We have 9 nights in July (I know!, but it's what works). My husband and I and son- 18, daughters - 13, 16. We are looking at flying into Venice and out of Rome. First time for all of us in Italy, except my husband who has been to Venice. We are mostly going for Rome as it is my husband's bucket list trip. Thinking about 2 or 3 nights in Venice and the rest in Rome. Any suggestions of must sees with teens? I personally don't think we need all those Rome days but I don't have any really great ideas. I do like the idea of only 2 hotels/airbnb stops though. Thanks!
Posted by
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1244 posts
First, ask your teens what they would like to see. My teen nieces loved Rome the most, especially the Colloseum and Forum. In Venice they liked bookstores and Burano.
All kids are different, let them do research and pick out places.
Don't forget lots of pizza and gelato!
Posted by
Washington DC
28428 posts
I don't recommend starting a vacation with just two nights in any city you're truly interested in unless it's quite limited in its attractions (which clearly doesn't apply to Venice). On your first day at least some of you (and possibly all) will be in zombieland due to jetlag and sleep-deprivation. If anything gets accomplished that day, consider it a bonus. So two nights in Venice would give you just one full day to see the city. Not enough time. Even two days seems painfully short to me, but there is a lot to do in Rome. I guess splitting the trip 3 nights Venice / 6 nights Rome may be better than 4 / 5 since Rome is so much larger.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11833 posts
By all means give Venice 3 nights. Great place to recover from the flight and so different from anywhere else on earth! Have your kids read Rick Steves chapters on both cities and let each pick a site or activity in each city, hopefully each finding something a little unusual and interesting. Buy your train tickets well in advance to get a major discount on the high speed train to Rome. Flying into Venice and out of Rome is wise.
This http://www.viaggioneifori.it/en/ is a fabulous evening activity in Rome, so important when the days are hot. Do get an apartment in Rome. For a longish stay like this everyone needs a little space...and AC!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16688 posts
Voting with acraven and Laurel here: spend 3 of your 9 nights in Venice. Your partial arrival day could be a jet-lagged blur so 2 FULL days to explore that one is a wise idea.
That leaves you 6 nights; 5.5 days for Rome; definitely not overkill for that one. There are tons of things to see and do, and you could take a day trip to Ostia Antica or to Orvieto if you decided you wanted a change of scene.
Less is more. Fewer moves means more time to dive into the many wonders of a very old and interesting city, and without having to do that at a dead run! :O) Your young people are old enough to choose some places of interest so hand them a couple of guidebooks for some research. I'll recommend checking your public library for an assortment, and choosing at least one with photos as visuals might be inspirational for them.
Posted by
8447 posts
We have traveled extensively with kids from 5-late teens. My experience is to treat teens as adults. Expose them to history, art, culture and good dining.
My kids loved the gondola ride in Venice, going to the Coliseum in Rome as well as the Sistine Chapel. My 7 year old didn't want to leave until I explained every thing going on with the figures in the frescoes.
If you had more time, fit in Florence, but you only have 9 nights. Do 6 in Rome and 3 in Venice.
Posted by
72 posts
I find that teens like anything going underground or high, domes etc. if your getting a guide make sure its a guide who wont overpower them with history. I enjoy wandering and getting lost but my kids hate it
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
On arrival day, keep everyone up and engaged with one of these free tours. Guides we've had have been fun and informative. Please tip.
Posted by
SF Bay Area
929 posts
On two different trips, we spent 3 nights in Venice, and 8 nights in Rome, and could have spent more time in either. I agree with the suggestion of a 3/6 split with 9 nights. You won't run out of things to do in Rome! It's an amazing place, and you could do a day trip to Ostia Antica if you wish.