How to Plan a Family Trip to Italy 2024

Planning a family trip to Italy involves a meticulous approach to ensure an enjoyable experience for all members. Here's a comprehensive guide to crafting an unforgettable family adventure in Italy.

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1. Choose Where to Go in Italy for Your Family

We've picked these five family-friendly destinations as recommendations for you. These are top picks for families' first trips to Italy.

1) Rome

Italian Ice Cream

Rome is an indispensable destination for both adults and children to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Italy and even Europe.

Particularly for teenagers, it's like witnessing a segment of their history books coming to life. There, they could more intimately experience the allure of Roman culture right before their eyes, such as walking through the ruins of the ancient Colosseum, allowing them to imagine the spectacular scenes of two millennia ago and learn about the courage and skill of the gladiators.

You and your kids could also take a food tour to taste Italian ice cream (gelato), Italian pizza, and other local food.

2) Florence

Uffizi Gallery

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is also an essential destination. In the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, your children could see famous works from their art or history classes, such as the statue of David. The professional and interesting explanations by your guide would enable you to learn more about the stories behind these works.

Taking a cooking class would also be an interesting experience for your family. If your child loves nature, you could also experience truffle hunting in the countryside around Florence.

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3) Venice

Murano

Venice is like a Disney water-themed park for children. Take a gondola (a Venetian-style pointy punt) ride and enjoy shuttling along the canals.

Explore Rialto Market, where you could get a feel for local Venice. There are all kinds of interesting gadgets and food inside.

Take a boat trip to Murano, an island famous for its glass-making heritage. Witness glass-blowing demonstrations and perhaps even try making a small glass souvenir.

4) Amalfi Coast

If you want some outdoor adventures with your kids, the Amalfi Coast is a good option. There, you could explore beautiful seaside towns with colorful houses, go hiking, and go kayaking.

5) Sicily

Traditional fishing village Aspra in Sicily

If you are looking for a family beach vacation in Italy, then go to Sicily. There, you could relax in a town at the foot of a volcano, watch an ancient Sicilian puppet show with your children, and have fun at the warmest beaches and in the sea.

If you're adventurous, try to hike Europe's highest active volcano. If you are lucky, you could see a small volcano erupting during the climb.

2. Decide How Long to Travel in Italy to Satisfy Your Family

A week is a basic minimum time for a family trip to Italy, covering Rome, Florence, and Venice. For a relaxed pace, 9–10 days is more suitable.

If you want to include some beach time or outdoor activities, 10–12 days are recommended.

Suggested 1-Week Family Itinerary

• Day 1: Rome, arrival and relaxation
• Days 2–3: Rome (visit landmarks like the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, etc)
• Day 4: Rome to Venice by a high-speed train
• Days 5–6: Venice (city sightseeing with a family boat ride, island hopping)
• Day 7: Departure

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Feel free to contact us to obtain a tailor-made itinerary and quote for your family trip to Italy. All of our tours are fully customizable.

3. Weather Tips for a Family Trip in Italy

Summer is often the time for families to travel, due to children's summer school vacations.

Of June, July, and August, June is the best choice because of the cooler weather and relatively smaller crowds.

July and August are the high season months in Italy, and it is hot in these months. If you are traveling during this time, the following tips may be helpful:

1. Be sure to book your tickets to attractions and museums in advance. Otherwise, it is very likely that you would be waiting in long lines, which would be unbearable for adults, not to mention children. On our tour, we will arrange skip-the-line tickets for you in advance.

2. In the morning or 2 hours before an attraction closes may be the best time of day when there are relatively fewer visitors. Visiting at these times could avoid both the crowds and the heat.

3. On a hot afternoon, letting the kids enjoy playing in the hotel pool could be a better option than visiting attractions under the hot sun.

You could learn more about Italy travel and weather on Best Times to Visit Italy.

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4. How to Choose Family-Friendly Hotels in Italy

When choosing the area for accommodation, most of the attractions in Italian cities are typically concentrated in the city center or historical areas. These areas are recommended for family accommodation for convenient transportation, more dining options, and shopping and entertainment.

When choosing rooms, usually a family suite is a more common choice. There are also some hotels that could include extra beds for an additional charge.

In summer, booking a hotel with a pool is one way to release your kids' energy.

We could assist in selecting the right hotel for you based on your preferences. Feel free to contact us.

5. Consider Your Budget for a Family Tour in Italy

A family of four embarking on a 1-week tour of Italy could expect expenses ranging between 11,000 and 14,000 USD. Children under 10 years old might benefit from a travel discount of 30–50%.

The price is based on a comfortable private family tour, including a private car service, private guide service, train/flight tickets within Italy, 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries.

You could learn more by reading our article: How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?

6. Recommended Ways to Travel Around Italy

There are two recommended ways to travel around Italy: by train and private transfers.

High-speed trains are the main way for many tourists and locals to get around Italy. Usually, the journey between adjacent major cities takes 1–2 hours.

The train experience could be part of the travel experience. But taking care of your kids and luggage at the same time could be a challenge.

We recommend booking a Prima seat (first-class seat) so that you would have more luggage space and the cabin environment would be better.

A hassle-free way to travel is by private transfer, taking your family directly from your hotel to your next destination. During the drive, you could enjoy the scenery along the road, ask questions of our knowledgeable driver, and stop and rest as you like.

All transportation within Italy would be included in our private tour service, whichever way of traveling you prefer.