Family Trip to Italy: A 10-Day Itinerary

Every family trip to Italy should start with a visit to Rome. In the country’s capital, there is an endless array of trattorias to dine at, historical sites to visit, gelaterias to indulge in and wine bars to frequent. 

Start your visit with a stop by the main attraction, the Colosseum, where gladiators once brutally fought to the death as a form of public spectacle. An underground section is now open to the public, allowing you to see the Colosseum in a new and more intimate way. 

Another must-see attraction is the gorgeous Trevi Fountain – the legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder (from the right hand over the left shoulder), you’ll be guaranteed to return to Rome one day. 

A mere eight minutes away (did I mention Rome is an extremely walkable city?) you will find the Pantheon in the Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome, dating back to 126-128 A.D. 

End your day with a sunset stroll at the Borghese Gallery and Gardens, found close to the Spanish Steps (another spot worth checking out) and the Piazza del Popolo. 

If you have extra time in Rome during your family trip, book a train ticket for a day-trip to nearby Naples for the best pizza you’ll ever have. Ever.

Expect to find so much art and beauty when you visit Florence. 

While visiting this charming city, you’ll want to visit the many museums that are on offer. Stop by the Uffizi, Accademia, Santa Maria Novella Church, Boboli Gardens and Gucci Museum – to name a few. Each is worth the visit and houses awe-inspiring art and artifacts. 

After a day spent perusing the city’s many world-famous museums and historical sites, treat yourself to dinner at La Casa del Vino. This enoteca (wine shop) has been around for more than 100 years and is run by the Migliorini family for the past 75 years. Expect to find traditional and simple Tuscan fare made with the best local ingredients. 

If you have extra time in Florence, rent a car and take a day-trip to San Gimignano to see the Duomo di San Gimignano. Afterward, head to Siena and explore the town on foot. 

Another day trip worth taking is Pisa because, yes, there’s a leaning tower of Pisa and yes, it does lean. 

Start your day with a walk around the Piazza San Marco, the main public square of Venice. Here, you can grab coffee at a coffee shop dating back to the 1700s at the Caffè Florian and bask in the shadow of the St. Mark's Basilica.

After your caffeine fix, take a gondola ride down the must-see Grand Canal. Stretching two-miles long, the Grand Canal takes you under the iconic Rialto Bridge. 

Afterward, consider a boat trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is an island famous for its glass-blowing, while Burano is a colorful fisherman’s island famous for its lace work. On the island of Burano, you’ll find incredible seafood at half the cost of what you’d pay back in touristic Venice.

Grab dinner at Osteria Al Fureghin where you can enjoy classic Venetian food and the freshest caught fish. When in doubt of what to order, go for the grilled seafood platter! Just make sure to know the boat schedule so you’re able to get back to your hotel in Venice.

Milan is considered Italy’s capital of fashion and design. The city is home to high-end restaurants, fashion boutiques and the country’s stock exchange (also making Milan a financial hub). But like the rest of Italy, Milan is a historical hotspot with its Gothic Duomo di Milano Cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.

Start your day like a local Italian with espresso and a pastry at Pavé Milano. Afterward, head to the Duomo di Milan, which is estimated to have begun construction back in the 1300s. Book advance tickets online to sidestep queues. 

After basking in the Duomo de Milan, you have to head to “The Last Supper” housed inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie. The famed Leonardo da Vinci painting dates back to the 15th-century and is one of the most recognizable murals in the world. After taking in the genius and wonder of Da Vinci’s masterpiece, head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some light shopping. Hailed as the country’s oldest shopping gallery, this shopping experience is a must when visiting Milan.

Chances are you’ve heard of Lake Como as the go-to haunt for A-list actors like George Clooney. Come to Lake Como in Northern Italy and you’ll be greeted with a deep blue lake nestled at the foot of the Alps.

Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, and it is as much a sight as the surrounding area. While here, make like a celebrity and charter a boat to zip across the shimmering waters and bask in the views. 

After channeling your celebrity, head to the Villa Carlotta, a beautiful destination which has stunning gardens to explore. For lunch, go to Al Veluu up in the mountains for a meal served with a side of spectacular views.