After landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport, allow roughly 1–1½ hours for immigration, baggage and the transfer into central Rome. The simplest option for five people with luggage is a pre-booked minivan taxi to your accommodation near Roma Termini; the fixed airport taxi fare to central Rome is typically around €55, while the Leonardo Express takes 32 minutes to Termini and costs about €14 per adult, with children’s fares subject to current Trenitalia rules. From Termini, walk or use a short taxi ride rather than carrying luggage through busy streets. Leave bags at the hotel if your room is not ready, and keep the afternoon gentle after the flight.
Begin at Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, a beautiful and usually accessible first church stop in the Esquilino neighborhood; allow 45 minutes, dress modestly and check the current liturgy or security arrangements before entering. Continue on foot for about 15 minutes toward Piazza della Repubblica, where the Fountain of the Naiads makes a pleasant 30-minute introduction to Rome. The surrounding streets are lively but manageable, and this is a good place to buy bottled water or a hot drink before returning toward Termini.
Spend about an hour at Mercato Centrale Roma beside Termini. It is useful for browsing rather than relying on every stall being halal-certified, so ask vendors carefully about ingredients and cross-contamination; for your preference, buying fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, eggs and other groceries from nearby supermarkets may be better for cooking at your accommodation. Budget approximately €10–20 per person if eating from the market. After dinner, take a taxi or the Metro A from Repubblica toward Barberini, then walk roughly 10 minutes to the Trevi Fountain. Visit later in the evening when the light is lovely and some day crowds have eased, allowing 30 minutes for photos. Do not sit on the fountain edge, and keep phones and wallets secure in the dense crowd before returning by taxi or on foot to Termini.
Start early at the Colosseum, ideally with a timed entry around 8:30–9:00. From accommodation near Roma Termini, take Metro Line B to Colosseo; the ride is about 10 minutes, followed by security queues. Allow around 1½ hours inside, including the amphitheatre levels covered by your ticket. December mornings can be cold and exposed, so bring warm layers, water and comfortable shoes. Entry prices vary, but budget roughly €18–25 per adult and check the official ticket site when bookings open; youth concessions and family requirements depend on the ticket type. Do not rely on buying five tickets on arrival during the holiday period.
Continue directly through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are normally included in the combined Colosseum ticket. Allow about two hours, with time for the children to enjoy the viewpoints over the ruins and Circus Maximus. The route is uneven, with steps and little shelter, so this is not a good day for wheeled luggage or delicate footwear. For lunch, walk into Monti to Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, a popular Roman trattoria near Via della Madonna dei Monti. A meal generally costs about €20–35 per person, but because you prefer to eat halal, contact the restaurant in advance to confirm ingredients, sauces and cooking arrangements; otherwise choose vegetarian dishes and avoid assuming that meat is halal.
After lunch, take a relaxed 15–20-minute walk toward Campidoglio, following Via Cavour and the quieter lanes around the Imperial Fora. Spend roughly 1½ hours in the Capitoline Museums, where the ancient sculpture rooms and the famous terrace views give the family a welcome indoor break. Opening hours are commonly around 9:30–19:30, with last entry earlier, but verify the official holiday schedule and reserve tickets if available. Standard admission is often around €15–20 per adult, with reduced rates for eligible youths; allow extra time for cloakroom and security procedures.
Finish at Piazza Venezia and Altare della Patria, only a short walk from Campidoglio. The monument is impressive at dusk, and the illuminated traffic and historic façades make this a memorable first full day in Rome. If the panoramic rooftop lift is operating, confirm the final admission time before queuing; rooftop access can have separate hours and may be affected by winter weather. For dinner, return toward Monti or buy ingredients from a supermarket near your accommodation so you can cook a simple halal meal. The family can walk back toward Roma Termini in about 20–25 minutes, or use Cavour Metro station; keep the evening unhurried after a long day on foot.
Book the earliest available timed entry to the Vatican Museums—ideally around 8:00–8:30, directly through the official museum website. From near Roma Termini, allow about 25–35 minutes by Metro A to Ottaviano, then walk roughly 10 minutes to the entrance. Security and ticket checks can still take 30–45 minutes, so arrive early. Allow 3–4 hours for the museums and Sistine Chapel, including the long indoor route through the galleries; December queues and crowded corridors are common. Tickets are usually around €20–25 per adult before any booking fee, with reduced prices for eligible youths—check the exact 2026 rates.
