Italy Tours for Kids

[muskrat191]

Has anyone used "Italy Tours for Kids"? We are thinking of booking their Pompeii tour, but I would love to hear some feedback if anyone has used them. Our kids will be 7 and 9 at the time of our trip.

[notentirelynormal]

I haven't used them but I just put together a great tour with RomeInLimo and it is designed just for the kids.   well, okay, we get to come to but I've designed it for them in mind. 

 

I have used RIL before and they are a superb tour company.  My grandkids will be 10, 12, 13 and 16.  I currently have 5 tours booked with them with the kids being the focus.  I want them to learn and have fun.  I mean kids can  only look at so many pieces of rocks before they don't want to anymore. 

 

To give you an idea, after we do Pisa we are going to a medieval village to explore.  Another tour we will hire a guide as well as the guide/driver (yes they are two separate things.  the main driver/guide can't leave his vehicle while the guide can come with you as you tour).  In Rome they will join us for the Coliseum so they can make the kids envision the chariot races.  RIL had a great suggestion for the kids to do Gladiator school too.  Once it gets closer we will book that for them too.  Check out their website.  They have tours just for kids on it.

[cruisemom42]

8 hours ago, notentirelynormal said:

In Rome they will join us for the Coliseum so they can make the kids envision the chariot races.

 

They had chariot races in the Colosseum?  And I thought they were in the Circus Maximus. 

 

Those turns must've been deadly. 

 

(Just teasing you a bit...😉)

[notentirelynormal]

LOL - I know, I know .... and that is why I need an additional guide to tell the kids everything that I don't, which apparently is  a lot.  I think my knowledge was better when I was younger.  You sometimes need to hold my right ear as you talk into my left ear so it doesn't go in one side and out the other.

 

I remember when we were there before and yes, you could read all about it.  But, that isn't the same as someone who is passionate (like you) who could describe the world back then.  Explain what this and that is.  Unlike you I haven't immersed myself in history which is why I need someone smarter.  Say, you aren't available are you?   🙂

 

Seeing ruin after ruin will quickly just become another pile of rocks.  I want them to look at the Colosseum and have their faces light up as they describe a typical day.  Telling their friends how it was.

 

I was able to sign them up for Gladiator School.  It sounds like so much fun.  They get to wear the clothes and they teach them how to fight and explain the history behind it.  I even signed up my son who will be having his 54th birthday that day.  HeeHee - Surprise!

 

[notentirelynormal]

On 3/15/2021 at 7:53 AM, cruisemom42 said:

 

They had chariot races in the Colosseum?  And I thought they were in the Circus Maximus. 

 

Those turns must've been deadly. 

 

(Just teasing you a bit...😉)

LOL - every time I read this I start to giggle.

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, notentirelynormal said:

LOL - every time I read this I start to giggle.

 

Thanks for not taking it the wrong way. I have been known, when posting quickly, to type Ponte Vecchio when I meant Rialto bridge, so ..... 🤷‍♀️

 

Good on you for finding ways for your children to relate to the history. If you do it successfully they'll be much more likely to not just remember the trip but perhaps develop a love of travel (and dare I say history) as well. When we took DS to Rome at age six, we tried to do age-appropriate things. Too bad there was no gladiator school then...!  He did like Castel Sant' Angelo.

 

The one non-negotiable on that trip for me was going to see the newly restored Sistine chapel. I had seen it a few years earlier, before the restoration, and I wanted to see it again -- wow, what a difference. We did a private tour and DS didn't complain TOO much about it.

 

If you ask him even today he will say we made him do too much walking on that trip though!

 

[euro cruiser]

2 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

When we took DS to Rome at age six, we tried to do age-appropriate things. Too bad there was no gladiator school then...!  He did like Castel Sant' Angelo.

 

You reminded me of M's first trip to Rome when she was six, she traveled like a champ and was interested in everything.  For some reason the young women she saw working at sites within the Roman Forum really caught her interest and we had to walk through there everyday (at that time, nearly two decades ago, it was free and you could come and go as you pleased) so she could watch them.

