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10 Best Places to Visit in Italy with Family

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Mother and daughter in Piazza San Marco, Venice

Piazza San Marco, Venice

The 10 best places to visit in Italy for families have an extraordinary blend of ancient history, lively culture, and child-friendly adventures that create unforgettable memories for every generation.

Whether exploring medieval castles that spark young imaginations or discovering underground cities preserved by volcanic ash, Italy transforms family travel into an educational adventure. The warmth of Italian hospitality ensures you and your loved ones feel welcomed everywhere. From gladiator training in Rome's ancient amphitheaters to gelato-making classes in Florence's Renaissance-era streets, the country offers immersive experiences that allow children to become active participants in Italy's rich history.

Our destination specialists design every journey with care, insight, and personal attention. As you consider a visit to Italy with those closest to you, use the following information as a guide before connecting with our travel experts to help you plan your trip.

Overview
  1. 1. Rome • Lazio
  2. 2. Florence • Tuscany
  3. 3. Venice • Veneto
  4. 4. Syracuse • Sicily
  5. 5. Cinque Terre • Liguria
  6. 6. Lake Garda • Lombardy
  7. 7. Naples • Campania
  8. 8. Matera • Basilicata
  9. 9. Bergamo • Lombardy
  10. 10. Milan • Lombardy
  11. Explore the Best Places to Visit in Italy with Family

1. Rome • Lazio

Rooftops of Rome, with the Colosseum in the background.

Rome, Italy

Rome transforms every family member into an explorer, where ancient ruins become playgrounds for imagination and legendary stories come alive through interactive experiences. This eternal city offers the perfect blend of education and entertainment, where your children can walk in the footsteps of gladiators while you marvel at architectural masterpieces that have inspired humanity for millennia. The city's layers of history create natural scavenger hunts, while modern amenities ensure comfort as you navigate cobblestone streets and ancient monuments.

Living History Adventures

Rome's family appeal was forged through hundreds of years of civilization, creating the world's greatest outdoor classroom, where every monument tells stories that will capture young minds.

  • The Colosseum hosted spectacles that children can now experience through virtual reality tours and gladiator training schools that teach ancient combat techniques in safe, engaging ways
  • At the Roman Forum, uncover daily life in the ancient world, from shopping in 2,000-year-old markets to exploring imperial palaces where emperors once ruled
  • Vatican City offers treasure hunts through the world's most extensive art collection, where Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling becomes an interactive puzzle and St. Peter's Basilica's dome climb rewards you with panoramic views
  • Modern Rome embraces families through pedestrian-friendly piazzas, gelato shops on every corner, and restaurants that welcome children with special menus
What to Expect

Experience Rome's sensory richness, where ancient stones tell stories while the aroma of fresh pizza and gelato creates irresistible family moments.

  • Walk through history in the Roman Forum, where children can touch 2,000-year-old marble columns while guides dressed as centurions bring ancient battles to life
  • The Colosseum's underground chambers reveal engineering marvels that hosted gladiatorial contests, while hands-on workshops teach families how Romans built their empire through innovation
  • Vatican Museums become the place for treasure hunts, where you and your children can search for hidden symbols in Renaissance masterpieces, while the climb to St. Peter's dome creates shared achievement
  • Evening brings to life Rome's illuminated fountains, where children toss coins into the Trevi Fountain while gelato vendors offer dozens of flavors
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Rome's most family-friendly experiences through activities designed to engage your children while satisfying your curiosity about one of humanity's greatest civilizations.

  • Colosseum Underground Tours: Explore the hypogeum, where gladiators prepared for battle, with special family guides who explain ancient spectacles through storytelling
  • Gladiator School: Learn combat techniques in safe environments, where children wear authentic costumes and parents participate in training that reveals Roman military discipline
  • Vatican Scavenger Hunts: Navigate the world's largest art collection through family-friendly treasure hunts that make Michelangelo and Raphael accessible to all ages
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to make authentic pasta and gelato in family-friendly kitchens, where your children measure ingredients while you master traditional techniques
  • Catacombs Exploration: Discover early Christian burial sites through guided tours designed for families, where underground labyrinths reveal Rome's religious transformation

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

2. Florence • Tuscany

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy

Florence will enchant your family with Renaissance splendor made accessible. Your children will discover artistic treasures while you witness humanity's greatest cultural flowering. This compact city offers the perfect scale for family exploration, where every palazzo and piazza tells stories of creativity, innovation, and beauty that shaped the modern world. The city's walkable center transforms sightseeing into adventure, while hands-on workshops ensure art appreciation becomes active participation rather than passive observation.

