Thanks to many previous postings, I know about good companies for walking tours. <BR>My question is have any of you done a tour with children? <BR>Ours are 10 and 13 and when we are in Rome next summer, we may want to do a walking tour. <BR>We will not subject our children and everyone else to a 4 hr. tour,(too long). <BR>I assume there maybe shorter tours. <BR>So, anyone with personal experience or words of wisdom for me? <BR>Thanks <BR>nancy

Nancy, I can only comment on the Scala Reale walking tour. We (five adults) did the one that tours the fountains at night, which was just short of two hours long. Way, way too deep for kids, and they would be bored senseless. Lots of talk about ancient architecture, which I liked. Based on what I know, I would steer clear of Scala Reale tours if you have kids, unless they have enormous brains.

Nancy, <BR>I don't think we give our kids enough credit. The last time we visited Italy my daughter was 6. She did all the tours and really enjoyed them. We are a family who regularly visits museums, so she was used to this type of "fun". My daughter is now 10 and we are heading back. She is as enthusiastic as we are. I believe that if you are having fun and you are expecting them to be having fun as well it will rub off. <BR> I really don't think they need to have "big brains" to have fun (sorry Cindy). You might try to involve them a little more in the planning so that they have ownership of the itinerary. Perhaps you can each take a turn choosing something to see. Of course they may be a little old for this, but a little eye spy is always fun when you are a little bored with a tour. <BR>Nancy

Just to clarify, I'm not saying a kid has to have a big brain to have fun. I'm saying kids have to have big brains to enjoy or even tolerate a 2-hour walking Scala Reale tour led by a doctoral student in ancient architecture, in which high points include detailed comparisons of the finer points and nuances of Baroque architecture. To tell you the truth, some of the adults were tuning out a few portions of it. It is not impossible for kids to enjoy architecture, but it has to be offered on their level, and this particular tour was not.

Thanks Cindy and Nancy for your inputs! <BR>Cindy, <BR>While I know my husband will enjoy his Scala Reale tour (as a treat he is going to do a "custom" private tour, historic plasters are his business), <BR>I think you are correct in your assessment of the appropriateness of one of **their** tours for children. <BR>So, I thank you for that information. <BR>Nancy, <BR>Did you do any walking tours of the city with your dughter? <BR>Are you planning to do any with her this time? <BR>If you do, and you are back from Italy before June 20th , I would love to hear about it. <BR>nancy

I took my daughter (12 yo) on a wonderful one in Paris. I sent them an email asking which tours were best for kids & received a helpful reply. I suggest you try that; there is a tour called enjoyrome that you might want to check out. I hope to visit Rome, perhaps with our daughter; love to hear your trip report when you return!

Nancy, <BR>I did take my daughter on a bus/walking tour when we went the last time. Unfortunately it was 4 years ago and I can't remember the name of the company. We were able to spend a good amount of time at each site. I'll try to dig through my stuff and find the name. <BR> This time we will not have much time in Rome. We did the major sites the last time - Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Spanish steps, Santa Maria Maggiore,Piazza Navona, etc. This time I think we will try the catacombs. I wanted to take the tour below St. Peter's, but it is for ages 16 and up. There is a good site for info on the catacombs -- www.twenj.com <BR> On our last trip we also went to Pompeii, which we really enjoyed. This trip we will hit Herculaneum. <BR> Where else are you heading? <BR>Nancy

Walking tours with children that young and you are thinking 4 hours? Why? <BR>Is it because you want to do it? <BR>Well if you want to go, fine, but try and find something else for the youngsters, unless they put up an argument that they have to go too or they will be most unhappy. <BR>Some of this reminds me of the definition of a sweater: a knitted garment that a child puts on when his/her mother gets cold. <BR>

Nancy, <BR>The last time I took an Enjoy Rome tour there were some children on the tour (including one young brat that should have been left at home) but the other children were great and enjoyed the 3-4 hour tour. The guide did not go into real heavy detail but enough for everyone, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Boy, There is always one in every thread! <BR>Al, <BR>I suggest you read threads more carefully before you critize people for things they have NOT said(sorry guys for shouting, I could not help myself) <BR>My words were "I will NOT subject my children ....to a 4 hr. tour (too long)" <BR> <BR>Em, Cathy and Nancy, again, <BR>Thanks for all you input. <BR>I will indeed inquire as to what might be an appropriate tour for children. <BR>Also, a combo Bus/Walking tour could be fun and I am sure maybe easier on the children. <BR>Nancy, <BR>After our week in Rome we will be heading down the coast to spend a 8-9 days at a beach. <BR>Not sure of the exact location yet, but somewhere south of San Felice Circeo and north of Naples. <BR>We will do alot of day trips while there, <BR>Herculaneum , <BR>a boat ride top either Ischia or Capri for the day, <BR>Caserta to see the castle that was started in the mid 1700's by King CharlesIII of Naples, and last inhabited by Victor Emmanuel III.Apparently it was used in the recent Star Wars movie, which is very exciting for the children. <BR>We also plan on visiting Anzio and Nettuno for some WW2 history. <BR>I will certainly be posting upon my return!! <BR>nancy <BR>