Sections:
- When to travel to Italy with kids & grandparents
- Destinations that work well
- Family activities for multi-generational trip to Italy
- Where to stay
- Before you travel to Italy (itinerary planning, to-do list)
- Getting to Italy & moving around the country
- On trip – hotels, medical emergencies, guides, dining, etc.
- Packing for a multi-generational Italy trip
You’ll notice I’ll be talking a lot about the grandparents and focusing on them. Be sure to check out some of my kid-specific guides for Italy:
Italy with a Baby or Toddler
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
When to Travel to Italy with Kids & Grandparents
You’re likely most constrained by your kids’ school schedule, but there are a few more things to consider when choosing your dates for your trip.
Choose a date (and location) with your preferred climate. If you like the heat, don’t choose a Christmas trip to the Dolomites. Likewise, if grandma wilts in high heat, avoid a June visit to Florence.
Read more about visiting Italy in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Consider crowds. If you’ll be traveling with small kids who run off or someone who doesn’t walk well in crowds, skip Rome and Venice between April and September. Or, think of visiting a more off-the-beaten-path area like Le Marche, Umbria, or Friuli.
Learn How to Avoid Crowds on Vacation in Italy
Plan around medical appointments. Grandparents may need to get insulin, have a medical check-up, or go to the doctor for routine procedures.
In my personal experience, here are some multi-generational trip ideas that work well, by season:
Summer works well for:
- Beach trips in Puglia
- Exploring the Dolomites
- Agriturismo stays in Tuscany or beach stays for Italian beach culture
Spring works well for:
- Exploring Sicily and Puglia sites & towns/cities
- Venice and Rome (early spring)
Autumn works well for:
- Exploring Sicily and Puglia sites & towns/cities
- Venice and Rome (late fall)
- Exploring Tuscany’s cities, towns and countryside (early fall)
Winter works well for:
- Visiting Sicily’s sites and cities (& even the beaches in nice weather!)
- Dolomites snow trips
- Christmas trips (especially cities like Venice, Rome, Florence, Torino)
- Milan shopping in January (sales)
The only multi-generational trip I have not had great success with is the Tuscan countryside in winter (gets boring as the weather tends keep everyone inside and it can be tough to move everyone around here in poor weather).
You may want to read Italy with Kids for Spring Break
Destinations in Italy That Work Well for Multi-Generational Trips
Weather and seasons aside, let’s look at some places that work well for Italy trips with kids and grandparents. There are places I have personal experience with (traveling with my family, as a guide, or as a trip planner).
I’ve also included some aspects that may make them tricky for your group.
Be sure to check out
10 Day Itineraries for Italy with Kids
Best Places to Go in Italy with Kids
Tuscany – Classic Italy, and the area has something for everyone. I’d visit in the spring or summer if your family wants to explore the cities like Florence, Lucca, or Pisa and the Tuscan beaches. Winter is great for a holiday visit, and summer is the time for an agriturismo stay with visits to hilltop villages and towns.
Learn more on my dedicated Tuscany site – The Tuscan Mom
Dolomites – The Dolomites are an incredible destination if you’re an active family or you just love the mountains. You can go hiking and cycling, and then kick back and enjoy amazing mountain food, sit in the spa, go shopping, or say hello to Ötzi, a 5,000-year-old mummy! This is my favorite place on the planet (followed shortly by these turquoise waters), and it’s such an easy, beautiful, and memorable place to visit with kids and grandparents. I’ve got a ton of info on the Dolomites. Here are a few posts to get you started:
Dolomites with Kids
Our Favorite Things to Do in the Dolomites
7-Day Dolomites Itinerary with Kids
3-Day Dolomites Itinerary (Fiè allo Sciliar Base)
Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
Visiting the Dolomites Without a Car
Dolomites with Kids – Winter Edition
Puglia – Puglia definitely isn’t ‘undiscovered,’ but it still feels like a hidden gem to me. Kids will love beach time, and your entire group will appreciate the whitewashed villages, excellent fresh seafood and produce, and a stay in a masseria.
