Italy Travel Insights

10 Days in Italy - 4 Family-Friendly Itineraries

With thousands of years of cultural and culinary history, Italy offers plenty to take in. In 10 days, you can choose to go deep on a particular region or hop between the high points. If you prefer the latter, check out our spin through Venice, Florence, and Rome ideal for school-age children, or take babies and toddlers to Rome and Sorrento with the help of private tours. If you'd rather specialize, try a road trip through Tuscany and Lakes Como and Garda or an adventure trip that will see you sailing over Tuscany and the Veneto via bike, hot air balloon, and more.

Northern Italy Family Road Trip: Florence, Chianti, Italian Riviera, Lake Como & Lake Garda - 10 Days

Wheel your way through northern Italy on this road trip with stops that school-aged children and parents can enjoy, with timing adjustable to your own preferences. You'll start amid the Renaissance influences of Florence, then set out into the Tuscan countryside and Chianti Valley on winding olive- and vineyard-lined roads. From there, head to the coast to wander the beaches of the Italian Riviera and then up to Lake Como to explore its luxurious shores. Wrap up your Italian sojourn on the playful shores of Lake Garda before you return to Florence.

Leisurely Italy With Small Children: Rome, Sorrento & Naples - 10 Days

Parents who want to travel with small children without disrupting their fellow explorers can turn to this 10-day itinerary. You'll explore Rome's archaeological and religious sites on private tours, with plenty of time to relax in the parks, then head to Sorrento for some time on the beach and boat cruises. Wrap up the trip in Naples with a pizza-making class and visit the islands of Ischia and Procida before you head home.

14 Days in Italy - 4 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Whether you're hiding behind a Carnival mask, crafting your own gelato flavor, or cruising around Lake Como, Italy has a new experience for your family waiting around every corner. With two weeks to explore, you've got plenty of time to design your ideal itinerary. Hit all the highlights, take it easy on a road trip, go for a more active path down the coast, or slow down with a sling-bound baby with these options that will have you gesturing wildly with excitement in no time.

Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Siena & Florence - 14 Days

Families with teens who want to get out and explore (and find the perfect backdrop for their photos) should give this two-week itinerary through the Veneto and Tuscany a try. You'll start in Venice, where you can explore secret passages, craft your own masks, and paddle a gondola. Then head to Verona and Lake Garda, biking through both urban and natural attractions. Wrap up in the Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence with a hot air balloon ride, gelato-making, and more.

Leisurely Italy With Small Children: Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast & Naples - 14 Days

Take two weeks to explore Rome and some of Italy's most popular coastal cities with this itinerary designed to make traveling with babies and toddlers simple. Private tours to Roman highlights like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill will make sure you can move at your own pace before you head to the coast. In Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, plentiful free time allows for maximum flexibility and time to lounge on the famous beaches. Finish your trip in Naples, where everyone can enjoy making pizza and exploring the ruins of Pompeii.

Family Road Trip: Northern Lakes, Tuscany & Italian Riviera - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake Como and Lake Garda offering boat tours past villas and amusement parks alike. Then make your way into Tuscany, where you'll ride a horse-drawn wagon through the countryside and explore the medieval walled city of Siena and famous art of Florence. Finish your trip in the Italian Riviera and colorful five villages of Cinque Terre.

Top Beach Excursions in Italy

From north to south to the islands, Italy has a prime coastline with some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. You can find stretches of pebbles and sand in lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, lagoons with wetlands and colorful villages, hidden bays enveloped by cliffs, and scenic gulfs and coves. Combine a little adventure with relaxing on the beach, or spend your entire day zipping around the seaside searching for the dolce vita.

Top Cultural Activities in Italy

Italy's culture is renowned across the globe, which is why it's the 5th most visited country in the world. Go beyond the typical tourist attractions and dive deeper into Italian culture. Visit bustling food markets, discover traditional music, join the locals for an afternoon Apertivo, and take an art class. Ditch the crowds of Venice and explore its islands, or take a break from shopping to learn the secrets behind Milan's fashionista reputation. Make the most of your trip by truly experiencing the authentic Italian culture!

Top Active Experiences in Italy

Being active in Italy is easy, and it's a great way to dive a bit deeper into the cultural essence of the country. You can hike and explore lakes in the north, walk the cliffs of Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, and the Amalfi Coast, and take full advantage of the warm, crystalline waters with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. With so much diversity, you can quickly build an adventurous dream trip for any interest or ability!

