12 Days Family-Friendly Itinerary to Italy

  • Day 1: Explore Vatican City
    20 minutes (5.5 km) from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

    The smallest country in the world, Vatican City is a must-visit destination in Italy. Home to the famous Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums, and St. Peter's Basilica, this place is perfect for learning about art, culture, and history.

  • Day 2: Discover Ancient Rome
    15 minutes (4.5 km) from Vatican City

    Discover the heritage of Rome by visiting iconic ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum. Take a stroll through the picturesque cobbled streets of Trastevere and enjoy some gelato while taking in the beautiful city view.

  • Day 3: Sail Around the Amalfi Coast
    2 hours (70 km) from Rome

    A boat trip around the Amalfi Coast offers a fantastic view of the coast and its scenic towns. Explore the picturesque Positano, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Emerald Grotto, and enjoy a hearty seafood meal in the port town of Amalfi.

  • Day 4: Visit the Medieval City of Siena
    3 hours (250 km) from Amalfi

    Located in Tuscany, Siena's medieval architecture and cultural heritage make it an excellent destination for families. Visit the iconic Piazza del Campo, which hosts the famous Palio horse race, and get a glimpse of the city's rich history through its Gothic architecture.

  • Day 5: Enjoy Tuscan Countryside
    1 hour (50 km) from Siena

    Take a day trip to the Tuscan countryside and explore the rolling hills of Chianti. Stop by local wineries, taste some excellent wine, and savor a traditional Tuscan meal cooked using locally sourced ingredients

  • Day 6: Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
    2 hours (150 km) from Chianti

    One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa should be on every traveler's list when visiting Italy. Visit the charming Piazza del Duomo and breathtaking Pisa Cathedral while exploring the historic city of Pisa.

  • Day 7: Explore the Stunning Florence
    1 hour (80 km) from Pisa

    The birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Florence is a perfect family-friendly destination with tons of interactive museums and picturesque piazzas. Visit the famous statues of Michaelangelo, Botticelli exhibits in Uffizi Gallery, and take a sunset walk along the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

  • Day 8: Enjoy the Beauty of Lake Como
    4 hours (300 km) from Florence

    The serene Lake Como, with its blue waters and mountain panorama, is the perfect destination to have a relaxing day in Italy. Take a boat ride across the lake for a panoramic view of the villas and palaces dotting its shores, and visit the elegant gardens in the town of Bellagio.

  • Day 9: Get Lost in the Canals of Venice
    3 hours (270 km) from Como

    Explore the picturesque city of Venice, built across 118 islands connected by bridges and waterways. Take a boat ride along the Grand Canal, visit the iconic St. Mark's Basilica, and indulge in Venetian cuisine in one of its many calle or narrow street restaurants.

  • Day 10: Discover the Puglia Region
    4 hours (400 km) from Venice

    The Puglia region, occupying the heel of Italy, offers a unique culinary and cultural experience. Visit the historic city of Lecce, known for its exquisite Baroque architecture, and make gourmet stops for some burrata cheese and olive oil in the Salento Peninsula.

  • Day 11: Explore Pompei Ruins and the Mount Vesuvius
    3 hours (280 km) from Puglia

    Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Take a tour of the Pompeii archaeological site, then visit the Mount Vesuvius National Park for a hike up its rocky summit and a panoramic view of the Bay of Naples from the top.

  • Day 12: Surf in Sardinia Island
    4 hours (350 km) from Naples

    Sardinia Island's beaches boasting white sand, crystal-clear waters, and rock formations, is the perfect destination to end your trip to Italy. Have a surfing class, visit crystal clear natural park and enjoy traditional Sardinian cuisine in local restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Vatican Museums (2-3 hours, €36)
  • Colosseum Tour with Gladiator Entrance (3-4 hours, €54)
  • Boat Trip to Amalfi Coast (7 hours, €75)
  • Siena Walking Tour (2 hours, €15)
  • Chianti Wine Tour and Tasting (6 hours, €50)
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa and Square of Miracles Tour (2 hours, €22)
  • Uffizi Gallery Tour (2 hours, €30)
  • Lake Como Boat Tour and Gardens Visit (5 hours, €45)
  • Venice Walking Tour (2 hours, €35)
  • Puglia Olive Oil and Cheese Tasting Tour (3 hours, €30)
  • Pompeii and Vesuvius Tour (8 hours, €65)
  • Surfing Class in Sardinia Island (2 hours, €50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €487 per person

Transportation Details

Traveling between destinations in Italy is convenient via fast trains, but flights and private cars could also be an option if you want to cover more ground. Expect plenty of walking in the cities, and use public transportation like water taxis or buses to get around. The estimated cost for transportation comes around €300 per person, and it takes about 8 hours on average to get from one city to another.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a trip to Tuscany or Cinque Terre. If you have less time, consider cutting short your visit to Pompeii and Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast. Arrange to buy tickets in advance to save money and avoid long lines.

Airports

The main airports in Italy are the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome, the Milan–Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, and the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Venice. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is the busiest airport, and its distance from the city center is 35 km.

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