4 days in northern Italy

Does he have an appreciation for art? Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is a key sight in Milan. He might even get a kick out of having to first enter the pre-viewing chamber that everyone has to be in before seeing the masterpiece, as well as the door that got added long ago under the painting, that made Jesus’s and the apostles’ feet disappear. There’s also the Galleria, basically the very first shopping mall, with Zodiac signs on the floor. Locals step on and spin on Taurus the bull’s testicles for luck - just the thing for an 11-year-old to do, too.

While we went to Bologna after several prior trips to Italy, it might be the perfect place for his first trip. Bologna has a major population of university students. True, they’re a few years older than 11, but the city has a youthful vibe. And as the food capital of Italy, you’ll get treats with every meal. There’s also the climb up the tall leaning tower, for spectacular views, and just the workout he might enjoy. Same for the hike up the portico (Bologna has lots of porticoes - kind of unique) to St. Luke’s basilica, another active adventure. There’s a big fountain by the Modern Art Museum (not sure if splashing is encouraged, though), and we really enjoyed the food tour with Italian Days, where they pick you up in a Mercedes van, visit authentic Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto producers, see spectacular scenery, and eat magnificent food. You’re also close to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati factories and tours. We didn’t rent or ride bikes in Bologna, but you could. Bike lanes circling the old town are prominent, but there’s also the mostly pedestrian-and-bike streets inside the old town walls/gates.

I don’t know whether I’ll ever see Venice again, after two trips many years ago. It was a must-see destination for 200 years, but it’s so crowded now (with an added visitation fee if you’re not staying overnight), it’s perhaps more of a chore than a delight. If you do stay, we stayed in the Ghetto neighborhood the first time, and the Arsenale neighborhood the second. Both of those were worthwhile.

Verona is pretty cool place for a kid. You can go into the Roman Arena, there is also a roman amphitheater, beautitful marble sidewalks, some walls still left. It has great food in my couple of visits.

We were just in Venice and had a wonderful visit. I feel that if someone dislikes Venice, it is because they're staying in the wrong neighborhood. We stay away from Rialto Bridge and St Marks Square. Our favorite area is the Cannaregio area, and we love the Hotel Ai Mori D'Oriente, on the quiet back canals. We will return! Hope you have the time for a visit!

I also think Verona would be great for a kid. It has Roman style architecture but on a smaller scale and not as crowded as Rome.

My son and I spent a week in Turin when he was 12. We enjoyed the car museum, the original Eataly, the film museum (with rooftop viewing platform). We stayed in this apartment:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7251319?source_impression_id=p3_1749572233_P3xXScHtmYnpYpfp
It was a little outside the city center, but we were able to get around easily. There is a large outdoor market very close by.

I'll echo the earlier comment about Bologna, especially if your son is into cars. It also has a big Eataly out in the suburbs and a little Eataly bookstore/market in town.

While you can't ride a bike on Venice, you can on some of the islands or the Lido (beach).

8 nights is a little tight for 3 places, but you could do 3 Lucerne, 2 Venice, 2 Bologna, then a late train to Milan to stay the night before your flight. Or if you only want one stop in Italy, you could do 4 Lucerne, 3 (Venice or Bologna), then a late train to Milan.

You're overdoing it, Mom. Spend time in Milan doing kid-friendly activities that an 11 year old boy would enjoy!

For 2 days:
- Tour the immense Milano Centrale.
- Explore the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza dei Mercanti on bicycles.
- Walk the Duomo's rooftop terrace.
- Spin on the bull's balls in the Galleria.
- Eat gelato, granita and local foods.
- Shop Casa Milan for soccer items.
- Picnic at Sforzesco Castle Park.
- Visit a kid's museum or two.
- Swim at the hotel pool.

On Day 3, fly home with great memories.