The fascinating stories of the lavish castles and tales of the Italian nobility will envelop your family during your customizable tour of Italy. The elegance and wealth of the past fill museums and piazzas, palaces, and cobblestone alleyways across Liguria and Tuscan and are ready for your exploration. Traverse the Maritime Alps along the Mediterranean Sea to reach the secluded villages of Cinque Terre, and then cycle along the medieval walls that protect the historical town of Lucca. Wander Florence...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Genoa – Arrive in Exciting and Historical Genoa for an Introductory Tour
Genoa is a city of explorers and naval might, opulent palaces and seaside glamor. A spectacular fountain arches water around a central spouting stream at the heart of Piazza de Ferrari. Art Nouveau buildings set an impressive scene, making an impression on travelers both young and old. The 19th-century neo-Baroque Exchange adorns the east side of Via XX Settembre, and the elegant shopping arcade of Galleria Mazzini features boutique stores that fill the 19th-century edifice. Your private transfer will meet your family at the Cristoforo Colombo Airport to bring you into the city to enjoy your first impressions and glances.
The kids will be impressed with the stature and the age of the 12th-century city walls. The renowned explorer Christopher Columbus lived close to the protective towers in a restored house near the cloister of Sant’Andrea. You will have only arrived, and the family has already been immersed in the city’s rich, unforgettable history. Once settled into the relaxing comforts of your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby eager to escort your family to the Church of Saint Peter in Banks for an introduction into the lavish past of the former maritime powerhouse. The ancient Genoese erected the first shops around the square before building the Cathedral at its core in the 14th century. The maritime mountains press the city against the Mediterranean Sea as the Harbor stretches upwards of 14 miles along the coastline holding rows of swaying masts that gently sway in the ocean breeze.
What's Included:
Day 2
Genoa – Discover Antique Neighborhoods during a Citywide Treasure Hunt
Day 3
Genoa – Whale Watch on the Mediterranean and Visit the Galata Museum
Day 4
Monterosso – Travel the Italian Riviera to Arrive in Charming Cinque Terre
Day 5
Monterosso – Traverse the Trails of Cinque Terre and Enjoy a Cooking Class
Day 6
Monterosso – Visit the Hidden Towns of the Italian Riviera by Boat
Day 7
Florence – Enjoy Tuscany with a Treasure Hunt in Lucca and Pisa
Day 8
Florence – Introduce the Family to Italian Art and Enjoy a Gelato Tour
Day 9
Florence – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Visit the birthplace and home of renowned Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in Genoa
- Travel along the Mediterranean Sea in search of migrating whales and playful dolphins during a whale watching excursion
- Wander along the historical harbor of Genoa and explore the celebrated aquarium
- Delight in a flavorful gelato tour through Florence to find your favorite flavors in the city that invented the Italian dessert
- Enjoy an active exploration of medieval Lucca and the city walls while cycling around trails and cobblestone streets
- Discover the enchanting seaside terraces and trails of Cinque Terre while staying in the charming town of Monterosso al Mare
- Relish a private boat tour of the Ligurian Coast to visit the towns of Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso
- Dress like Italian nobility during a visit to the hidden chambers of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence
- Embark on a scavenger hunt through the Uffizi Gallery to uncover historical symbols and treasured artworks
- Taste the remarkably fresh and delectable flavors of homemade Italian cuisine during a family cooking class in Monterosso
Detailed Description
Italy is a country of imagination that inspires adults and children through the excellent cuisine, incredible history, and collected cultural treasures. Your 9-day tour will introduce your family to the excitement and charm of the cities and towns found between Genoa and Florence. Every day will combine the majesty of the past with the comforts of contemporary Italy, whether inside museums, along the historical streets or crisscrossing the trails of the coastline. Your family journey will begin with your arrival in Genoa, the capital of Liguria. Your private transfer will collect you all at the airport and lead you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Enjoy an introductory tour of Genoa with a visit to the home of Christopher Columbus, native son to the city by the sea.
The next day, your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast for an elaborate family-friendly exploration of the city’s historical palaces and rich past, both along the shoreline and around the city center during a fun-filled treasure hunt. Continue the next day as you board your boat for an unforgettable whale watching tour along the Mediterranean. Continue your maritime discoveries in the immersive Galata Museum, home to interactive exhibits and recreations of Genoa’s remarkable former maritime power. Visit Europe’s largest aquarium the following day before your travel to the gorgeous village of Monterosso, one of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Spend the remainder of the day wandering the streets and terraced gardens of town alongside Mediterranean beaches.
Wake the next morning ready to traverse the beautiful trails that connect the five towns of Cinque Terre at your preferred pace. When you return to Monterosso, the family will engage in an unforgettable cooking class taught by a private chef eager to share the culture and flavors of Ligurian cuisine in a kid-friendly way. Traverse the Mediterranean waters once more the next day to visit the villages and towns of the Italian Riviera after exploring the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The next day will bring a short and scenic train ride from Monterosso to Levanto, where you will meet your private transfer that will bring you to Florence.
Stop in the cities of Lucca and Pisa en route to your meeting place for a bike ride around the walls of Lucca and a visit to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, home to the Leaning Tower. The following day your guide will immerse your family in the rich lifestyle of the Medici family with a tour of Palazzo Vecchio. Continue with a scavenger hunt through the Uffizi Gallery before you indulge in the diverse flavors of gelato with a tasting tour through the historical center. Conclude as your private transfer will meet your family at your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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