What to see in Italy?
Dec 5th, 2006, 05:40 PM
#21
We also had an early morning flight. For some reason, early morning flights out of Venice seem to be common. In our case, it was the only flight available. We also hit a slight difficulty in that the lagoon was fogged in, and the water taxi we had planned could not take us to the airport. Instead it dropped us off at the Piazzale Roma, where we caught a land taxi to the airport.
Dec 5th, 2006, 05:41 PM
#22
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Taking teen age boys changes what you would normally do. My husband and I go every year by ourselves and take my teenage son and friend every other year. In Italy, they love Rome. We always rent an apartment which gives them more freedom to come and go "like locals". They also enjoy hiking the towns of CT and a few relaxed days in a small town. Positano is another favorite of theirs with a day on a boat out on the water. Definitely do the Big 3 - Rome, Florence and Venice. Planning on your own is so much better than using a travel company and is more flexible.
Dec 6th, 2006, 01:08 AM
#23
Not a criticism, but a comment: If I were to say "I want to visit America for the first time, and I desperately want to see the Grand Canyon", would Fodorites all comment that I should rather see New York, New Orleans and San Francisco ?
Jboz has said that his wife "desperately" wants to see Pompeii, but half the post's here either ignore it, or advise against it.
I am quite happy to admit that everybody has the right to their own opinion, but is Pompeii really so disappointing to some people that the would recommend against going ?
Jboz has said that his wife "desperately" wants to see Pompeii, but half the post's here either ignore it, or advise against it.
I am quite happy to admit that everybody has the right to their own opinion, but is Pompeii really so disappointing to some people that the would recommend against going ?
Dec 6th, 2006, 06:49 AM
#24
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You have gotten some excellent advice so far. However, I do believe that traveling with teen boys may (and should) influence your decision making. What are their interests? We took our two slightly younger boys (12 and 15) to the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy this past summer, and it was a wonderful trip. We find that it works well for our family to divide time between the big cities (for this trip, Milan and Venice) and smaller towns (in this case, Wengen for hiking in the Swiss Alps and Limone on the northern end of Lake Garda for swimming, boating, windsurfing and independent strolling through quaint villages). We loved it all, but if the boys had to leave out one of those, it would have been Milan. If you are having to make tough choices and want to make sure to spend time south of Rome (ie. Pompeii), then I would cut out Milan for this trip.
My husband and I were in Rome, Florence and Tuscany without the boys 2 years ago - we are very eager to bring them to Rome and probably head south from there to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, but feel they wouldn't love Tuscany. Florence would be fine, just unlikely to be their favorite due to summer crowds and the abundance of museum time. Again, it really depends on their interests -missypie's son loved Florence!
The most common first trip to Italy would be to the "Big 3" of Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, that may or may not be the best choice for you all. With 12 days, I would say 3 locations is ideal, but if you have 14 real days, then a fourth location would probably be fine. What are your boys interested in? It sounds as if Pompeii is a "must see" so plan on that. Also, Rome is fantastic with tons to do and see - it appeals to most interests (except if you really dislike big, busy cities) with its ancient Forum and Colosseum, Medieval and Renaissance churches and statues, and vibrant modern society. Venice is beautiful and unlike anywhere else - just be sure to explore areas away from just St. Mark's Square which is very crowded with tourists - definitely worth it to visit San Marco and the Doge's Palace, just don't limit yourselves to that area or you will miss much of the magic of Venice. Florence may have the most amazing collection of Renaissance art and architecture of anywhere in the world - it is charming and accessible, and the Ufizzi, Michaelangelo's "David" at the Accedemia, and the Duomo are spectacular as is the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels, and much more....However, I believe that my boys would prefer Venice and Rome to Florence.
If I were choosing, I would spend time in Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. If I wanted to see another big, famous area, I would choose Venice, but it is further away....Florence might work better. Maybe something similar to what ira suggested. Or, Venice then train to Rome then Amalfi Coast with stop in Pompeii? Or, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi? Again, my preference is to blend cities with the outdoors and that is good for my boys as well. Sure, they miss a few musuems, but they love soaking up the culture as they hang at the beach or whatever.
Hope that helps! Good luck and have fun!
My husband and I were in Rome, Florence and Tuscany without the boys 2 years ago - we are very eager to bring them to Rome and probably head south from there to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, but feel they wouldn't love Tuscany. Florence would be fine, just unlikely to be their favorite due to summer crowds and the abundance of museum time. Again, it really depends on their interests -missypie's son loved Florence!
