Italy w/ 2 teenagers

I travelled from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo by train and enjoyed it. I did it in late January, and the scenery was pretty. I also seem to recall that the train time was fairly similar to the driving time. I took the train to Foggio, and then a bus to San Giovanni Rotondo.

Since your time is limited, your thought about using local tours might be a good one. I really like walking tours by context travel; you could check their website. They are a little more expensive than some other vendors, but I find them to be worth it. Groups are limited to six, which means they can adapt tours to group interests. Also, the guides are well educated in the topics on which they are speaking.

So many things to do in Roma that are not frequently visited! Consult their websites for details.

• Galleria Colonna, only open on Saturday mornings

  • Villa Torlonia
  • Visit Go to San Giovanni in Laterano (fabulous!) and a 15 minute walk away, find the Chiese Santo Stefano Rotondo, very particular
  • Palazzo Braschi Museo di Roma
  • Villa Doria Pamphilj a park vastly bigger than Villa Borghese and a lovely place to stroll or run
  • Palazzo Farnese -- English tours with advance reservation, last I knew on Wednesdays at 17:00. Reserve as far in advance as possible on thier website.
  • Villa Medici, seat of the French Academy in Roma
  • Parco degli Acquedotti, a bit of a trek but a worthwhile escape
  • Take walks. Find the book "24 Great Walks in Rome" for inspiration.
  • My new best friend book, "111 Places in Rome That You Must Not Miss."

That should keep you busy.

I just have to throw this in as it was our favorite day in Rome so far! Walk the Appia Antica; your young people will enjoy the exercise, and it's just a fascinating stretch of ancient road. The crumbling remains of tombs and villas; catacombs; a circus; an excavated bath… We loved it and it'll be a must-do on another trip. At the more rural end, it's a nice break from the bustle of the city.

We walked it backwards from a point further afield into the city but you may also rent bikes and do it on wheels. You'll want to choose a sunny day, and not a Sunday or Monday when many of the interesting places along the way are closed.

Here's the website:
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/

Bike rentals:
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/testi.asp?l1=1&l2=5&l3=1&l4=0

Things to see along the way (hours and ticket prices when applicable):
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/testi.asp?l1=1&l2=6&l3=0&l4=0

Descriptions ( A must-have! This map should be available at the rental offices or park tourist info center):
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/pdf/PIEGHEVOLEEnAPPIA-08.pdf

Take a picnic or stop for lunch along the way:
http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/testi.asp?l1=1&l2=7&l3=0&l4=0

in Firenze but would love to hear on what is best to see.

That depends on your interests? I'm a huge art fan so the Uffizi, Bargello, San Marco and churches with Renaissance frescoes were musts for me but may not be for you? A climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a glorious view of the city is something all of you might enjoy, and I'd say that the duomo (the exterior is more interesting than the interior) and baptistry are top of list as well.

I like Kathy's ideas for Firenze. I really like the Bargello, an often overlooked site worth visiting. You might also include the Piazalle Michelangelo for an overview of the city. Take a cab.

Do you have need for the car? Train might be quicker, less hassle, and more convenient. Maybe rent it when you get south.