Renaissance Family Legacy

Florence's appeal stems from its role as humanity's artistic laboratory, where the Medici family's patronage created a city designed to inspire wonder in visitors of all ages.

  • The Medici dynasty transformed Florence into Europe's cultural capital by commissioning works that remain accessible through interactive museums and educational programs
  • Michelangelo's David becomes more than sculpture when children learn to carve their own miniature masterpieces, while Botticelli's Birth of Venus inspires during art classes in which you create Renaissance-inspired works
  • Palazzo Vecchio revolutionized family tourism by offering costume experiences, where children dress as Medici princes and princesses, exploring secret passages and royal apartments through immersive storytelling
  • The city's artisan workshops continue medieval traditions, allowing families to witness leather crafting and goldsmithing techniques that created Florence's reputation for excellence
What to Expect

Immerse your family in Florence's artistic atmosphere, where every sense engages with Renaissance beauty and contemporary family-friendly innovations.

  • Feel the excitement of discovery as your children hunt for details in Uffizi masterpieces through specially designed family tours that transform art appreciation into interactive games
  • The Duomo's dome climb becomes a shared family achievement, with 463 steps leading to panoramic views that showcase Tuscany's rolling hills and medieval towers
  • Taste authentic gelato at family-run shops, where recipes haven't changed for generations, while cooking classes teach children to roll pasta by hand
  • Evening brings the splendor of Renaissance squares, where street performers entertain families, while traditional trattorias welcome children with special menus
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Experience Florence's most engaging family activities through programs designed to make Renaissance culture accessible and exciting for all ages.

  • Palazzo Vecchio Family Tours: Dress in period costumes while exploring Medici family apartments, secret passages, and the Hall of Five Hundred through storytelling guides
  • Uffizi Family Workshops: Participate in art-creation workshops after viewing masterpieces, where children paint their own Birth of Venus while learning Renaissance techniques
  • Duomo Dome Climb: Ascend Brunelleschi's architectural marvel together, with rest stops that explain engineering innovations as they reward you with breathtaking city views
  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum: Interact with working models of Leonardo's inventions, where your children operate flying machines and hydraulic pumps while you appreciate Renaissance genius
  • Gelato-Making Classes: Learn traditional techniques in family-friendly workshops during which everyone creates personalized flavors using ingredients like Tuscan honey and local fruits
  • Oltrarno Artisan Visits: Meet master craftspeople in traditional workshops, where children watch the creation of leather goods and jewelry while you shop for authentic souvenirs
  • Boboli Gardens: Explore Renaissance gardens with hidden grottos, ancient statues, and panoramic terraces perfect for family picnics and hide-and-seek games

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

3. Venice • Veneto

Tour boat on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

In fairy-tale Venice, your children will experience a city that rises from water while you marvel at architectural achievements that defy natural laws. This unique destination offers adventure at every turn, from gondola rides through secret canals to treasure hunts across ancient bridges, creating shared discoveries. The city's compact scale and pedestrian-only policy make exploration safe and engaging for children, while its preserved medieval character sparks imagination about knights, merchants, and maritime adventures.

Maritime Magic Through the Ages

Venice's family appeal was created through centuries of maritime power and cultural sophistication that transformed a lagoon settlement into Europe's most enchanting city for children and adults.

  • Founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing barbarian invasions, Venice became a maritime empire where merchant families created palaces that children now explore as treasure-filled museums
  • The Doge's Palace reveals stories of powerful rulers through family-friendly tours that include the Bridge of Sighs and medieval prisons where children learn about justice and power in engaging ways
  • St. Mark's Basilica offers golden mosaics that function as medieval comic books, telling biblical stories through images that captivate young viewers while adults appreciate Byzantine artistry
  • The city's unique transportation system transforms every journey into adventure, as vaporettos become family cruise ships navigating Grand Canal palaces while gondolas provide intimate exploration
What to Expect

Surrender to Venice's otherworldly beauty, where every bridge and canal creates new discoveries for families seeking adventure in the world's most unique city.

  • Feel the gentle motion of gondolas as you glide through narrow canals while gondoliers share stories of hidden gardens and secret courtyards invisible from land
  • St. Mark's Square becomes a natural playground, where you and your children can appreciate the world's most beautiful drawing room awakening with morning light
  • The sound of water lapping against ancient foundations creates nature's soundtrack while the aroma of fresh cornetti and hot chocolate drifts from family-friendly cafés
  • Evening transforms the city into a stage, where warm light spills from palace windows and you discover a car-free environment where your children can explore safely
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Venice's most family-friendly experiences through activities that transform sightseeing into adventure while respecting the city's fragile beauty.

  • Doge's Palace Family Tours: Explore the ruler's palace through storytelling guides who bring medieval Venice to life, including visits to the actual prisons and secret government chambers
  • Venetian Mask Making: Create traditional Carnival masks in family workshops, where children design their own characters while learning about Venice's famous festival traditions
  • Grand Canal Vaporetto Adventure: Navigate Venice's main thoroughfare on public water buses that function as sightseeing cruises, with children spotting architectural details from water level
  • Gondola Rides with Stories: Experience authentic gondola navigation through narrow canals with gondoliers who share family-friendly legends about palaces and bridges
  • Glass-blowing Demonstrations: Visit Murano Island workshops, where master artisans create glass sculptures while children watch ancient techniques still practiced by island families
  • Scavenger Hunts for Winged Lions: Search Venice's squares and bridges for St. Mark's symbol, with maps designed for families to discover hidden architectural treasures
  • Burano Island Exploration: Escape to this rainbow-colored fishing village, where your children learn about lace-making traditions as you explore pastel houses and quiet canals

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

4. Syracuse • Sicily

Castello Maniace in Siracusa, Sicily

Castello Maniace in Siracusa, Sicily

Syracuse has an extraordinary concentration of ancient wonders. Discover Greek theaters and Roman ruins while you witness the birthplace of Western mathematics and science. This historic city offers perfect accessibility for family exploration, with flat streets connecting archaeological parks to Baroque squares containing gelato shops and puppet theaters. The city's position on Sicily's eastern coast provides stunning sea views and swimming opportunities that balance cultural discovery with beach relaxation.

Ancient Foundations for Modern Families

Syracuse's family appeal was established over 2,700 years ago, when Greek colonists created one of the ancient world's most powerful and cultured cities, leaving monuments that continue to inspire young minds.

  • Founded in 734 BCE by Corinthian Greeks, Syracuse became the largest city in the ancient world, where Archimedes discovered mathematical principles that children now learn through interactive science museums
  • The Greek Theater, carved from living rock in the 5th century BCE, hosted dramas by Aeschylus and comedies by Aristophanes that families can still experience during summer performances designed for all ages
  • The Archaeological Park Neapolis preserves this ancient grandeur through family-friendly exhibits. You and your children can explore the Ear of Dionysius cave to test its legendary acoustic properties
  • Ortygia Island's medieval transformation created a walking museum, where Norman churches and Baroque palaces house puppet theaters that bring Sicilian legends to life
What to Expect

Experience Syracuse's layered beauty, where ancient stones meet sparkling seas, while traditional markets and modern family amenities create the perfect vacation balance.

  • Walk through the Archaeological Park, where your children become ancient Greek actors in the world's oldest surviving theater while you appreciate engineering achievements that modern technology still struggles to replicate
  • The Ear of Dionysius cave transforms into a natural science lesson, where families test acoustic principles discovered by ancient architects
  • Taste authentic Sicilian flavors at markets. Sample granita and arancini while vendors explain local ingredients and traditional preparation methods
  • Evening brings family-friendly puppet shows, where traditional Sicilian marionettes perform epic tales of knights and adventures
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Syracuse's most engaging family experiences through activities that make ancient history accessible, while providing modern comforts and entertainment.