After leaving the museums, walk towards St. Peter’s Basilica for about 15 minutes. Entry to the basilica is generally free, but everyone must pass airport-style security and access can change because of liturgies or special religious events, especially around the Christmas season. Allow about 1–1½ hours, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and keep food and large bags outside. For lunch, buy something simple from a nearby supermarket or bakery rather than relying on halal availability around the Vatican. Then walk beside the Tiber to Castel Sant’Angelo, roughly 20 minutes; the fortress normally takes about 1½ hours and admission is commonly around €15 per adult, though holiday opening hours should be checked before committing.
Leave Castel Sant’Angelo around sunset and cross Ponte Sant’Angelo, allowing 30 minutes for the bridge, river views and photographs. Continue into Trastevere, about a 20–25-minute walk, or take a taxi if the children are tired. Have dinner at Taverna Trilussa, a popular restaurant on Via del Politeama, and reserve well ahead because this is a busy festive period. It is not a halal restaurant, so confirm ingredients and cross-contamination concerns before ordering; for a family wishing to eat strictly halal, call in advance and treat this as a possible non-halal option rather than a guarantee. Expect roughly €25–40 per person before drinks. Return to your accommodation by taxi or tram/bus, allowing 25–40 minutes depending on the exact location and late-evening service.
After arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella, leave luggage at your accommodation or use the station’s luggage facilities if check-in is not ready. The station is central, so most of today’s route is walkable; allow around 10 minutes to reach nearby Santa Maria Novella. The basilica’s striking green-and-white Renaissance façade is free to admire from the square, while interior admission is usually around €7–10 per adult, with reduced rates sometimes available for youths. Check the official opening schedule, as religious services can temporarily restrict visits.
Walk approximately 10–15 minutes through the San Lorenzo streets to Mercato Centrale Firenze. The ground-floor market is useful for your self-catering plan: look for vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, eggs and packaged ingredients, and ask vendors about ingredients if you are avoiding pork or alcohol. The upper food hall is lively but not reliably halal, so treat it as a browsing and snack stop rather than assuming every stall is suitable; budget roughly €10–20 per person. For a proper halal meal, buy groceries here and cook at your accommodation, checking labels for maiale (pork), gelatina (gelatine) and vino (wine).
After lunch, walk about 10 minutes to Galleria dell’Accademia for your reserved timed entry. The museum is compact, and one hour is enough to see Michelangelo’s David without tiring the younger children. Advance booking is strongly recommended for the holiday period; admission commonly starts around €16 before reservation fees, and entry depends on the booked time slot. From the gallery, continue roughly 8 minutes to Piazza del Duomo. View Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery of Saint John from outside, taking time for photographs rather than adding another paid climb after the train journey.
Walk back toward Santa Maria Novella, around 10–15 minutes, for coffee, cake or dinner at La Ménagère. It is a stylish café-restaurant and a pleasant place to rest, but it is not a dedicated halal venue: confirm the menu and preparation with staff, and avoid dishes containing pork, alcohol or uncertain meat. Expect approximately €15–30 per person depending on whether you stop for drinks, dessert or a full meal. Finish with a relaxed walk around the illuminated central streets, then shop for breakfast supplies before returning to your accommodation; Florence’s historic centre is compact, but use caution on uneven paving with tired children.
Begin around 8:00 with Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, when the surrounding Piazza del Duomo is still relatively calm. The cathedral nave is generally free, but entry is subject to security and opening arrangements; modest clothing is required, with shoulders and knees covered. Allow about an hour. A climb of Brunelleschi’s Dome is separate, timed and physically demanding—secure the official combined pass well ahead, and do not assume availability during the holiday period.
Continue to Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, directly behind the cathedral, for roughly 1½ hours. This is the best place to appreciate the original sculptures removed from the cathedral complex, including works associated with Donatello and Michelangelo. Check the official holiday timetable before travelling, as New Year’s Eve hours can be shorter. From the Duomo, walk about 15 minutes toward Santa Croce through Via del Proconsolo and Via dell’Anguillara.