Read my guide to Puglia with Kids
Amalfi Coast – Amalfi Coast is on the wish list of many, but it’s not the easiest place to visit. There are a lot of stairs and walking in villages. You can take advantage of boats and ferries to move around the coast and to islands like Capri. This area tends to be a hit with teens.
Cinque Terre – A big highlight of the Cinque Terre is hiking between villages, so if you’ve got hikers in your group, the ‘five lands’ may be a hit. Keep in mind there are also a lot of stairs in villages, so even if you’re not hiking, you’ll need to have a mobile group.
Venice – We love Venice in the winter, but if you really can only go in the summer, stay for awhile and expect crowds and heat. Venice can be an amazing place to visit with proper expectations. It’s such a unique place that mesmerizes little ones (and let’s be real, adults too) with water ‘roads,’ St. Mark’s Basilica, fun towers to climb, island visits, chowing down on cicchetti, glass blowing demos, mask workshops, colorful buildings, and more!
Read more about
Venice with Kids
Venice with a Toddler
Things to Do in Venice
Going on a Gondola with Kids
Umbria – Umbria is a bit like a quieter Tuscany, but it still has plenty to keep kids and adults entertained. Explore small villages and towns, stay at an agriturismo, sample local foods. Assisi is a popular religious stop, and just outside of Perugia you can join a chocolate making class at the Perugina factory (home of baci, Italy’s famous ‘kisses’).
Rome – I’m a fan of Rome from about elementary age and up, but it’s definitely doable with younger kids too (just maybe not as rewarding). Rome is also enormous, so it’s important to utilize public transportation or keep your sites in a localized area. I have really enjoyed Rome during the winter with my parents and kids, when it’s cooler and there are fewer crowds.
Check out Things to Do in Rome with Kids
Helpful Tip: Consider staying in one place. For example, a couple of my favorite multi-gen trips were to the Dolomites and to Tuscany. There’s no need to do a bunch of traveling (unless you want to see multiple places, and that’s fine too!). At least stay in few places.
Family Activities for Kids & Grandparents in Italy
Before you start booking activities, ask the kids and grandparents in your group what they’re interested in seeing and doing. Art? Wine? Hiking? Cooking?
Tip: Get on a Zoom call or have a working doc online that everyone can contribute to (especially if your group is large).
And, then make sure you work those into your itinerary. You may think you already know, but you’ll be surprised if you ask.
Have alternatives for activities they aren’t interested in. For example, if grandpa isn’t a fan of looking at art in museums, let him relax at the hotel or drop him off at a café for some coffee, reading, and people-watching.
Be sure to plan some activities that everyone can do together. Great ones are cooking classes, family-friendly walks or bike rides, or museums that bridge generations (like the Lamborghini Museum).
Here are some more ideas for your trip, and below I’ve included links to more ideas.
- Paper marbling in Florence
- Gladiator school in Rome
- Cycling Dolomites bike paths
- Grocery shopping together – get toiletries or breakfast ingredients for the group
- Golf-cart tour or ape tour in towns and cities throughout Italy
- Climb a tower – or use elevators in some like St. Mark’s bell tower in Venice
- Gelato-making lesson
- Connect with older kids on history – for example, my 10-year-old is interested in WWI and explore the Cinque Torri open-air museum with his grandfather
- Find relatives – visiting our Italian family with my kids and their grandparents is one of my favorite things to do; start your ancestry search online with resources like Family Search
- Go to the beach – Sardinia, Puglia, and Sicily are our favorite beach destinations in Italy
- Food factory tour (like parmigiano around Parma) – or sample local foods together (like a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena)
- Shop for picnic supplies at local food markets
- Ferrari Museums or other car museums in Italy
Check out
40+ Fun & Memorable Things to Do in Italy with Kids
Our Favorite Family Activities in Tuscany
Italy’s Best Family Beaches
Where to Stay on a Multi-Generational Italy Trip
Hotels vs Apartments – This is really dependent on your family, your travel style, and your trip itinerary. I’ve done both, and have been happy with both of them in different situations. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the pluses and minuses of hotels and apartments:
| HOTEL | APARTMENT | |
| ADVANTAGES | -reception available if you have questions or emergencies -room is cleaned -property maintained -safety features required (like smoke detectors) -grandparents can have more privacy -usually have a safe for valuables -standard check-in/check-out procedures | -more space -kitchen -laundry -common areas for group bonding |
| DISADVANTAGES | -often more expensive -may not have a ‘local feel’ | -have to clean -cleaning fees -common areas = less privacy -risk of cancellation |
Villa Rentals – Renting a villa in Italy sounds dreamy and over the top to some, but it can actually be a great, cost-friendly solution for a multi-generational trip. Villas are typically in the countryside, which means there will likely be space for kids to run around and play and a swimming pool for daytime lounging. You’ll almost always need a car for a villa stay.
