I am planning a trip to Italy this summer. I would like to have my teenage kids experience the culture of Italy. As much as I would love to travel from Venice down to Sorrento, considering the time alloted, I will not be able to spend enough time in one area to appreciate or see what each city has to offer. I would also like to travel by train so that we could see more of the country side and travel at our leisure. However, this may not be the best way or most cost effective. What are the best cities to visit and is transporation by rail flexible between Rome to Naples to Sorrento? What type of excursions or "must do" sights should I consider that will be appealing for teenagers?
Posted by
West Chester, PA, USA
16 posts
Norma, You can travel by train to all the major cities in Italy. I've traveled by train from Rome to Florence to Venice to Naples. To get to Sorrento you will need to take some connections or hire a driver to pick you up from the Naples train station to take you to Sorrento. I'm bringing three teenagers to Italy this summer, too. I think they're old enough to see all the major museums and attractions. There are lots of museums and churches to see, I would limit some of them, so your children aren't bored. A boat ride in Sorrento to Capri would be a great day with teenagers. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Your question is a bit vague. How much time do you actually have?
We spent 19 days in Italy and still managed to book one week at an agriturismo in Tuscany. Spending lots of time at the pool there enjoying the wonderful surroundings and doing a few daytrips from this base - that's what our kids loved the best.
Pompeii was also a must-do for them.
We had to fly in and out of Rome (the trip was connected with a business trip) so we actually skipped Venice as it was too far out of the way. But with all the other activities and some slower days in Tuscany which really gave us an opportunity to experience a glimpse of what's meant by "La Dolce Vita" we didn't miss it at all. You may want to consider to fly into Venice and out of Rome to maximise on your time and limit travel time.
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
We've brought our teen girls to Europe many times. They are good travelers and really appreciate the experiences. This said with the girls we don't do alot of churches and move efficiently through museums. Dining outdoors in piazzas with lots of action is fun and gelatos are a must. They enjoy the longer evenings so we balance that with not getting up too early (they certainly don't sleep in too long though and get up early when necessary). Shopping and farmers markets are fun. They enjoy seeing the Italian fashions. We stay close but try to give them some space if it's in a reasonable setting. Apartments provide more livng space which lessens stress, as our vacations tend to be long. They particularly love Sorrento and Rome as there's lots of activity night and day. They fall asleep on trains and are happy. So that's my list of some random finds for our family
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
It's very easy to get to Sorrento from Naples! You just take the Circumvesuviana train that leaves from the Naples train station. Sorrento is my, and my now 20 yo son's favorite place in Italy. I highly recommend it.
Posted by
OP
San Antonio
2 posts
Thank You Susan for your reply. How much should I anticipate in cost for train transportation?