Italy is a land the place historic historical past, high-end vogue, inventive legacy, and hearty delicacies collide! It’s a treasure trove of experiences which can be awe-inspiring it doesn’t matter what your age, however for these touring with teenagers, you’ll discover your adolescent youths can be simply as excited to start out exploring as you’re!
The picturesque landscapes, the bustling environment, iconic landmarks, and blissful seashores are ready on your youngsters to snap for his or her Instagram feeds.
However with a lot to see and do, it may be laborious to slender down a listing of issues to do in Italy with youngsters, so we’ve come to assist.
We’ve visited Italy many instances with our two teenage daughters, and we’re usually requested what their favourite place or factor to do was.
So that will help you out, we’ve put collectively our high 15 issues to do with youngsters, plus shared our advised itinerary and ideas for having a trouble-free journey, so you’ll be able to go to Italy with teenagers and not using a hitch!
Is Italy a superb place for Youngsters?
Italy is a improbable nation to go to with youngsters for therefore many causes. After we talked to our youngsters about why they love Italy, the very first thing they talked about was how a lot historical past and tradition there was to see.
Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are crammed with iconic landmarks, museums, and historic websites that our teenagers discovered inspiring and memorable. They realized about many of those locations in class, so it was superb for them to have the ability to see them in individual.
Secondly, Italy has lots of range in the case of issues to do. You’ll be able to go mountaineering within the mountains, you’ll be able to snorkel within the heat Mediterranean waters and chill out on golden seashores, or you will get misplaced in tiny Medieval cities. Whether or not your youngsters get pleasure from out of doors adventures like mountaineering, biking, and water sports activities, or favor culturally immersive experiences, the phrase “bored” by no means touches their lips.
Additionally, you probably have fussy eaters in your loved ones, even the fussiest eater will love Italian delicacies – umm, good day pizza! The meals in Italy is beautiful, from scrumptious pizzas to hearty pasta and refreshing gelato – each meal is a delight.
15 Issues to Do in Italy with Youngsters
1. The Colosseum & Roman Discussion board, Rome
No journey to Italy could be full with out visiting The Colosseum and Roman Discussion board in Rome. The Colosseum is likely one of the Seven Historic Wonders of the World and is an iconic image of Rome.
It was constructed between AD 70-80 and was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, however it’s well-known for its distinctive form and structure, which showcases the grandeur of Roman engineering.
The Roman Discussion board, adjoining to the Colosseum, served as the center of political, social, and financial life in historic Rome. It was the place residents gathered for public speeches, and trials, and traded within the markets.
You’ll be able to discover ruins of vital authorities buildings, temples, and monuments, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Romans.
Each websites are UNESCO World Heritage Websites and entice thousands and thousands of tourists every year so do your self an enormous favor and e-book excursions upfront!
Learn extra: Thrilling Issues To Do in Rome With Teenagers + Ideas For Visiting
2. A Strolling Meals Tour, Rome
Our youngsters beloved the strolling meals tour we did in Rome as a result of it combines exploration of the town and its gorgeous sights with some scrumptious meals tasting with a neighborhood information, who can take you away from the vacationer traps to extra genuine locations.
Throughout a strolling meals tour, you’ll wander by charming neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, and pattern genuine Roman dishes resembling pasta carbonara, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
You may additionally go to native markets and check out contemporary produce, cheeses, and cured meats, and study concerning the substances that make Roman delicacies distinctive.
Learn extra: Unravel The Historical past Of Roman Delicacies On A Rome Meals Tour and listed below are extra Rome meals excursions chances are you’ll get pleasure from.
3. Marvel at The Pantheon, Rome
One other marvel in Roman engineering is The Pantheon. Initially constructed as a temple to the Roman gods in round AD 126, The Pantheon is likely one of the best-preserved historic buildings in Rome.
Its title means “temple of all gods,” and is thought for its round structure and distinctive “eye of God” opening within the ceiling, often called the central oculus, which opens to the sky.