  • Greek Archaeological Park: Explore one of the world's largest ancient theaters, where classical dramas premiered 2,500 years ago
  • Ear of Dionysius Cave: Test the legendary acoustics of this artificial grotto, where whispers echo dramatically
  • Ortygia Island Walking Tours: Navigate narrow medieval streets that connect ancient Greek temples to Baroque cathedrals, with family guides who bring history to life through storytelling
  • Castello Maniace: Explore this 13th-century fortress, where your children imagine knights and pirates while you appreciate Frederick II's architectural innovations
  • Traditional Puppet Theater: Watch Sicilian marionettes perform epic tales of Orlando Furioso and other legends in theaters that have entertained families for generations
  • Mount Etna Day Trips: Experience Europe's most active volcano through family-friendly cable car rides and crater hikes that reveal volcanic landscapes and vineyards
  • Sicilian Cooking Classes: Learn to make traditional dishes like arancini and cannoli in family kitchens

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

5. Cinque Terre • Liguria

Monterosso town and beach from the Cinque Terre hiking trail

Monterosso in the Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre dishes up spectacular natural beauty and a car-free environment, where five ancient villages perched on dramatic cliffs offer the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. This UNESCO World Heritage coastline provides endless opportunities for family exploration, from scenic train journeys connecting colorful towns to hiking trails that reveal breathtaking Mediterranean vistas. The region's isolation preserved traditional ways of life, while its compact scale makes it perfectly manageable for families with young adventurers.

Coastal Heritage Preserved for Families

Cinque Terre's appeal stems from centuries of isolation that preserved medieval charm and created communities where traditional life continues at a pace perfect for family exploration.

  • Founded between the 11th and 13th centuries, the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore developed as fortress settlements protecting the Ligurian coast from invasions
  • Their isolated position, accessible only by sea or treacherous mountain paths, preserved ancient ways of life that disappeared elsewhere during industrialization
  • Families have tended the same terraced vineyards for over 900 years, creating traditional wines through techniques that children can observe during harvest season
  • The famous coastal trails were carved into cliffsides to connect isolated communities, but the car-free policy continues to make these paths safe for family hiking adventures
What to Expect

Immerse yourself in Cinque Terre's sensory beauty, where every village offers different perspectives on the timeless relationship between land and sea.

  • Walk ancient footpaths carved into cliffsides, where wild rosemary and lavender release their fragrance with every step, while seabirds soar overhead and waves crash against rocky shores
  • Feel the satisfaction of fresh pesto made from basil grown in terraced gardens, paired with local focaccia that captures the essence of sea spray and Mediterranean sunshine
  • The sound of fishing boats returning to tiny harbors mingles with conversations in Ligurian dialect and the evening ritual of church bells marking sunset across five villages
  • Train journeys through tunnels carved into cliffsides connect these isolated communities, while preserving their intimate scale and traditional character
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Experience Cinque Terre's most family-friendly adventures through village-by-village exploration that reveals each community's unique personality and natural setting.

  • Monterosso al Mare: Relax on the only sandy beach among the five villages, where lemon trees frame seaside restaurants and medieval towers watch over azure waters
  • Vernazza: Discover the most photographed harbor in Italy, where colorful houses surround a natural port protected by an 11th-century castle that children love to explore
  • Corniglia: Climb to this hilltop village perched on vineyard terraces, offering panoramic views and intimate wine bars where families can sample local specialties
  • Manarola: Walk scenic clifftop paths to this village, where sunset illuminates houses that seem to grow from living rock
  • Riomaggiore: Explore narrow medieval streets that tumble toward a tiny harbor, where fishing boats rest between colorful houses, with easy hiking trails for families
  • Coastal Trail Hiking: Navigate family-friendly sections of the famous Sentiero Azzurro, where well-maintained paths offer spectacular views and regular rest stops
  • Traditional Cooking Classes: Learn to make authentic pesto and focaccia in village kitchens, where your children learn recipes that connect them to local traditions

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

6. Lake Garda • Lombardy

Sirmione Castle on Lake Garda, Italy

Sirmione Castle on Lake Garda, Italy

Italy's largest lake creates endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. This stunning alpine lake offers something for every family member, from medieval castles that spark young imaginations to crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. Lake Garda’s position between mountains and plains creates diverse landscapes and microclimates that support everything from olive groves to snow-capped peaks, while charming lakeside towns provide family-friendly restaurants, gelato shops, and pedestrian-friendly promenades.

