Italia Family-Friendly 12 Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Rome Colosseum
    20 minutes (7.2km) from Fiumicino

    The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most significant landmarks in Italy. This architectural masterpiece played host to gruesome gladiatorial contests, bloody executions, and grand shows back in the Roman Empire days.

  • Day 2: Vatican City
    15 minutes (4.1km) from Colosseum

    Vatican City is the world's smallest state and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Beside the religious significance, it is a must visit for its centuries-old architecture, magnificent art and museums, and breathtaking views.

  • Day 3: Leaning Tower of Pisa
    3 hours (330km) from Vatican City

    The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world's most famous buildings, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. You can climb up the tower for a fantastic view of Pisa and its surroundings.

  • Day 4: Florence Cathedral
    1 hour 20 minutes (85 km) from Pisa

    Florence, the hub of Renaissance culture, is home to many of Italy's most famous masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David. The Florence Cathedral, also known as Il Duomo, is a must-see attraction for its impressive architecture and engineering.

  • Day 5: Uffizi Gallery
    5 minutes (650m) from Florence Cathedral

    The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world, home to an impressive collection of paintings by Renaissance masters. It is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

  • Day 6: Venice Canals
    2 hours 10 minutes (260km) from Uffizi Gallery

    The Venice Canals are the city's unique characteristic with web-like canals and shimmering waterways. Hire a gondola for a romantic float through the narrow alleys or check out the famous attractions such as the Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark's Basilica.

  • Day 7: Gardaland
    2 hours 15 minutes (196km) from Venice Canals

    Gardaland is a family-friendly amusement park situated on the shore of Lake Garda. The park's diverse collection of rides, shows and attractions is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

  • Day 8: Cinque Terre
    2 hours 30 minutes (200km) from Gardaland

    The Cinque Terre is a stunning, picturesque coastline dotted with brightly painted pastel houses perched on the rocky hillsides offering beautiful vistas of the Ligurian Sea. Stopping by the beautiful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore for the perfect experience.

  • Day 9: Siena’s Piazza del Campo
    3 hours (220km) from Cinque Terre

    The Piazza del Campo is the heart of the medieval city of Siena, a majestic square with a scorched-brick paving, surrounded by palaces, marketplaces, and historic cafes. Known all over the world for its biannual horserace, the Palio di Siena.

  • Day 10: Pompeii
    4 hours 30 minutes (410km) from Siena’s Piazza del Campo

    Ancient Pompeii is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Pompeii's destroyed and ruined temples, houses, and Forum, offer a glimpse into Roman life in 79 AD, when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted engulfing the city in ash and debris.

  • Day 11: Amalfi Coast
    45 minutes (60km) from Pompeii

    The Amalfi Coast is a paradise for people seeking sun, fun and natural beauty. With sparkling blue sea and mesmerizing cliffside views, it is known for its glamorous resorts, plush villas, and upscale restaurants.

  • Day 12: Capri Island
    45 minutes (20km) from Amalfi Coast

    The island of Capri, once the vacation spot Roman emperors and infamous vacation spot for international celebrities is an ideal family-friendly getaway boasting of picturesque views, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear sea. Take a Machiavellian excursion to Grotta Azzurra, the famous Blue Grotto.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Rome Colosseum (2 hours, €16)
  • Vatican City (3 hours, €20)
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa (2 hours, €18)
  • Florence Cathedral (2 hours, €18)
  • Uffizi Gallery (3 hours, €15)
  • Venice Canals (3 hours, €60)
  • Gardaland (5 hours, €40)
  • Cinque Terre (4 hours, €25)
  • Siena's Piazza del Campo (3 hours, €10)
  • Pompeii (4 hours, €18)
  • Amalfi Coast (4 hours, €35)
  • Capri Island (5 hours, €50)

  • Total Estimated Costs: €285

Transportation

Transportation in Italy is available with options like cars, taxis, gondolas, buses or the subway, and high-speed trains for covering long distances in a shorter time frame. The total cost of traveling using public transportation is around €60 whereas renting a car could cost €200 or more for 12 days of use.

Useful tips

If travelers have a few more days, they can consider visiting Tuscany, Milan or Naples's archaeological sites. Shop for souvenirs at local markets like Mercato Centrale or take a cooking class to learn how to make handmade pasta. If there are fewer days, consider dropping one destination and spending more time exploring the others.

Airports

The main international airports in Italy are Rome Fiumicino Airport, code FCO, is 30km southwest of Rome, and Milan Malpensa Airport, code MXP, located 50 km to the northwest of Milan. Both airports are conveniently connected to other parts of the country with local and regional transportation.

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