 

Castel Sant'Angelo was a revelation for me ... she climbed through the entire structure asking appropriate (for her age) questions along the way, then nearly burst into tears when we exited out onto the roof.  She look at me incredulously and asked "where is the princess?"  I didn't get it at first but finally realized that in her young Disney-fied brain every castle has a princess.  (insert deep sigh here) 

[notentirelynormal]

23 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

Thanks for not taking it the wrong way. I have been known, when posting quickly, to type Ponte Vecchio when I meant Rialto bridge, so ..... 🤷‍♀️

 

Good on you for finding ways for your children to relate to the history. If you do it successfully they'll be much more likely to not just remember the trip but perhaps develop a love of travel (and dare I say history) as well. When we took DS to Rome at age six, we tried to do age-appropriate things. Too bad there was no gladiator school then...!  He did like Castel Sant' Angelo.

 

The one non-negotiable on that trip for me was going to see the newly restored Sistine chapel. I had seen it a few years earlier, before the restoration, and I wanted to see it again -- wow, what a difference. We did a private tour and DS didn't complain TOO much about it.

 

If you ask him even today he will say we made him do too much walking on that trip though!

 

 

I have read way too many of your posts.  I know that you are passionate about history.  I know that if someone asks a question your are not likely to make a mistake so thank you for not commenting on mine (in a bad way).  As far as I am concerned you know your stuff.

 

I am working really hard getting the kids to learn but in a fun way.  Staring at ruin after ruin is not the way so every place we go I am trying to make it happen.  Some of the extras I have lined up is a pizza making class (who doesn't want to say they learned to make pizza it Italy?).  There has to be kid stuff thrown in. 

 

Unlike you, I hire a private guide in each port.  I have mobility issues but that doesn't mean we can't go somewhere where the kids can climb stairs and laugh as they go.  After all the cruise changes we are now booked on a 21 day cruise with 16 ports.  Greece and Turkey are mostly new to me and I'm having a little trouble finding a tour/guide that caters to the kids.  Going to a winery of shopping won't be fun for them - or me either.  We will then spend a week in London exploring.

 

I had hired one that I lost because of the change to a new cruise that had told me "the kids will think they are Indiana Jones".  Yup, that's what I'm looking for.  Also, though, the ages of the kids.  The youngest will be 12, then 13, 14 and lastly the boy will be 17.

 

The likelihood of the kids getting back to the Med anytime soon is next to nil and like you said, maybe, just maybe they will love the history they learn and keep it with them for a long time.  The two oldest are heavy into live theatre so I want to get them to see one when we hit London.  I am setting up a Flamenco dinner in Barcelona.  What better way to see Flamenco then Spain?

 

If you happen to know any good guides in Greece or Turkey I'm all ears.  CC is where I get my best leads.  I know the suggestions are coming from people that understand the one day in port thing and have actually used the company and can give me an honest recommendation.

 

p.s.  I also know that you aren't a mean person, just passionate.

 

[notentirelynormal]

21 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

 

Castel Sant'Angelo was a revelation for me ... she climbed through the entire structure asking appropriate (for her age) questions along the way, then nearly burst into tears when we exited out onto the roof.  She look at me incredulously and asked "where is the princess?"  I didn't get it at first but finally realized that in her young Disney-fied brain every castle has a princess.  (insert deep sigh here) 

 

 

That is so cute.  Seeing things through the eyes of the kids is so fun.

[cruisemom42]

5 hours ago, notentirelynormal said:

 

If you happen to know any good guides in Greece or Turkey I'm all ears.  CC is where I get my best leads.  I know the suggestions are coming from people that understand the one day in port thing and have actually used the company and can give me an honest recommendation.

 

 

For Greece, unfortunately no. Let me see if a guide I had in Turkey a few years ago is still working. You're going to Ephesus?

[notentirelynormal]

Any help would be appreciated.  I've only been to Kusadasi and Athens once before and that was 25 years ago and we used a Princess tour.  We still need guides for:

Genoa, Italy

Crete (Heraklion), Greece

Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus)

Istanbul, Turkey

Mykonos, Greece

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Santorini, Greece

Kotor, Montenegro

[bennybear]

We had good luck using Levant Solmaz in Kusadasi,  probably could also do Istanbul. Sadly many of the guides have gone out of business in Turkey.  
 

We also had good luck using a car service in Athens but they weren’t a guide.  
 

m tours in Montenegro.  
 

You might want to search on the boards for each specifically. 
 

 

[notentirelynormal]

I have tried searching the boards.  The problem is - no one is cruising and so no one is posting hardly.  I have spent many hours just trying to find threads, let alone ones that have any info that I need.  That is why I have to come right out and ask for help when I find a CC name that I know and trust.  One recommendation from someone like Cruisemom42 is worth more than 10 from someone that is either new to the boards, has only traveled once or not at all.  I already know their standards. 

