Italy for the Family
The beautiful country of Italy offers loads of things that kids and adults alike will enjoy. But, there is also the worry that smaller children won’t be able to make it through the hundreds of museums. So, strategically planning your family trip to Italy is key. You must simply strike a balance between cities with kid friendly things to do like Rome or Venice, and cities with more adult interests like Florence. With great high-speed trains and public transportation it is easy to get from place to place. Definitely take time to see at least these big cities.
Rome: Rome is an amazing city for kids and adults alike. It has so much history and interesting ruins that parents will be entertained while children are usually fascinated by the adventure of it all. Rome is a great place to begin your Italian family vacation because it is easy to fly here internationally. If you can get in to where you can make an early start you could get through all of the major family attractions in about two days. Take you and your family down to the Imperial Forums, in which you can see how the ancient Romans lived life. Then walk down to the Colosseum, perhaps the most iconic view in all of Rome if not in the entire world. This is especially fascinating for kids who get to learn about the gladiators who fought and died on this very ground and it is open to explore during the day.
Then, just down the street is the ever fascinating Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which can take quite a while to walk through so you may want to stop and eat something before heading to these ruins. Another great thing to do in the afternoon is to head down to Villa Borghese, which is a large park in the heart of Rome. It houses a small zoo or you and your family can simply rest while drinking something cold.
If you can afford one more day in Rome head to Vatican City, which is a must see no matter what age you are. No matter what time of year it is there are always loads of tourists here, especially on a Wednesday when the Pope gives a public address. But here you can see St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum (which is massive and will take hours to see everything). Just exploring these few places could take you all day, but afterward head toward the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Now you have truly seen all of the best of Rome, but if you want to see another amazing sight visit the Colosseum after dark, which is especially beautiful when lit up.
Florence: If you are up for it, head north to Florence. Once in Florence head straight for the Accademia, which houses the original David by Michelangelo. Then, walk through the several beautiful Piazzas until you reach Piazza della Signoria, which has a replica of David and the Loggia della Signoria, which is an open-air area with loads of 14th century sculptures.
Grab a quick gelato and stand in line at the Uffizi, which is a breathtaking museum in the heart of Florence. Here you will see the very famous Birth of Venus painting and loads more. It is particularly beautiful at dusk when the city starts to light up and you can see the lights reflected off the river.
The next day take a tour up to Tuscany, particularly San Gimignano. This walled, medieval city is sure to make your kids forgive you for the museums the day before and it has a fascinating history including a severed finger, a bishop, and a ring. Plus the views from up here are absolutely amazing.
Venice: Most children and adults for that matter think Venice is like a real theme park. It is quite amazing. It’s quite a difference from Florence but, you and your kids will love walking the many streets and bridges and looking at all of the boats, gondolas, water taxis and buses floating through the many canals. Everything about Venice is magical, from its pink street lamps to the infamous Basilica di San Marco in Piazza San Marco. This city has a rich and full history and you better head there quick because in about 200 years it is supposed to be under water! After a long day exploring act like a true Venetian and sit on the Grand Canal for a long and relaxing dinner.