Alpine Lake Heritage for All Ages

Lake Garda's family appeal was shaped by its strategic position connecting alpine and Mediterranean cultures, creating a destination where Roman ruins, medieval castles, and modern attractions coexist harmoniously.

  • Roman settlements around the lake, including villas and thermal baths, provide archaeological sites where children can explore ancient daily life while learning about Roman engineering and luxury
  • Medieval castles built by ruling families like the Scaligeri transformed the lake into a defensive network that children now explore as fairy-tale fortresses with ramparts, towers, and panoramic views
  • The Venetian Republic's influence created elegant villas and gardens, where terraced landscapes frame lake views and exotic plants create natural playgrounds
  • World War II history comes alive through museums and memorial sites that present complex history in age-appropriate ways, helping families understand regional heritage
What to Expect

Experience Lake Garda's diverse beauty, where crystal-clear alpine waters meet Mediterranean vegetation and family-friendly towns provide perfect bases for exploration.

  • Feel warm lake breezes carrying the scent of lemon blossoms and olive trees as you stroll lakeside promenades where your children can feed swans and ducks while you enjoy panoramic mountain views
  • The sound of ferry horns and lapping waves creates a peaceful soundtrack, while the aroma of fresh fish and local wines drifts from waterfront restaurants with children's menus
  • Cable car rides up Monte Baldo reward families with breathtaking panoramic views, while the descent offers opportunities for easy hiking through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers
  • Evening brings glorious sunsets over the lake. Gather on terraces and beaches to watch the sky transform from gold to deep purple while lights begin twinkling in lakeside villages
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Lake Garda's most family-friendly experiences through activities that combine natural beauty, historical exploration, and modern entertainment options.

  • Sirmione Castle: Explore this 13th-century fortress surrounded by water, where children can walk medieval ramparts and parents appreciate views over the lake and Roman ruins
  • Ferry Adventures: Navigate the lake's full length on family-friendly ferries that serve as floating sightseeing tours, connecting charming towns while offering onboard refreshments
  • Monte Baldo Cable Car: Ascend from Malcesine to mountain peaks, where you and your loved ones can hike easy trails through alpine landscapes with paragliders overhead and panoramic lake views
  • Roman Villa Ruins: Discover ancient luxury at archaeological sites, where children can walk through 2,000-year-old rooms while learning about Roman family life and engineering
  • Beach Activities: Relax on family-friendly beaches with shallow swimming areas, paddleboard rentals, and beachside cafés serving gelato and light meals
  • Cooking Classes: Learn regional specialties in lakeside kitchens where families prepare dishes using local ingredients like olive oil, fish, and lemons

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

7. Naples • Campania

Ruins of ancient city Pompeii with Vesuvius volcano in Italy

Ruins of Pompeii in Naples, Italy

Naples offers families an authentic Italian experience where vibrant street life, incredible cuisine, and proximity to legendary archaeological sites create unforgettable adventures. This dynamic city serves as the perfect base for exploring some of the world's most famous ancient ruins, while its historic center provides endless discoveries through narrow streets filled with artisan workshops, traditional pizzerias, and family-run gelato shops. The city's exuberant energy and genuine warmth toward children make it an ideal destination if you are seeking authentic cultural immersion.

Ancient Wonders and Modern Family Life

Naples' appeal to families was built through its role as southern Italy's cultural capital, where Greek foundations, Roman grandeur, and modern traditions create a living museum of Mediterranean civilization.

  • Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BCE, Naples became one of the ancient world's most important cities, with nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum providing perfectly preserved glimpses into Roman family life
  • Mount Vesuvius's 79 CE eruption created the world's most important archaeological sites, where children can walk ancient streets, explore Roman houses, and see bread still in ovens after 2,000 years
  • The invention of pizza in Naples provides families with authentic culinary experiences, from visiting the first pizzeria to participating in cooking classes that teach traditional techniques
  • The National Archaeological Museum houses treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, with family-friendly exhibits that bring ancient artifacts to life through interactive displays and educational programs
What to Expect

Experience Naples' sensory intensity, where ancient history meets vibrant modern life, while the aroma of authentic pizza and espresso creates an irresistible urban adventure.

  • Feel the excitement of discovery as you and your children explore perfectly preserved Roman cities
  • Mount Vesuvius crater hikes provide geological lessons, where families learn about volcanic activity while enjoying panoramic views over the Bay of Naples and distant islands
  • Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza in family-run pizzerias, where recipes haven't changed for generations, while cooking classes teach children to stretch dough and select traditional toppings
  • Evening brings the ritual of passeggiata through historic streets. Join locals in traditional evening strolls, discovering hidden churches and artisan workshops
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Naples' most engaging family experiences through activities that combine ancient wonders with authentic local culture and modern family amenities.

  • Pompeii Family Tours: Explore this perfectly preserved Roman city with specialized guides who bring ancient life to reality through storytelling and interactive experiences designed for children
  • Mount Vesuvius Crater Hikes: Climb Europe's most famous volcano on family-friendly trails that lead to crater edges where children learn about geological forces and volcanic activity
  • Pizza Making Classes: Learn authentic Neapolitan techniques in traditional pizzerias, where you can create margherita pizzas using ingredients and methods from the birthplace of pizza
  • National Archaeological Museum Scavenger Hunts: Navigate one of the world's greatest ancient art collections through family-friendly treasure hunts that make Roman artifacts accessible to all ages
  • Herculaneum Tours: Discover this smaller but better-preserved Roman city, where wooden structures and everyday objects provide intimate glimpses into ancient family life
  • Underground Naples: Explore the city's hidden Greek and Roman foundations through guided tours of ancient aqueducts and caverns that reveal layers of history beneath modern streets
  • Gelato and Sfogliatelle Tastings: Sample authentic Neapolitan desserts in historic pastry shops, where children can watch traditional sweets being made using centuries-old techniques

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

8. Matera • Basilicata

Alley carved in the rock with the old cave houses in the ancient Italian city Matera

Matera, Italy

Matera will capture your imagination with its extraordinary cave dwellings and unique landscape. You and your children can explore homes carved from living rock as you witness one of the world's most unusual urban environments. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers an unforgettable journey through time, from prehistoric settlements to medieval churches carved into cliffsides, creating an adventure that feels like stepping into another world. The city's dramatic setting above the Gravina ravine provides spectacular views and hiking opportunities that combine natural beauty with archaeological discovery.

Cave Civilization Preserved for Discovery

Matera's appeal stems from its unique history as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, where cave houses tell stories of human adaptation and creativity spanning thousands of years.

  • Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, Matera's cave houses represent one of humanity's most ingenious architectural solutions, where families lived in homes carved from soft tufa rock for over 9,000 years
  • Medieval monks transformed natural caves into rock churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes, creating underground art galleries that children can explore through guided tours designed for families
  • The city's abandonment in the 1950s and recent restoration provide powerful lessons about urban renewal and cultural preservation that families can understand through museum exhibits and walking tours
  • Modern Matera's designation as a European Capital of Culture and UNESCO site ensures family-friendly infrastructure, while preserving the authentic character that makes it unique
What to Expect

Experience Matera's otherworldly beauty, where ancient cave dwellings create natural playgrounds, while spectacular ravine views and underground churches provide endless exploration opportunities.