City vs Countryside – Countryside stays are quieter than city stays, but you’ll likely need a car. In the countryside, you can lounge at the pool, enjoy views of the vineyards, and stroll through olive groves. But, city stays mean easy walks to your choice of restaurants, access to playgrounds, and plenty of things to see and do.
Location, Location, Location – That’s not just a real estate phrase. It’s also really important for a trip with kids and grandparents. If you’re visiting Rome and your group is interested in the Vatican City, stay close to it! If you’re visiting Florence, stay in the historic center, not in a quiet suburb. If you’re in the center, you’ll be able to walk to dinner in the evening or if someone’s tired during the day, he/she can get back to the hotel easily.
Shorten (or eliminate) time on public or private transport by staying close to what you’ll be visiting. It may be more expensive, but you’ll save money on transport costs, plus time (and sanity) moving your group from point A to point B.
Determine Your Accommodation ‘Musts’ – Does grandpa wilt without air-conditioning? Does your teen need excellent wi-fi so he can send trip updates to his friends back home? Is having a pool a non-negotiable for your group? Check in with your kids and grandparents to find out what your chosen accommodation needs to have.
Helpful Tip: Make sure you have a/c in the summer, and screens on windows. Mosquitoes in Italy are no joke.
Less is More – While it’s tempting to try to see a lot while you’re here, I recommend visiting fewer destinations (and staying in fewer accommodations). Less moving = less packing/unpacking, less travel, and overall less stress for everyone.
Learn more about
Accommodation Options in Italy
Doing Laundry on Vacation in Italy
Before You Travel to Italy with Kids & Grandparents
Itinerary Design
My biggest tip for planning your itinerary for Italy with little ones and nonni (grandparents) is to take it easy!
Don’t pack too many activities or sites into your days, or too many destinations into your itinerary. Travel takes time, and activities drain energy. You want everyone to have a fun and memorable experience, not just feel like you’re checking things off a to-do list.
Quality over quantity applies here as well. Design your budget to stay fewer days in Italy if it means you can take taxis, have private tours, and stay in hotels closer to the action. 10 excellent days is better than 14 okay days.
Don’t shun guided tours our group classes. Even if you consider yourself an independent traveler, it can be really nice to have someone else take the lead, figure out the logistics, and provide insider input and advice.
Things to Take Care of Before You Leave
Purchase both travel medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! I have had my family end up in the hospital, and as a cycling and hiking guide, I’ve also dealt with injuries, illnesses, doctor visits and hospital stays. Note that travel medical insurance can be pricey for grandparents (most insurance companies have higher rates for older folks), but it’s well worth the peace of mind and insurance. Many skip over trip cancellation insurance, but if someone in your group is unable to travel, you’ll be able to recoup some or most of your costs.
Have everyone (kids and adults) take care of routine medical visits.
Make sure everyone’s passports have enough validity. Check for the most up-to-date with your government (for example, US citizens should check the State Department’s site for Italy info). This should be done before you book your tickets, or at least make sure you have enough time to get it done. For example, don’t book flights for a month from now if you need to renew a passport.
