10-Day Kid-Friendly Italy Adventure: Rome to Venice by Car and Train

Day 1: Ancient Rome Kickoff

Rome, Italy on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Panella - L'Arte del Pane

Enjoy fresh pastries and Italian espresso at this family-friendly bakery, which opens at 7am, perfect to fuel up before a day exploring ancient Rome.

EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Colosseum Tour with Kids

Explore the iconic Colosseum with a guided kid-friendly tour that brings gladiator stories to life. Open 8:30am-7pm; last entry 6pm.

EUR16 per adult, EUR2 per child, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Savor traditional Roman dishes in a cozy environment near the Forum; perfect for families and open 12pm-3pm.

EUR25 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Stroll through ancient ruins where Roman history unfolds; combined ticket with Colosseum, open 8:30am-7pm.

Included with Colosseum ticket, 2h0m

5:00pm

Villa Borghese Park and Playground

Unwind at this large public park featuring playgrounds, bike rentals, and puppet shows, ideal for kids to play and relax.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Aroma

Enjoy gourmet Italian dining overlooking the Colosseum, with a kids menu available. Open 12:30pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

EUR50 per adult, EUR20 per child, 1h30m

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Day 2: Vatican and Interactive Fun

Rome, Italy on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Start early with Italian coffee and sandwiches near the Vatican, open 7am-7pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

9:00am

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Book a kid-friendly guided tour to explore world-class art and the Sistine Chapel, with engaging stories for children. Open 9am-6pm; last admission 4pm.

EUR30 per adult, EUR15 per child, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Borgo Pio Trattoria

Enjoy classic Roman cuisine in a relaxed setting close to Vatican City, open noon to 3pm.

EUR20 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Castel Sant'Angelo

Explore the castle with interactive exhibits and panoramic views from the terrace. Opens 9am-7:30pm.

EUR15 per adult, children under 18 free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Gelato Tasting at Gelateria del Teatro

Taste artisan gelato made with natural ingredients, a must for kids and adults. Open 12pm-11pm.

EUR5 per scoop, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Family-friendly Roman trattoria with traditional dishes and fresh pastas. Open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

EUR25 per person, 1h30m

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Day 3: Art and Renaissance Start

Florence, Italy on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Train from Rome to Florence

Take the high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) early in the morning for a comfortable journey north toward Florence.

EUR40 per adult, EUR20 per child, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy superior coffee and kid-friendly pastries near the Florence train station; open from 8am.

EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the world’s greatest art museums with a family tour focusing on Renaissance masterpieces accessible for children. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.

EUR20 per adult, under 18 free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

Casual spot with delicious sandwiches and Tuscan specialties, perfect for kids. Open noon-4pm.

EUR15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens

Explore expansive gardens with fountains and open spaces great for kids to run around, open 8:15am-7:30pm.

EUR10 per adult, children free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Piazza della Signoria

Watch street performers and enjoy the historic square ambiance, ideal for kids to experience storytelling and statues.

Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Ménagère

A stylish yet family-welcoming restaurant offering Italian cuisine and a kids’ menu. Open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

EUR35 per adult, EUR15 per child, 1h30m

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Day 4: Pisa Day Trip

Florence, Italy on June 5, 2025

8:30am

Drive or Train to Pisa

Take a 1-hour train or car trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, making it easy and manageable for kids.

EUR10 per adult, EUR5 per child, 1h0m

10:00am

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Visit the famous tower with a climb option (suitable for older kids) and enjoy the open space around the Piazza dei Miracoli, open 9am-8pm.

EUR20 per adult, EUR10 per child, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Buca

Family-friendly Tuscan cuisine nearby the tower, serving simple and tasty pastas. Open noon-3pm.

EUR20 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Pisa Botanical Garden

Relax in Italy’s oldest botanical garden, perfect for a quiet stroll or children’s curiosity about plants, open 9am-6pm.

EUR7 per adult, children free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Florence

Travel back to Florence for an early evening rest and free time.

Included in morning travel cost, 1h0m

5:00pm

Gelato at Gelateria Santa Trinita

Taste some of Florence’s best gelato, ideal for kids and adults alike, open 12pm-11pm.

EUR5 per scoop, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Sergio Gozzi

A relaxed dinner spot specializing in Tuscan pizzas and pastas perfect for families, open from 7pm.

EUR25 per person, 1h30m

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Day 5: Gastronomy and Medieval Charm

Bologna, Italy on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Drive or Train to Bologna

Travel 1-1.5 hours to Bologna, known for its food culture and medieval city center, ideal for families interested in culinary adventures.