  • Walk through neighborhoods where children can enter authentic cave houses to discover how families lived in homes carved from stone
  • Feel the coolness of rock churches where Byzantine frescoes tell biblical stories through colorful images
  • The echo of footsteps in underground cisterns and passages creates natural sound effects, while the aroma of traditional bread baked in ancient ovens fills narrow stone streets
  • Evening brings lighting that transforms the cave city into a golden amphitheater, where families gather on terraces to watch sunset illuminate ancient dwellings across the ravine
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Matera's most family-friendly experiences through activities that make cave civilization accessible, while providing modern comforts and educational opportunities.

  • Cave House Museums: Explore authentic cave dwellings, where you can see how multiple generations lived in these homes
  • Rock Church Tours: Visit medieval churches carved into cliffsides, where children discover Byzantine frescoes while learning about religious art and cave architecture
  • Palombaro Lungo Underground: Descend into the ancient water-collection system to explore cisterns and tunnels that supplied the cave city with fresh water
  • Gravina Ravine Hiking: Walk easy trails through the natural park, discovering wild orchids, archaeological sites, and panoramic views of the cave city
  • Traditional Bread Making: Learn ancient baking techniques in family workshops. Shape dough and master recipes that have sustained the community for centuries
  • Casa Noha Multimedia Experience: Watch immersive films that tell Matera's story through special effects and projections that help children understand the city's unique history
  • Sculpture Park Discovery: Explore outdoor art installations, where contemporary sculptures interact with ancient landscapes, creating treasure hunts for families through the ravine

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

9. Bergamo • Lombardy

Medieval town of  Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo’s perfectly preserved medieval upper city showcases ancient walls and towers to create a fairy-tale setting that brings children's dreams of knights and castles to life. This charming city offers the perfect scale for family exploration, with pedestrian-friendly streets connecting panoramic viewpoints to traditional gelato shops and family restaurants. The dramatic contrast between the historic Città Alta and modern lower city provides diverse experiences, while the surrounding alpine foothills offer easy hiking and outdoor adventures.

Medieval Heritage Brought to Life

Bergamo has a strategic position and rich history, where Venetian rule and medieval traditions created a perfectly preserved city that children can explore like a living museum.

  • Founded by Celtic tribes and later fortified by Romans, Bergamo developed into a powerful medieval city-state before becoming part of the Venetian Republic, leaving architectural treasures that children can explore through interactive tours
  • The 16th-century Venetian walls, built to protect against foreign invasions, now provide safe walking paths from which to explore ramparts, gates, and towers while enjoying panoramic views
  • Traditional puppet theaters and folk festivals continue medieval entertainment traditions, offering family-friendly performances that bring historical stories to life through music and colorful costumes
  • The funicular railway connecting upper and lower cities provides thrilling transportation, while teaching children about 19th-century engineering solutions to challenging terrain
What to Expect

Experience Bergamo's enchanting atmosphere, where medieval streets and panoramic terraces create perfect settings for family adventures, while traditional shops and restaurants provide authentic Italian experiences.

  • Feel the excitement of discovery as you explore medieval ramparts. Your children can peer through ancient arrow slits while you appreciate engineering marvels that protected the city for centuries
  • The sound of church bells echoing off stone walls mingles with conversations from sidewalk cafés, while the aroma of polenta and local cheeses drifts from traditional restaurants
  • Funicular rides up to Città Alta create anticipation and reward families with spectacular views over the Po Valley and distant alpine peaks, while the descent provides different perspectives on the medieval city
  • Evening brings to life illuminated towers and ramparts, where you and your children can stroll lamp-lit streets as you discover hidden courtyards and medieval squares perfect for gelato breaks
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Bergamo's most family-friendly experiences through activities that combine medieval history with outdoor adventures and authentic local culture.