Helpful Tip: With the current administration in the US, I expect the time to get a new passport or update a passport will increase. Plan ahead.
Decide on a phone plan for Italy (E-SIM or local SIM). If you’re planning on using an E-SIM, set it up before you get to Italy so you don’t waste time once you’re here.
Book some restaurants. Have restaurant options for meals that you don’t pre-book. I like to plot them on a map so I have access to them (and phone numbers) on my phone while we’re out and about. It is not fun to search for a restaurant that pleases everyone while you’re out.
Book some activities. While rigid itineraries are no fun, you also don’t want to be walking around in circles with no plans. And, some sites and museums may sell out before your arrival. For example, I always recommend pre-booking visits to:
- Vatican Museums & The Sistine Chapel (Rome)
- Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
- Accademia Gallery (Florence)
- The Last Supper (Milan)
- Audience with the Pope (Rome)
- Any other museums or sites you must visit (like the Domus Aurea in Rome or climbing the dome at the Duomo in Florence)
If your plans in Italy include walking (and they probably do), make sure everyone has comfortable, worn-in walking shoes. Have everyone ‘training’ for the walking pre-trip. To go from walking 10 minutes around the grocery store at home to walking all day long in Rome can be a shocker! Have foot care products with you (but know you can also find them at pharmacies in Italy).
You may want to read
Best Shoes for Italy
Choosing Kids’ Shoes for Italy
Set up a photo sharing site. There are many options for this (for example, Google Photos or iCloud). That way, either during or after your trip everyone can contribute photos that you can make into a book (holiday presents, check!).
Transportation to Italy and Getting Around Italy with Your Group
Traveling to Italy
If you’re coming from the same place, you may be traveling to Italy as one group. But, you may also need to meet in Italy.
If you’re planning the flight to Italy for the grandparents in your group, you may be able to choose if they have a layover somewhere on the way. Some grandparents may like a layover (if they would like a break from the plane to walk around). Otherwise, keep them on a direct flight even though it’s a long flight (no worrying about logistics, finding the next flight).
Think about open-jaw flights. If you’ll be visiting multiple places on your trip, it may make sense for you to fly into one city and out of another. For example, fly into Venice and fly out of Rome. Depending on the flight cost (vs. flying in and out of the same airport), you may save money and time (not having to travel back to your arrival airport to fly home).
A few tips for during the flight:
- Stay hydrated!
- Have luggage contained (not multiple bags) so everyone can keep track of their own stuff.
- Keep important items like medicine and eyeglasses in cabin luggage (vs. checking it in).
- I’m a big fan/user of compression socks.
- My dad (our group’s grandpa) won’t fly without his travel pillow.
Transport Once You’re in Italy
You may want to read about Flying from the USA to Italy with a 3-Year-Old
There are many ways to move around once you’re in Italy with your kids and their grandparents:
- Car
- Train
- Private driver (NCC – noleggio con conducente)
- Taxi
- Bus
- Plane
- Ferry
- Bicycle
- On Foot
- Golf cart / ape tours
Which transport you choose depends completely on your itinerary, the type of trip you’re on (activities), and your family’s travel style.
Check out my guides to
Renting a Car in Italy
Driving in Italy
Train Travel in Italy
Taking the Train in Italy with Kids
Uber in Italy
We typically drive or use trains to move between destinations, and once we’ve arrived, we usually move around by car, bus, or on foot.
If we’re just traveling between major cities, and we don’t have babies, we take the trains. Otherwise, I rent a car (or van). We can’t drive our car because it doesn’t fit our group.
Another option that many groups and families choose is to hire a private driver. This can be an expensive but stress-free and convenient way to get around for part or all of your trip.
Good To Know: Italian rental car trunks are small. Rental vans have space in the back, but if you’re a group of 7 in a 7-person van, you will not be able to fit 7 large suitcases. Pack light! (more on that below).
