Italy is a land the place historical historical past, high-end trend, creative legacy, and hearty delicacies collide! It’s a treasure trove of experiences which are awe-inspiring it doesn’t matter what your age, however for these touring with teenagers, you’ll discover your adolescent youths will probably be simply as excited to begin exploring as you’re!
The picturesque landscapes, the bustling ambiance, iconic landmarks, and blissful seashores are ready in your youngsters to snap for his or her Instagram feeds.
However with a lot to see and do, it may be laborious to slim down a listing of issues to do in Italy with youngsters, so we’ve come to assist.
We’ve visited Italy many occasions with our two teenage daughters, and we’re typically requested what their favourite place or factor to do was.
So that will help you out, we’ve put collectively our prime 15 issues to do with youngsters, plus shared our prompt itinerary and suggestions for having a trouble-free journey, so you may go to Italy with teenagers and not using a hitch!
Is Italy place for Youngsters?
Italy is a improbable nation to go to with youngsters for thus 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 stuffed with iconic landmarks, museums, and historic websites that our teenagers discovered inspiring and memorable. They realized about many of those locations at school, so it was superb for them to have the ability to see them in particular person.
Secondly, Italy has quite a lot of variety in relation to issues to do. You’ll be able to go climbing within the mountains, you may snorkel within the heat Mediterranean waters and calm down on golden seashores, or you will get misplaced in tiny Medieval cities. Whether or not your youngsters take pleasure in outside adventures like climbing, biking, and water sports activities, or want culturally immersive experiences, the phrase “bored” by no means touches their lips.
Additionally, when you’ve got fussy eaters in your loved ones, even the fussiest eater will love Italian delicacies – umm, hey 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 can be full with out visiting The Colosseum and Roman Discussion board in Rome. The Colosseum is likely one of the Seven Historical 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 guts of political, social, and financial life in historical 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 essential authorities buildings, temples, and monuments, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Romans.
Each websites are UNESCO World Heritage Websites and appeal to thousands and thousands of tourists every year so do your self an enormous favor and ebook excursions prematurely!
Learn extra: Thrilling Issues To Do in Rome With Teenagers + Ideas For Visiting
2. A Strolling Meals Tour, Rome
Our youngsters liked the strolling meals tour we did in Rome as a result of it combines exploration of town and its gorgeous sights with some scrumptious meals tasting with an area information, who can take you away from the vacationer traps to extra genuine locations.
Throughout a strolling meals tour, you’ll wander by way of charming neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, and pattern genuine Roman dishes comparable to pasta carbonara, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
You might also go to native markets and take a look at contemporary produce, cheeses, and cured meats, and study in regards to 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 you could take pleasure in.
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 historical 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, generally known as the central oculus, which opens to the sky.
The Pantheon has the most important unreinforced concrete dome on this planet, and it was the engineering of this constructing that actually captures the ingenuity of historical 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 liked exploring the slim aspect streets and alleyways within the 5 cities and snapping images of the colourful buildings. Actually, it was our eldest teen, who insisted Cinque Terre was a part of our Italy itinerary. A requirement all of us liked!
They completely liked our two-hour Cinque Terre boat tour the place we cruised previous the 5 villages for a unique (gorgeous) perspective, leaping off the boat to swim within the sea, and exploring a sea cave!
Cinque Terre is one other UNESCO World Heritage Website (Italy truly has the most important variety of UNESCO websites, 58 in whole, if you happen to’re ), which consists of 5 picturesque villages perched alongside the rugged shoreline of the Italian Riviera.
Our teenagers liked trying on the colourful homes, climbing alongside the dramatic cliffs, and dipping their ft within the crystal-clear waters.
Learn extra: How To Spend One Excellent Day in Cinque Terre
5. Go to Pompeii, Naples
Pompeii is an interesting 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 town and captured it frozen in time.
This catastrophic occasion has preserved many features of every day life, and you’ll stroll by way of the ruins of well-preserved buildings, streets, and frescoes.
It’s each fascinating and in addition a poignant reminder that your complete 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 dwelling.
Pompeii is likely one of the most astounding issues I’ve seen on my travels. I do know any teen, curious in regards to the world, will probably be equally fascinated.
6. Take Pictures with the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is likely one of the most recognizable constructions on this planet 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 novel 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 sights. However I do know not everyone seems to be like me and youths have a tendency to like these iconic picture alternatives!