For a quick lunch, stop at All’Antico Vinaio near Via dei Neri—expect about €8–15 per person and queues at lunchtime. Ask clearly for vegetarian fillings and check ingredients if you are avoiding non-halal food; this is a sandwich shop rather than a halal restaurant, so a self-prepared meal may be more comfortable for your family. After lunch, visit Basilica of Santa Croce, allowing about an hour for the church, chapels and historic tombs. Confirm the 31 December opening schedule, since religious services may temporarily restrict sightseeing.
Take a taxi or local bus from the Santa Croce area up to Piazzale Michelangelo—walking uphill with children in winter darkness is tiring, and buses can be crowded or diverted. Arrive around 16:00–16:30 for the winter sunset and bring warm layers; the viewpoint is exposed and noticeably colder. Return before the crowds build, then cook an early dinner at your accommodation, ideally by 18:30. Florence’s central New Year’s Eve programme and any stage, fireworks or access controls should be checked closer to the date through the municipality’s official channels. After dinner, walk toward the confirmed celebration area, keeping phones and wallets secure in the dense crowd; arrange a meeting point in advance and expect some buses to stop early or follow altered routes.
Take an early regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale, allowing about 1½ hours door to door for walking to the station, the 50–70-minute ride and arrival logistics. Because 1 January is a public holiday, check the Trenitalia timetable shortly before departure and avoid relying on the last train of the day. From Pisa Centrale, walk for roughly 25 minutes through the centre, or take a local bus or taxi if the children are tired. Begin at Piazza dei Miracoli, allowing around 2½ hours for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery. Tower tickets are timed and should be reserved ahead; climb only if the youngest traveller meets the attraction’s current age and safety rules. Expect some holiday closures or reduced hours on New Year’s Day, so confirm the official schedules before committing to paid entries.
Walk back towards Borgo Stretto, the elegant arcaded street lined with small shops and cafés, taking about 15–20 minutes from the square. Allow 45 minutes for an unhurried stroll and a simple lunch. Continue to Piazza delle Vettovaglie, where the market area and surrounding lanes are atmospheric, though individual stalls and restaurants may open late or close for the holiday. For your family, look for vegetarian dishes, seafood or groceries suitable for a self-prepared meal; budget approximately €10–20 per person. For strictly halal requirements, treat this as a browsing and snack stop rather than assuming meat is halal, and carry a few packed items from Florence.
After lunch, walk back to Pisa Centrale—allow at least 30 minutes, plus a little extra for finding the platform—and take a regional train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella in the mid-afternoon or early evening. Recheck the New Year holiday timetable and keep flexibility for cancellations or fewer services. The full day is already quite active, so return to your accommodation for a warm meal and rest rather than adding another major attraction; cooking dinner with groceries bought in Florence is the most reliable halal and budget-friendly option. Expect roughly €9–12 per person each way for the train, excluding local buses, taxis and advance Tower tickets.
Since you are travelling in from Pisa, keep the first part of the day deliberately light: allow time for arrival, luggage, check-in and a warm drink before heading outside. At Ospizio Bernina, the family can make snow angels, build a small snowman, have a gentle snowball game and take photographs around the station and nearby paths. This is a snow experience rather than a ski day; avoid railway tracks, avalanche barriers, steep slopes and areas marked for winter operations.
Walk only on firm, visible paths around Lago Bianco, where the snowy landscape is beautiful but conditions can change quickly. Do not walk onto the frozen lake unless local signage and staff explicitly confirm it is safe. Pack waterproof boots, gloves, spare socks and a change of trousers for the children. If the weather is windy, foggy or visibility is poor, keep the outing close to the station and use the accommodation as a warm base.
If everyone still has energy, use a regular regional Rhätische Bahn train to Alp Grüm for a scenic change of view. Check the winter timetable on the day, as services are less frequent in the mountains; leave enough margin for the return train rather than relying on the last connection. The viewpoint and café area provide a pleasant short stop, but treat it as sightseeing and warming up, not as a ski excursion. Budget roughly CHF 10–25 per person for hot drinks, snacks or a simple café meal, depending on what is available and whether children share items.
