jgg

We are planning our second trip to Italy June of '06. We were there this past March for the first time and did the big three: Rome, Venice and Florence. This time we will do the Amalfi Coast, Rome and parts of one other region - either Tuscany or Piedmont.

Our kids will be 14 and 10. They loved our last trip to Italy! Seeing the sights, shopping, eating gelato, and just experiencing everything.

This trip will be atleast 2 weeks depending on the final itinerary. Amalfi Coast and a return to Rome are a must on this trip; just can't decide on the other destination.

We are interested in Piedmont as that is the region my husband's family is from. Also Alba is the sister city to our city here in Oregon. Additionally, it may be less crowded than Tuscany.

We are interested in Tuscany because we have heard such wonderful things about it. We did a daytrip to Siena while we were in Florence and really wished we could have spent more time there. Tuscany also is closer to the other areas we are set on visiting.

Want to do some exploring of smaller towns rather than just the major cities, but don't want the kids to be bored with a lot of driving and just seeing a lot of countryside.

Thanks for any advice!

Tinling

Kids. They should just be thankful that they have the opportunity to see part of the world and history at such a young age. I wouldn't worry about them being bored. If they are, they should have stayed at home.

jgg

ttt

jgg

topping one last time.

J62

jgg,

I've travelled w/ my kids to many places (not Italy yet). Here's a couple of things I make sure I keep in mind.

- eliminate all one night hotel stays, making sure you stay in each hotel at least 2, preferrably more. This gives you a place to crash in the afternoon when fatigue sets in, minimizes the daily driving routine, and lets all, kids and adults experience a local environment. The 2nd trip to a familiar gelateria is always better than the first.

If you have the option, pick a home base in two places and do day trips from there.

- don't spend all your time looking at art or architechture. Even the most avid fans can get weary eyed and tired dogs. Kids of any age will hang on you if they have to walk too much or look at "yet another church".

- mix in some fun, outdoors days, whether it's the beach, a trip to the lake, or hiking in the hills.

- do things they like to do at home - like seeing a US movie in Italian or w/ Italian subtitles.


At ages 10 & 14 they will certainly enjoy many of the same things you do, but they will definitely have less endurance or patience. Understanding this will make for a better trip for all.