Now that you all mention it, it does seem true that 6 days just doesn't seem long enough for a trip to Europe.

What Suze said, both times :D

Having done both with our teens, I think you should please your husband on this trip.

Dude ranches are like summmer camp for families, and both of these look very nice- swimming pools, tennis, massage, mountain biking, golf nearby, and surprise!, horseback riding.

The first time I wanted to try a ranch, my husband was the one who thought he'd be bored silly, but ended up loving riding, and we all have really fond memory of our two ranches in Colorado and British Columbia.

Plus, Arizona will be warm and sunny, while Rome will be cold and dreary in February. Save Rome for another trip when you have more time to spend.

BTW, dude ranches are usually all inclusive, so it may end up cheaper overall.

While I love Rome, and our kids did when we brought them when they were in early teens, I wouldn't want to go in dreary Feb, - it's already dreary on the east coast as is -

Dude Ranch will bring nicer weather, new experiences, keep hubby happy, and God forbid, you have any flight delays b/c of February weather storms, losing a day or some hours getting there might be less painful than having it mean missing time in Rome -

and Dude ranch brings more 'down time' - is this something your kids would need during a school vacation vs. up and out every day and night - don't know, but some kids like a more mellow break - with less scheduling - and Dude ranch brings some of that to the picture, campfire time, etc.

6 days, take off arrival day for 'slower day to avoid jet lag' and a good nights sleep, and the day you leave, does that leave only really 4 full days? not enough if it is going to be your only trip there with the kids, in my opinion -

how about planning now for Rome next year maybe when school gets out and you can have more time?

I think you should rent City Slickers, have a few laughs, and ride into the sunset....:)

Thanks, I haven't checked on this thread in awhile.

Yeah, it seems my husband is nixing Rome. While I don't think 6 days is too short for a one city European trip (I've been to Paris for a long weekend!), my husband would make everyone miserable if we did a vacation he didn't want.

I'm leaning towards White Stallion ranch.

As to why I don't wait for summer for a family trip to Italy, have you seen the summer airfares? Breathtakingly high!!!!

Rome's weather in February, at least the few trips we've made to that city in that monht, was delightful. Sunny and slightly warmish, and cool at night ... perfect for strolling. LOL, bored with Rome ... that the weather cannot fix. Good luck.

HERE ARE SOME VISUALS TO HELP YOU DECIDE ABOUT WHITE STALLION DUDE RANCH-VERY UNIQUE...

http://www.photoshow.net/watch/CK6kD6Yk

http://www.photoshow.net/watch/tt4ey7az