The Pantheon has the most important unreinforced concrete dome on the earth, and it was the engineering of this constructing that basically captures the ingenuity of historic Roman builders.
I like to recommend getting an audio tour of the Pantheon, so you actually perceive why it’s so superb.
Learn extra: Important Issues to know earlier than going to Rome
4. Discover the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre was certainly one of our favourite areas in Italy and our youngsters beloved exploring the slender facet streets and alleyways within the 5 cities and snapping pictures of the colourful buildings. The truth is, it was our eldest teen, who insisted Cinque Terre was a part of our Italy itinerary. A requirement all of us beloved!
They completely beloved our two-hour Cinque Terre boat tour the place we cruised previous the 5 villages for a distinct (gorgeous) perspective, leaping off the boat to swim within the sea, and exploring a sea cave!
Cinque Terre is one other UNESCO World Heritage Web site (Italy really has the most important variety of UNESCO websites, 58 in complete, in case you’re ), which consists of 5 picturesque villages perched alongside the rugged shoreline of the Italian Riviera.
Our teenagers beloved trying on the colourful homes, mountaineering alongside the dramatic cliffs, and dipping their ft within the crystal-clear waters.
Learn extra: How To Spend One Good Day in Cinque Terre
5. Go to Pompeii, Naples
Pompeii is a captivating and academic expertise that your youngsters shouldn’t miss. They could have realized about this notorious volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, that devoured the town and captured it frozen in time.
This catastrophic occasion has preserved many elements of every day life, and you’ll stroll by the ruins of well-preserved buildings, streets, and frescoes.
It’s each fascinating and in addition a poignant reminder that your entire life may be modified, or taken from you, in a matter of minutes. It’s a spot that may give youngsters appreciation for his or her lives again house.
Pompeii is likely one of the most astounding issues I’ve seen on my travels. I do know any teen, curious concerning the world, can be equally fascinated.
6. Take Images with the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is likely one of the most recognizable constructions on the earth and is known for its unintended tilt.
It was constructed within the 14th century and is a freestanding bell tower well-known for being the topic of a singular play-on perspective {photograph}!
Youngsters will love snapping photographs with the tower, pretending to carry it up (an iconic pose), and getting up near see how this 56-meter-tall monument remains to be standing!
I personally discovered the Leaning Tower of Pisa to be overrated and certainly one of my least favourite Italian points of interest. However I do know not everyone seems to be like me and teenagers have a tendency to like these iconic photograph alternatives!
You’ll be able to climb up the 294 steps to the highest of the tower, study concerning the challenges confronted throughout its development, and people-watch the opposite guests capturing their “leaning pose” photographs from a restaurant within the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.
Because it’s such a preferred attraction in Italy, I like to recommend getting a skip the road ticket.
7. See the Statue of David in Florence
Even in case you’re not massive on artwork, a possibility to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David in Florence is to not be skipped.
Sculpted between 1501 and 1504, David is taken into account one of many best masterpieces of Renaissance artwork, and it’s far more spectacular in individual in comparison with photos.
Standing at a powerful 17 ft tall, getting up near this iconic statue you’ll be able to see the outlines of muscular tissues and veins, and the intricate element put into the facial options. Seeing David in individual, whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not, is a bucket record expertise.
One will always remember turning that nook and seeing David for the primary time. It’s an awe-inspiring second and undoubtedly my favourite artwork expertise ever. Our youngsters have been simply as enamored together with his magnetic presence.
We visited David on our Florence strolling tour, which I appreciated because it meant we might bypass the traces and study a lot extra concerning the making of David (And different vital items within the gallery)
Because it’s so so so fashionable, remember to get a skip the road ticket.
Learn extra: A Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour in Florence (the Good Dinner Expertise)
8. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence
In case your teenagers are fascinated by artwork, then you definately can not miss the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which is likely one of the most well-known artwork museums on the earth, housing a rare assortment of Renaissance masterpieces.