You’ll be able to climb up the 294 steps to the highest of the tower, study in regards to the challenges confronted throughout its building, 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 if you happen to’re not huge 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 rather more spectacular in particular person in comparison with footage.
Standing at a powerful 17 ft tall, getting up near this iconic statue you may see the outlines of muscle mass and veins, and the intricate element put into the facial options. Seeing David in particular person, 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 positively my favourite artwork expertise ever. Our youngsters had been simply as enamored together with his magnetic presence.
We visited David on our Florence strolling tour, which I appreciated because it meant we may bypass the strains and study a lot extra in regards to the making of David (And different essential items within the gallery)
Because it’s so so so common, make sure to get a skip the road ticket.
Learn extra: A Tuscan Meals & Wine Tour in Florence (the Excellent 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 this planet, housing a unprecedented assortment of Renaissance masterpieces.
See iconic works by legendary artists comparable to Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Teenagers will love the portray of Medusa! Even if you happen to’re not huge on artwork, seeing the talent and mastery of those nice painters from centuries in the past generally is 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 enduring Area di Verona, a shocking amphitheater that dates again to AD 30.
Verona has a quaintness about it that our teenagers liked. They liked exploring the winding medieval streets and seeing folks go away messages on the partitions of Juliet’s home. A spotlight was standing on Juliet’s Balcony!
10. Journey a Gondola in Venice
Using a gondola in Venice is a quintessential factor for youngsters to do in Italy. Gondolas should not solely romantic and a good way to see town from a brand new perspective, however they’re deeply rooted in Venetian tradition and custom.
Experiencing a gondola journey gives a direct connection to the heritage of Venice and a calming option to admire the slim canals, historic buildings, charming bridges, and picturesque fantastic thing about Venice.
Our non-public gondola journey was a part of our Venice guided strolling tour. I used to be glad to skip the lengthy strains!
Learn extra: Thrilling Issues to Do in Venice with Teenagers + Why They Love It!
11. Hike within the Dolomites
In case you’d want to do one thing extra lively in your trip, then you definately’ll need to contemplate climbing within the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are identified for his or her dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows, the place you may admire the awe-inspiring landscapes, with towering rock formations and picturesque vistas, whereas exploring the paths which are 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 will have 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 this planet, so you will need to be certain that to go to right here whereas in Rome to tick off one other nation for the record!
One of the vital thrilling sights within the Vatican is the Vatican Metropolis Museum, which homes essentially the most intensive and spectacular collections of artwork on this planet, that includes works by famend artists comparable to 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 will get overwhelmed and bored shortly. This fashion they will 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 if you happen to’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 may think about the grandeur and tranquility of the place.
It’s additionally Italy’s largest lake and is finest considered 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 Buying in Milan
For the fashion-conscious teen, a visit to Italy wouldn’t be full with out stopping in one of many trend capitals of the world, Milan.
Residence to prestigious designers and luxurious manufacturers, these inquisitive about trend ought to head to the flagship shops alongside the well-known By way of Montenapoleone and within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to find the newest tendencies and types.
Milan isn’t all about high-end trend although, it has a various buying scene, with a lot of distinctive classic retailers and native artisan boutiques to discover as nicely.
15. Benefit from the Seashores of Sardinia
In case your teenagers want rest, then make sure to head to the small island of Sardinia for some solar, sea, and golden sands.
Sardinia is dwelling to among the most lovely seashores on this planet, identified for his or her crystal-clear turquoise waters, mushy 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, sluggish tradition, permitting them to unwind and benefit from the tranquil setting.
Our Prompt 3-Week Italy Itinerary with Teenagers
If you wish to discover the most effective of Italy along with your youngsters, right here is how one can spend 3 weeks touring throughout the nation. In fact, not everybody has three weeks to spare, so when you’ve got much less time in your fingers, you may lower days out as you’re feeling match.
We suggest hiring a automotive and driving for essentially the most half, however if you happen to don’t need to drive, Italy has an intensive practice community, making it simple to journey between cities and cities. We suggest you ebook tickets prematurely for higher costs if you happen to 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, generally known as 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 the world over.
There’s a lot to see and do in Rome, however it’s additionally very walkable and simple to get round on foot, so that you don’t have to plan for greater than 3 full days within the metropolis.