7 Days in Italy - 4 Family-Friendly Itineraries

Bring your whole brood abroad to experience Italy's delicious food, ancient history, and glittering coastlines with these week-long itineraries. The country has something for everyone, even your smallest party members. With a week to explore, you can set forth on scavenger hunts through Rome and Venice, take a road trip through the lakes of Northern Italy, adventure along the Amalfi Coast, or stroll with a stroller through Sorrento with these seven-day itineraries.

Italy with Small Children: Rome & Sorrento - 7 Days

This week-long trip will take you to some of Rome's most popular spots, then let you unwind on the beaches of Sorrento, while leaving plenty of wiggle room to accommodate the less-predictable petite family members. You'll start by cruising around Romes's highlights on a golf cart tour, then follow guided tours of the main sites that can be customized to your interests while being speedy enough to keep the smaller, fussier members of your party engaged.

Veneto and Tuscany for Active Families: Venice, Lake Garda & Siena - 10 Days

Your whole family can fully engage with Italy on this adventurous itinerary, ideally suited for teens with energy to spare. You'll begin in Venice, where you'll craft Carnival masks and explore the secret passages of the city's famous landmarks. After a stop to wander the streets of Verona, you'll head to the park-lined shores of Lake Garda, filled with attractions for all ages. Finish the tour in the Tuscan city of Siena, your base for hot air balloon rides, hikes, and more.

Northern Italy Family Road Trip: Milan, Lake Como & Lake Garda - 7 Days

Load the family into the car and hit the road for this trip through lovely Northern Italy, ideal for school-age children and families who want to manage their own budget and schedule. You'll start in fashionable Milan for a culture and history lesson before cruising around the glittering shores and garden villas of Lake Como. Then head to the park-filled shores of Lake Garda, Italy's most family-friendly lake, before heading back to Milan for your departure.

Top Culinary Experiences in Italy

Italy is a food haven with some of the world's favorite dishes, like the signature Neapolitan pizza, fresh pesto pasta from the Italian Riviera, lemon-infused delicacies of Sorrento, and various seafood dishes in the south. And no trip to Italy is complete without tasting wine and gelato! Enjoy perusing through local markets, attending culinary workshops, partaking in traditions like evening Apertivos, and exploring the country's famous "Food Valley."

Top Historical Experiences in Italy

From Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages to the World Wars, Italy is steeped in fascinating history. Whether you're exploring historical Verona in the north, medieval Tuscany and the catacombs of Rome in central Italy, or the archeological ruins of Pompeii to the south, you can walk through the centuries. Discover the Colosseum and Roman Forum, stroll the cobbled streets of Siena, and discover the secrets of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice.

Top Family Experiences in Italy

Italy may be the most family-friendly destination, with so much diversity in history, environment, and activity. Plus, kids love Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato! From kid-friendly hikes and boat trips to interactive city tours with scavenger hunts to hands-on workshops, you can easily keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Follow the steps of Marco Polo, become archeologists in Pompeii, zip through Rome on a golf cart, and learn how to sculpt like Michaelangelo. The sky's the limit for kids in Italy!

Southern Italy for Active Families: Naples, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast - 7 Days

If your family's been itching for a chance to tie on your hiking shoes, this seven-day itinerary is the choice for you, especially if you have teenagers who want to keep moving when they aren't posing in front of impressive photographic backdrops. You'll walk the cobblestones of bustling Naples and ancient Pompeii and hike the hills of Mount Vesuvius before you head to sunny Sorrento for sea kayaking along the cliffs and bays of a protected marine reserve. Finish off on the Amalfi Coast with a hike through a lush valley and winding route through town.

Family-Friendly Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome & Naples - 14 Days

With two full weeks, your family can embrace what Italy has to offer on this tour, focused on kids aged 5-12. You'll craft Carnival masks and follow engaging clues through the canals of Venice, then experience the Renaissance arts of Florence. Tour ancient sites, extensive art collections, and fruit-filled markets in Rome before you end your trip in Naples, home of both ancient Pompeii and some of the best pizza you can find.

Top Experiences in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre needs little introduction with its world-famous colorful villages hanging onto dramatic cliffsides. Explore this popular region by land and sea, hiking along its scenic paths suspended above the waves and cruising or kayaking along its coastline. Visit picturesque harbors, wander charming streets, or dig deeper into the local culture by exploring vineyards, tasty gastronomy, and traditional crafts.

Top Experiences in the Northern Lakes Region: Lake Como & Lake Garda

Italy has its fair share of beautiful lakes, but the most popular area to relax along freshwater is the Northern Lakes District. Here, you'll find the big three: Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore (amongst others). Of all the scenic pools, Como and Garda steal the show with their dramatic mountainous surroundings, posh grand villas, and elaborate garden terraces. You can explore impressive waterfront castles, charming cobbled streets in historic villages, and even the famed Amarone wine region.

