3 weeks in Europe with 7 & 9 year old... Recommendations?

[Wendy]

I posted this over on the other Community Board, but decided I'd probably have better luck here.

We're just starting to think about our vacation (oops, should say "holiday" on this board! ) for next summer, and we're going to attempt a trip to Europe to visit DH's family in Norway. We've just about decided that as long as we're there, we're going to take advantage of the opportunity to tour around the rest of Europe as well. We'll probably spend about a week or two in Norway visiting relatives, then head south for another week or two, for a total of 3 weeks.

DH and I have both traveled in central and northern Europe a fair amount, but we haven't been over there at all since we've had kids. Any recommendations on must see, kid friendly things to do and places to visit? We'll probably go ahead and buy Eurail passes so we have the freedom to visit lots of different cities and countries.

Besides the obvious, (DLP and LegoLand) what do you think 7 & 9 year old boys would enjoy? We'll do some cultural things, but don't want to bore them too much. Any ideas? We're especially interested in seeing Spain, Italy, and possibly Portugal since neither of us have been to southern Europe. Any suggestions of things the kids would enjoy there?

 

[Dimplenose]

I've only been there once but I really enjoyed Barcelona. Lots to see in the city, especiall Gaudi's architecture and just about an hour away from Universal mediterrania (Port Adventura) theme park.

Libby

 

[Sian]

Another vote for Barcelona. A lively city with a decent beach within walking distance of the town centre. My boys have just come back from two weeks in Italy with their father. They stayed at Lake Garda and were able to swim in the lake every day. The mountains are very near as are the beautiful cities of Verona and Venice. The boys had a great time in that area.

 

[Davros]

You will be spoilt for choice! Italy has some wonderful cities.
I'm sure the children will not get bored visiting the Roman monuments and excavation sights. Venice is unique just for the way the city has been built on the water and offers the most wonderful surprises around every corner. Florence is a medieval delight. This is only three of this great countires cities. Oh,and I must not forget to mention the wonderful food.