See iconic works by legendary artists resembling Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Teenagers will love the portray of Medusa! Even in case you’re not massive on artwork, seeing the talent and mastery of those nice painters from centuries in the past is usually a highly effective supply of inspiration for youngsters and adults alike.
9. Fall in Love with Verona
We determined to take a day journey to Verona from Venice as we had a bit of additional time to kill, and what a metropolis it’s! Verona is a metropolis steeped in historical past and romantic lore and is thought for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
It’s additionally identified for its well-preserved Roman structure, together with the long-lasting Enviornment di Verona, a shocking amphitheater that dates again to AD 30.
Verona has a quaintness about it that our teenagers beloved. They beloved exploring the winding medieval streets and seeing individuals go away messages on the partitions of Juliet’s home. A spotlight was standing on Juliet’s Balcony!
10. Journey a Gondola in Venice
Driving a gondola in Venice is a quintessential factor for youngsters to do in Italy. Gondolas aren’t solely romantic and a good way to see the town from a brand new perspective, however they’re deeply rooted in Venetian tradition and custom.
Experiencing a gondola experience supplies a direct connection to the heritage of Venice and a soothing approach to admire the slender canals, historic buildings, charming bridges, and picturesque great thing about Venice.
Our personal gondola experience was a part of our Venice guided strolling tour. I used to be pleased to skip the lengthy traces!
Learn extra: Thrilling Issues to Do in Venice with Teenagers + Why They Love It!
11. Hike within the Dolomites
In case you’d favor to do one thing extra energetic in your trip, then you definately’ll wish to contemplate mountaineering within the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are identified for his or her dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows, the place you’ll be able to admire the awe-inspiring landscapes, with towering rock formations and picturesque vistas, whereas exploring the paths which can be appropriate for all talent ranges.
Spending time within the Dolomites permits youngsters to disconnect from know-how and reconnect with nature. In case you discover you’ve got teenagers who’re glued to their telephones, maybe the tranquility of the mountains, the sound of rustling leaves, and the contemporary alpine air will encourage a little bit of mindfulness in them.
12. Go to The Vatican Metropolis Museum & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Metropolis is thought for being the middle of the Catholic church, and in addition the smallest nation on the earth, so you will need to be sure that to go to right here whereas in Rome to tick off one other nation for the record!
One of the crucial thrilling points of interest within the Vatican is the Vatican Metropolis Museum, which homes essentially the most in depth and spectacular collections of artwork on the earth, that includes works by famend artists resembling Raphael and Michelangelo.
I extremely suggest you’re taking a tour of the museum so that you may be whisked round all of the highlights, as in any other case, you’ll be within the museum for days! I believe a guided tour is a lot better for teenagers as they’ll get overwhelmed and bored rapidly. This manner they’ll get the highlights with out the depth of attempting to take it in themselves. Right here’s the guided tour we did. I additionally belief this firm in case you’re searching for one other Vatican tour possibility.
The spotlight of the museum is The Sistine Chapel, identified for its well-known frescoes which depict biblical scenes with breathtaking element – significantly Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling portray “The Hand of God” which is world well-known.
13. Do a Boat Cruise on Lake Como
Lake Como was as soon as the holiday spot of the elite and rich within the Renaissance interval, so you’ll be able to think about the grandeur and tranquility of the place.
It’s additionally Italy’s largest lake and is greatest seen on a ship tour which takes you to the charming lakeside cities and provides you a greater view of the picturesque surroundings of dramatic mountains and mountain-side meadows.
14. Go Procuring in Milan
For the fashion-conscious teen, a visit to Italy wouldn’t be full with out stopping in one of many vogue capitals of the world, Milan.
Dwelling to prestigious designers and luxurious manufacturers, these enthusiastic about vogue ought to head to the flagship shops alongside the well-known Through Montenapoleone and within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to find the newest tendencies and types.
