Family Trip to Italy

Our family recently embarked on a 7-day adventure through Italy and it was absolutely unforgettable! From tracing the footsteps of Caesar to being mesmerized by the leaning tower of Pisa, our trip was filled with jaw-dropping moments. We soaked in the beauty of Renaissance art by the likes of Michelangelo, indulged in delicious gelato and pasta, and admired the stunning architecture of the Colosseum and Duomo. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, I highly recommend checking out our must-read tips for your family trip to Italy including must-see sights in Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and Tuscany. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on any of these incredible experiences! Andiamo! Let’s go on a journey filled with history, art, delicious food, and breathtaking views. Italy is truly a traveler’s dream destination.

Italy is a rich tapestry of culture, history, and art that is just waiting to be explored with your children. From the stunning architecture of Rome to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. Taking your kids to Italy can be a truly eye-opening experience for them. They will have the opportunity to see some of the most famous landmarks in the world, such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They can also indulge in delicious Italian gelato, pizza, and pasta, and even try their hand at making some of these dishes themselves in a cooking class.

But it’s not just about the sights and the food – a trip to Italy can also be incredibly educational for children. They can learn about ancient civilizations, art history, and even pick up some basic Italian phrases along the way. Plus, traveling to a different country can help broaden their horizons and instill a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them.

Suggested Italy Itinerary

Leave from home and take an overnight plan to Italy!
Day 1 – Rome – Colosseum, Forum, Roman Baths
Day 2 – Rome – Appian Way, Catacombs, Trevi Fountain, Monuments/Plazas
Day 3 – Day Trip to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast (optional)
Day 4 – Vatican City – Museum & St Peters Basilica / Florence Academia & Neptune Fountain
Day 5 – Florence – Medici Chapel, Duomo, Baptistry Doors, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio
Day 6 – Florence Day Trip – Leaning Tower Of Pisa, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Day 7 – Venice
Fly Home

Note: instead of flying home, we took a Greek Isles Cruise you can read more about here.

Italy Family Vacation

If you are planning a family vacation in Italy, you will need to budget for airfare. The sooner you book, the better the prices generally are. There is also more availability and cheaper prices the earlier you reserve hotels as well. So if you plan to visit, make some initial reservations 6-10 months in advance. Although more is always better, I think 7 days is sufficient to feel like you really get to see the highlights of Italy. If you are lucky enough to have extra vacation time you can spend more time on the lovely coast relaxing or going a little slower pase.

Weather in Italy

Try to visit in off-peak times when the weather is lovely like April and May i the spring or September and October in the Fall. Although much of country is close to the Mediterranean Sea and enjoys pretty mild weather year-round, the Alps and even Rome can see some snow in the winter and brutal 100 F temps in the summer.

Family vacation italy

There are many amazing cities to visit in Italy; each has their own must-see attractions and culture.

Rome – Visit a vibrant city with ancient ruins like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Titus Gate, Roman Forum.
Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance filled with art and architecture, including the iconic Duomo and Uffizi Gallery.
Venice – Teaming with romantic canals and gondolas
Naples – Grab some delicious pizza and visit Pompeii.
Milan – Known for being a fashion and design capital with its high-end shopping and famous cathedral.
Turin – Check out the Baroque architecture and birthplace of Fiat automobiles.
Palermo – Enjoy the colorful markets, stunning cathedrals, and delicious street food.
Genoa – Explore the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and its historic center.
Bologna – Enjoy medieval architecture and delicious Italian cuisine.
Verona – The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and its beautiful Roman amphitheater.
Pisa – Marvel at the iconic Leaning Tower and beautiful Cathedral Square.
Siena – Attend the annual Palio horse race and stunning Gothic architecture.
Lucca – Stroll through the perfectly preserved Renaissance walls and charming historic center.
Perugia – Taste delicious chocolate amidst the medieval architecture and Etruscan history
Ravenna – Be in awe at the Byzantine mosaics and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As you can see we could spend a month or longer getting to know Italy and it’s many marvels. But while there are many amazing cities to visit in Italy, most of us don’t have the time to see them all. FOr our trip we decided to focus on the main 3 cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice. From there we took day trips to see Pompeii (Naples), Pisa, Tuscany region, Amalfi Coast, and even an unexpected day in Bologna because of an airline strike.

Getting to Rome Italy

We flew into the ROM airport which was a little bit of a nightmare with customs. We literally waited 3 hours. No issues, just really SLOW! I suggest flying into another airport and then taking a train to Rome to finish your week in Italy here. As a major city there are lots of flights in and out making it more likely to find good deals. I suggest you do an open jaw flight – fly from US to say Venice and then at the end fly Rome back to the US (or wherever your home is). The Leonardo Express Train will get you from the airport terminal to Rome, but don’t pre-book your ticket as they are time sensitive.

