We're taking our first trip to Europe this summer (June 25 - July 13) with my wife a 3 children (17, 14, 12). We'll be on a fast paced tour as my oldest will be singing with her high school choir in London, Paris, Florence, and Rome. We finish with 3 days in Rome. We are extending our stay an additional 3-4 nights with hopes of relaxing a bit before heading back to the US. We've had our sights set on Sorrento with day trips to Capri and the Amalfi coast, perhaps Pompei. Now I'm wondering if we should go up to Venice or somewhere else. I think by this time we'll be done with museums and will be more interested in local culture, beautiful scenery, good food, and relaxation. Any suggestions keeping in mind my teenage kids?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
Definitely your choice of the Gulf of Naples sounds good, especially in summer. Your kids will enjoy the beaches too. The best beaches are along the Amalfi Coast. Add at least 4 nights however, since one night will need to be spent back in Rome to make your flight back on time. Actually if you have an additional 5 nights even better. There is a lot to do in the Gulf of Naples area: islands, beaches, quaint villages, archaeological sites, monuments, city life, spas (on Ischia island) and of course, the original pizza.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
If you only want to spend another 3-4 nights, the Cinque Terre could be an option. No museums, but hiking trails, beaches, quaint towns. I agree with Roberto that Sorrento etc. needs at least 3 nights, plus a last night in Rome pre-flight - no matter where you decide to go.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
We had to choose between Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast. For our trip and chose the CT, based on recommendations from friends and the RS book (it was unanimous among people that had been to both). We loved it and you'll be there for prime beach/relaxation though there is also hiking and touring the smaller cities. Our meals there were better than Rome or Venice.
Posted by
2 posts
I agree with Becky. The Cinque Terre was our favorite and the food was the best. Sorrento/Amalfi Coast was also great. What I loved the best about the Cinque terre (apart from the food) was the air quality. I felt like everywhere in Italy (and pretty much Europe) everyone smoked. The Cinque Terre felt like the first place I got to breathe fresh air.
I would say either Sorrento or the Cinque terre. Sorrento might be more "fun" for teenagers. You can check out some of our pictures from the Cinque Terre and Sorrento/Italy trip on our site. [1]: http://rockyrd.co/adventures/
Posted by
Orlando
516 posts
Cinque Terre!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
The Gulf of Naples area (Sorrento/Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri/Procida/Ischia) is closer to Rome than the Cinque Terre. It also offers more to do than the Cinque Terre in the same type of Mediterranean setting.
If you are just interested in relaxing on a quaint Mediterranean setting near Rome, there is also the alternative of the Ponziane Islands (Ponza island for example), located just off the Roman coast.
Try and do a Google Image search of all the mentioned locations and decide. There are many nice locations in Italy that are not covered by Rick Steves' books or TV programs. One does not have to be stuck only with his suggestions.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Once again, Roberto speaks wisdom. I think the AC is a better choice for you and the kids than the CT for the reasons he lists. But definitely do look into Ponza. It would be on my list if we were able to travel during the summer, but we can't. (One of my coworkers has been and raves about it.) It remains an undiscovered gem as far as most Americans are concerned.