10 days in Summer 2025: Where in Europe with 12 and 15 y/o?

[Anonymous]

We were in Paris this weekend after touring other parts of France. It was an absolute zoo - not enough space to fit on the sidewalk due to the crowds. I'd avoid major cities.

Are you planning to drive?

The Loire Valley might work for your daughter. Many of the chateaux have extra action activities to attract people to their particular chateau. That might work for your son.

[Anonymous]

Italy.

My kids are similar - DD 12 not into history/museums/outdoors but more shopping/eating/water or beach activities and DS 14 into the total opposite but good with water/beach.

Italy offers what most countries in Europe/Asia does that we do not in US and that is - high speed trains. It's awesome.

You can do a lot all over Italy in 10 days via trains.

We did for water - S. Italy, flew in/out of Rome for history and hit Venice - because it's Venice in 12 days total in June 2023. Love it.

N France is another possibility with in/out of Paris

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Italy.

My kids are similar - DD 12 not into history/museums/outdoors but more shopping/eating/water or beach activities and DS 14 into the total opposite but good with water/beach.

Italy offers what most countries in Europe/Asia does that we do not in US and that is - high speed trains. It's awesome.

You can do a lot all over Italy in 10 days via trains.

We did for water - S. Italy, flew in/out of Rome for history and hit Venice - because it's Venice in 12 days total in June 2023. Love it.

N France is another possibility with in/out of Paris

Not a good year for Italy next year. It's the Jubilee and will be extra crowded.

[Anonymous]

Edinburgh has a lot of parks and gardens, and several castles. You can climb Arthur's Seat. JK Rowling tok a lot of her character names from Greyfriars Kirkyard. You can also go to the beach. There are tons of concerts in the summer

If you are in London you can take a train to Kent and hike the Coastal Path from Folkstone to Dover, taking in WWII pillboxes along the way. The White Cliffs are pretty unique.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trying to plan a fun 10 day summer trip for next summer. Girl, 12, loves museums, history, house tours, food, shows. She does not like outdoorsy activities or crowds. She loves Williamsburg: eating in the taverns, touring the houses, the carriage rides.
Boy, 15, loves adventure, the outdoors, history, gaming, hiking. He does not like museums, house tours, and bores easily. He liked visiting NYC where we toured Rockefeller Center, Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty, and unique stores like Harry Potter.
We have had multiple overseas trips planned but had to cancel for many reasons. I need a trip that is easy to
manage with these two. I need to plan like there will be 3 of us; likely I will have another adult join but can't be certain.

Maybe the area around Bruges?