 

Just because there is someone on my roll call - doesn't mea they know what they are talking about.  Of course THAT has changed 5 times too.  Even finding the current cruise is difficult and did they book before or after and have they cancelled again comes into question.

 

I know their knowledge doesn't but there are SO MANY companies that have gone out of business it is frightening.  I must have called well over 20 companies in LA to find a limo company to take us to/from LAX. 

 

Some didn't answer.  Some were really really rude when they did.  One guy told me that "they do have washer and dryers in Europe you know" because I said with 7 people there will be 7 suitcases and 7 carry ons. 

 

One had Grandpa answering and his response went like this:  What kind of car would we be going in? A Van.  What kind of Van?  A VAN!  Yes, but I would like to know what kind because there is a difference in how different kinds can hold how many people and will fit with our luggage.  I can't give you a price so far in advance.  But it is only 5 months away.  No it's not, it's next year.  Um, no it is in a few months.  Well, it's a van.  hang up here.  I asked one guy, why does he think so many limo companies have gone out of business since they still had all their many cars.  He said, it is because we can't pay our insurance bills so we can't do business.  Ahhh.  I forgot about that.  Now it makes total sense.

 

I have sent many emails to guides that never answer and I'm sure it is because they are out of business.  I wish these companies would put some kind of message on their website that they are temporarily not doing business or answering requests and save everyone time and effort.

[bennybear]

55 minutes ago, notentirelynormal said:

I have tried searching the boards.  The problem is - no one is cruising and so no one is posting hardly.  I have spent many hours just trying to find threads, let alone ones that have any info that I need.  That is why I have to come right out and ask for help when I find a CC name that I know and trust.  One recommendation from someone like Cruisemom42 is worth more than 10 from someone that is either new to the boards, has only traveled once or not at all.  I already know their standards. 

 

Just because there is someone on my roll call - doesn't mea they know what they are talking about.  Of course THAT has changed 5 times too.  Even finding the current cruise is difficult and did they book before or after and have they cancelled again comes into question.

 

I know their knowledge doesn't but there are SO MANY companies that have gone out of business it is frightening.  I must have called well over 20 companies in LA to find a limo company to take us to/from LAX. 

 

Some didn't answer.  Some were really really rude when they did.  One guy told me that "they do have washer and dryers in Europe you know" because I said with 7 people there will be 7 suitcases and 7 carry ons. 

 

One had Grandpa answering and his response went like this:  What kind of car would we be going in? A Van.  What kind of Van?  A VAN!  Yes, but I would like to know what kind because there is a difference in how different kinds can hold how many people and will fit with our luggage.  I can't give you a price so far in advance.  But it is only 5 months away.  No it's not, it's next year.  Um, no it is in a few months.  Well, it's a van.  hang up here.  I asked one guy, why does he think so many limo companies have gone out of business since they still had all their many cars.  He said, it is because we can't pay our insurance bills so we can't do business.  Ahhh.  I forgot about that.  Now it makes total sense.

 

I have sent many emails to guides that never answer and I'm sure it is because they are out of business.  I wish these companies would put some kind of message on their website that they are temporarily not doing business or answering requests and save everyone time and effort.

 

I am somewhat surprised by your response,  as you fail to acknowledge that  I did suggest three that I used in fall 2019.     Each of those companies had vans capable of seven.  The other ports we have done on our own. 
 

When I research I do it by port and look at recommendations on cruise critic and elsewhere.  It takes time, but I’ve had good luck.  

 

Edited March 23, 2021 by bennybear

[notentirelynormal]

I may have over simplified.  After the last cruise it has been difficult to find people currently booked or actively posting in ports.  I believe I looked up the ones you suggested but you will have to remind me.  It is like I am starting over every time.  I really do read every post, copy it to my xcel spreadsheet and then one by one go through the comments.  If you gave it to me, I checked it out.

 

I was able to transfer some of my tours such as my Marseilles tour. I forgot which one I lost that I really liked but I got him from a recommendation.  Can you remind me which ones you gave me?  I guarantee if someone gave me a name I checked it out.  If there are common ports from my last cruise I have booked a tour using a recommendation. 

 

However, the "vans" I was talking about above was from my home to LAX and return.  As far as checking out the London transfers, I checked out every single one.  Three of the companies (I believe Smith's was one of them) was owned by the same company and just used different names with the exact same prices. I just dived deeper until I got my questions answered.  In London I needed to book two vans, one for people and one for luggage.  Most hold seven people but not an additional 9 suitcases with 7 carry ons and 7 personal items and possibly a scooter.  That's why two vans were needed.

