slgor

I'm starting trip planning for next summer. We'll have 1 week in Italy followed by 1 week in southern Germany/Salzburg. We plan to spend 3-4 days in Rome (I know we're just scratching the surface) and want to spend the rest someplace else, probably more of a smaller city or even the countryside. We would probably rent a van to do this portion of the trip.

We are a mid 40's couple taking 4 teenage daughters. They will probably havehad their fill of art and history in Rome, therefore a little R&R & soaking up the culture would be the main intent of the 3 days. Budget is a big factor since there are 6 of us - villas or beach accomodations are probably out of the question. Are there places to stay where we could drive to the beach? We are perfectly happy with typical 3* chain hotels here in the US. I'm looking for suggestions on where to go and stay.

After dropping car (mini-van) in Rome, what is going to be the most economical way for 6 to get to either Salzburg or Munich?

Thanks so much for the help.

Mucky

This may be a little off subject, but as a parent of teenagers, I was wondering if they really enjoy holidaying with mum and dad or do they look upon it as a free holiday.
What do you think?
Sorry I digress..

Muck

annhig

With so many of you you'll find an apartment in Rome the cheapest option by far. WE stayed in a very nice one [two bedrooms only though] off the via nazionale for a week last easter which cost about E1400 for the week. THere are many agencies renting apartments on the Slowtravel website. Although it wasn't too convenient for the sights [apart from the colsseum and Forum] it was very convenient for the shops of the via nazionale, and via cavour, the artisan and specialist shops of the Monti area, and loads of restaurants. It was also well placed for the metro.
There are lots of things to do in Rome besides the sights, primarily shopping! [yes I have teenagers too, but in my case, only one girl]
We found week in rome was only just long enough and we only scratched the surface.
I have found in travels with my two teenagers that staying in a town/city is more succesful than what we would see as a relaxing stay in the country - they get bored by sitting around too much, and want to go out and shop, if only the window variety. AS a stay in southerm germany/salzburg, is likely to be of the more relaxing type, I would opt for a full week in Rome, perhaps with side trips out of the city - you can easiy get to one of the near-by beaches for a day on the train. And take an empty suitcase for all they buy - we found fashion items, scarves, etc. were pretty cheap. Please come back with any specific questions you have and I'll try to help.
We all loved Rome and would love to go back!

bardo1

<<They will probably havehad their fill of art and history in Rome>>

Unless your teens have stated a stong interest in relaxing in the countryside I <b>seriously</b> doubt this would happen. I stongly advise you reconsider staying a full week in Rome - an apartment in a quiet part of the historical center would be ideal.

There is SO much more to do, including may large relaxing parks, pop concerts, theater, and local musicians.

You can get extremely cheap flights (if booked ahead) from Rome to major cities in Germany on a budget airline like DBA or Air Berlin.

http://www.whichbudget.com/en/cheapflights.php?from=FCO

nessundorma

There are many beaches just outside of Roma or up the coast, in Lazio and heading into Tuscany. They all have reasonable accommodations. Many are easily reached by train. You can even use some as departure points for islands off the Tuscan coast, which could be a lot of fun.

Try doing some internet searches for Fregene, Orbetello, Porto Ercole and Santa Marinella.

Can't help with your question about getting to Germany.

nessundorma

PS: If you want to take the advice of staying in Roma, you can do day trips to Fregene to enjoy the beach. Likewise Ostia Antica (and take in some ruins along the way) and points south (Speralonga pops to mind).

LoveItaly

Hello slgor, as a mother who had her teenage daughter in Rome some time ago I too would spend the week in Rome. Teens normally really love Rome, there is so much for them to do. An apartment would be ideal for your family. And day trips can be arranged. I understand what Mucky said but in my case and in the case of family members the teens all loved going to Italy. And now the younger ones that have not been to Italy are asking &quot;do you think you can take me?&quot; lol. Anyway, I truly think a week in Rome would be the best unless your daughters have expressed a desire to go to a smaller city or the countryside.

Since teens are so computer savy have you had them get on the computer and do research regarding Italy and consequently give you feedback as to what they would like to do. If not may I suggest this. Best regards.

ronnie56

My 17 year old daughter liked Rome for 3 days, but she also loved:
...tanning on the beach (Lido in Venice), shopping(wherever we were), wine-tasting in Tuscany (it is pretty acceptable there for a teen to taste a little wine), and if we had had the time we were talking about taking a cooking class in Florence together which sounded fun alsoI found she did get a bit bored of the museums and churches, although in Rome everyone absolutely in my family loved the Colisseum and the Vatican.

I think just vary the agenda a bit and everyone will have a great time, but if I had given my teen the choice(I didn't) she definitely would have voted for more beach time.