Morning: Depart Newark on an overnight flight to Rome, arriving early afternoon. Enjoy in‑flight meals and stretch with a quick walk in the cabin.
Afternoon: Transfer to Hotel Artemide in the city centre, check‑in and freshen up. Take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Trevi Fountain and toss a coin for good luck.
Evening: Savor a family dinner at a trattoria in the Piazza Navona area, sampling classic carbonara and gelato for dessert.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, immersing the teens in gladiator history with an audio guide.
Afternoon: Walk up the Palatine Hill for panoramic city views, then enjoy a relaxed lunch in the vibrant Trastevere neighbourhood.
Evening: Return to Hotel Artemide for a rooftop pool dip, followed by a night‑time walk to see the illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the awe‑inspiring Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with a family‑friendly guide highlighting Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
Afternoon: Tour St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for a breathtaking view, then relax at the nearby Vatican Gardens for a picnic.
Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant near the Spanish Steps, then stroll back to the hotel for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a high‑speed train to Florence and check in at Hotel L'Orologio. Begin with a visit to the iconic Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore).
Afternoon: Explore the Uffizi Gallery, focusing on works that captivate young art lovers, then wander across the Ponte Vecchio for souvenir shopping.
Evening: Enjoy a Tuscan dinner in the historic Oltrarno district, followed by an evening gelato near the Piazza della Signoria.
Find HotelsMorning: Climb the Giotto’s Campanile for city vistas, then visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
Afternoon: Take a short bus ride to the scenic Boboli Gardens for a family picnic and a chance for the teens to explore the hidden grottos.
Evening: Return to the hotel, then join a local cooking class where the family learns to make fresh pasta together.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a guided bus to Siena, strolling through the medieval Piazza del Campo and admiring the Duomo di Siena.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, then explore the Contrada museums that showcase the city's famous Palio horse race history.
Evening: Return to Florence, relax at Hotel L'Orologio, and have a casual dinner at a nearby pizzeria.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly from Florence (via Pisa) to Catania, then transfer by private shuttle to the coastal town of Taormina.
Afternoon: Check in at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo with stunning sea views, then unwind on the hotel’s private terrace.
Evening: Walk along the charming Corso Umberto, dine at a seaside restaurant, and watch the sunset over the Mount Etna silhouette.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend relaxed hours at Isola Bella beach, snorkeling and building sandcastles.
Afternoon: Visit the ancient Greek Theatre for panoramic views and a short guided history talk.
Evening: Enjoy a family pizza night at a local trattoria, then stroll through the illuminated streets of Taormina.
Find HotelsMorning: Embark on a guided 4×4 tour to Mount Etna, exploring volcanic craters and learning about geology.
Afternoon: Stop at a mountain winery for a tasting (non‑alcoholic options for the teens) and a light lunch with Sicilian specialties.
Evening: Return to Taormina, relax at the hotel pool, and have a dinner of fresh seafood by the sea.
Find HotelsMorning: Free time to swim at the hotel’s private beach or shop for souvenirs along Via Luigi Pirandello.
Afternoon: Check out of the hotel and transfer to Catania Airport for the flight back to Newark, reflecting on the trip’s highlights.
Evening: Arrive home, tired but filled with unforgettable memories of Italy.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add a day in Venice after Florence for a gondola experience, or spend an extra day on the Amalfi Coast before heading to Sicily. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine the Siena day trip with Florence’s afternoon and skip the Mount Etna tour, opting instead for a relaxed beach day in Taormina.