Touring Italy in the Summertime with Family
- May 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Italy with Family: At a Glance
When We Visited: Summer 2018
Best For: Families with kids ages 8+ who can handle lots of walking and cultural sites
Our Trip Length: 8 days
Cities Visited: Rome → Florence → Padua → Venice → Pisa
What Worked:
✅ Train travel between cities - Comfortable, scenic, 80-minute Rome to Florence
✅ Le Meridien Rome - Great location, excellent hotel restaurant
✅ Multi-generational travel - History captivated both young and old
✅ Gondola ride in Venice - Magical experience despite touristy food
What We'd Change:
⚠️ Skip tourist restaurants in Venice - Food quality disappointing
⚠️ Check age restrictions - Son couldn't climb Leaning Tower (must be 8+)
⚠️ Prepare for summer heat - Italy is very hot in summer
Our Hotels: Le Meridien Rome, stayed in Padua for Venice access, based in Florence
Overview
Summer in Italy is a time of vibrant energy and sun-drenched days, perfect for a family adventure that spans generations. Our journey began in the bustling heart of Rome, staying at Le Meridien, perfectly located to explore the city’s historic charm.
First Impressions in Rome
Our first night, we dined at Hostaria Da Cesare Bottega Storica dal 1921. Despite the late hour, the food was a delightful introduction to Italian cuisine, flavorful, fresh, and utterly delicious.
The next morning, with the iconic Colosseum just a stroll away, we embarked on a leisurely walk through Rome. The city's rich history unfolded with every step, captivating both young and old. The Colosseum itself was as magnificent as one might imagine, leaving us all in awe. An unexpected highlight was catching a glimpse of the Giro d'Italia, adding a thrilling spin to our historical tour.
Unexpected Delights Back at the Hotel
Exhausted from our day, we opted for convenience and dined at our hotel's restaurant. Surprisingly, the meal surpassed our first night's experience, with dishes that were both comforting and exceptionally crafted.
Onward to Florence
Our journey continued with a scenic train ride to Florence. The ride was comfortable and offered breathtaking views of the Italian countryside—a memorable 80 minutes. The following days were spent meandering through Florence’s storied streets and museums. Each corner of the city offered new sights, from statues to sprawling piazzas.
A Day Trip to Venice
A car journey took us to Padua where we spent one night, and the next morning we ventured to the enchanting city of Venice. The canals and narrow pathways of this unique city were mesmerizing. Though the food in the tourist spots didn't quite hit the mark, the experience of gliding through the canals on a gondola and wandering through its labyrinthine streets was truly magical.
Leaning towards Pisa
Our cultural immersion continued with a train ride to Pisa, where the Leaning Tower awaited. The Piazza dei Miracoli was as stunning as anticipated, though my son’s disappointment at being too young (children must be at least 8 years old) to climb the tower was palpable. Still, the beauty of the area soothed any fleeting sadness.
Culinary Farewell in Florence
Our last night in Italy was marked by a feast of Florentine steak, a must-try in the region. The rich flavors and expert preparation provided a fitting end to our Italian summer.
Reflecting on Our Italian Summer
Touring Italy with family, from the youngest to the oldest, proved to be an enriching experience, blending education, adventure, and relaxation seamlessly. Italy’s warmth, history, and cuisine embraced us at every turn, making it a perfect family destination for the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy With Kids
Is Italy good for families with young kids? Best for ages 8+ who can handle extensive walking and appreciate history. We averaged 4-5 miles of walking daily through cities. Museums require patience, cobblestone streets are everywhere, and summer heat is intense. Kids who love art, history, and food will thrive. Younger kids (under 6) may struggle with the pace and cultural focus. Note: Leaning Tower of Pisa requires minimum age 8 to climb.
How do you get around Italy with family - train or car? We used both. Trains worked perfectly for Rome to Florence (80 minutes, comfortable, scenic). Easy with kids, no parking hassles in city centers. Car was useful for Padua to Venice day trip and smaller towns. Our advice: Train between major cities (Rome, Florence, Venice), rent car only if doing Tuscany countryside or smaller towns. City parking is nightmare and unnecessary.
What's the best Italy itinerary for families? Our route worked well: Rome (2-3 days) → Florence (2-3 days) → Venice day trip (1 day) → Pisa (half day). This covers major highlights without exhausting kids. Alternative: Skip Padua/Venice, add more time in Tuscany countryside. Don't try to see everything - Italy is best savored slowly. We felt 8 days was ideal for our route.
Where should families stay in Italy? Rome: Central locations near Colosseum or Spanish Steps for walkability. We stayed at Le Meridien - excellent location and surprising hotel restaurant quality. Florence: Centro Storico (historic center) puts you walking distance to everything. [Find Florence hotels](https://www.expedia.com/shop/family-travel-plans/florence-with-kids-family-stays). Venice: Don't stay in Venice itself with kids - expensive, hard with luggage on bridges. We stayed in Padua (30 min away) and day-tripped to Venice. Much easier and affordable.
When's the best time to visit Italy with family? Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) - Ideal weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Summer (June-August) - When we visited, very hot and crowded but long days and vibrant energy. Expect 85-95°F heat. Avoid July-August peak if possible - overwhelming crowds at major sites. Winter is quieter but cold, many attractions have shorter hours.
How expensive is Italy for families? Expensive, especially in summer tourist season. Budget €200-300/day for family of 4 (mid-range hotels, restaurants, attractions). Save money by: staying outside Venice, eating at non-tourist restaurants (avoid areas right near major sites), having hotel breakfast included, using trains vs. taxis. Florentine steak was expensive but worth it as special final meal. Tourist trap restaurants (especially Venice) charge premium for mediocre food.
Need a custom Italy itinerary? Use our AI Family Travel Planner to build a personalized Italian adventure for your family.
