Italy With Kids: Planning a Classic Italy Family Vacation
Italy is hands-down one of the most popular destinations for families. Why? Because kid-friendly activities abound. The food’s amazing, the landscapes are stunning and a trip to this glorious nation comes with just about the best European history lesson on the planet. You’ll also fall in love with its incredible regional wines, picturesque cathedrals and buildings, rich collection of cultural masterpieces, and exceptional resorts and beach towns. In a word, Italy with kids has it all.
Of course, having such a wealth of choices can also feel intimidating. After all, how do you narrow down a vacation to Italy with kids while still packing in must-see activities? Keep reading to learn all about Italy for kids and how to plan a classic family tour and make the most of your time in this beautiful Southern European destination.
A Classic Italy Family Vacation Itinerary
First things first: how long do you need to experience Italy as a family? You can visit Italy in a week if you absolutely must, but we recommend a minimum of 10 nights for a first time visit.
A classic 14-day itinerary would look like:
4 nights in Rome
2 nights in Florence
5 nights in the countryside (Tuscany or Umbria)*
2 nights in Venice
*certain properties require a week minimum during the busy summer months.
Getting There
Whenever possible, book flights into Rome and out of Venice (or vice-versa). Milan is also an important hub, if Venice is not an option for you. From there, plan your itinerary accordingly depending on whether you’re driving or taking the train.
Italy is perfect for a self drive vacation once you leave the big cities. If spending time in the countryside, you’ll need a car to fully enjoy all that it has to offer. From quaint little villages to farm-to-table meals and local wineries.
The train is a fantastic alternative to those who don’t want to drive or don’t have as much time and want to cover the most popular cities.
Italy Walking Tours and Immersive Experiences
There’s no better way to uncover the best of Italy than through hands-on and immersive experiences. A family-friendly guide can truly bring the Roman ruins to life. Likewise, a cooking class where you start by picking fresh ingredients from an organic garden and bringing delicious dishes to life is one of those memories you and your kids will never forget.
Traveling with Babies and Toddlers
Italy welcomes families and kids of all ages. The food is perfect for those palates in training, the culture is warm and friendly, to the point where you are welcome to bring your baby or toddler truffle hunting if you want.
Rome with Kids
What makes a Rome family vacation so unique? The breadth and depth of activities available to families. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans. Along the way, discover incredible ruins that bear witness to the grandeur of a sophisticated civilization — one that dominated the globe for millennia.
© Our Whole Village
What to Do?
Begin your journey at the Colosseum, one of the city’s most famed and recognizable symbols. Learn about its role as one of ancient Rome’s most vital social centers, including its lesser-known but equally fascinating uses. At the Roman Forum, explore ancient daily life. Visit the grave of Julius Caesar and the nearby House of the Vestal Virgins, whose occupants kept the sacred flame alive. Next, it’s on to Capitoline Hill, Rome’s sacred religious center for more than 2,500 years.
Besides walking the city, enroll your kids in a two-hour gladiator lesson. During the class, they’ll exercise like a gladiator and learn more about the history of ancient Rome. Check out this kid-friendly day-trip from Rome if you’ve got an extra day to spare.
And no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City. To gain the most from your visit, book a kid-friendly private tour of the Vatican where you’ll gain fascinating insights into this remarkable location, where fine artwork, political intrigue, exquisite architecture, and fascinating political history intersect. Along the way, explore famous sites, including the Hall of Maps, the Pinecone Courtyard, and the Gallery of Tapestries. Your tour will culminate in the Sistine Chapel where your family can scope out one of the most incredible frescoes in Western history.
And don’t forget about a fun family photoshoot with a flytographer. Find out more about hiring a flytographer for your next vacation.
Where to Eat?
No trip to Rome would be complete without trying some of its most delicious regional cuisine. Savor a private food tour of the Trastevere district, famed for its intimate squares, narrow streets, and off-the-beaten-path gourmet restaurants. Experience Rome with all five senses, and enjoy the chance to meet and engage with the families who own some of the district’s restaurants, learning more about how they keep Rome tasty. And, of course, there’s plenty of gelato to taste.
Where to Stay?
Where to stay on a family vacation to Rome? To experience “la dolce vita,” head to Hotel Hassler Roma. Located near the iconic Spanish Steps, this well-appointed hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo, and a refreshing spa experience at the Amorvero. Your family can also take advantage of connected rooms and the hotel’s babysitting services. Or head to Hotel Eden Rome, where you’ll enjoy the ultimate in pampering, including incredible family packages.
Florence With Kids
Whether you’re listening to street musicians, exploring the stunning scenery of the Ponte Vecchio, or savoring delectable gelato, few European cities prove more evocative than Florence. Your family will love strolling its cobblestone streets, marveling at its incredible museums, and learning about one of the most significant moments in human history, the Renaissance in Europe.
© Our Whole Village
What to Do?
Head to the renowned medieval Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery to explore Florence’s political center. Discover the heart of the city on a kid-friendly scavenger hunt where you’ll see elaborate fountains and breathtaking statues. Learn about the Medici family and their vital role as patrons of the arts in Florence. It all started with Cosimo de Medici, who helped launch the Italian Renaissance with his strategic investment in the area’s best sculptors, painters, writers, and architects. Head to the Accademia Gallery to visit Michelangelo’s David, an artwork emblematic of the city. Along the way, explore the Baptistry Doors created by Ghiberti and the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo.
