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Best of Italy Family Holiday

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Best of Italy Family Holiday

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Description

Fall in love with Italy and forge new family memories on this carefully crafted itinerary designed with both you and your kids in mind. Dip your toes in the sea on the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline, make authentic Ligurian pesto, savour delicious Tuscan cuisine and get the perfect snap in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. From the ruins of Rome to the shadow of Mt Vesuvius, watch the kids light up as your local leader brings history back to life. Kick back with some Sangiovese while the kids explore the farmlands of an agriturismo, make pizza in Sorrento, then relax on a daytrip to Capri. With all the logistics taken care of, you’ll make the most of family time full of sparkling coasts and local food.

Trip Name
Best of Italy Family Holiday
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Try your hand at mask making in Venice at a local, specialised atelier – this art form dates back to the 13th century.
  • Hike on the renowned paths of the Cinque Terre and test your culinary skills with a hands-on pesto making class in Levanto.
  • Explore the town that’s frozen in time with a day and night spent in Pompeii, including a short hike to the summit of the volcanic Mt Vesuvius.
  • Learn the art of southern Italian pizza making at a family-run agriturismo, then enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm, full of friendly wild rabbits.
  • Cruise across the Bay of Naples to Capri – with its glistening grottoes and colourful houses, it’s easy to see why this was a holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Venice
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Your adventure begins in Venice with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its sites. If you arrive early, there are plenty of things to keep you and the family busy. Take a walk around the maze of streets behind Piazza San Marco and begin to understand the complex canal system of Venice. The Grand Canal is a great place to start, as you can stroll over the Rialto Bridge and browse the endless amounts of boutique shops that sell Venetian masks and handmade Murano glassware. After the meeting, enjoy dinner with the other families at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Venice
After breakfast, venture out with the family and explore Venice on an orientation walk. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Wander around at the Doge’s Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs, taking in the views of the waterways as you go. Then, take a short ferry crossing (traghetto) over to the Rialto area – the heart of the city. Take some free time to explore the city and consider catching a Vaporetto (water bus) to San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of Venice. Otherwise, travel down the Grand Canal via Venetian gondola and immerse yourself in the waterside culture, or check out the Palazzo Ducale, overflowing with paintings from Italian masters. Meet up again in the afternoon at the private workshop of a professional mask maker, where you’ll learn to make your own mask using traditional working methods treasured by the people of the city.
Day 3 - Cinque Terre
Start your day with a classic Venetian experience – a water taxi ride through the city’s scenic canals to Venezia Santa Lucia train station. From here, board a train and travel across northern Italy towards the Ligurian coast for a day trip to the Italian Riviera – a region known for its tree-covered mountains and colourful seaside towns. Your first stop is Levanto, a charming town nestled between a wooded valley and the sea. During your time here, join a local family for a hands-on pesto-making class, where you’ll chop and blend fresh basil, olive oil, and other traditional ingredients. After learning the secrets of this iconic Italian sauce, cooking at home will never be the same!
Day 4 - Cinque Terre
Venture out on the footpaths of Cinque Terre – a region famed for its coastline and pastel villages on sharp cliff faces. These paths weave between the villages past olive groves and vineyards and on to breathtaking vistas. You can walk just a few sections if you like – all available paths offer excellent views of the scenery. Otherwise, you’re more than welcome to take a train from village to village if you’d prefer to relax.
Day 5 - Florence
Spend some time relaxing on the coastline – maybe go for a dip in the water or source some fresh local seafood. After, you’ll take an early afternoon train to Florence, stopping at Pisa along the way. Enjoy some time to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli (the Miracles Square) while taking in the intricately structured architecture of Duomo Cathedral, Piazza Del Duomo and of course, the World Heritage-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa. Grab the iconic photo with your kids (does it look like they’re pinching the tower?) This evening, enjoy a delicious included dinner at a local restaurant – the perfect way to end the day. Afterward, perhaps take a walk around the Duomo or hunt down the best gelato in town.
Day 6 - Florence
This morning, head out on a leader-led orientation walk in Florence and take in the beauty of this art haven. Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo and then enjoy a free afternoon to see the sights at your own pace. The kids might like to go on the hunt for a refreshing gelato, or if the family is seeking out more art, there are plenty of museums to check out. Maybe visit the Uffizi – one of the world's oldest art galleries and a work of art in itself. If you want to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David, head to the Galleria dell' Accademia. In the evening, maybe climb back up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a renowned sunset view across the rooftops.
Day 7 - Rome
Take a train to Rome this morning – home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, where you’ll see some of the iconic sites like the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The kids will love the gelato tasting that comes next! Hunt for the best flavour in the City of Seven Hills to cool down, then soak up a free night. You might like to rejoin the other families and find the best spot for dinner – maybe head to Trastevere to find a little candlelit table and cheers to a trip well-travelled.
