14-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Northern Italy including Lake Garda and Cinque Terre

Day 1: Scenic Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

9:00AM

Travel to Lake Como

Catch a morning train to Lake Como, where stunning landscapes await.
Train from Milan to Varenna-Esino Station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Varenna, a picturesque town along the lake.
Walk from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Villa Monastero

Explore the beautiful gardens and historic villa, ideal for a family stroll.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria del Porto

Delight in local pizzas with stunning views of the lake, a hit amongst kids.
Walking distance from Villa Monastero.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take a Ferry to Bellagio

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the charming town of Bellagio, often called the 'Pearl of Lake Como.'
Ferry terminal is nearby.
EUR10, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Bellagio

Discover lovely shops and gardens in Bellagio, great for family photos.
Walk along the waterfront in Bellagio.
EUR0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo

Savor authentic Northern Italian cuisine, with options for everyone in the family.
Located in Bellagio.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Varenna

Indulge in fresh pastries and Italian coffee to start the day right.
Walk to the pastry shop.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking Trail to Castello di Vezio

Embark on a family-friendly hike to this ancient castle with panoramic views, great for all ages.
Hike is well-marked from Varenna.
EUR5, 2.5 hours (roundtrip)

12:00PM

Pack Lunch Picnic

Pick up items from a local shop and enjoy a picnic at the castle, soaking in the scenery.
Grab supplies in Varenna beforehand.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Tremezzo

Spend the afternoon exploring Tremezzo with its charming gardens and views of Villa Carlotta.
Take the ferry to Tremezzo.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria Eolo

Cool down with artisan gelato at a popular spot in Tremezzo.
Located near the ferry terminal.
EUR5, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at La Darsena

Enjoy a lovely dinner with a view of the lake, perfect for families.
Located close to the ferry terminal.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Explore Portofino

Portofino, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Portofino

Drive to the stunning coastal town of Portofino, known for its breathtaking views and vibrant colors.
Drive from Varenna to Portofino.
EUR30 (for gas), 3 hours

11:00AM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and soak in the coastal atmosphere.
Short walk from the town center.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Puny

Enjoy fresh seafood and picturesque views while dining in the heart of Portofino.
Stroll from the hotel to the restaurant.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Portofino Harbor

Take a leisurely walk around the harbor, where kids can enjoy exploring the boats.
Walking tour of the harbor.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Castello Brown

Explore this historic castle with spectacular views over Portofino, catching a glimpse of its history.
Easy hike from the harbor to the castle.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Da I Gemelli

Wrap up your day with a meal that features authentic Ligurian cuisine in a family-friendly setting.
Walking distance from the castle.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Portofino

Portofino, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast with sea views at your hotel.
At your hotel.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Santa Margherita Ligure

Take a short ferry ride to the charming seaside town, famous for its beautiful promenade.
Ferry from Portofino to Santa Margherita.
EUR10, 30 mins

10:30AM

Explore the Market

Stroll through the local market and pick up fresh produce and local snacks for a picnic.
Central plaza in Santa Margherita.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the Beach

Enjoy a family picnic at the beach, soaking up the sun and atmosphere.
Walk to the nearby beach.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Cheese Factory Tour

See how local cheeses are made on a guided family-friendly tour, with samples at the end!
Pre-book a tour at a nearby cheese factory.
EUR15 (per person), 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Portofino

Take the ferry back to Portofino and enjoy some leisure time at your hotel.
Ferry back to Portofino.
EUR10, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Da I Gemelli

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local dishes everyone will love.
Walk from your hotel.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Fun at Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Lake Garda

Early morning drive to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy with plenty of family-friendly activities.
Drive from Portofino to Peschiera del Garda.
EUR25 (for gas), 3 hours

11:00AM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and prepare for a day of fun.
Short drive from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Il Giardino

Enjoy a family-friendly meal with local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
Located near the park.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Gardaland Amusement Park