 

I spent over two solid weeks before I booked my trip.  It took me several emails to most of those companies before I got responses and I had to ask over and over for that response.  Finally I started getting answers. 

 

Possibly they were on lock down when I started because the responses seemed to have started around the same time.  Once I booked with Blackberry I deleted all my information as I no longer needed it.

 

I sure didn't mean to insult you and if I have I apologize.  I don't take any recommendation lightly.  I really do take all recommendations seriously.

 

[notentirelynormal]

9 hours ago, bennybear said:

We had good luck using Levant Solmaz in Kusadasi,  probably could also do Istanbul. Sadly many of the guides have gone out of business in Turkey.  
 

We also had good luck using a car service in Athens but they weren’t a guide.  
 

m tours in Montenegro.  
 

You might want to search on the boards for each specifically. 
 

 

 

I promise I will check out Levant Solmaz in Kusadasi.  Also m tours.  Montenegro is a port I know nothing about.  They are already on my list for tomorrow.

[notentirelynormal]

On 3/23/2021 at 1:46 PM, bennybear said:

 

I am somewhat surprised by your response,  as you fail to acknowledge that  I did suggest three that I used in fall 2019.     Each of those companies had vans capable of seven.  The other ports we have done on our own. 
 

When I research I do it by port and look at recommendations on cruise critic and elsewhere.  It takes time, but I’ve had good luck.  

 

 

Okay BennyBear

 

Are you happy now!  (just kidding here).  I contacted your guy Mladen at mtours in Montenegro.  I gave him the same spiel that I give all my guides.  Our ages, our restrictions and the kid friendly part.  Usually I get a response of the guide simply copying and pasting directly from their website.  It makes me crazy.  So I have to write back to them and ask them to read the email I sent again and can they offer me what I've asked.

 

But not Mladen.  He immediately came back with a response that I absolutely loved.  He suggested we take a boat ride around the island then a swim.  A tour suggestion I had seen.  BUT BUT then he suggested we do this zip line thing.  Normally I would say no but I would love to do it.  I just can never convince anyone else to go with me.  Losers!  But, I've decided that that is what we are going to do.  Boat, swim, zipline.  His prices were in line with everyone else.  But it is his responses that I love.  It is the fact that he LISTENED to me.

 

So, he is booked.  I can't tell him who recommended him except for your screen name but you could send him an email and mention it to him if you want him to know the recommendation came from you.

 

As far as your others - you said three.  I must have missed the third one.  I know this one and the one in Turkey.  He was busy the one day and told me to "check out his website" for the second day.  He did give me a private tour idea but there was nothing in particular that was appealing to kids. Basically he just took things from his website and mixed it up a little.

 

However, Mladen did give me a suggestion for a tour guide for Athens.  He said he has a trusted guide list that he has used before.  So, I will contact her today and see what I can learn.

 

I know that the trip is a long way off but I like to get this done and out of the way so I don't have to think about it.  Also, as we all know, the good ones go quickly.

 

Plus, some want cash and some will take credit cards before and some after.  I need to make sure I have the money situation in place long before we go.  We are talking a lot of money.  Think about it.  Seven people and 19 ports.   Each tour is  between 700 Euro or as much as 900 Euros plus food, admissions, tips and spending money.  That's well over 16,000 Euros not including the week afterwards in London. 

 

I don't like to use ATMs (I don't care if others like it I just don't want to spend even a minute of my time stopping to get cash or using my card in a foreign country).  I prefer to carry the cash with me and just say "here" at the end of the tour.  I put the money in an envelope and I just pull that envelope the day of and off I go.

 

Add to that we are going to spend a week in London afterwards.  Sure, some companies take credit cards but I would prefer not to have to pay off a huge bill when I get home.  The money is only on my person for the flight.  After that it goes directly in the hotel/ship safe and I just bring out the envelope for the day.  Easy Peasy. 

 

Anyway, bottom line.  I loved your Kotor, Montenegro suggestion.  Thanks.

 

My next biggest port challenge is Gibraltar and Genoa Italy.  No one seems to have a guide idea for Genoa.  Why!  Why?  (insert crying here)

 

 

[bennybear]

Glad you are happy with Mladen!  I liked how he customized for us too.  I don’t need any credit, just happy  to help.  
 

