
Pizza
Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

Italy, located in southern Europe, is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and known for its beautiful landscapes, from rolling Tuscan hills to the dramatic Amalfi Coast. With a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, Italy is full of fascinating ancient ruins and world-famous art cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
The culture is warm and family-oriented, with delicious cuisine and lively festivals suitable for all ages. Italy offers affordable options, such as pizza in Naples or exploring charming villages, making it perfect for families looking for memorable, budget-friendly vacations.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleFamily friendly
DatesDate not specified
BudgetAverage budget
AccommodationHotel, apartment or house
Interests and Activities:
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Location
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Religion
Roman Catholicism
Population
59,000,000
Language
Italian, regional languages
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, types C, F, L
Time zone
UTCCET (UTC+1)
Country code
+39
Internet access
Widespread, high-speed, affordable
Climate
Mediterranean, alpine in north, hot summers
Language:
Italian
hello
goodbye
yes
no
how much
please
thank you
excuse me
Most travelers reach Italy by air, with major airports in Rome, Milan, and Venice offering numerous international flights. Families on an average budget should compare flights from major hubs and consider flying into different cities for the best deals. When traveling within Europe, trains are a flexible and scenic option, connecting Italy to neighboring countries like France, Switzerland, and Austria.
Long-distance buses—such as FlixBus—are budget-friendly and serve many Italian cities. For a unique experience, ferries connect Italy with Greece, Croatia, and other Mediterranean destinations, though schedules can vary by season and weather. Book transportation in advance during peak seasons to secure seats and the best prices for your family.
Italy has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, especially in the south and along the coasts. Northern regions, like Milan and the Alps, experience colder winters and occasional snowfall, while spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant throughout the country.
The best times to visit are late April to early June and September to October, when temperatures are comfortable and popular sites are less crowded. These seasons are ideal for exploring art, cuisine, and family activities. July and August can be very hot and crowded, especially in tourist hubs—many locals also vacation during August, leading to some closures.
Italian cuisine is famous for its pizza, handmade pasta, gelato, and espresso. Don’t miss regional dishes such as Tuscan ribollita, Neapolitan pizza, and Sicilian arancini. Family-run trattorias and osterias offer authentic, affordable experiences, while bustling local markets, like Florence’s Mercato Centrale or Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori, are great places to sample fresh produce and street food.
Cafés (bars) are perfect for a quick cappuccino and pastry, and gelaterias are a must for sweet treats. In most restaurants, tipping is not required—service is often included, but you can leave small change for great service. Many eateries accommodate dietary needs, but it’s helpful to confirm vegetarian or allergy-friendly options in advance.
Keep in mind that Italians typically dine later than some families may be used to, and meal pace is relaxed. Booking ahead is wise in popular cities. Enjoy discovering the diverse flavors and friendly hospitality that Italian food culture offers!

Pizza
Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of layers of wide flat pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy...

Risotto
Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a velvety consistency....

Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a luscious and decadent Italian dessert made from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and...

Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a traditional Milanese dish featuring braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables....
Italy offers excellent family-friendly hotels and apartments, especially in cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Look for central neighborhoods such as Rome’s Trastevere, Florence’s San Lorenzo, and Venice’s Cannaregio for easy access to attractions, restaurants, and public transport. These areas typically feature both comfortable hotels and modern vacation rentals with flexible amenities.
Booking.com and Airbnb are reliable sites for securing family-friendly apartments and hotels across Italy. Popular mid-range hotel chains like NH Hotels and Starhotels offer spacious family rooms. For a more authentic experience, consider renting an Italian “agriturismo”—a countryside apartment or house that provides both comfort and a taste of rural life, ideal for families seeking peace and space.
Ease into your Italian journey by enjoying authentic local cuisine, bonding as a family, and experiencing the warm hospitality of Italy's vibrant cities.
Kick off your Italian adventure with a hands-on gelato workshop in Rome. Kids and adults alike will learn the secrets behind Italy’s favorite sweet treat, sample fresh flavors, and bond as a family in a fun, interactive environment. Great for easing into the culture!
Take a gentle stroll through Piazza Navona’s vibrant square. Enjoy buskers, artists, and fountains, and capture beautiful family moments with a relaxed photo session amid the baroque architecture. Perfect for soaking in the city’s warm welcome.
Enjoy a hearty Italian dinner at a local trattoria where you can taste homemade pasta and pizza. Many trattorias welcome families and offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring a warm hospitality experience for all ages.