EUR15 per adult, EUR8 per child, 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

Have breakfast at this local café serving great coffee and pastries, with a welcoming atmosphere for children.

EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Bologna Food Market Tour

Visit Mercato di Mezzo and other local markets with tastings of fresh pasta, cheeses, and cured meats; fun and educational for kids.

EUR20 per person, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy traditional Bolognese food in a cozy family-run setting with ample kid options, open noon-3pm.

EUR30 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Towers of Bologna

Climb the Asinelli Tower for spectacular views (recommended for older kids) or explore the medieval streets at a relaxed pace.

EUR5 per adult, kids under 6 free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Giardini Margherita Playground

Spend free time in Bologna's largest park, perfect for children to play and enjoy some downtime.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Drogheria della Rosa

Dinner in a charming restaurant with classic dishes and kids' meals, open 7pm-11pm.

EUR35 per adult, EUR15 per child, 1h30m

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Day 6: Verona’s Romance & History

Verona, Italy on June 7, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Verona

Begin a 1.5-hour drive towards Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet, offering rich history and family-friendly sites.

EUR0 (self-drive), 1h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Flego

Benefit from a family-friendly bakery with delicious sweets and coffee, open from 7am.

EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Verona Arena

Visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheater where families can imagine thrilling ancient shows. Open 8am-7pm.

EUR10 per adult, children free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Sottoriva

Sample Venetian-style dishes with kid-favorite pasta options near the historic center, open 12pm-3pm.

EUR25 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House)

Explore the romantic courtyard and balcony linked to Romeo and Juliet’s tale, fun for storytelling with children. Open 8:30am-7:30pm.

EUR6 per adult, children free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Giardino Giusti

Visit this Renaissance garden with maze features and peacocks, delighting children and adults alike, open 8:30am-7pm.

EUR10 per adult, children free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Pompiere

Family-style dining with classic Veronese specialties and a children's menu, open 7pm until late.

EUR35 per adult, EUR15 per child, 1h30m

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Day 7: Lake Garda Outdoors

Lake Garda, Italy on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Lake Garda

A short 1-hour drive to Italy’s largest lake, offering outdoor activities and lakeside fun for kids.

EUR0 (self-drive), 1h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Podestà

Enjoy traditional baked goods and espresso just lakeside, open 7am-7pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Gardaland Amusement Park

Spend the day at Italy’s top amusement park with rides and shows suitable for all ages, open 10am-6pm.

EUR45 per adult, EUR35 per child, 5h0m

5:30pm

Walk along Lake Garda Shore

Relax with an easy stroll along the lake to enjoy the sunset and calming views before dinner.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Rucola 2.0

Family-friendly dinner focusing on fresh lake fish and Italian specialties, open 7pm-10:30pm.

EUR30 per adult, EUR15 per child, 1h30m

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Day 8: Venice Arrival & Exploration

Venice, Italy on June 9, 2025

9:00am

Drive and Park outside Venice, then take Vaporetto

Park the car in Mestre or Piazzale Roma and take the water bus (vaporetto) into Venice, a hassle-free way for families.

EUR7.50 per adult one way, kids under 6 free, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Enjoy pastries and cappuccino at this family-friendly Venetian bakery, open 7am-7pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Explore the iconic piazza and basilica with its golden mosaics; children will enjoy the pigeons and open spaces. Basilica open 9:30am-5pm.

Free entry, %12 for basilica museum, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Family-friendly Venetian trattoria known for seafood and pasta dishes, open 12pm-3pm.

EUR25 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic Venetian gondola ride through the canals - fun and unique for kids. Typically lasts 30-40 minutes, available daily.

EUR80 per gondola (up to 6 people), 0h40m

4:30pm

Visit Natural History Museum

Explore dinosaur skeletons and kid-friendly exhibits in Venice, open 9am-2pm (closed Tuesdays) so confirm day.

EUR6 per adult, kids under 18 free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere for families; open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

EUR40 per adult, EUR15 per child, 1h30m

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Day 9: Venice Islands & Leisure

Venice, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Farini Bakery

Start the day with Italian coffee and fresh pastries right on the main island, open 7am-7pm.

EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Murano and Burano Island Tour

Take a vaporetto tour to Murano for glass-making workshops and Burano for colorful houses and lace-making demos. Vaporetto runs frequently; bring comfortable shoes for walking.

EUR20 per adult, EUR10 per child, 4h0m