Top Experiences in Tuscany

A trip to Tuscany is truly unforgettable, with its landscape of endless vineyards and hills dotted with medieval villages and castles. Explore the historical centers of Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano and taste the region's famed wine at picturesque vineyards, estates, and bars. Savor the views with unique experiences, like ballooning over Chianti or walking along an ancient pilgrim path. Enjoy sunset-filled dinners, delicious cuisines, and some of Italy's most important history, architecture, and art.

Best Things to Do in Sorrento

Sorrento sits ideally between Naples and the Amalfi Coast on a peninsula jutting out into the sea. It makes an excellent hub for exploring some of Italy's most beautiful scenery and historic ruins, like Pompeii. You can discover the region's traditional wooden art and lemon-infused culinary treats, and enjoy the surrounding nature along the coast, in protected parks, and within the Campanian Archipelago, a group of islands including posh Capri.

Top Experiences on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy's most glamorous destination, lined with pastel villas, colorful port towns, hiking paths, rocky shores, and posh islands. Enjoy walking along some of the trails, including the popular Path of Gods, and exploring the beaches, islands, and coastline by boat. Go wine tasting or peruse the region's signature lemon groves and tasty products. And because the Amalfi Coast is so close to Naples, enjoy a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii near Mt. Vesuvius.

Best Things to Do in Naples

Naples is an eclectic mix of traditional Italian culture, authentic grit, and modern polish. It's loud, it's passionate, and it has a personality of its own. You'll arguably find Italy's best pizza here, the renowned Neapolitan variety that seems to melt in your mouth, and the city's musical heritage has influenced opera across the country and world. But it's Naples' location that makes it a hotspot, close to Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, plus the scenic Amalfi Coast and islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida.

Best Things to Do in Milan

Known as a global fashion capital, this historic city is much more than high-end shopping. Its reputation sprouts from a fashion heritage dating back generations. You'll find authentic shops honoring the exceptional "Made in Italy" label selling everything from handmade bags to shoes to watches, clothing, and more. But Milan also offers a fascinating history with incredible architecture and the third-largest church globally, the Duomo. Attend an opera, visit the nearby Lakes District, or join the locals by bar-hopping for an evening Apertivo.

Best Things to Do in Venice

Although Venice has a reputation for crowds, it's an Italian city not to be missed. With over 100 islands, you can enjoy the top sites and still find hidden corners and authentic cultural elements, like tasting Cicchetti and drinking an Apertivo. You can't miss Venice's primary landmarks, including the sprawling Piazza San Marco and its dominating church, San Marco Basilica, nor the Grand Canal and the ornate Doge's Palace. But Venice allows you to go further, exploring its island network and venturing into the nearby Prosecco Hills.

Best Things to Do in Florence

Florence draws crowds for a few reasons. It's the home of Italy's gelato heritage, the jewel of the Renaissance, and the city hosts some of the world's best art and architecture. Stroll across the 1,000-year-old Ponte Vecchio bridge while absorbing the city's charms. Visit parks and gardens for exceptional views, explore the two famous art galleries, Accademia and Uffizi, or wander through the idyllic Tuscan countryside and visit medieval villages. There's something to see or do at every turn in Florence.

Best Things to Do in Rome

Rome's nearly 3,000 years of history developed into a fascinating city filled with quintessential architecture, world-renowned gastronomy, and vibrant local culture. Besides the must-sees and top sites, you can dive deep into Italian traditions with a cooking class, an Apertivo in artsy Trastevere, and a trip to Rome's wine region. Get off the beaten path by exploring under the city and biking along ancient pathways.

Best Things To Do in Florence with Kids

Art and architecture dominate most visits to the historical city of Florence, but there is also plenty to keep little adventurers entertained. From a rewarding climb up Giotto's Bell Tower, to hanging out with local kids in cute parks, to a fun gelato-making class, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Florence with kids.

Family-Friendly Highlights of Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome - 10 Days

Take your young ones on the experience of a lifetime as you travel through Italy. You'll start in Venice, where you'll explore on a slew of scavenger hunts. Follow it with Florence, where you'll learn to craft your own gelato, before you make your way through the markets and museums of Rome while engaging in interactive activities. The activities throughout this trip are specially designed for families with kids aged 5-12, allowing you to experience many of Italy's highlights while keeping the little ones entertained.