Venetian Carnival Mask Making Class in Venice, Italy
If you want to live a real experience in the heart of Venice that's the right choice! A Venetian Master Artisan will explain to you, in 1 hour course, the traditional art of decorating a mask, an artistic personal event which will make you live the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Create your own unique masterpiece and following your artistic streak, a special memory of an amazing experience and keep your artistic creation of the most emblematic icon of Venice! An unconventional and handcrafted moment to live with your family or friends!

Bologna Food & Market Tour with 6 Tastings, Pasta, Wines & More
On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience. We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas. You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine. Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria, always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still deeply rooted in this region. Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet.
From $117 USD

Venice Bacaro Food Tour: Eat and Drink like a Venetian
This food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of Venice. The tourist is guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected eateries, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. This tour is a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.
From $109 USD

Milan: Sunset Navigli Food & Drinks Tour by Do Eat Better
The Do Eat Better Experience food tour is a walking tour around the Navigli and Porta Ticinese area. The tourist is guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected bars, their beverages and preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.
From $106 USD

Taste Bologna Food Walking Tour
This tour will allow everyone to discover the gastronomy of Bologna with a walk inside the Quadrilatero market, the true beating heart of local specialties. Enjoy 3 tastings in the company of a local guide and discover all the anecdotes about Bolognese cuisine! Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the city center and its flavours. At the end of the tour, treat yourself to a small sweet treat.
From $68 USD

Turin Gourmet Tour: A Premium Tasting Experience by Do Eat Better
The Turin food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of the city where you will be guided by a Foodie, a local buddy able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.
From $113 USD

Segway Tour Caruggi - 2.5 ore
The best way to visit the most important places in the largest medieval historical center in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the amazing Segway! The most effective, fast, easy and fun way to not miss anything of the beauties of the city, experiencing an exciting adventure. From the hidden alleys of the old town, to the beautiful noble streets, our staff will guide you through magnificent palaces and fascinating views, breathing ancient atmospheres, scents and flavors of the whole world, in complete safety. A mix of culture, art, tradition, gastronomy and lots of fun ... a stone's throw from the sea!
From $71 USD

Campo dè Fiori Market and Trevi Fountain Food and Wine Tour in Rome
Curious to know how is a local market in Rome? That's the right tour for you! On this food tour you will visit one of the most famous local fresh markets of Rome and some of the most beautiful monuments of the city! This 4 hours tour experience is very informative, with LOTS of eating, sightseeing and drinking! Explore one of Rome's most visited neighborhoods with a great combination of food tasting and sightseeeing that will keep you away from tourist traps with our local and expert guide!!
From $106 USD

Rome Private Family Walking Tour with Games for Kids
Discover ancient Rome with your family in a funny way. Walk through the highlights of the city while taste the typical delicacies of Rome: pizza, suppli, chocolates and ice cream. Your children will love Rome as much as you do, caught up in the stories your private host has in store for you. There are games, a treasure hunt, and playgrounds waiting for them. Enjoy the city, its Art & History, its fabulous Gastronomy, with your family in a cool way for the little ones. Get all the tips from your private host to make the most of your days in the eternal city.
From $115 USD

La Spezia: Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better
The Do Eat Better Experience food tour is a walking tour around the historical center of La Spezia. The tourist is guided by a "Foodie", a local "buddy" able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and the relevant history/curiosities. Do Eat Better Experience tours are a mix of high-quality gastronomy as a way of showing Italian culture and lifestyle and a walking experience together with a local friend. This is the reason why we accept small groups only: we want to focus on a genuine exchange and give to each tourist the highest attention possible. Top 4 food stops in La Spezia for a memorable and rich dining experience! Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages upon request.
From $106 USD

Bologna in one day: Art, History and Gastronomy
It is an extremely complete tour to discover the wonderful Bologna. A day of culture, art and gastronomy among the main attractions of the city. The program has been carefully studied in order to be able to combine the great potential of Bolognese gastronomy, and those of the rich architectural and artistic heritage, such as the splendid churches, palaces, the very ancient university, canals and towers, and finally a rich museum of ancient art, the National Art Gallery.
From $173 USD
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