Would a mom, dad and three sons (17, 20, 23) enjoy this trip?
 

The five of us went to Spain two years ago to meet son #1 who was studying abroad in Valencia. Had a wonderful time sight-seeing, eating, doing a couple of tours with his class, etc. Stayed in Valencia except for a weekend in Barcelona. Now son #2 is studying abroad and we have reservations to meet him in Geneva. Already made plane arrangements in and out of Geneva. Sons #1 and 2 have already seen a lot of Switzerland. I was thinking of flying to Venice. . . . staying a couple of nights and enjoying the sights and the city. . . . . taking train to Florence where we would stay 4 or 5 nights. Would enjoy Florence - and possibly also take a day trip to Cinque Terre and a day trip to Tuscany. Then would return to Geneva a day before our flight and see Geneva.
My husband says he will be happy doing "anything" but he wants this trip to be great for our boys. I say what's not to like?? But I would love input from travelers who have been to these areas. Does this sound realistic? Are there certain activities/places/food, etc. that you would make sure to include? Anything to skip?
Yes, we like museums and architecture - but not 24/7. Throw in local flavor, good food, some shopping and we're pretty easy. Thanks for your thoughts.

A day trip to Tuscany... well, I guess to some specific town, or get a driver to take you all somewhere.

But I think you ought to lop off a night or two, here or there, and go to the Italian Riviera. I guess the CT is OK, but there are places that might be of more interest and fun to your boys. Why not stay a couple of nights in Santa Margherita Ligure, where there are young people, and still plenty of beautiful coast to explore, especially by boat?

If they must hike go out to the lighthouse in Portofino. Lots to see on the way, as opposed to the CT trails which are basically trails.

Yes, your plan sounds realistic, but it may be totally inappropriate based on the interests of your group.

Your sons are old enough to give you their input into the planning. Rather than ask strangers who don't know them what they might enjoy, ask your sons for input about what they would enjoy. (When my brother was 20, a vacation to Florence would have been just short of torture and therefore a horrible waste of money. Another 20-something fellow I know would never want to leave Florence.) Give your sons guidebooks for Switzerland and Italy and ask them to share sights and locations that interest them.

Two nights in Venice is just 1 or 1.5 days to see the town. I'd add a day there. Most people and especially most kids like Venice.

And 4 or 5 days in Florence with 2 day trips isn't long either. The CT from Florence makes a long day. I guess it depends on your priorities. Sounds like Florence is one. However no need to decide on day trips until you're there and see how you feel.

ellenem has it. I would assume the boys might prefer a beach with girls to a museum at this age. But who am I to say?

biking a few days along the Mosel enjoying the castles and wineries and ferries would appeal to my adult kids or something similar somewhere for part of the vacation.

We always throw in some type of organized sporting activity because walking, museums, and eating all day day after day, even though one is seeing amazing sites.. just doesn't get it for me/us.

I love the Mosel/Rhein area as it has a lot of everything in a compact area. Good biking. Good wineries. Castes galore. Hiking trails that are well marked. Great B+B's along the route.

I wouldn't take a day trip to Cinque Terre. You will no sooner get there than you will have to turn around - it is a long trip.

I think you and your boys would definitely like CT but it's not worth it for a couple of hours. There is so much to do in and around Florence. And you should add a day to Venice to do it justice.

If you want hiking or biking, choose somewhere in the Tuscan countryside. We biked in Chianti some years ago and had a great day.

Um, since these young men make up 60% of the party - why not have them do most of the planning? Then you will all know that you will enjoy the trip. (I'm always amazed when parents talk about making trip plans for a family with adult kids - sounding like they will be hauled along like luggage).

We got our daughters involved in trip planning from the first time we took them - when they were 14 and 11 - giving them more reponsibility as they got older. So when they were old enough to go alone they were already proficient planners. Isn't that the point of raising kids. (The younger, 19, did 6 weeks in europe last summer with 2 friends and she was by far the most prepared, despite them all having been to europe several times with parents or school).