Milan will not be all about high-end vogue although, it has a various procuring scene, with numerous distinctive classic retailers and native artisan boutiques to discover as properly.
15. Benefit from the Seashores of Sardinia
In case your teenagers favor rest, then remember to head to the small island of Sardinia for some solar, sea, and golden sands.
Sardinia is house to a few of the most stunning seashores on the earth, identified for his or her crystal-clear turquoise waters, smooth white sands, and dramatic cliffs.
Head out on a ship tour and do some snorkeling and uncover the colourful marine lifetime of the Mediterranean, or discover hidden coves and sea caves for an otherworldly expertise.
Past the seashores, Sardinia has quaint seaside cities with an idyllic, gradual tradition, permitting them to unwind and benefit from the tranquil setting.
Our Urged 3-Week Italy Itinerary with Teenagers
If you wish to discover the perfect of Italy along with your youngsters, right here is how one can spend 3 weeks touring throughout the nation. After all, not everybody has three weeks to spare, so you probably have much less time in your arms, you’ll be able to reduce days out as you’re feeling match.
We suggest hiring a automobile and driving for essentially the most half, however in case you don’t wish to drive, Italy has an intensive prepare community, making it straightforward to journey between cities and cities. We suggest you e-book tickets upfront for higher costs in case you do go down this route.
Learn extra: From Rome to Venice: The Final 2-Week Italy Itinerary
Day 1-3: Rome
Our itinerary begins within the capital of Italy, the traditional metropolis of Rome, often called the “Everlasting Metropolis,” it has a historical past spanning over 2,500 years. It was the capital of the Roman Empire, influencing artwork, tradition, and politics internationally.
There’s a lot to see and do in Rome, but it surely’s additionally very walkable and straightforward to get round on foot, so that you don’t have to plan for greater than 3 full days within the metropolis.
Listed here are some advised issues to do in Rome with teenagers:
Discover the Trastevere District and see how the locals reside, and do some boutique procuring
Day 4: Take a day journey to Pompeii
Take a high-speed prepare from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour), then a neighborhood prepare to Pompeii (half-hour). (Examine trains right here)
The Pompeii Archaeological Web site is likely one of the most original historic landmarks within the nation. You’ll be able to see the preserved ruins of this historic metropolis buried by volcanic ash and lava from an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Stroll alongside the streets and see former houses, uncovered frescoes, and even casts of those that misplaced their lives.
Day 5-7: Sardinia
Return to Naples and take a flight or ferry to Sardinia (Cagliari is a typical entry level). Sardinia is a small island identified for its blissful seashores and historic, quaint coastal cities.
Keep in Cagliari and hire a automobile to discover the island at your individual tempo. Some sights to not miss are the historic Castello district, the traditional ruins of Nora, the Phoenician and Roman metropolis, and Poetto Seaside for some rest.
Costa Smeralda is one other hotspot for gorgeous seashores, and you may also do a ship tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, the attractive islands round Sardinia identified for his or her crystal-clear waters, good for snorkeling.
Day 8: Journey to Florence
Catch an inside flight from Sardinia to Florence. The flight is about 1 hour and 10 minutes continuous, but it surely’s usually frequent to attach by way of Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, which may make the journey anyplace from 3.5 hours to five hours.
Plan for a full day to journey between locations, as you additionally need to consider attending to and from the airport, and permitting sufficient time to get by safety.
Day 9-10: Florence
Florence is one other small, walkable metropolis that solely wants about 2 full days to discover. Relying on how a lot your youngsters, and also you, get pleasure from artwork historical past, chances are you’ll wish to add on an extra day to discover the galleries and artwork museums (for which there are numerous).
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is thought for its artwork legacy and historical past. It was as soon as an vital commerce metropolis within the medieval interval, and due to this nice wealth, it has some gorgeous structure, elegant piazzas with ornate fountains, and a widespread appreciation for Renaissance artwork.
