Family-Friendly 2025 Italy Itinerary: Bologna, Florence & Venice Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in

Bologna, Italy on June 6, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport

Land in Bologna and transfer to your hotel, Living Place, to check-in and settle in for your exciting Italian adventure.
EUR0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore nearby area

Take a gentle walk in the vicinity of your hotel to get a first impression of Bologna's charming streets and local shops.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Meloncello

Enjoy traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù at this family-friendly and authentic restaurant, popular for its warm atmosphere and tasty local cuisine.
EUR30 per person approx, 1h30m

Day 2: Bologna City Tour

Bologna, Italy on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Living Place Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet offered at the hotel, featuring fresh pastries, fruits, and coffee suited for all ages.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

9:30am

Piazza Maggiore and Fountain of Neptune

Visit the central square of Bologna, admire the stunning Fountain of Neptune, and soak up the historic atmosphere perfect for pictures and learning local history.
EUR0, 1h

10:30am

Climb Asinelli Tower

Climb the iconic 498-step Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of Bologna; a fun and active activity for your son and great for memorable photos.
EUR5 per adult, EUR3 for children, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sfoglia Rina

Enjoy handmade fresh pasta in a cosy spot that offers excellent ravioli and tortellini, a great spot to try authentic Italian family-friendly dishes.
EUR20-25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Museo della Storia di Bologna

Explore Bologna's history with interactive exhibits which will be interesting and educational for your son and adults alike.
EUR5 per adult, free for under 18s, 1h30m

3:30pm

Gelato break at Cremeria Funivia

Indulge in some of the best gelato in Bologna, perfect for a refreshing treat after walking around the city.
EUR4 per serving, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Orsa

Dine on traditional Bolognese comfort foods in a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere located in the city centre.
EUR25-30 per person, 1h30m

Day 3: Florence Day Trip

Florence, Italy on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Living Place Hotel

Fuel up early with your included hotel breakfast before your train trip to Florence; make sure to have a good mix of carbohydrates and protein.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Florence from Bologna Centrale

Catch a direct high-speed train which takes about 35 minutes to reach Florence, allowing you to spend maximum time sightseeing.
EUR25 per person approx, 35m

9:00am

Visit Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)

Explore the magnificent Florence Cathedral including the famous dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that is awe-inspiring for all ages.
EUR18 per person (climbing dome and museums), 1h30m

11:00am

Walk to Piazza della Signoria

Discover the elegant square full of statues and historical buildings, perfect for sightseeing and photography.
EUR0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in a family-friendly setting with excellent Tuscan soup and fresh pasta options.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Ponte Vecchio

Stroll along the iconic medieval bridge filled with jewellery shops and beautiful views of the Arno River.
EUR0, 30m

2:00pm

Visit Uffizi Gallery (optional)

For art lovers, explore one of the world's most famous art museums featuring works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Pre-book tickets recommended.
EUR20 per adult, under 18 free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax in Boboli Gardens

Enjoy some outdoor time in the beautiful Boboli Gardens with sculptures and wide spaces for your son to roam safely.
EUR10 per adult, free for under 18, 1h

6:30pm

Train back to Bologna

Return by train to Bologna for overnight rest after a full day exploring Florence.
EUR25 per person approx, 35m

7:30pm

Light Dinner near hotel

Have a light dinner or snack at a nearby cafe, perfect for tiring feet after the day’s excitement.
EUR15 per person approx, 1h

Day 4: Last Bologna Day

Bologna, Italy on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Living Place Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your final day in Bologna.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca

Take a taxi or bus to this hilltop sanctuary offering beautiful views and an easy walk under the long portico, an engaging experience for the whole family.
EUR0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante da Cesari

Experience elegant Bolognese cuisine in a historic restaurant that welcomes families and offers traditional dishes.
EUR30 per person approx, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping and leisure in Via dell'Indipendenza

Spend the afternoon exploring shops, ice cream parlours, and small parks along Bologna's main shopping street.
EUR0-Variable, 2h

6:00pm

Early dinner at Ranzani 13

Enjoy family-friendly Italian dishes with fresh ingredients in a welcoming environment close to the hotel.
EUR25 per person, 1h30m