Listed below are some prompt issues to do in Rome with teenagers:
Discover the Trastevere District and see how the locals dwell, and do some boutique buying
Day 4: Take a day journey to Pompeii
Take a high-speed practice from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour), then an area practice to Pompeii (half-hour). (Examine trains right here)
The Pompeii Archaeological Website is likely one of the most unusual historic landmarks within the nation. You’ll be able to see the preserved ruins of this historical 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 automotive to discover the island at your personal tempo. Some sights to not miss are the historic Castello district, the traditional ruins of Nora, the Phoenician and Roman metropolis, and Poetto Seashore for some rest.
Costa Smeralda is one other hotspot for gorgeous seashores, and you may as well do a ship tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, the gorgeous islands round Sardinia identified for his or her crystal-clear waters, excellent 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, however it’s typically frequent to attach by way of Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, which may make the journey wherever 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 way of 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, take pleasure in artwork historical past, you could need to add on a further 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 essential 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 this planet, dwelling to masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo
- Go to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb to the highest of the dome for gorgeous views of 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 simply an hour’s drive from Florence. For the rest of this Italy itinerary, we suggest you rent a automotive 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, however it doesn’t have an enormous variety of sights, 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 need to drive, you may take a practice from Pisa to La Spezia (which takes about 1.5 hours), then switch to the native practice 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 simple 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 practice (switch at La Spezia). Milan is called Italy’s trend capital so for a little bit of retail remedy, spend no less than two days exploring this metropolis and diving into the shops and buying malls.
Whereas in Milan, make sure to try the next highlights:
- Go to the gorgeous cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views
- Discover the historic buying gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, stuffed with luxurious retailers and cafes
- Uncover the Castello Sforza and its museums, and stroll by way of 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 practice 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 occasions 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 gorgeous Villa Monastero
- Take a ferry to Bellagio, generally known as 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 automotive or 2.5 hours by practice. Verona is a quaint, romantic city and a UNESCO World Heritage web site, generally known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Verona is small and might simply be seen in a day or half a day. You’ll want to try the next sights:
- Discover the traditional Roman amphitheater, Area 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 vigorous market and historic buildings surrounding Piazza delle Erbe
Day 19-20: Venice
Journey from Verona to Venice is 1 hour by automotive or 1.5 hours by practice. Venice is called some of the romantic cities on this planet and is finest 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 significant commerce hub and cultural middle through 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 sights:
- 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 lovely rooms and the well-known Bridge of Sighs
- Stroll throughout the historic Rialto Bridge and revel in views of the Grand Canal
- Go on a gondola journey by way of Venice’s canals
- Take a ship journey to Murano Island identified for glass-making and colourful homes
Learn extra: Be a 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 practice.
The Dolomites are a mountain vary in northern Italy identified for his or her distinctive geology and breathtaking landscapes. They had been named a UNESCO World Heritage web site in 2009, and are the proper place to go climbing 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, excellent for climbing
- Take a cable automotive journey 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 occasions with our teenage daughters, there are some things we want we knew earlier than we went. Listed below 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 provides them an opportunity to say what they’re inquisitive about and what they’re not. It elevates any moans and groans in a while 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 once they’re chatting with their mates in entrance of the Colosseum. They’re nonetheless appreciating the expertise, they simply need to inform their mates about it NOW.
- E-book sights prematurely. We had been fortunate sufficient to have the foresight to ebook our tour of The Vatican Museums, The Doge’s Palace, The Colosseum, and Roman Discussion board, and lots of different key sights, nicely prematurely. We noticed queues going for miles once we turned up and had been capable of simply breeze by way of the queue. Some wait occasions for tickets can go as much as 2 hours, so do your self a favor and ebook prematurely!
- 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 positive what we had been taking a look at. We had been so jealous of all of the individuals who had a tour information to share among the historical past.
- At all times 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 see cheaper and higher eating places off the primary squares.
- Depart room in your itinerary for adjustment. Make an observation of what’s essential to see and what you may miss. Our youngsters obtained a little bit drained after per week, so we determined to skip some sights and simply have a day of wandering across the neighborhoods as an alternative.
- Actually, 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 go away later within the day. Youngsters are inclined to need to sleep in, and regardless that you’re on trip and need to exit early to discover, most retailers and eating places, and so forth don’t open till 10.00am in Italy, so if you wish to sleep in, I say go for it.
- Observe 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. This can be a good time for you and your teenagers to take a nap or take pleasure in some quiet time within the resort earlier than going out once more.
- Search for some interactive experiences. We like to take lessons, and workshops, watch cooking demonstrations, and so forth 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.
