Veneto & Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Siena & Florence - 14 Days
Highlights
- Paddle your own gondola through the canals of Venice
- Cruise past palaces and gardens on the shores of Lake Garda
- Take a day trip into the Dolomites and ride a cable car to a mountain peak
- Soar over the vineyards of Chianti in a hot-air balloon
- Craft your own gelato flavor in a Florence workshop
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Venice, Gondola Paddling for Families | Venice |
| Day 2 | Venetian Mask Painting, Doge's Palace Secret Passages Tour | Venice |
| Day 3 | Explore the Venetian Lagoon by Boat: Murano, Burano & Torcello | Venice |
| Day 4 | Train to Verona, Guided Bike Tour of Verona | Verona |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to the Dolomites | Verona |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Lake Garda, West Lake Garda & Sirmione Boat Tour | Lake Garda |
| Day 7 | Free Day on Lake Garda: Cable Cars, Theme Parks & Castles | Lake Garda |
| Day 8 | Sigurtà Park Bike Ride & Picnic | Lake Garda |
| Day 9 | Train to Florence, Transfer to Siena | Siena |
| Day 10 | Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Optional Chianti Horse Cart Tour | Siena |
| Day 11 | Free Day in Siena: Cathedrals, Museums & Parks | Siena |
| Day 12 | Transfer to Florence, Explore the Tuscan Capital | Florence |
| Day 13 | Discover Florence's Parks, Family Gelato-Making Class | Florence |
| Day 14 | Depart Florence |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Venice, Gondola Paddling for Families
Welcome to Italy! Your trip starts in Venice, where you'll transfer from the airport to your hotel via private water taxi. Once you've settled in, kick things off with a classic gondola ride with a twist—each member of the family can take a turn playing gondolier as you navigate through the "Floating City's" famous canals! The excursion begins when you meet your expert guide and take a stroll through Cannaregio, leaving the busier, touristy section of the city behind as you learn about the daily life of Venetians.
Pass through the Jewish Quarter, where the Jewish community was first segregated during the 16th century, and stop in a typical bacaro to get a true taste of the city with some cicchetti (the Venetian version of tapas) and cold drinks. Then it's time to step into your traditional, flat-bottomed canal boat and learn the ropes as your experienced gondolier explains how to steer using a long wooden oar set in a distinctive oarlock known as a fórcola. Let the kids take the helm as you sit back and enjoy the views, gliding past atmospheric small canals and traditional neighborhoods.
Day 2: Venetian Mask Painting, Doge's Palace Secret Passages Tour
Carnival masks are an iconic symbol of Venice, and today you'll create your own in a workshop in the very heart of the city. Start by strolling over to a traditional costumes and masks atelier, only a few minutes away from the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Here you'll be welcomed by experienced artisans and learn about the history of Venetian Carnival as you create your own mask using papier-mâché and decorative materials. Even less crafty family members can join in the fun, skipping the creation part and focusing on decorating a premade mask.
After a morning of mask-making, drop off your Venetian keepsakes somewhere safe and delve into some more secret Venetian history with a guided tour of the secret passages within the Doge's Palace. Skip the lines and step into the historic and hidden world of political Venice through a secret door. You'll navigate the isolated prison cells, torture chambers, secret government archives, and top-echelon offices, exploring areas even locals don't know about as your guide shares stories of the palace's dramatic history.
You'll also get a chance to view the general access areas of the palace, wandering through council halls and ballrooms as your guide points out priceless paintings by Veronese and Tintoretto. Your tour ends with a visit to the neighboring Basilica San Marco, once again skipping the long lines as your guide leads you through one of the city's most important landmarks. Learn about the building's mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural styles, hear stories of its history that dates back to the ninth-century CE, and see the spectacular gold Byzantine altarpiece known as the Pala d'Oro.
Day 3: Explore the Venetian Lagoon by Boat: Murano, Burano & Torcello
Venture farther into the Venetian Lagoon today with a boat tour to some of its best-known islands. You'll start in Murano, a series of seven islets linked by canals and bridges. The area has been home to glassblowing artisans since the medieval era, and is known for its distinct style of delicate, colorful glass. You can learn more about this ancient art as you watch a master glassblower at work, or join a family-themed scavenger hunt to solve the mystery of a secret glass formula.
Stop by the island's Glass Museum afterward to browse its collection ranging from the 14th to 19th century, and pop into the nearby Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, where the kids can seek out the dragons depicted in its Byzantine mosaics and see the relics of rib bones said to be from a slain dragon.
