another trip planning question

I have both RS books and I have been to Italy six times, including 4 times to Rome. But that was by myself and not with my son, and it has been many years! I have never posted on this site before and the first few responses seem a bit sarcastic. I was just looking for some suggestions from other recent travelers for some interesting ideas.

No one is trying to be sarcastic but your question is "what should my itinerary include". We don't know you or anything about you so how can we make suggestions? You don't say if you're spending the entire time in Rome or will be traveling to other cities. You don't say what you like or don't like and you don't say what your budget is. It's much easier if you give us a list of what you want to see, then we can help you put it in a good working order. With 9 days I would suggest staying in Rome and maybe taking a day trip or two but that's just my suggestion. You may want to visit more than one city but I don't know if you do or not. Give us more information so we can help you. Donna

I must admit that when I read your question, I too thought this was going to be your first trip to Italy. Now knowing that you've been to Italy several times, it's even harder to make suggestions. There must be so much that you've already seen. It sounds like you don't want to spend all your time in Rome, but I don't have a clue where you might like to go. I'd spend a day at the Vatican museums, another 2 days at the Capitoline museum, the Roman National Museum, the Borghese, the catacombs. Day trips to Ostia Antica, Hadrian's Villa. And down to Sorrento for 2-3 days, to visit Herculaneum and Pompeii and the museum in Naples. What should you do? Give us a hint what interests you and your kids.

Wow, that is such a broad question. You definitely need to get the RS Italy book. It will be the smartest money you'll spend on your vacation. Happy travels.

Why don't you read a couple of good guide books, view a DVD on Rome, and decide what appeals to you instead of letting a bunch of strangers tell you what should appeal to you. Without knowing your likes and dislikes, hard to recommendations beyond standard tourist sites. I am sure your daughter will have some ideas.

I have a great book to recommend to you: it's called "Rome the Second Time." (There's a website by that name, too.)The authors give ideas for places and things most first-time visitors miss. On our first visit to Rome last year we went out to Parco degli Aquedotti and enjoyed that very much, as well as a walk on the Aventine Hill. In December, one of the items on our list is the Janiculum walk that is in "Rome the Second Time."

With as much experience as you have traveling to Italy I would think you would want to start with talking to your kids about what they might enjoy doing. Good luck.

Kathy... I would think someplace that may have a bit of nightlife for your adult kids would be important. I don't know the ' happening' cities in Italy but perhaps some of the younger set can give advice. I am sure Rome will have plenty of party life. I traveled with my daughter when she was 21 and she was definitely not interested in spending hours trooping from museum to historical sight. An overview was good for her, and if she could meet some locals her own age she was happy. Since it was just the two of us I made the decision to stay at a few larger hotels that had bars located in them, so she could meet some people her own age, yet not leave the premises.
Don't give up on this site, sometimes things read really rude and condescending when maybe they aren't meant that way.

Michael is correct, ask your children what they like, you'll be able to tell what they like by bringing up various choices. I agree with Terry, mix it up with the young ones. My college aged son enjoyed Segway tour in Nice, not sure if they still offer one in Rome; I bet you could even do it.

Kathy, my first time posting on this site had pretty unsatisfying results as well; but hang in there - it gets better, once you understand the kinds of questions you can ask without being humiliated (ha ha). These people really know their stuff. I think they just get cranky (no offense) hearing the same questions or getting overly broad questions such as yours. I've been coming back for a few years now and have made two trips (each six weeks long) with the help of these wonderfully experienced people. If you'd like to ask me some questions via private message, I'm not as experienced as most of the people on this site, but I did just spend a week in Rome in July.

Hey Kathy. My wife and I are also spending a few weeks in Italy next March. Great time to go from what I've heard! We've probably planned around 30 - 40% of our time seeing specific historical sights and the rest we plan to stroll and happen upon stuff. Best way to travel in my opinion - especially in Italy.