Q - Sookie K. of Cabin John, Maryland writes: My husband and I and our teens (18 and 14) are going to Italy this summer. We'd love to rent a villa, or stay in an inn or B&B. We want to spend at least 3 days in Venice and wonder what's the best way to spend our time there. Besides visiting interesting sites and seeing lots of art, we love to shop and eat , and would be interested in taking a cooking course.

A - As for Venice, we had a great time during our short stay, and spent a lot of time on the Lido where the film festival events take place. The Hotel Excelsior is the grand, old hotel there, and it could be really nice to have a meal/tea on the terrace overlooking the sea. An expensive proposition, but it's wonderful to see this grand European beach and the elegant people in what seems like an old Visconti movie.

The 2009 Biennale will be open from 7th June to 22nd November 2009 in the Giardini and Arsenale -- and these are both large exhibition spaces in Venice that will be packed with art. We went through the Giardini briefly but were overwhelmed by it. I think if the kids are not so interested in art, art, art, it would be more fun to visit http://www.labiennale.org/en/art/ for links to the various galleries and other small venues, with their opening schedules. I've been reading about the glass work that's being done by artists worldwide for this event. Venice's island of Murano is known for its glass works, and there are many vaporettos (water ferries) that go there so you can tour some of the shops and see how the glass is made. This year, the Biennale has apparently commissioned a number of artists to work in glass to broaden the medium's appeal, so you should particularly look out for those galleries featuring glass. Many of the works are presented outdoors, and can be easily seen, what's most fun is to follow a walking tour map (often criss-crossing the many bridges) so you can enter the fantastic churches, old homes and gardens that serve as galleries only during this time period, because the architecture is often more wonderful than artwork on display.

Of the classic museums, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is probably the best known, and a is a must-see. We dined and drank at Harry's Bar at the Cipriani, where the bellini was "invented." While the bellinis were great (and yes they served our teen, no problem!), the food was also excellent. But Venice is very expensive, and this place is expensive for Venice, so I think I'd recommend that you go with the concierge's dining recommendation as I don't think it's possbile to have a bad meal.

Here's some of our stories you can read on our website that have some lodging info and fun ideas for sightseeing with and without teens:
"The Magic of Venice"
"Venice: Italy Beyond the Sea"
"Venice With Teens In Tow"  
"Venice, Italy Resorts"
"Italian Villas for Your Euro Roadtrip"
"A Home of Your Own in Italy"
"Welcome to our Chateaux"

Let us know how your trip goes, and what great recipes you've acquired.