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Visiting Italy with two teenager boys.

We will be visiting the Florence area and Rome in mid-February 2019. We would like to know if there are any suggestions for our teenage 14-17 boys ?

Posted by
15677 posts

To be honest? Nothing different than adults choose to see and do. Your eldest is almost an adult, and your youngest is old enough to appreciate the bigger attractions both cities have to offer.

My suggestion is to hand them a guidebook and have them choose some things which interest them. Pretty much all young people are internet savvy these days - probably more savvy than some grownups - so they can do some research online as well. They're going to be more engaged in the trip if they've had a hand in the plan, and it's a valuable teaching opportunity in learning how to put together their own trips in the future. :O)

I turned 18 the same day I flew off on my first European trip, and found the museums, ruins, architecture and just the street activity plenty interesting!

Posted by
4020 posts

Since you are already on this website, you can show it to your teens and point out the Explore Europe menu top left. They can research Italy there, put together specific questions and come back here. They will be so far ahead of you that you should let them plan some of the group's days.

Posted by
7595 posts

I agree with Kathy. I traveled all over Europe with my kids and later with my kids and step-kids that ranged from age 5-17.

My Son was 5 when we started and doesn't remember a lot of the places we visited prior to age 10. However, for teens, they all thrived on the history, culture, foreign languages and art.

Treat them like adults at that age. Florence is the place to go for Reniassance history and art. Savor all of the art, history and culture. Rome has its ancient Roman history as well as the amazing Vatican with the St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel. There is so much to see.

I suggest encouraging your kids to read up on the places you are going to visit. Buy a guidebook. Rick Stevens has good ones, but also, the Eyewitness Travel guide.

My kids cut their teeth on travel and now are just as travel crazy as I am.

Posted by
546 posts

Well first of all, lucky boys! They will undoubtedly note that the teenagers especially the girls in Italy have STYLE, attitude and bearing that most American teenagers just don't have. My guess is they will be entranced. In towns all over Italy the teenagers and families gather in town squares and actually interact.

One place I am sure they will enjoy in Florence is the Galileo Museum. It is a true wonder and easy to get into. In my book one of the best of all the museums in Florence. Lots of stuff there to interest the imagination.

The only thing I would do especially for them is to give them some leash to get out on their own and do their own thing.

Posted by
3112 posts

Do they like soccer? If so, consider going to a Series A soccer match. Most matches are on Sunday, with the home team listed first on schedules. Also note that you'll need your passports when purchasing tickets and to get through the security check at the stadium.