You can pretty much walk to/from the entire historic distric of Rome. Not only does that save money and offer convenience, but it allows you to see more of the city. You will walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes!

We booked all our rail tickets between major Italian cities on Omio which has a convenient ap to use. It is easy to use and pretty cheap to go from city to city. The train stations are huge and very well organized. Large departure boards list the trains boarding and from what track, just like an airport. The only difference is you can’t “get to your gate” ahead of time. You will need to find a space to hang out and keep watching for a track to be listed. When it is it’s time to MOVE and get to that track. They do not stop for long, the train has a schedule to keep!

What to Wear in Italy

Most people in Italy dress pretty similar to the rest of the world. Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable fabric. Remember that in Europe churches (and a few other locations) require you to cover your shoulders and thighs. So capris, longer skirts, and a light sweater or showel will allow you to pass the dress code for your visit.

What to Wear in Italy

Italy uses the Euro, but we found most people prefer to be paid with a credit card! I’d exchange some money to have on hand, but not too much

what to see in rome in 3 days

I’m going to list the highlights of what to see, but will go into them more in depth in my What to See in Rome post because this post would be HUGE if I included everything here!

When visiting Rome you must explore the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum where you will marvel at the architecture and relive history from more than 2000 years ago. Be sure to wander through the stunning streets of Trastevere, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and marvel at the Pantheon. Indulge in mouthwatering pasta dishes, gelato, and espresso at local cafes. Soak up the beauty of the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori market or admiring the beautiful works of art at the Galleria Borghese, Rome is a city that promises endless wonder and discovery. Plus no visit would be complete with seeing Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, home of many beautiful statues, art, and Michaelangelo’s Sisteen Chapel.

Day trip from rome

Before you leave Rome, I suggest taking a day trip to visit some nearby sites well worth your time! You can do a Rome to Pompeii day trip or a Rome to Amalfi Coast Day Trip. If you are adventurous, you can actually see Pompeii and the Amalfi coast in one day. It will be a long day, but a really fun, memorable day! If you have to keep your trip to 7 days, you will need to pick between this day trip and the Leaning Tower of Pisa/Tuscany Day trip.

You will take a convenient, budget-friendly high speed train from Rome to Florence.

What to see in florence

If you’re looking for a destination that perfectly blends rich history, exquisite art, and delectable cuisine, then Florence, Italy should definitely be at the top of your travel bucket list! This enchanting city, located in the heart of Tuscany, is known for its stunning Renaissance architecture, famous museums, and charming cobbled streets. One of the main reasons to visit Florence is to immerse yourself in the art scene. Home to iconic masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci, the city is a true paradise for art lovers. Be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Pitti Palace to marvel at these timeless works of art. And let’s not forget about the stunning views that Florence has to offer. Climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views of the city, stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, or simply wander through the picturesque streets and piazzas to soak in the beauty of this magical city.

See our what to see in Florence Italy in One Day

Day Trips from Florence

I highly suggest you take a florence day trip to see the picturesque region of Tuscany! While most people have heard of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are so many more hidden gems to discover in this enchanting area. Start your journey in the beautiful city of Siena, a stunning medieval town. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the iconic Piazza del Campo, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this charming city.Next, make your way to the medieval town of San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers.” With its well-preserved medieval walls and towers, this UNESCO World Heritage site will transport you back in time. Climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany. And of course, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This iconic landmark is not only a feat of engineering but also a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Snap a photo of yourself holding up the tower or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Campo dei Miracoli.

You will take a convenient, budget-friendly high speed train from Florence to Venice.

What to See in Venice in 1 Day

Venice is truly a magical city that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Although this city is know for it’s romantic gondola rides on the water streets among this once wealthy city, it is also a must visit for everyone. Guets will enjoy the astonishing architecture and incredible history,. Venice offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the highlights of visiting Venice is exploring the iconic St. Mark’s Square, where you can marvel at the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica with the towering Campanile bell tower in the adjacent San Marco square. Also in the square is the entrance to the fabulous Palace of the Doge of Venice, a marvelous example of Venetian Gothic architecture and a glimpse into the city’s past as a powerful maritime republic. Here is what to see in Venice Italy

So is Italy on the top of your families vacation list? If not, we can help you explore, research, and learn about many other destinations around the globe! Until later, Arrivederci!

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