  • Venetian Walls Walking Tour: Explore the complete circuit of 16th-century fortifications, learning about medieval defense systems
  • Funicular Adventures: Ride both historic funiculars that connect the city levels, providing thrilling transportation and engineering lessons, while offering spectacular views
  • Civic Museum of Natural Sciences: Discover interactive exhibits, where your children learn about local wildlife and geology while you appreciate the museum's beautiful historic setting
  • Medieval Castle Exploration: Visit the ruins of Rocca di Bergamo, where your children can imagine knights and battles while you enjoy panoramic picnic areas with alpine views
  • Traditional Food Experiences: Sample local specialties like casoncelli pasta and polenta in family restaurants
  • Secret Passage Discovery: Explore hidden tunnels and underground passages that connected medieval buildings, creating treasure hunts through the historic city center
  • Public Garden Adventures: Play in beautiful parks, where children can run freely while parents relax in settings that offer alpine and plains views

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

10. Milan • Lombardy

Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy

Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Italy

Milan surprises families with its perfect blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation, where ancient Roman foundations support Renaissance castles and contemporary attractions that engage children, while satisfying adult cultural interests. This dynamic metropolis offers world-class museums, impressive architecture, and family-friendly activities that make it much more than a fashion capital. The city's efficient public transportation, abundant parks, and welcoming attitude toward children ensure comfortable exploration, while its compact historic center makes major attractions easily accessible on foot.

Imperial Legacy Meets Modern Family Life

Milan's appeal was built through its evolution from Roman military outpost to Renaissance powerhouse, creating a city where imperial history combines with innovative attractions designed for contemporary visitors.

  • Founded as Mediolanum by Celtic tribes and later fortified by Romans, Milan became the Western Roman Empire's capital, leaving archaeological foundations that children can explore beneath modern streets
  • The powerful Visconti and Sforza families transformed medieval Milan into a Renaissance masterpiece, building castles and commissioning artworks that families can discover through interactive museum experiences
  • The Gothic Duomo, with its forest of spires and thousands of statues, provides architectural lessons and climbing adventures that reward families with panoramic city views
  • Modern Milan's commitment to family tourism includes specialized children's museums, interactive science centers, and canal boat tours that make history accessible through hands-on experiences
What to Expect

Experience Milan's sophisticated energy, where Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance castles provide cultural discovery, while modern attractions and excellent restaurants create perfect family vacation balance.

  • Feel the excitement of cathedral exploration as you climb among Gothic spires and gargoyles, while your children count the thousands of statues decorating the Duomo's exterior
  • The echo of footsteps in Sforza Castle courtyards mingles with sounds from interactive museum exhibits, while the aroma of risotto and panettone drifts from family-friendly restaurants
  • Canal boat tours through the Navigli district provide unique perspectives on Leonardo da Vinci's engineering projects, while children learn about Renaissance innovation and urban planning
  • Evening brings monuments to life in parks where your children play while you enjoy aperitivo culture in outdoor settings
Where to Enjoy Your Visit

Discover Milan's most engaging family experiences through activities that combine historical exploration with modern attractions and authentic local culture.

  • Duomo Cathedral and Rooftop Tours: Explore Gothic architecture and climb among spires where children can see gargoyles up close and you can enjoy panoramic views of the alps and city
  • Sforza Castle Museums: Discover Renaissance art and medieval weapons in family-friendly exhibitions and through hands-on workshops and treasure hunts
  • Navigli Canal Boat Tours: Navigate waterways designed by Leonardo da Vinci while learning about Renaissance engineering and enjoying perspectives on historic neighborhoods
  • Science and Technology Museum: Interact with Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and space exploration exhibits, where children operate working models while learning about innovation
  • Brera District Family Walks: Explore artistic neighborhoods to discover street art, performers, and markets
  • Parco Sempione Adventures: Play in Milan's green heart, where children can rent bikes, visit playgrounds, and explore the Civic Aquarium

Recommended length of stay: 3-4 days

Explore the Best Places to Visit in Italy with Family

Sisters in Pianza village in Tuscany, Italy

Pianza village in Tuscany, Italy

Italy inspires families with its extraordinary combination of ancient wonders, artistic treasures, and natural beauty, creating educational adventures for your children while providing you with cultural enrichmen. From gladiator schools in Rome to medieval castles in Bergamo, cooking classes in Florence to cave explorations in Matera, every destination offers immersive experiences as the warmth of Italian hospitality ensures you feel welcomed everywhere.

For more information and inspiring to inspire your family getaway to Italy, see our Italy travel guide or Italy tours and vacations. Then, connect with our travel specialists and they will customize an itinerary just for you and your loved ones.

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