I found Levent Solmaz customized what I wanted,  we loved Priene, Didyma and Miletus in Kusadasi.   We also had a nice local lunch,  but Priene would be tough with any mobility issues.
 

 I would suggest you go to the cisterns in Istanbul, they are so cool and the kids would love them,

 

Jusr carry your cash in a money belt under your clothes, that is seriously more than I would carry.  We usually take several hundred euros and replenish along the way, but each to your own. 
 

The third suggestion was a driver for Athens  but I didn’t have a guide.   We just did Genoa on our own, make sure and have some of the best focaccia on the planet There!  

 

perhaps a  Separate post for Genoa would help? 

 

Edited March 27, 2021 by bennybear

[notentirelynormal]

12 minutes ago, bennybear said:

Glad you are happy with Mladen!  I liked how he customized for us too.  I don’t need any credit, just happy  to help.  

 

I just thought you might like to say "hi! See we DID love you" LOL
 

I found Levent Solmaz customized what I wanted,  we loved Priene, Didyma and Miletus in Kusadasi.   We also had a nice local lunch,  but Priene would be tough with any mobility issues.

 

The theatre is definitively  in.  Turkey is just one of those ports that has SO many beautiful old buildings that even with kids there is no getting around seeing them.  That is, afterall, why we travel.  So, those three are on the list from the other guide I have been working with.  Levent really didn't give much effort to the kids just really copying and pasting.
 

 I would suggest you go to the cisterns in Istanbul, they are so cool and the kids would love them,  These are also already in the picture.  We will be seeing the Cisterns, the Grand Bizarre and a private boat trip to sightsee from the water.  I few Euros more and we get this really cool, very expensive (one I'll never be able to afford anyway) boat that will give us a tour and a swim.  I think the kids will love the Cisterns too.  History can be wonderful if it is presented the proper way and I really do hope that not only do they come away with a good time with their cousins but they come away with a love for history. 

 

My grandson told me just yesterday that he is studying about these very areas at school this year and he is excited to do a project for his teacher on the subject.  It makes my heart happy to hear that.

 

Just carry your cash in a money belt under your clothes, that is seriously more than I would carry.  We usually take several hundred euros and replenish along the way, but each to your own. 

 

I find that most people act differently when they have a lot of cash on them.  That body language tells thieves to "come get me".  I don't.  Yes, I will have a money belt on and the money will be distributed between myself and my husband and son.
 

The third suggestion was a driver for Athens  but I didn’t have a guide.   I need the guide.  I'm needy and lazy.  I need someone to do the work for me both in advance and on the day.

 

We just did Genoa on our own, make sure and have some of the best focaccia on the planet There!    Noted!  That sounds like something Michael will love for sure and the other kids probably.  DH too.

 

perhaps a  Separate post for Genoa would help?   I will be doing that as soon as I get the others done.  So far it has just been casually looking.

 

12 minutes ago, bennybear said:

 

 

Love the pictures.  It gets me excited to see this cute city.

 

[marazul]

On 3/22/2021 at 11:50 AM, notentirelynormal said:

Any help would be appreciated.  I've only been to Kusadasi and Athens once before and that was 25 years ago and we used a Princess tour.  We still need guides for:

 

 

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Hello again!

 

For Athens I highly recommend George the Famous Taxi Driver (https://www.taxigreece.com/)

We met George when it was only him and his yellow Mercedes taxi.  Once he drove us around the Peloponnesus in his taxi for 5 days.  His company has grown to a full tourist service company.  His sons run it now.  It has excellent guides, tours and transportation services.  We always customize our tours and have always been very pleased with the results.  I have used them and recommended them many times over the years.  

 

Edited March 30, 2021 by marazul

[notentirelynormal]

Great.  I will give them an email and see what he/they have to say.  So far the recommendations for Greece have not been helpful.  One that was highly recommended by Mladan gave me a tour suggestion like this:

 

Crete Heraklion - A family-friendly Knossos guided tour followed by a pottery class with a local clay artist. You may then enjoy some free time in Heraklion or extend your tour with a food tour or a visit to the Heraklion museum. 

 

This is useless to me.  There is no time limit, no price and what exactly does "family-friendly" mean?  What are you showing me?  She gave me exactly nothing as far as information.  Her other three Greek tours were the same.  I told her I can't decided what tour to take until I actually know what they are.  I'm told that once I decide what I want that she will give me a price.  Well, you know, price matters.  Their website is the same.  No price until you decide to book.  Well, it might be a great tour for 200 Euros and not so great for 900 Euros or for an hour or ten.  How long is it supposed to be?  It took her two days for the first response and so far it has been three days on the comeback to my request for more info.