Where to Eat?
Florence represents a feast for your senses. Explore the delicious possibilities during a small-group cooking class where you’ll craft some of Italy’s most famed treats, including kid-friendly pizza and — you guessed it — gelato. Enjoy a hands-on, interactive experience as you learn to prepare everything from the crust to the sauce from scratch. Next, try your hand at homemade gelato. In the process, you’ll explore traditional recipes, heating and freezing techniques, and the application of natural colors. After your cooking class, linger over the finished products, paired with the perfect local wine for adults.
© Our Whole Village
Where to Stay?
Because of its extensive history, Florence is a highly urban center where land is used incredibly efficiently. Of course, this also means it can prove challenging to find lodgings with significant green spaces. But at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, you’ll gain access to an 11-acre private park, perfect for letting the kids blow off some steam. Yet, you’ll be a short walking distance from must-see attractions, including the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. Or explore estate life at Il Salviatino, a 15th-century villa situated among the rolling hills of Tuscany. The site affords incredible views of Florence from its terrace, offering everything you’d expect from Italian luxury living.
Tuscany Family Holidays
You and your kids will fall in love with Tuscany, one of Italy’s most picturesque and quaint regions. Not only do age-appropriate activities abound, but there’s no end to the delicious pizza, pasta, and gelato you’ll find along the way. Even the pickiest eaters will chow down in Tuscany!
© Our Whole Village
What to Do?
Whether you’re exploring the walled city of Lucca, scoping out the Leaning Tower in Pisa, or touring wine country, there’s plenty to capture your family’s imagination in Tuscany. Enveloped within Lucca’s massive and well-preserved city walls, there’s no better place to embrace Italy’s slower pace of living. The city’s green spaces invite you for a stroll, and you’ll find countless places for the perfect afternoon snack or an impromptu picnic. Here’s more travel inspiration for Lucca with kids. In Pisa, enjoy a leisurely walk through town (much of which is car-free) as you make your way to the world’s most famous tower for fun photo ops.
Where to Eat?
When hunger strikes, kill two birds with one stone by venturing into Italy’s wine country, the “Chianti Classico” area. Besides delightful wines bearing the iconic Black Rooster logo, enjoy expansive landscapes punctuated by olive trees, cypresses, and grapevines that produce some of the best wines in the world. Linger over a lazy lunch with locals (local wines, that is) for the full Italian countryside experience.
Where to Stay?
Put yourself in the center of the action during a stay at Borgo Finocchieto, a medieval farm town that typifies the Tuscan way of life. Much about the place remains untouched in centuries, and you’ll love the amenities that come with this location. Roughly 200 wineries sit within 15 minutes of the historic town. But don’t let the rustic appeal of the place fool you. Rental of the nine-suite manor comes with luxurious amenities, including daily breakfasts, concierge services, and much more.
Venice for Kids
Few cities pack the visual punch of Venice. From its colorful houses to its elaborate palaces and gondola-filled canals, this stunning city delivers when it comes to sense of place. Crosswalks are bridges, streets are waterways, buses are boats, and buildings come in every color of the rainbow.
© Our Whole Village
What to Do?
You can’t visit Venice without a gondola ride down the length of the great waterway, sweeping through the city center. Along the way, you’ll pass glittering palaces and exemplary architecture dating to the Gothic and Early Renaissance periods. Once upon a time, Venice reigned over a vast maritime empire, and this history is still reflected in its impressive architecture and city layout. Besides a boat tour of the area, you won’t want to miss a stroll through St. Mark’s Square and a tour of the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for lion statues, which you’ll find throughout the city center. And you won’t want to pass up a culturally immersive mask decorating class with a local Venetian expert.
Where to Eat?
While you’ll find plenty of mediocre food geared to grab-and-go tourists in Venice, dig a little deeper to discover a treasure trove of gastronomic experiences. They include delectable seafood restaurants such as Osteria Alle Testiere, which prides itself on consistently serving the freshest catch in the city. Or head to Locanda Cipriani to dine in an old-fashioned garden on the lagoon island of Torcello.
Where to Stay?
At the Gritti Palace located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, enjoy views of the gorgeous Grand Canal. A painstaking refurbishment of one of Venice’s most renowned hotels, immerse yourself in Venice’s impressive heritage. There’s also the Aman Venice, where you’ll enjoy the intersection of luxurious accommodations and refined modern esthetics. Rooms include protected reliefs and frescoes, which will make you feel as if you’re sleeping in a stately museum.
Italy beyond Rome and Venice
If you have more time, other popular destinations in Italy include the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera, and the lake district. For a second holiday in Italy after you’ve covered the must-see destinations, we love Umbria, Sardinia and the Dolomites. Check out this fantastic video about a family vacation to Umbria to get started:
Traveling Italy With Kids – We can help
When it comes to Italy with kids, family-friendly activities are endless. You’ll also fall in love with the gorgeous scenery, cityscapes steeped in history, and many opportunities for cultural immersion.
Are you ready to find out more about Italy for families?
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