For the most economical approach, choose the ordinary regional train rather than the Bernina Express panoramic service, which can involve a reservation or supplement. Staying directly at Ospizio Bernina is scenic but usually not the cheapest option because accommodation and food choices are limited. If the booking is not yet fixed, Pontresina or Tirano generally offers more accommodation and grocery options, but staying farther away would add daily train costs and reduce time for snow play. For this two-day plan, cook where possible and carry a packed lunch, since mountain food is typically more expensive and holiday services may be limited.
Return to Ospizio Bernina before dusk, change into dry layers and prepare a simple halal-friendly dinner if your accommodation has a kitchen. Rice, pasta, eggs, vegetables, tuna and fruit are practical supplies to buy before reaching the high mountain area; confirm kitchen access and food availability in advance, as there may be no convenient supermarket nearby. Keep the evening restful, since tomorrow is another snow-and-scenery day and winter mountain travel can be tiring.
Since you are already staying at Ospizio Bernina, keep today simple and inexpensive rather than travelling to another ski area. After breakfast, use the safe, already-cleared areas close to the accommodation for snowball games, making snow figures and family photographs. There is no need for ski passes, lessons or equipment hire; the main costs are food and, only if desired, a basic sled rented locally where permitted.
Keep children away from railway tracks, roads, steep embankments and frozen water. Waterproof trousers, gloves, sturdy boots and spare socks are essential, and supervise the 9-year-old closely because snow conditions can hide uneven ground. Allow time to warm up indoors between activities—the pass can be windy and much colder than the towns below.
Take a short walk towards Lago Bianco, staying on the visible winter path and turning back if the surface is icy or visibility worsens. In deep winter, the lake and surrounding paths may be snow-covered, and not every summer walking route will be safe or maintained. Treat this as a scenic outing rather than a full hike; around 1–1½ hours is enough for photographs and gentle snow play.
Return towards the Bernina Pass viewpoint for a packed lunch. Cooking at your accommodation is the most economical option: budget roughly €4–8 per person for a simple meal of bread, eggs, fruit, soup or pasta bought in advance. Do not rely on finding a large supermarket at the pass; buy halal groceries and snacks before arriving, or use the nearest larger town during your previous travel day.
After lunch, let the family have another relaxed session around Ospizio Bernina. A small plastic sled or snow disc can be used only on a gentle, clearly safe slope and only where local rules allow; do not use railway platforms, access roads or the edges of the frozen lake. If the snow is hard, visibility is poor or wind becomes strong, replace outdoor play with board games, hot drinks and photographs from sheltered viewpoints.
Return indoors before dusk to dry boots and gloves and prepare for tomorrow’s onward journey. Cook dinner rather than eating at a mountain restaurant; a family self-cooked meal can save considerably compared with resort dining, where a simple hot dish is often around €15–30 per adult. Check the next day’s Bernina Railway connections and any onward reservation tonight, since winter services may be less frequent and weather can affect mountain travel.
The journey from Ospizio Bernina to Venezia Santa Lucia is a full travel day, typically taking around 8–10 hours door to door with changes, waiting time and the onward connection through northern Italy. Leave enough time for the local transfer to the first main station, keep food and drinks with you, and reserve seats for all five travellers where possible. Because this is a Sunday in the winter holiday period, check the complete railway timetable before booking; do not rely on a same-day connection without generous buffers.
On arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia, leave larger bags at your accommodation or a staffed luggage facility nearby. Venice’s bridges make wheeled luggage tiring, particularly after the long Alpine journey. A 24-hour vaporetto pass may be worthwhile only if you expect several boat rides; otherwise, walking is often quicker within the historic centre.
The original sequence cannot fit in realistically after this transfer: St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace will almost certainly be closed by the time you arrive, and both require time-controlled planning. Keep them in the same order for the following morning, booking the basilica through its official channel and reserving the palace in advance. Dress modestly for the basilica, and allow time for security checks.
For tonight, walk from Venezia Santa Lucia towards Rialto Bridge, allowing about 30–45 minutes for the atmospheric lanes around San Polo. Rialto Market itself is generally finished for the day, particularly on a Sunday, so treat this as an evening neighbourhood walk rather than a market visit. Continue towards Piazza San Marco and the waterfront for another relaxed half-hour; winter wind off the lagoon can be sharp, so bring warm layers.