During Your Trip
Based on my experience, here are some helpful tips and things to consider once you’ve arrived and are on your trip:
Allow a recovery day on arrival. It’s tempting to get started right away, but take a day (or at least a half day) to settle in. This could mean going for a short walk to get coffee or breakfast at a local bar, or making your way to a playground and having a leisurely lunch. If you rush and push everyone right away, kids and adults can get grumpy or exhausted.
Be mindful of stairs and how much you’re walking each day.
Go with the flow. Unplanned stops and moments may be some of your best memories!
Plan off time (days of nothing planned) and time away from kids for grandparents. My parents adore my kids, but need a break every once in awhile!
If you have a child in a stroller, a grandparent may want to push (and have something to lean on).
Don’t be shy about using transport like taxis and buses to get around.
Remember that being in a foreign country feels… foreign. Be patient with kids and grandparents who may not feel as confident doing ‘normal’ things as they do at home (shopping at the grocery store, using an elevator, reading a bus schedule, etc).
Eating with Your Multi-Generational Group in Italy
Here’s an idea of what you can do for meals with your group:
Depending on where you’re staying, have breakfast on your own at your accommodation or in a café. That way, everyone can get up when they want, eat what they want, etc.
Since you’ll likely be out exploring during the day (unless you’re in Tuscany in the summer, chillin’ at the pool midday), have lunch together.
Dinner can be as a group, or separately if needed. Keep in mind that although Italians tend to eat later in the evening, most restaurants open up earlier now. We eat at 7:00pm (7:30pm) at the latest with our kids in Tuscan restaurants. The further south you go, the later dinners start. If you want to eat dinner even earlier, I recommend staying in an apartment and cooking your own meals. You can go to markets for ingredients and cook up some Italian recipes!
Good To Know: In larger Italian cities, you can find some restaurants open during the time between lunch and dinner. It may not be your top choice, but there will be something available. And, you can always fall back on bakery items (like focaccia) or a grocery store (deli foods, bakery items like pizza by the slice, etc).
What about reservations? If there’s a particular restaurant you want to eat at, reserve it. Call, email, or use online booking services (usually found as a link in the Google Maps overview section or on the restaurant’s webpage). IF you’re a large group and don’t want to reserve everything, that’s fine too. Just know you’ll need to be okay with splitting up at restaurants. You may not be able to walk in and get a table for a large group.
And finally, my #1 tip, after decades of travel with kids and grandparents (my own family and clients’ families) – carry snacks for everyone (not just the kids), everywhere you go.
Learn about Tipping in Italy
Packing for Italy – General Advice
Remember to pack medicines in carry-on bags. Bring prescriptions (or have them accessible online).
Lightweight, wheeled luggage is best. You will likely be rolling it over cobblestones and bumpy roads at some point, so quality luggage with a good reputation is key. I have seen my father roll a broken 15€ suitcase over blocks of Roman cobblestones and it forever remains a memory (funny for me, tragic for him).
Pack as light as you can. You will be loading it on/off transport (or in/out of your rental vehicle) and getting it to/from your accommodation. Make sure everyone can carry his/her own luggage (or that someone in your group can assist). I have my kids take a roller carry-on and a small backpack. If needed, you can combine and have multiple people share a larger suitcase – just make sure you can carry it (while watching kids, holding hands, etc).
Remind grandparents to remove nice jewelry and not to bring any along.
Have a safe place for grandparents to keep money and valuables while traveling. For example, some prefer to use a money belt. Women may want a cross-body bag.
Have a translation app like Google Translate or a hard copy of an Italian phrasebook.
You may want to read
Italy Packing List
Italy Packing List for Kids
Italy Packing List for a Baby or Toddler
Italy Travel Apps I Use
I hope this helps you plan your trip! I’ve had so many wonderful memories with my parents and kids here in Italy, and I know they have made memories of a lifetime too. It’s such a rewarding place for a multi-generational trip – buon viaggio!