[bennybear]

If you go to Knossos the museum is a good addition, as much of the finds are exhibited there.    I don’t know what your family enjoys,  or  would they prefer a visit to a Sandy beach and local taverna?  
There’s tons of cool ruins in Crete,  some amazing beaches, great food, interesting monasteries.    But it also depends on how much time you have.  We used to prepare our kids by watching movies or listening to book tapes about places we would visit.  
 

We absolutely love Crete, but Heraklion not so much.  I would suggest a visit to Knossos in the morning followed by lunch and some beach time.  

[notentirelynormal]

7 hours ago, bennybear said:

If you go to Knossos the museum is a good addition, as much of the finds are exhibited there.    I don’t know what your family enjoys,  or  would they prefer a visit to a Sandy beach and local taverna?  
There’s tons of cool ruins in Crete,  some amazing beaches, great food, interesting monasteries.    But it also depends on how much time you have.  We used to prepare our kids by watching movies or listening to book tapes about places we would visit.  
 

We absolutely love Crete, but Heraklion not so much.  I would suggest a visit to Knossos in the morning followed by lunch and some beach time.  

 

Unfortunately we can't watch movies as two kids live in Seattle and two in Greater LA area.  We will have one day together before the trip.

 

BUT - we did watch Mr Peabody last summer.  It was an awesome movie for visiting Europe.  It was filled with history and we watched it together and the kids were laughing and looking forward to seeing those sites.

 

The two sets of kids are very different.  The two oldest are very much into live theatre with devoted parents that spend a LOT of time with them.  Dad works two jobs but he is still up close and personal with them.  Mom also works two jobs so that the second job pays for their theatre time.  These past months they built a "she-shed" for mom.  They used plans and Michael learned how to read them and was in charge of the roof.  His bones will heal - dad's not so much. They will now work on crafts together.

 

The two younger kids have divorced parents.  Dad (my son) gets them on the weekends and they live with mom during school.  The oldest girl is very smart.  She potty trained herself at two and was reading adult books at the age of six.  Paperback novel kind of books. The younger one is average learner and spoiled and everything she learns is from her older sister.  Mom and dad are both very involved with LARP.  Live Action Role Playing.  That gets much more of their time then the kids do.  Don't get me wrong.  The kids aren't abused or neglected in any way.  It is just if there is spare time, if people come around - it revolves around what the parents are all about.  Mom has made them some very cool cakes and they do all the kid stuff it is just a very different atmosphere.

 

The one thing they really have in common is their love for each other and Grandma and Grandpa.  They will have a blast with what I organize be it learning or playing.  I make everything fun for them.  I tell them that they have to kiss Grandpa good night or the big guy will cry like a baby.  They laugh and run in and kiss him so he doesn't cry (insert pretend crying from Grandpa here).  That goes for everyone from the 16 YO to the 8 YO.

 

If we go to ten museums I can make it fun if that means doing a "find this", "find that" kind of thing. I am trying to fit something fun in the day for every day.  Gladiator school, chocolate making, flamenco dancers or pizza class.   I don't mind them doing the museums but I really want to know more about what "it" is.  It just takes time and I do have other stuff going on.  Thank goodness my husband waits on me hand and foot, laundry, cooking etc.  My son cooks too,  I'm in charge of the dog 🙂

 

 

[bennybear]

Planning a Trip does take a lot of time, no way around it unless you hire someone to do it for you, then it will be what they think you’ll be interested in.   The more time you spend deciding what you want to do, the more enjoyable your trip will be.  For us, that’s a lot of the fun.  Why not ask each family to decide on what they want to do ?  Maybe they can each be responsible for a port!  
 

Kids are different,  our daughter was  into classical music and enjoyed an evening concert in Vienna immensely.  Our son could not be dragged out of art museums, so we spent forever in the Louvre.  They both enjoyed visiting beaches thankfully! 

[notentirelynormal]

I tried that.  I asked each kid to come up with something to do in one port.  I didn't care which port or what to do.  Only the 16 YO responded.  Of course, the 13 YO is autistic so she really has no opinion.  Her reasoning doesn't work that way.  You have to say "do you want to do this" or "do you want to do that" and then she can decide.  The younger two, like I said, live in Seattle so the parents need to get involved and they did/will not.  So, it is all up to me.