Day 8 - Rome
Today is a full free day to explore Rome at your own pace. Maybe check out the inside of the Colosseum – as you witness the sheer scale of the tiered seating that circles this architectural marvel, you can imagine the roar of ancient crowds as gladiators fought in the arena. Or, you could check out the Vatican Museums. Beyond the must-see Sistine Chapel, you can also see the Vatican Gardens (accessible only by guided minibus tour), where popes have walked in prayer for more than 700 years, or visit the impressive Gallery of Geographical Maps, where forty maps of Italy’s regions fill a 120-m-long corridor and frescoes line the ceiling. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new members of your group. After, perhaps head out for pizza, pasta and wine – when in Rome!
Day 9 - Pompeii
Jump on the train today as you journey to one of the world’s most famous ancient sites – the preserved city of Pompeii. On 26 August 79 AD, Mt Vesuvius erupted, spewing molten rock and ash all over the city and causing a thriving Roman trading centre to be frozen in time. Spend a few hours on a walking tour around Pompeii – you and your kids will be captivated by the incredible stories behind this ancient tragedy as your local guide brings the history to life. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and a once-bustling marketplace. Your hotel this evening is located very close to the archaeological site, so you won’t have far to go once you decide to call it a day.
Day 10 - Minori
This morning, head to Mt Vesuvius for a short walk to the summit for views over the Bay of Naples. Soak up the view and snap plenty of photos before walking across the cinders to the lip of the central crater. Don’t worry – although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of recent volcanic activity. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, then make the descent. Continue to the Amalfi Coast town of Minori – a beloved holiday spot for thousands of years. With its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and sparkling ocean, there is truly something for everyone here. Arrive around lunchtime, then soak up a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.
Day 11 - Minori
Take a free day to explore Minori at your own (or your kids) pace. There are many beaches to choose from, though the nicer ones will be more crowded (particularly during summer, from June to August). Hire a few deck chairs if you want to relax, or if you’re feeling active, maybe rent a paddle boat or kayak and explore the sea. The walk from Minori to Ravello is also beautiful and a great way to see the region – while it’s only about an hour each way, it’s steep and there are a lot of steps, so it’s moderately difficult. The views along the way more than make up for any huffing and puffing but remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen before leaving. Tonight, why not head out to a local restaurant with your family and try the Minori speciality, scialatielli (thick ribbons of fresh pasta).
Day 12 - Sorrento
Leave Minori in the rear-view mirror this morning and make the drive past mountains to an agriturismo – a working farm that also provides meals and accommodation. While you won’t be staying here tonight, you will get to spend 1.5 hours in the gorgeous surrounds, sampling produce grown on site – a sure way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Continue to Sorrento, another beautiful resort town, famous for its lemons and surrounding plunging cliffs. Arrive early in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore.
Day 13 - Sorrento
Head to the port this morning and board a lifted hydrofoil boat to Capri. Cruise across the Bay of Naples before arriving in the holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while narrow roads wind inland through citrus groves, past villages of white houses with flower-filled gardens. Though its unmatched setting and natural beauty means it’s popular with visitors, there are still many hidden corners and treasures to explore. Wander around the Marina Grande and the little town of Capri before taking a bus up to Anacapri for the best views of the island and bay from the top of Monte Solaro (reachable by cable car). Around mid-afternoon, you’ll take the ferry back to Sorrento, where you'll learn the secrets behind Italy's famous sweet treat in a gelato making demonstration – yum!
Day 14 - Sorrento
There are many options for your free morning today – maybe grab a gelato while you’re here, as Sorrento has some of the finest scoops in Italy. This afternoon, you’ll get a hands-on lesson in crafting everyone’s favourite Italian dish – pizza! Watch a cooking demonstration in a gorgeous location (an agriturismo with incredible views of Mt Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples), then enjoy the fruits (or dough) of your labour for dinner. Eat, laugh and enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm alongside the adorable wild rabbits. Soak in the southern Italian hospitality and toast to your final night on this family adventure.
Day 15 - Sorrento
Wave arrivederci to Italy and your new friends – with no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Those who have booked transfers will be taken to the airport to board their onward plane, while those who have not are free to leave at any time after check-out. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 7,132-
19-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 7,132-
26-06-202710-07-2027AUD $ 7,216-
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 7,132-
07-07-202721-07-2027AUD $ 7,132-
31-07-202714-08-2027AUD $ 7,132-
07-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 7,132-
18-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 7,344-
22-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 7,344-
25-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 7,344-
01-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 8,810-
08-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 8,810-
17-06-202801-07-2028AUD $ 8,810-
24-06-202808-07-2028AUD $ 8,810-
01-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 8,810-
08-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 8,810-
29-07-202812-08-2028AUD $ 8,810-
05-08-202819-08-2028AUD $ 8,810-
16-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 9,070-
20-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 9,070-
23-09-202807-10-2028AUD $ 9,070-

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nights)

Transport

Bus, Train, Boat, Minivan, Taxi, Ferry (traghetto), Water taxi

Map