The most common first trip to Italy would be to the "Big 3" of Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, that may or may not be the best choice for you all. With 12 days, I would say 3 locations is ideal, but if you have 14 real days, then a fourth location would probably be fine. What are your boys interested in? It sounds as if Pompeii is a "must see" so plan on that. Also, Rome is fantastic with tons to do and see - it appeals to most interests (except if you really dislike big, busy cities) with its ancient Forum and Colosseum, Medieval and Renaissance churches and statues, and vibrant modern society. Venice is beautiful and unlike anywhere else - just be sure to explore areas away from just St. Mark's Square which is very crowded with tourists - definitely worth it to visit San Marco and the Doge's Palace, just don't limit yourselves to that area or you will miss much of the magic of Venice. Florence may have the most amazing collection of Renaissance art and architecture of anywhere in the world - it is charming and accessible, and the Ufizzi, Michaelangelo's "David" at the Accedemia, and the Duomo are spectacular as is the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels, and much more....However, I believe that my boys would prefer Venice and Rome to Florence.
If I were choosing, I would spend time in Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. If I wanted to see another big, famous area, I would choose Venice, but it is further away....Florence might work better. Maybe something similar to what ira suggested. Or, Venice then train to Rome then Amalfi Coast with stop in Pompeii? Or, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Amalfi? Again, my preference is to blend cities with the outdoors and that is good for my boys as well. Sure, they miss a few musuems, but they love soaking up the culture as they hang at the beach or whatever.
Hope that helps! Good luck and have fun!
Dec 6th, 2006, 07:00 AM
#25
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JeanneB's plan looks great, too! 
Actually, all the plans have their merits - it is just sorting through the priorities and interests of your family as there are many good ways to do this trip. Have fun!
Actually, all the plans have their merits - it is just sorting through the priorities and interests of your family as there are many good ways to do this trip. Have fun!
Dec 7th, 2006, 12:19 AM
#26
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Good morning from Italy, I would like help you suggesting this nice tour, of course you could make it also for yourself without our services, it's only to give you a scheme to follow
DAY 1
Rome - Tivoli
Your personal driver-guide collects you from Rome international airport. Short drive to Tivoli. Visit Villa d'Este (palace, gardens, fountains). 2 nights in Rome. LDA*
DAY 2
Tivoli - Tarquinia - Tivoli
Short drive to Tarquinia. Visit Museo Nazionale Tarquiniam, Necropolis and Ara della Regina. Return to Tivoli and visit Villa Adriana: Teatro Marittimo, Canopo, Pecile and Terme. 2nd night in Rome. BLDA*
DAY 3
Tivoli - Naples - Positano
Short drive to Naples. Naples city tour by chauffeured limousine: Castel Nuovo, Teatro San Carlo, Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace, Porto di Santa. Lucia with Castel dell'Ovo. Visit hill of Posillipo with view of Bay of Naples and Parco Virgiliano with splendid views. Amphitheatre of Flavius (one of the largest in Italy). Lunch in Naples. Scenic drive to Positano. 4 nights in Positano BLDA*
DAY 4
Positano - Capri - Positano
Ferry crossing to Capri. Boat tour to blue cave (weather and tide dependent). Capri township. Anacapri: Monte Solaro cable car, Villa San Michele. Afternoon ferry back to Positano. 2nd night in Positano BLDA*
DAY 5
Positano - Amalfi coast - Positano
Visits in Amalfi: Duomo S.Andrea, diocesan museum. Amalfi coast: Positano and Vettica Maggiore villages, Vallone di Furore Gorge. 3rd night in Positano. BLDA*
DAY 6
Positano - Sorrento - Ischia - Positano
Short drive to Sorrento. Sorrento historic city walk. Public gardens with view of the Bay of Naples. Boat cruise to Ischia. Scenic drive around the island with several stops. Monte Epomeo. Boat cruise back to Sorrento. 4th night in Positano BLDA*
DAY 7
Positano - Ravello - Paestum
Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. Scenic drive down the coast to Paestum. Visit Temple of Neptune and Temple of Ceres in Paestum. 2 nights in Sorrento area. BLDA*
DAY 8
Paestum
Take a short day trip to visit the Grotte di Castelcivita and wander one mile through the labyrinth of chambers, shafts, stalactites, and stalagmites. View the magnificent waterfall, Grande Cascata. Visit the wildlife sanctuary (optional) and learn more about the wetlands and birds of the natural environment. 2nd night in Sorrento Area. BLDA*
DAY 9
Paestum - Herculaneum - Mt. Vesuvius - Caserta - Rome
Trip to ancient Greek settlement Herculaneum founded by Hercules. Visit the ancient Ruins that contain Casa di Aristide, Casa d'Argo, Casa del Nettuno ed Anfitrite, Terme del Foro and others. A scenic drive on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius with panoramic views. Visit Palazzo Reale in Caserta. Overnight in Rome. BLDA*
DAY 10
Rome
Shopping in Rome. Drop-off at Rome airport or in Rome city. You might want to spend a few days on your own in Rome. This is the end of your tour. BL*
* B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | A = Accommodation
Buon Viaggio!!!