Family-Friendly Highlights of Italy: Venice & Rome - 7 Days

This week-long Italian excursion is ideal for families, with plenty of interactive activities. Start by cruising the canals in Venice, where you'll learn how to craft your own Carnival mask and explore the halls of the Doge's Palace and islands within the lagoon. Then head to Rome, where you'll visit top sites by golf cart, taste your way through the markets, and learn the hidden secrets of the Vatican's museums. With activities specially designed for families with kids aged 5-12, you'll hit the highlights of Italy while keeping the little ones entertained.

10 Days in Italy & Greece: 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days may seem like a short time to see both Italy and Greece, but you'll still get to experience all the main destinations, with enough time for a beach day or two. Focus your trip on a particular theme — like history, wine, or family — to fully immerse yourself in your favorite day-to-day adventures. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, it's easy to modify any of these trips to give you a bit more time in your favorite places.

Two Weeks in Italy & Greece - 5 Unique Itineraries

Two weeks in Italy and Greece is enough time to get a feel for the Mediterranean culture and experience the best of what interests you, especially if you choose a focus to guide your trip: highlights, family-friendly, beaches, history, or food and wine. Although you can opt to spend more time focused on your favorite activities, each itinerary includes a well-rounded set of experiences: historic sites, bustling city markets, quiet neighborhood cafes, and sunny beaches, perfect for soaking in the sunshine.

21 Days in Italy & Greece - 3 Unique Itineraries

Three weeks in the Mediterranean gives you enough time to see the main highlights — Rome, Athens, Tuscany, and Santorini — as well as to dive deeper into the regional culture. Plan your trip around food and wine as you eat and drink your way through the best cuisine Italy and Greece have to offer, or opt for a classic road trip to get off the beaten path and explore sleepy coastal towns at your own pace. Read on for unique itineraries spanning some of the top destinations in Europe.

Mediterranean Coast Getaway: Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Santorini, & Crete - 10 Days

Explore the rocky coastlines and welcoming atmosphere of the Mediterranean on this 10-day coastal getaway. Spend two nights each in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, where colorful buildings and beaches dot the shores and regional treats like limoncello and spicy olive oil are staples of every meal. Then, catch a flight to the Greek islands, starting with Santorini, home of the quintessential blue-domed architecture, for a catamaran cruise in the caldera. End the trip in Chania on the western edge of Crete for lazy beach days and plenty of sunshine.

Family Adventure in Italy & Greece: Rome, Athens, & More - 10 Days

If your family loves to travel and explore together, look no further than this kid-friendly 10-day trip to the Mediterranean. With a five-day stay in Italy's capital, you'll have plenty of time to explore the city's highlights: the Pantheon, Vatican, Colosseum, and more, with experiences specially designed to keep the kids entertained. Spend the second half of the trip in Athens, where you'll explore the Acropolis, go back in history to experience the first Olympic Games, and luxuriate in a slower pace of life.

Family Adventure in Italy & Greece: Rome, Athens, Naxos, & More - 14 Days

Bring the whole family to explore history, art, and nature on this kid-friendly 14-day trip to Italy and Greece. You'll kick things off in Rome, where activities like a city-wide scavenger hunt and an art class keep the little ones entertained. Next, catch a flight to Athens where you'll travel back in history to the time of the first Olympic Games. End the trip on the island of Naxos for family beach time, a catamaran cruise, and all-around relaxation.

Mediterranean Coast Getaway: Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Santorini, Crete, & More - 14 Days

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with laid-back visits to some of the Mediterranean's best beaches and coastal towns. In Italy, explore the cliffside fishing villages of Positano and Amalfi and enjoy Sorrento's sunny coast, making time for a day trip to the nearby resort island of Capri. Then, catch a flight to the Greek archipelago where you'll go wine tasting in Santorini, explore 3,000-year-old Greek history near Heraklion, and relax on Crete's famed beaches.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Greece & Italy Road Trip: Lake Garda, Bologna, Tuscany, Olympia, Nafplio, & More - 21 Days

Explore the back roads and small villages that characterize the countrysides of both Italy and Greece on this three-week road trip. You'll visit well-known highlights, like Florence, charming Tuscan hill towns, and the first Olympic site in Olympia, as well as some places a bit off the beaten path: Romeo and Juliet's Verona, the medieval villages of the Peloponnese, the wineries of Nemea, and more. With full control of the daily driving schedule, you'll have time to plan for spontaneous stops for coffee, for shopping at roadside markets, and for late-afternoon beach breaks.