Some websites to not miss in Florence are:
- Discover the Uffizi Gallery, some of the well-known artwork museums on the earth, house to masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo
- Go to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb to the highest of the dome for gorgeous views of the town
- See the Ponte Vecchio and stroll throughout this historic bridge
Don’t miss Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery
Day 11: Pisa
Pisa is barely an hour’s drive from Florence. For the rest of this Italy itinerary, we suggest you rent a automobile to get round because it’s simpler and extra handy than public transport.
Spend a day in Pisa visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, enjoyable within the Piazza dei Miracoli, and marveling on the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
Pisa is well-known for its architectural marvels, but it surely doesn’t have an enormous variety of points of interest, so we suggest spending solely a day right here.
Day 12-13: Cinque Terre
Drive 1 hour and half-hour north alongside the coast to Cinque Terre, a area made up of 5 villages that date again to the eleventh century, identified for his or her place towards dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and the colourful facades of their buildings.
In case you don’t wish to drive, you’ll be able to take a prepare from Pisa to La Spezia (which takes about 1.5 hours), then switch to the native prepare that connects the 5 villages of Cinque Terre.
You’ll be able to hike between the 5 cities, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, making it straightforward to discover the area on foot.
Learn extra: Cinque Terre Boat Tour: A Should See View of the 5 Lands
Day 14-15: Milan
Journey from Cinque Terre to Milan, which is a 3-hour drive, or by prepare (switch at La Spezia). Milan is called Italy’s vogue capital so for a little bit of retail remedy, spend a minimum of two days exploring this metropolis and diving into the shops and procuring malls.
Whereas in Milan, remember to take a look at the next highlights:
- Go to the gorgeous cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views
- Discover the historic procuring gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, crammed with luxurious retailers and cafes
- Uncover the Castello Sforza and its museums, and stroll by Sempione ParkSee Leonardo da Vinci’s well-known mural, The Final Supper (advance reserving required)
Day 16-17: Lake Como
Drive 1.5 hours to Lake Como or take a prepare from Milan to Varenna or Como (about 1 hour), and spend a few days enjoyable round Italy’s largest lake.
Lake Como has been a preferred retreat for aristocrats and society’s elite since Roman instances and is thought for its gorgeous landscapes, historic villas, and charming cities.
Some locations to not miss in Lake Como are:
- Stroll alongside the lakeside promenade of Varenna and go to the attractive Villa Monastero
- Take a ferry to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” and discover its charming streets
- Go to the Cathedral of Como and take the funicular to Brunate for breathtaking views
Day 18: Verona
Journey from Lake Como to Verona, which is both 3 hours by automobile or 2.5 hours by prepare. Verona is a quaint, romantic city and a UNESCO World Heritage web site, often called the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Verona is small and might simply be seen in a day or half a day. Remember to take a look at the next points of interest:
- Discover the traditional Roman amphitheater, Enviornment di Verona, nonetheless used for concert events and operas
- Go to Juliet’s Home and the well-known balcony and take photographs of the statue of Juliet
- Benefit from the energetic market and historic buildings surrounding Piazza delle Erbe
Day 19-20: Venice
Journey from Verona to Venice is 1 hour by automobile or 1.5 hours by prepare. Venice is called some of the romantic cities on the earth and is greatest explored on foot or by water taxi alongside its winding canals.
Venice has a wealthy historical past relationship again to the fifth century. It was as soon as a strong city-state and a serious commerce hub and cultural middle in the course of the Renaissance. You’ll be able to discover all of the highlights of Venice in a day or two.