Day 5: Transfer to Venice

Venice, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Living Place Hotel

Have a good breakfast before checking out and travelling to Venice.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Bologna to Venice Mestre

Take a direct train to Venice Mestre, travel time approx 1.5 hours to easily reach your hotel.
EUR25-30 per person approx, 1h30m

11:00am

Check in at Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana

Check into your family-friendly hotel and get ready to explore Venice over the next days.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria al Bomba

Enjoy Venetian specialties in a cosy local venue well suited for families.
EUR25 per person approx, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Venice city centre

Take public transport (vaporetto) to St Mark’s Square, explore the Basilica and Doge's Palace exteriors, enjoying open-air sightseeing at leisure.
EUR0 for vaporetto pass, plus optionally Doge’s Palace tickets EUR25 per adult, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria alla Madonna

Dinner featuring fresh seafood and Venetian dishes in a classic setting near the Grand Canal.
EUR30 per person approx, 1h30m

Day 6: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Novotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art in this renowned museum with a manageable size, perfect for young visitors and adults.
EUR15 per adult, under 18 free, 1h30m

11:00am

Take a Gondola Ride

Experience Venice’s iconic canals with a family-friendly gondola ride, offering a unique perspective on the city.
EUR80 per gondola (up to 6 people), 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy fresh Venetian seafood in an authentic and welcoming environment away from the busiest tourist spots.
EUR30 per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Murano Island

Take the vaporetto to Murano to see famous glassmaking workshops with demonstrations suitable for children.
EUR20 for vaporetto day pass, workshop free or small fee, 3h

6:00pm

Return to hotel for rest and freshen up

Relax and prepare for dinner at leisure.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Lanterna

Family-friendly venue offering traditional Venetian and Italian cuisine in a comfortable setting.
EUR25-30 per person, 1h30m

Day 7: Venice Adventure

Venice, Italy on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Novotel

Enjoy a good breakfast buffet preparing you for another day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore Cannaregio District

Walk around the quieter Cannaregio area, including the Jewish Ghetto and charming canals with cafes and artisan shops.
EUR0, 2h

11:00am

Visit Natural History Museum of Venice

Fun and educational spot with engaging exhibits perfect for your son to discover the natural world.
EUR10 per adult, free for under 18, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Al Timon

Popular local bacaro offering Venetian cicchetti (small plates), excellent for trying a variety of tastes as a family.
EUR20 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Giardini della Biennale

Spend a peaceful afternoon in this large public garden perfect for playing and resting.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Saint Mark's Basilica

Take a guided tour of the stunning basilica featuring lovely mosaics and historic architecture.
EUR5 per person, free under 18, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Romano

Enjoy seafood specialties and Venetian classics in a historic and highly-rated family-friendly restaurant on Burano island, reachable by vaporetto.
EUR30-35 per person, 1h30m

Day 8: Final Venice Day

Venice, Italy on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Novotel

Enjoy your included breakfast one last time at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ca' Rezzonico Museum

Explore this museum dedicated to 18th-century Venice, with grand interiors and art that captures Venetian life, enjoyable for all ages.
EUR15 per adult, free under 18, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping for souvenirs in Rialto Market Area

Browse the Rialto market and surrounding shops for authentic Venetian goods and gifts.
Variable expenditure, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Bancogiro

Relax with a canal-side lunch featuring fresh, seasonal Venetian dishes in a welcoming family environment.
EUR25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana

Head back to your hotel to rest and pack for your departure.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Casual dinner near hotel

Have a simple dinner close to the hotel to end your Venice stay comfortably.
EUR20 per person approx, 1h

Day 9: Return to Bologna

Bologna, Italy on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Novotel

Enjoy your last hotel breakfast in Venice.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Check-out and Train to Bologna

Travel back to Bologna Mestre by train for hotel near the airport.
EUR25 per person approx, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Flyon Hotel Bologna

Settle into your hotel near Bologna airport for a convenient departure the next morning.
EUR0, 1h

11:30am

Relax and light local lunch

Enjoy a calm afternoon and light lunch at the hotel or nearby cafe to rest up before your flight.
EUR20 per person approx, 1h30m