Gianni
DAY 1
Rome - Tivoli
Your personal driver-guide collects you from Rome international airport. Short drive to Tivoli. Visit Villa d'Este (palace, gardens, fountains). 2 nights in Rome. LDA*
DAY 2
Tivoli - Tarquinia - Tivoli
Short drive to Tarquinia. Visit Museo Nazionale Tarquiniam, Necropolis and Ara della Regina. Return to Tivoli and visit Villa Adriana: Teatro Marittimo, Canopo, Pecile and Terme. 2nd night in Rome. BLDA*
DAY 3
Tivoli - Naples - Positano
Short drive to Naples. Naples city tour by chauffeured limousine: Castel Nuovo, Teatro San Carlo, Piazza del Plebiscito, Royal Palace, Porto di Santa. Lucia with Castel dell'Ovo. Visit hill of Posillipo with view of Bay of Naples and Parco Virgiliano with splendid views. Amphitheatre of Flavius (one of the largest in Italy). Lunch in Naples. Scenic drive to Positano. 4 nights in Positano BLDA*
DAY 4
Positano - Capri - Positano
Ferry crossing to Capri. Boat tour to blue cave (weather and tide dependent). Capri township. Anacapri: Monte Solaro cable car, Villa San Michele. Afternoon ferry back to Positano. 2nd night in Positano BLDA*
DAY 5
Positano - Amalfi coast - Positano
Visits in Amalfi: Duomo S.Andrea, diocesan museum. Amalfi coast: Positano and Vettica Maggiore villages, Vallone di Furore Gorge. 3rd night in Positano. BLDA*
DAY 6
Positano - Sorrento - Ischia - Positano
Short drive to Sorrento. Sorrento historic city walk. Public gardens with view of the Bay of Naples. Boat cruise to Ischia. Scenic drive around the island with several stops. Monte Epomeo. Boat cruise back to Sorrento. 4th night in Positano BLDA*
DAY 7
Positano - Ravello - Paestum
Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. Scenic drive down the coast to Paestum. Visit Temple of Neptune and Temple of Ceres in Paestum. 2 nights in Sorrento area. BLDA*
DAY 8
Paestum
Take a short day trip to visit the Grotte di Castelcivita and wander one mile through the labyrinth of chambers, shafts, stalactites, and stalagmites. View the magnificent waterfall, Grande Cascata. Visit the wildlife sanctuary (optional) and learn more about the wetlands and birds of the natural environment. 2nd night in Sorrento Area. BLDA*
DAY 9
Paestum - Herculaneum - Mt. Vesuvius - Caserta - Rome
Trip to ancient Greek settlement Herculaneum founded by Hercules. Visit the ancient Ruins that contain Casa di Aristide, Casa d'Argo, Casa del Nettuno ed Anfitrite, Terme del Foro and others. A scenic drive on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius with panoramic views. Visit Palazzo Reale in Caserta. Overnight in Rome. BLDA*
DAY 10
Rome
Shopping in Rome. Drop-off at Rome airport or in Rome city. You might want to spend a few days on your own in Rome. This is the end of your tour. BL*
* B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | A = Accommodation
Buon Viaggio!!!
Gianni
Dec 8th, 2006, 08:31 PM
#27
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I was in italy this summer during may. IM not sure what time of year, but if in warmer weather, you must go in Florence to Bobli Gardens. If you do, bring a blanket, and a nice book, its quite enjoyable. Also in florence, cross the river and hike (or bus) up the hill to michelangelo road. It overlooks all of Florence and is simply Bella at sunset. Enjoy lots and lots of gellato, mmmmmmmmm
Dec 8th, 2006, 10:09 PM
#28
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we did Rome, Sorrento, Pompei,Naples, overnight train to Venice for 2 days and overnight train to Nice France, and Monaco with our then 13, and 14 years old teenagers all in 13 days but it must all be planned in detail for all the train schedules and everything else. very much doable.