Whereas in Venice, don’t miss these points of interest:
- Go to St. Mark’s Basilica, identified for its gorgeous mosaics and spectacular structure
- Discover the Doge’s Palace, the previous residence of the Doge of Venice, that includes stunning rooms and the well-known Bridge of Sighs
- Stroll throughout the historic Rialto Bridge and luxuriate in views of the Grand Canal
- Go on a gondola experience by Venice’s canals
- Take a ship journey to Murano Island identified for glass-making and colourful homes
Learn extra: Be part of a Guided Venice Strolling Tour & Uncover Its Enchanting Secrets and techniques
Day 21: Dolomites
The final cease on this itinerary is the Dolomites, which is a 2.5-hour drive away, or 3 hours by prepare.
The Dolomites are a mountain vary in northern Italy identified for his or her distinctive geology and breathtaking landscapes. They have been named a UNESCO World Heritage web site in 2009, and are the right place to go mountaineering in the summertime, or snowboarding within the winter.
When within the Dolomites, don’t miss:
- Discover the well-known ski resort city, Cortina d’Ampezzo, identified for its gorgeous mountain surroundings
- Go to this picturesque lake of Lago di Braies surrounded by towering peaks, good for mountaineering
- Take a cable automobile experience up Seceda for breathtaking views
- Uncover charming villages and gorgeous landscapes at Val di Funes
Ideas for Visiting Italy with Teenagers
Having visited Italy a number of instances with our teenage daughters, there are some things we want we knew earlier than we went. Listed here are some phrases of recommendation that will help you have a trouble-free journey!
- Contain your youngsters within the planning. We’ve began doing this for each journey, not only for Italy, because it will get them enthusiastic about it and in addition offers them an opportunity to say what they’re enthusiastic about and what they’re not. It elevates any moans and groans afterward in the event that they know what they’ve signed up for.
- Don’t get irritated about them being on their telephones. It’s an excessive amount of stress to argue with them after they’re chatting with their pals in entrance of the Colosseum. They’re nonetheless appreciating the expertise, they simply wish to inform their pals about it NOW.
- Ebook points of interest upfront. We have been fortunate sufficient to have the foresight to e-book our tour of The Vatican Museums, The Doge’s Palace, The Colosseum, and Roman Discussion board, and lots of different key points of interest, properly upfront. We noticed queues going for miles once we turned up and have been capable of simply breeze by the queue. Some wait instances for tickets can go as much as 2 hours, so do your self a favor and e-book upfront!
- Take a tour of the Colosseum. We didn’t do a tour and we kicked ourselves. There was little or no signage and we weren’t certain what we have been . We have been so jealous of all of the individuals who had a tour information to share a few of the historical past.
- All the time dine on the again streets, not the piazzas. As idyllic because the piazzas are, the costs are far dearer within the squares and truthfully, the meals is mediocre high quality. You can find cheaper and higher eating places off the principle squares.
- Go away room in your itinerary for adjustment. Make an observation of what’s vital to see and what you’ll be able to miss. Our youngsters acquired a bit of drained after every week, so we determined to skip some points of interest and simply have a day of wandering across the neighborhoods as a substitute.
- The truth is, have a “free day” the place you don’t plan something. Have a time off the itinerary to do no matter feels pure or spontaneous to you.
- Plan to depart later within the day. Youngsters are likely to wish to sleep in, and although you’re on trip and wish to exit early to discover, most retailers and eating places, and so on don’t open till 10.00am in Italy, so if you wish to sleep in, I say go for it.
- Word that locations have a tendency to shut in the midst of the day. It’s frequent for eating places and retailers to shut from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, after which keep open later. It is a good time for you and your teenagers to take a nap or get pleasure from some quiet time within the resort earlier than going out once more.
- Search for some interactive experiences. We like to take courses, and workshops, watch cooking demonstrations, and so on once we journey, because it’s a method for us and our teenagers to immerse ourselves within the native tradition. Look out for these experiences and also you’ll have a way more memorable journey!
- Eating places open later, so put together to eat later. It’s regular in Italian tradition to eat dinner at 9:00pm or 10:00pm, so most Italians exit to eat late. When in Rome, do because the Romans do, and plan to eat later within the day for a extra genuine expertise.