Hi
We will be traveling to Italy in July with our 3 sons (age 18, 15, 12). We will be staying in Lucca for 4 nights, Rome 2 nights, and Sorrento for 4 nights. Our kids are not into museums but are active and do best when they are on the move.
From Lucca we thought about going hiking at CT, visiting San Gimignano, a day in Lucca.
Rome - highlights at the moment are the Vatican and Coloseum.
Sorrento - Mt. Vesuvius; Pompei, a day trip touring beaches along Almafi Coast, possibly day trip to Capri.
Any other suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1059 posts
I would include the Roman Forum and the Patheon as a priority. I think your children will enjoy walking through the Forum. It is like walking through history. If you have time, walk to the Victor Emmanuel Monument and take an elevator to the roof. It is right next to the Forum. The view of Rome is the best from there.
Posted by
752 posts
Love your active itinerary, good for you. i wonder if Florence would be a better base for visiting area towns you mention and especially include Siena and Pisa, would be nice to include these two famous towns. The teens would get a charge out of Siena hiking its roller coaster hills, and children love climbing the leaning tower, and you'd all get to see Florence too!
And while you are south, why not a trip to Napoli, a walk down Spaccanapoli, the main street of the old historic center in Napoli is a good way for the teens to see real time life in this famous spirited town!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for the tips on Rome. Sounds Great!
We chose Lucca as a base because we will be visiting family:)
Posted by
2 posts
Not sure if you already have accommodations in Rome but I highly recommend Mario, he is also a tour guide and can give you segway tours that are phenomenal I know your boys would love it. Mention Daniel Brown referred you he should remember us well.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4153392?check_in=2017-07-07&guests=2&adults=2&check_out=2017-07-09
CT & San Gamigiano are excellent choices, you don't have to spend all day at Pisa mice to catch sunset there.
Capri Island is a must!
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you, Dan! I was considering a segway tour...it's something different. If you can share Mario's link or contact info it would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
If you want to swim try the beaches at Viareggio, close to Lucca and nice sand. Now, while we are on the subject of beaches you mentioned the beaches on the Amalfi coast. Well, I don't want you to be disappointed but the beaches in on the Amafi coast are rocks not sand at all. Hard on the bare feet. So, if you want normal beaches visit them in Tuscany and/or Liguria.
Posted by
US
131 posts
How big is your 12-year-old? There's something like a 100-lb weight limit for segways.
Posted by
752 posts
Also beach at Pietrasanta on the Ligurian Sea, huge beach, deep sand, great ristorante right there on the beach, town nearby.