try: The Amalfi Coast and Capri,or the Dolomites for hiking, etc. Have a wonderful time!

When I'm planning a trip for the different likes of my family of four, I consider on varying the transportation, trying to choose boats, trains, car, cable cars, vespas,or whatever is in one of your locations. I also try to vary the types of lodging. Some choices are better than others. Like a night in a castle, one night standard hotel room, one night in luxury hotel, one night on the beach, one night in the mountains, ome night in a convent, one night at Disney etc.( we actually stayed two days in each place) Although my kids are older now, (17 and 14)in the past, we'd try to have a theme to follow. Last trip, was flea markets, and taste as many different gelatos and pizzas and rate them. When they were younger, we searched for (of all things) Beanie babies. Amazingly, the best beanies were found in the museum's gift shops. If your Italy, the kids will love the passigeta (spelling?) where everyone hangs out. When we were in the Venice, we found a great one at the Lido di Jesolo where there was also a beach.Also found that about an hour or so was the most time(even when older)they could really tolerate in a music. So, we visit more museums with less time. With preparation, you can see the best of those museums in an hour. Need good planning for Sistene Chapel.

I had thought about a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, but wondered if the 8 hour round trip bus ride would overshadow the 3+ hours spent there. Are the ruins significantly different than what we will be seeing in the historical district of Rome (forum, colosseum)? Would the trip be worthwhile?

Your kids look old enought to be able to do a little sightseeing by themselves, at least in the quieter areas (they should have no problem in Rome, for instance). Give them a map and a date and let them explore on their own. Also, give each of them thepossibility to chose one or two things to do. Give them the guidebooks and let them chose (for instance, a soccer match or a restaurant). One lst thing, if they like music, check out some modern Italian music, stuff like the poppish 883 or Paola e Chiara (I hate them, but the teenagers seem to like them) or the more rock-oriented Afterhours (who I love).

The trip to Pompeii is worth it but not an organized tour that takes so much time (picking up from other hotels, making unnecessary 'shopping' stops, etc.). The actual trip is, I believe, around 1 1/2 hours by train. You can find tour guides, private or group at the entrance gate to the ruins. We drove from Rome. It's very easy to get there and find a guide. We hooked up with a group and it was great. There are many posts on this board with information regarding taking the train to Pompeii. Do a text search on Pompeii, I'm sure you'll find everything you'll need.

Hello Rhonda,<BR><BR>Agree with Marj. Pompei is better by train rather than coach excursion IMO. <BR> <BR>'Travel' time is about 2hrs.15mins (approx. 1hr.45' Rome-Naples plus 30mins. Naples-Pompei). <BR>Add to that any 'waiting' time for the connection in Naples (Naples-Pompei trains run every 30 mins). <BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>

Rhonda<BR>Actually on second thought Pompeii might be a bit of a grind from Rome. It would take up an entire day out of a ten day trip. I think you'll be flying as it is with three major cities. It is very different than Rome but you'll see plenty of ruins. Save it for another trip. I've not been to Ostia Antica but it is much closer.<BR>

PS Most kids like time with other kids. See if you can find a way to connect with any local teens. We found (over the internet) a family with kids the same age as mine, and were able to make a connection. They've been writing each other for two years now. Or place yourself in a location where teens might hang out. <BR>In regards to Pompei. If you take the train to Pompei, considered the additional cost for a guide. When we were there it was almost $100. I'm sure you might be able to negotiate. Also, the bus trips, stop at sales pitch places where they want to you to buy things as jewelry or pottery. Check out tours carefully. So, I don't think your kids would enjoy the tour bus. We only needed two days in Florence with kids. Unlike many, Venice was not our favorite place, and two days was enough there. My kids loved Rome, and could have easily spent two weeks there. Look for the Student Walks tours (at least when we were there) Young college students guided the trips, so that was fun for them.

I agree with the above who recommend more time in Rome, less time in Florence &amp; Venice. Rome has so many outdoor things to see that your son should be OK. The Borghese is a great idea because the zoo is also in the park. The comparison with US zoos will bring up some interesting conversation, I'm sure. Don't forget the Catacombs - they are outside Rome but reachable by bus - not a tour bus, a real bus. A taste of Italian life. Go to the Piazza Navona in the evening, eat gelato and people watch. In &quot;Roman Times&quot; they would flood the piazza and have boat battles. Go down to the lower levels of the Coliseum where the lions and the Christians were kept. The Parthenon will awe anyone. Walk up the Via Veneto from Barbarini Sq, about 4 blks I think, and on your right will be a church with a chapel in the basement that is perfect for kids of all ages. It's not well posted, so keep an eye out. The door opens onto the street - don't go upstairs to the church. At the Vatical, take the time to go down in the crypt - kinda spooky. The one museum-like sight that's a must see is the Sistine Chapel. Most of all, don't try to do too much - walk to most things and the days will fly by. Have Fun! I wish I could go with you - Rome is my favorite city - I've been 4 times.

Our son was really not glad to hear we were taking him to Paris. Of all the things. He's 13 and we didn't care if he felt unhappy-he just didn't realize how fortunate he was to go. When he arrived he made the most of the trip. The child/children can suggest things they want to see but you're in control.

A lot of really good suggestions here! On our family vacations, we try to balance everyone's interests, so everyone knows that if this afternoon is spent doing something he doesn't especially enjoy, tomorrow will be something more appealing.<BR><BR>Just a few more thoughts (I have a 12 1/2 year old son)...<BR><BR>When we visit major cities, my son enjoys bus or boat tours if they're fairly short and a little offbeat (if not downright goofy). Seeing what he enjoys most on the tour gives me ideas on how to spend the rest of our time.<BR><BR>When we visit a large museum (too big to cover everything in a single visit), I have him pick out one of the collections that we'll visit. In one art museum we visited the medieval armor and firearms collection, which I'd never have picked on my own, and it was really interesting...an unexpected treat!<BR><BR>Finally, make sure he sees the wild cats eating leftover spaghetti among the Roman ruins. I first visited Rome when I was 19, and that was so unexpected that it is absolutely my favorite memory!

We've got a similar trip coming up. A friend of mine found an interesting resource at www.kidseurope.com. Its a book of ideas for kids not necessarily interested in museums. The things I thought would interest my guys would be the Obelisk hunt in Rome, descriptions of Italian culture, food and a focus on cars. I think some of the activites are for younger kids, but there are a lot for older ones, too. He could pick and choose.<BR><BR>Eva<BR><BR>