Spend the day at Italy’s most famous amusement park with exciting rides and attractions for all ages.
Short drive from the hotel.
EUR40, 6 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Cavour

Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner featuring local fish and pasta dishes.
Nearby your hotel.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Lake Garda Adventures

Lake Garda, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to fuel up for a day filled with adventure.
At your hotel.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Scaliger Castle in Malcesine

Take a scenic drive to Malcesine to visit the beautiful Scaliger Castle overlooking Lake Garda.
Drive from your hotel to Malcesine.
EUR10 (for parking), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Malcesine

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with views of the lake and castle, offering kid-friendly menus.
Walk from the castle to a nearby restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Take the Cable Car to Monte Baldo

Enjoy breathtaking views and family-friendly hiking opportunities at the top of Monte Baldo.
Cable car station is near the castle.
EUR12 (for entire family), 3 hours (roundtrip including time at the top)

5:00PM

Return to Your Hotel

Head back and relax at your hotel or enjoy some leisure time near the lake.
Drive back from Malcesine.
EUR10 (for gas), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Cavour

Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner featuring local fish and pasta dishes.
Nearby your hotel.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Verona Arrival

Verona, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Verona

Take a train from Peschiera del Garda to Verona.
Train from Peschiera del Garda to Verona Porta Nuova Station.
EUR10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and refresh before exploring the city.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Juliet's House

Explore the famous Casa di Giulietta, where kids can read love letters and take pictures by the balcony.
A short stroll around the historic center.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe

Experience the lively market square covered in history, perfect for family photos.
Walk from Juliet's House.
EUR0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Michele

Enjoy delicious pizza with ample choices for the whole family in vibrant Verona.
Short walk from the piazza.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Castelvecchio Museum

Explore this medieval castle and bridge with picturesque views and learn about Verona’s history.
Not far from the restaurant.
EUR8, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Antica Torre

End the day with traditional Italian dishes in a charming setting, ideal for families.
Nearby, within the piazza.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Venice Arrival

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Venice

Catch an early morning train to Venice, the vibrant city of canals and bridges.
Train from Verona to Venezia Santa Lucia.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Check into Hotel

Settle in at your hotel and prepare to explore the magical city.
Walk from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Take a Vaporetto Ride on the Grand Canal

Experience Venice from the water by taking a Vaporetto ride and admire the beautiful architecture along the canal.
Buy tickets at the station.
EUR7, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Antico Pizzeria

Enjoy delightful pizza in a casual setting, perfect for families exploring Venice.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore St. Mark's Square

Visit the famous Piazza San Marco, where kids can feed the pigeons and see St. Mark's Basilica.
Walk from the restaurant.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore the rich history of Venice at Doge's Palace and enjoy the stunning architecture.
Located in St. Mark's Square.
EUR16, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Da Ivo

Conclude your first day in Venice with delicious Venetian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short walk from the Doge's Palace.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dal Mas

Enjoy delightful pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Murano Island

Take a Vaporetto to Murano and explore the famous glass-making factories, a great experience for the kids.
Vaporetto from Venice.
EUR15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria al Duomo

Enjoy traditional Italian dishes and seafood at this family-friendly eatery.
Find it near Murano's main square.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Murano Glass Museum

Discover the art of glassblowing and history at this fascinating museum.
A short walk from the previous lunch.
EUR7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Venice

Head back to Venice and explore more of its canals and streets.
Vaporetto back to Venice.
EUR15, 1 hour

4:30PM

Take a Gondola Ride

Create unforgettable family memories when you hop on a gondola ride through Venice's enchanting canals.
Gondola stations are near St. Mark's Square.
EUR80, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Romano

Enjoy family-style dining with dishes that everyone will love, in a lovely setting.
Located near the famous bridge.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Bologna Arrival