Best of Mediterranean Food & Wine: Rome, Florence, Bologna, Crete, & Santorini - 10 Days

From Crete's rocky hillsides to the rolling farmlands of Tuscany's heartland, this 10-day itinerary delivers top destinations in both Greece and Italy — and leaves you hungry for more. Start the trip in bustling Rome, where archaeological sites and quiet neighborhood gelaterias compete for your attention. Continue north to Florence and Bologna for Chianti and Parma ham, then catch a flight to the Greek islands where wineries and ocean-view sunsets abound.

Best of Mediterranean Food & Wine: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Tuscany, Rome, & More - 14 Days

Sample both Grecian and Italian fare on this two-week itinerary as you explore everything from Rome's busy piazzas to Santorini's beaches. You'll start your trip in Greece for equal parts culinary and archaeological education, with stops at the Acropolis and family-owned olive farms. From Crete, catch a flight to Bologna in Italy's Emilia Romagna region for local Parma ham and parmesan, before eating and drinking your way south through Florence to the capital city of Rome.

Best of Mediterranean Food & Wine: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Rome, Tuscany, & More - 21 Days

Indulge in the best of the Mediterranean region's food and wine on this comprehensive three-week getaway. Start the trip in Athens, home to both the famed Acropolis and the bustling Varvakios Market. Spend a few days island-hopping for winery tours and some of the world's best olive oil, before catching a flight to the south of Italy. Enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, from pizza in Naples to parmesan in Bologna as you eat and drink your way through the country.

Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini - 10 Days

If you only have ten days to explore the best of Italy and Greece but don't want to miss anything, this highlights itinerary is for you, with plenty of big-city exploration and beachside relaxation. Spend a few days admiring architecture in Rome and art in Florence, then take a train to Venice to experience a traditional gondola excursion. From here, catch a flight to Athens for old-world history and a modern cultural scene. Spend your last few days kicking back in Mykonos and Santorini, where the views are plentiful and the wine flows all day.

Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini - 21 Days

From Rome's ancient center to the stunning caldera of Santorini, this 21-day highlights itinerary explores everything from Renaissance history to famed Greek beaches. See Michelangelo's "David" in Florence, visit Tuscany's quiet hilltop villages, and explore ancient Greek archaeological sites in Athens. You'll sample Aperol Spritzes in Venice, eat spelt pie in Santorini, and more on this three-week adventure around the Mediterranean.

Highlights of Italy and Greece: Rome, Florence, Venice, Athens, Mykonos, & Santorini - 14 Days

If you have two weeks to travel and want to see the highlights of the Mediterranean, this Italy & Greece itinerary is for you. Start the trip in Rome, where you'll explore treasures like the Vatican and the Colosseum. Continue to Florence and Venice for art museums and medieval palaces, then catch a flight to Athens — home of the iconic Acropolis. Spend your second week island-hopping in Greece, with wine tastings, sunset cruises, and much more.

Discover Greek & Italian History: Athens, Crete, Venice, Rome, & Naples - 10 Days

If you have ten days to get away and want to dive into Mediterranean history from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, this itinerary combining Greece and Italy is for you. From the mighty Acropolis of Athens to the gilded palace halls of Venice, you'll explore thousands of years of archaeology and architecture. Spend four days in the heart of Ancient Greece with a stop in Crete to tour the 3,500-year-old Minoan Palace of Knossos, then travel to Venice, Rome, and Naples to see the grandeur of the Venetian Republic, explore the Colosseum, and even hike to the top of Mt. Vesuvius.

Discover Greek & Italian History: Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Venice, Rome, & More - 14 Days

Explore over two thousand years of Greek and Italian history in this two-week tour. You'll kick things off in Athens to see the Acropolis and nearby historic villages, then explore maritime history in the Greek islands with two nights in Crete and Rhodes. Catch a flight to Venice in the north of Italy to continue your education of ocean-going empires, then travel south to end your trip in Rome and Naples to discover the world of the gladiators and ancient Pompeii.

Ultimate Italy Itineraries: 5, 7, 10 & 14 Days

A trip to Italy should be well researched and painstakingly planned out: that's why we've done that part for you! Our local specialists and travelers told us what they love most about Italy, and we listened, putting together some of Italy's best itineraries for common trip lengths. If you have between five days and two weeks to travel to Italy, look no further than these recommendations, and start anticipating your perfect trip!

Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome, & Amalfi Coast - 9 Days

This whirlwind getaways fits it all in, from the historic monuments of Rome to the incredible natural beauty of the Cinque Terre Coast. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence and admire the incredible Duomo. Dine on some of the best seafood and citrus in the world on the Amalfi Coast and dip your toes in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea.