Trip Planning Help for a Newbie to the Boot

I would do 2 nights CT and 3 in Venice.

Venice is a wonderful place to explore. My kids loved at that age. there will be lots to do and see in the city.

Elizabeth,
Hmm preteen boy...nature lovers...my 1st thought was CT...great walking, very adventurous..

but then Venice has great walking, trips in boats, and a labyrinthe of narrow "streets"...

so I don't think you can miss either way. Go to the library and find some fiction for juveniles on Italy, especially Venice. That should add to the fun. I've read all of Donna Leon's mysteries set in Venice (maybe not for a preteen) and it has certainly added to the depth of my perception of Venice.

And a book lover like me responds. Thanks for the recommendation! I was just searching for books to read while there.

I'm leaning towards more time in Venice. Concerned about having to fill potentially rainy days in CT.

We took our preteen (10 1/2yo at the time) daughter to Italy for her first trip last fall. We visited Venice, Florence and Rome, plus about a week in the less-touristy area of Le Marche. Our daughter loved it all!

As much as I enjoy the Cinque Terre, a 2-night visit in March might not be so great. Rainy days in Venice or Rome are much easier than in the CT! So I would suggest, also, skipping the CT for this trip, and add the time to Venice.

My daughter is a history/culture/museum person, as are we, but we also took plenty of time to just wander around Venice. It's a great place to do so. Italy is also full of churches and other smaller places where you can go in, enjoy the beauty, sculptures and paintings, and then leave, without being overloaded with an entire museum of world-class art.

Books for your son. There was a Roman series that our duaghter read that was reasonably accurate, The Roman Mysteries, by Carol Lawrence. Also, we picked up a book for Florence called "Kids Go Europe: Treasure Hunt Florence." They also have a similar book for Venice (but not Rome) - it was fun for our daughter, and small in size. I think she already knew a lot of the facts provided in the book, but it definitely made her more engaged and interested.

Some interesting places that may not immediately appear in the huge amounts of guidebook info:

• Venice, San Zaccharia, a beautiful church, also has an ancient crypt below.
• Venice - There's one bridge that has no railings; they used to all be like that, and groups of youths would fight on them, push each other off.
• Rome, San Clemente a church built on an 4th-century church, built on a Mithraic Temple and an ancient Roman house. Very cool.

IMHO, candy in Europe is pretty similar to that in the U.S. But go into a pastry shop, point to what looks good (you don't need to know the name), and enjoy! And of course GELATO - it's a must!

I would spend more time in Cinque Terre. My husband and I spent two days in Venice and it was the perfect amount of time for us. Also, from CT you can easily take the train to Florence, Lucca or Pisa if it rains...they would all be great places to walk around with your son and explore!

I like your itinerary. Two years ago when my son was 16, we visited the cities you mention except for Cinque Terre. He really enjoyed Rome and Venice. We also stopped in Orvieto (on the way to Rome) and Pisa (on the way to Orvieto). He and my husband enjoyed walking up the tower--they are physics geeks. If you add a day to Venice, maybe you can stop at Pisa on the way--just a thought. Have fun on your trip making lifetime memories--we definitely did.

Hi Elizabeth,
I'll add my vote for 3 nights in CT and 2 in Venice!

Lots to do in Rome, but if you're not interested in museums so much, maybe try 3 nights in Rome, 3 in the CT, and 3 in Venice. The old section of Rome is fun to wander around. But after 3 hectic days in Rome the coastal CT is a nice break. No shortage of stuff to do there for teens too. Venice is wonderful for all ages, but get off the beaten path.

I don't think he Cinque Terre would be all that appealing for 3 days in March. I'd spend more time in Venice.

I agree that the CT in March could be pretty yucky, given the weather. Go to the FAQ site here for info on how to check weather history for a specific period.

Consider adding one more night to Rome so you can take a day trip to Ostia Antica. Your kid should have a blast there, exploring all the nooks and crannies. And it's very easy to get to by train from Rome.

There is no other place in the world like Venice.
My wife and I spent 5 days there last year.
We bought a 3 day vaporetto pass and it was wonderful.
Do not hesitate to stroll off the beaten path.