Next, zip over to the island of Burano, known for its candy-colored houses and artisanal lacework, and stop to sample some local bussolai cookies as you stroll its charming streets. You'll end on tiny Torcelo, where you'll find ancient archaeological remains and some of the lagoon's best restaurants. Refuel with a traditional meal of fresh-caught seafood before cruising back to Venice.
Day 4: Train to Verona, Guided Bike Tour of Verona
Your local expert guide will take you on an easy loop past the city's most notable landmarks, and you'll pass cobbled lanes, ancient city walls, and the famous Roman arena, which now hosts concerts and opera performances. See how the tranquil Adiage River bisects the city, spot the hilltop Castel San Pietro, and grab a family selfie at "Juliet's Balcony," a fictional but romantic spot that's become a pilgrimage for fans of the Bard and his star-crossed lovers.
Day 5: Day Trip to the Dolomites
Escape to the Dolomites with an outdoorsy day trip north of Verona
Enjoy some mountain air today as you get out of the city with a day trip into the UNESCO-listed landscape of the Dolomites. This section of the Italian Eastern Alps is home to 18 craggy mountain peaks that rise over 10,000 feet (3,000 m), and the surrounding slopes and valleys are protected by nature parks and reserves. Starting from Verona, you'll enjoy a comfortable, scenic transfer about 2.5 hours north to reach the spectacular Val di Fassa, a wide-open valley surrounded by mountain walls and dotted with Alpine villages and church steeples.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Garda, West Lake Garda & Sirmione Boat Tour
Pack up your bags in Verona and meet your driver this morning for a private transfer to Lake Garda, about a 30-minute drive west in the picturesque Italian Lakes Region. The largest of the area's lakes, Garda is bordered by Alpine peaks and the rolling hills and vineyards of the Veneto and Lombardy. You'll be staying near Sirmione, perched on a peninsula jutting out from the southern shores of the lake and known for its therapeutic thermal springs and wonderfully preserved medieval castle, Castillo Scaligera.
Once you arrive, grab your swimsuits and sunscreen for a private boat trip around the lake. Your experienced skipper will chart a course passing the rocky outcrops of Rocca di Manerba, circling the islands of San Biagio and Garda, and cruising near the towns of Salò and Gardone. Stop for a fun family swim in the calm waters, and look out for the enchanting Isola del Garda, the private residence of the counts of Borghese-Cavazza. Lastly, make your way past the magnificent gardens and villas of the Costa Romantica before returning to Sirmione by passing under the two bridges of the Castillo Scaligero.Day 7: Free Day on Lake Garda: Cable Cars, Theme Parks & Castles
After a week in Italy, take a breather and spend a day exploring Lake Garda on your own schedule. Garda is known as the most family-friendly Italian lake, and outdoorsy families will find plenty to do. Hike an easy, fun path around the lakeside, or jump on the Monte Baldo cable car for a dizzying and scenic journey to the top. The nearby Gardaland theme park is also a perennial favorite with kids.
If you want to do some more sightseeing, a great place to start is at Castillo Scaligero, a vast 14th-century fortress with magnificent views across the lake and plenty of ramparts to climb. Curious kids won't want to miss the nearby Grotte di Catullo (Grotto of Catullus), an archaeological site housing the remains of a sprawling Roman mansion set among olive groves that was built for the poet Catullus.
You could also wander over to the harbor to catch a ferry to nearby Desenzano del Garda. Stroll to Piazza Malvezzi, the main square just behind the Porto Vecchio (Old Harbor), and wind through the narrow streets until you reach the famous Castillo di Desenzano, a beautifully preserved 11th-century castle. You'll find plenty of waterfront cafés here to indulge in local treats like sbrisolona (a crumble cake) before returning to Sirmione in time for dinner.
Day 8: Sigurtà Park Bike Ride & Picnic
Venture about 30 minutes south of the lake on a day trip into the Veneto countryside near Vallegio sul Mincio, a beautiful riverside town. Here you'll be equipped with all the equipment you need for a day of gentle cycling through rural landscapes and manicured gardens. You'll receive helmets and bikes, as well as a custom map and a delicious picnic to enjoy en route.
This activity's mostly flat route and gentle pace are perfect for kids, and you'll pedal through scenic settings like the Parco del Mincio, a protected nature reserve filled with river marshes and diverse wildlife. Take a break and pull out your picnic when you reach Parco Giardino Sigurtà (Sigurtà Garden Park), where you can enjoy a tasty lunch surrounded by 148 acres (60 ha) of manicured gardens, sweeping lawns, hidden grottoes, and a labyrinth-like hedge maze.