Bologna, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Bologna

Take a train from Venice to Bologna, known for its rich culinary heritage.
Train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Bologna Centrale.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Settle into your hotel and refresh before exploring the city.
Walk from the train station.
EUR0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy traditional Bolognese cuisine with options that appeal to the whole family.
Short walk from your hotel.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Piazza Maggiore

Visit the bustling main square, famous for its historical buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
A short walk from Trattoria Anna Maria.
EUR0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Asinelli Tower

Climb to the top of this iconic leaning tower for spectacular views of Bologna.
Walk to the tower from the square.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria D'Oslo

Savor some of the best gelato in Bologna, perfect for a family treat.
Short walk from the tower.
EUR5, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria le Logge

Enjoy a cozy dinner experience featuring local specialties that everyone will enjoy.
Nearby, within the old town.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Tuscany Cooking and Wine Tasting

Tuscany, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Tuscany

Rent a car and drive through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to your cooking class location.
Drive from Bologna to your cooking class venue.
EUR30 (for gas), 2 hours

10:00AM

Cooking Class in Tuscany

Participate in a family-friendly cooking class, learning to make classic Italian dishes with local ingredients.
At your cooking class venue.
EUR100, 4 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy Lunch from Your Cooking Class

Taste the delicious creations you made during your class, a memorable family dining experience.
Same venue as cooking class.
EUR0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Wine Tasting Experience

Visit a local vineyard for a wine-tasting session while the kids can explore the surroundings.
Travel to the vineyard, directions provided by your cooking class.
EUR20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Agriturismo

Finish your day with dinner at a local agriturismo, experiencing farm-fresh dishes in a cozy setting.
Nearby the vineyard.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Tuscany Exploration

Tuscany, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Agriturismo

Start your day with a fresh and hearty breakfast at the agriturismo.
At your accommodations.
EUR0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit San Gimignano

Explore this medieval hilltop town famous for its towers and gelato, a must-visit while in Tuscany.
Drive to San Gimignano.
EUR0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Osteria

Enjoy Tuscan cuisine at a quaint local restaurant, making the most of the regional flavors.
Within San Gimignano.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Town and Its Shops

Wander the charming streets, shopping for local handicrafts and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Walk around San Gimignano.
EUR0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli

Treat the family to award-winning gelato at this iconic shop in San Gimignano.
Located in the main square.
EUR5, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Antica Macelleria in Volterra

Conclude the day with a delicious meal in another charming Tuscan town, rich in history.
Drive to Volterra.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Visit Pisa

Pisa, Italy

8:00AM

Travel to Pisa

Take an early train to Pisa, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower.
Train from La Spezia to Pisa Centrale.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Marvel at the Leaning Tower and take family photos; kids can enjoy playing around the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR20 (if climbing the tower), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Pizzeria da Mario

Enjoy local pizza and pasta, perfect for refueling before your journey back.
Short walk from the tower.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Baptistery and Cathedral

Take a quick tour around the Baptistery and Cathedral, well-loved by families for their stunning architecture.
Located in Piazza dei Miracoli.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel Back to Milan

Catch an afternoon train back to Milan for your final evening.
Train from Pisa to Milano Centrale.
EUR25, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Caffè Trussardi

Wrap up your trip with stylish dining offering Mediterranean cuisine.
Located near the Duomo.
EUR40, 1.5 hours
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Day 14: Last Day in Milan

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with pastries and coffee at a neighborhood café.
Within walking distance from your hotel.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping at Via Montenapoleone

Explore the famous fashion district and shop for last-minute souvenirs.
Walk from your hotel to the shopping district.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Castello Sforzesco

Spend your last hours exploring this historic castle with gardens and museums.
Short walk from the shopping district.
EUR5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Risoel

Enjoy one last traditional Italian meal in a family-friendly setting.
Walk from Castello Sforzesco.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, cherishing the memories of your Northern Italy adventure.
Take a shuttle or taxi to Malpensa Airport.
EUR35, 1 hour
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