Finish in Cannaregio with a confirmed halal-friendly Indian or vegetarian dinner, budgeting roughly €20–35 per person. Check Sunday and winter closing times on the day, and confirm whether sauces contain alcohol or meat stock if relevant. If restaurants are closed after the long journey, buy ingredients from a supermarket near Santa Lucia or the accommodation and cook instead. Keep the evening simple and move the basilica and palace visits to the next morning rather than attempting a rushed or impossible entry.
Leave your Venice accommodation early enough to reach the Bridge of Sighs in Castello around 8:30–9:00, before the narrow waterfront becomes crowded. Allow about 30 minutes for photographs from Ponte della Paglia; you do not need to enter the bridge itself. From here, walk west through the atmospheric lanes toward San Polo, allowing roughly 25–30 minutes with the family. Venice’s stone bridges can be slippery in winter, so wear shoes with good grip and keep luggage light.
Continue to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, usually open from morning until late afternoon, though holiday hours should be checked before travelling. Tintoretto’s huge ceiling and wall paintings are the highlight; allow about an hour. A few minutes away, visit Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of Venice’s most impressive Gothic churches, for another hour. Entry is generally ticketed and modest dress is required. For lunch, pick up groceries or simple takeaway near San Polo—the Rialto Market area is convenient when operating—or prepare something at your accommodation before collecting your luggage. Keep this meal efficient because the afternoon train connection is time-sensitive.
Collect your bags and walk or take a vaporetto to Venezia Santa Lucia. For a train departing around 14:00–15:00, be at the station at least 25–30 minutes early; allow approximately three hours door to door for the station walk, boarding, the 2h15–2h30 high-speed train to Milano Centrale, and arrival logistics. A family fare of roughly €25–60 per person is possible when booked early, but prices rise during the winter holiday period. Confirm the platform on the station screens rather than relying only on the booking app.
After checking in or leaving luggage at your Milan accommodation, take the Metro to Duomo and walk into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The elegant covered arcade is especially atmospheric after dark; allow about 45 minutes to admire the mosaics, glass roof and festive lighting. Continue directly to Duomo di Milano for its illuminated exterior and square. Rooftop access is worthwhile if a suitable late entry is available, but reserve online in advance and check the winter closing time—do not depend on same-day availability. Allow around 1½ hours including security. For a practical halal-friendly dinner, Via Paolo Sarpi in Chinatown has several Asian and Middle Eastern options, while self-catering is usually easiest for this family and budget.
If your international flight is later in the day, leave your accommodation with luggage already packed and head to Sforza Castle in the Castello district by Metro M1 to Cairoli or M2 to Lanza. Allow about 20–30 minutes from central Milan, plus time to store luggage if your hotel cannot hold it. Explore the castle courtyards first, then choose only the museum sections that interest the family—two hours is enough for a pleasant visit without making the final day tiring. Museum access is ticketed, and opening hours can vary around Epiphany, so check the official schedule before relying on an early entry.
Walk directly through Parco Sempione, beside Sforza Castle, for a relaxed 45-minute winter stroll. Keep this flexible: January mornings can be cold and damp, and the park is more enjoyable when the paths are not rushed. Continue toward Arco della Pace, where the broad square gives you a good final family photograph of Milan. From here, return by tram or Metro, or use a taxi if everyone has suitcases and the weather is poor.
Make Mercato Centrale Milano at Milano Centrale your practical final stop for lunch and travel supplies. The food hall is convenient for buying sandwiches, fruit, snacks and ingredients for the airport or flight; budget approximately €10–20 per person, while checking individual stalls for halal suitability or choosing clearly vegetarian and seafood options. Allow at least 60–75 minutes for eating and collecting luggage. For Milan Malpensa Airport, the Malpensa Express from Milano Centrale is usually the best-value option, taking roughly 50–60 minutes to the appropriate terminal; with walking, waiting, luggage and airport check-in, budget about 1½–2 hours door to door. A pre-booked family taxi is easier with five passengers and multiple bags. Aim to reach the airport at least three hours before the international flight, and verify the train timetable and terminal on the day.
No packing list attached yet.