Day 9: Train to Florence, Transfer to Siena
Check into your accommodation, then head out to explore. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its grand central square has been featured in numerous films, including the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace." The ancient city is set on a hill, so make sure the whole family wears their comfortable walking shoes! Once you've worked up an appetite, choose a local trattoria for dinner and try pici, a rustic homemade spaghetti often paired with wild boar ragù.
Day 10: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Optional Chianti Horse Cart Tour
This morning is sure to be a highlight of your Italian family adventure as you take to the skies for a scenic flight over the Tuscan countryside. It's an early start as you rise before dawn for the transfer to the launch field, where you'll watch as the pilot and crew inflate the balloon. Then it's time to step into the basket and ascend into the air, watching as the sunrise illuminates the rolling landscapes, lush vineyards, and hilltop medieval towns of Tuscany's Chianti region.
Your scenic journey will last about an hour, and the weather and winds will help decide your route for the day. When you touch back down to earth, head to a quiet spot nearby for a breakfast picnic, including local Tuscan products and Prosecco for the adults.
Afterward, you can transfer back to Siena for a nap, or opt to continue exploring the Chianti countryside, this time from the ground with a tour of the rural landscapes in a horse-drawn cart. Kids of all ages are sure to love the thrill of this peaceful mode of transport, and your guide will share stories of the surrounding vineyards and castles as you trot down quiet dirt roads. Finish up with another picnic—this time a lunch of Tuscan specialties—before transferring back to Siena in the afternoon.
Day 11: Free Day in Siena: Cathedrals, Museums & Parks
It's time for a breather in the second week of your trip, as you take a free day in Siena to catch up on some rest, or keep exploring at your own pace. A natural starting point is the Romanesque-Gothic Siena Cathedral or "Duomo," considered one of the finest in the country. Curious kids might like to visit the Museum of Natural History, a former monastery that houses two centuries of natural and historical collections, including the skeleton of a 50-foot (15m) whale in the courtyard.
Young art lovers are sure to enjoy the Children's Art Museum, a small exhibition directed to children that's part of the larger Santa Maria Della Scala museum, located opposite the Duomo. Little ones looking for some outdoor space will like Piazza Amendola, one of the city's largest playgrounds with picnic benches, olive trees, plenty of open grass, a great view of Siena, and a climbing frame.
Older ages keen on culture can learn about the region's archaeology and history at the Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala (National Archaeological Museum of Siena), see works of medieval art and architecture at the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana, or discover the ceramics manufacturing process and shop for gifts at the Ceramiche Bianco e Nero di Staccioli.
Day 12: Transfer to Florence, Explore the Tuscan Capital
The final leg of your trip takes you back to Florence via private transfer. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and settle in before setting out to get your bearings in Tuscany's regional capital. Long considered a cultural capital, Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, plenty of sprawling parks, and its own distinct regional cuisine—it's also considered the birthplace of gelato, so prepare to sample plenty of the frozen dessert during your visit.
You could start with a stroll in the Piazza del Duomo, where the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo) and its mighty terracotta dome attract visitors worldwide. Don't miss the nearby Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, and the Galleria dell'Academia, which displays Michelangelo's famous "David." Stop for refreshments at one of the historic cafés that line the square of Piazza della Repubblica and continue on to Il Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge with an array of jewelry shops and beautiful views along the Arno River.
Day 13: Discover Florence's Parks, Family Gelato-Making Class
Spend a relaxed morning at one of Florence's parks, surrounded by views of the Tuscan countryside. Take your time to buy some delicious local snacks from one of the markets in the center, and then head for a leisurely walk through open green space and gardens. Most of the larger gardens are on the south side of the Arno, including the Boboli Gardens and the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). For something a little more educational and hands-on, you could also visit the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum, or consider the celestial spheres at the Museo Galileo, where you can peer through ancient telescopes.
In the afternoon, you'll experience the delicious craft of gelato-making with a workshop in the heart of historic Florence. Step into an authentic family-run gelateria and learn the ins and outs of producing the perfect scoop of creamy goodness with the help of a true professional. The kids will love making their very own flavor from scratch, and of course, tasting their creation at the end. This interactive activity is the perfect way to close out the penultimate day of your Italian adventure.
Day 14: Depart Florence
Your two-week family adventure through Italy draws to a close this morning. Wave goodbye to Florence as you head to the airport for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Safe travels!
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