Trip to Italy with teens

Posted by ckgaskin on 01/07/18 05:07 PM

I will be traveling to Italy in summer of 2018 with my 2 teen daughters. We will be part of a group for 9 days traveling from Venice to Rome and hitting some smaller towns along the way as well. We have to opportunity to stay another week on our own and was just wondering if we should focus on staying in one area or would have time to see two separate areas. I would love to spend some time in the Cinque Terre but one of my daughters wants to see Pompeii and the Amalfi coast. We all like outdoor activities such as hiking and want to combine that with some site seeing and also relaxation on a great beach. Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Kim

Posted by TC

Atlanta

01/07/18 05:33 PM

5280 posts

The Cinque Terre and the Pompeii / Amalfi coast areas are quite a distance apart. I think it would be difficult (but not impossible) to do them both and then (assumption on my part) return to Rome to fly home. If you've not been to the Amalfi area I'd suggest doing that as it is similar to the CT. If possible, consider going over a bit early to Venice as there are several day trips from that that you might find interesting.

Posted by Jazz+Travels

Chicago

01/07/18 05:42 PM

8231 posts

Since the tour ends in Rome save Cinque Terre for another trip and remain south and go to the Amalfi coast stay in Postiano hike the Path of God's and take daytrip to Pompeii

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

01/07/18 07:34 PM

34260 posts

Be prepared for Rome to be hot in summer, and anything south of Rome to be even hotter. Make plans to take your own shade. There is NONE at Pompeii so a parasol or wide brimmed hat will make you so much more comfortable.

Plenty of fluids too.

Paestum.

I love the Amalfi Coast, and I'm sure it will be beautiful, if crowded and pretty warm. The CT will be overwhelmed and is way out of the way. But don't expect Hawaii or Mexico (or Venice or Santa Monica or San Onofre, Calif) type beaches at either place.

Posted by Charlotte

Fort Lauderdale, FL

01/07/18 09:49 PM

1245 posts

Agree with others, with one week, stay put somewhere, and since flying out of Rome, I would pick Amalfi. You can stay in Sorrento, visit Capri, Positano, see Pompeii (but try to go early--it is hot!). Even visit Naples for a day, you will feel like you have visited 2 different areas.

Posted by mrp

Phoenix, Arizona

01/07/18 10:06 PM

219 posts

I traveled with my two teens in Italy last year. We stayed in Salerno on the Amalfi Coast. From there you will have easy access to Pompeii, Paestum (Greek Temples!), and the touristy towns of the Amalfi Coast. We took the ferry from Salerno to Positano and Amalfi Town. It was a stunning ride and the breeze was very refreshing.

Listen to Nigel. Get to Pompeii EARLY. It gets very hot. The south entrance, close to the downtown train station you arrive at from Salerno, is relatively shady and provides a lovely entrance to the site.

Herculaneum is definitely worth the visit as well, although not as easily accessible from Salerno without going through Naples.

I talk about some of the logistics here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/salerno-67b65651-b7f1-43eb-a5c0-b9b56c5c903c

Your teens will love the trip!