Italy Family Vacations

Italy’s major cities are home to famous landmarks and experiences that are ideal for families. In Rome, the legendary Colosseum harkens back to the times of Ancient Rome and the gladiators. In the enchanting city of Pisa, you can marvel at the magnificent views from the top of one of the country's most iconic monuments. Venice, Italy’s floating city, is a true wonder to behold at any age, and a family gondola ride through the winding canals will become a life-long memory.

You can tour the ancient amphitheater with an expert guide, picture yourself as a spectator to an epic gladiator tournament, and partake in a family gladiator class.

You can climb the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa as a family to reach heights of over 180 feet tall. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy incredible views of the Square of Miracles and Pisa.

You can experience the breathtaking beauty of Venice with a family gondola ride. During a ride, you can admire the sights of the city, navigate the city’s winding waterways, and immerse yourself in its wonderful culture and lifestyle.

Italy’s summer months (June through August) tend to be quite warm, especially the more south in the country you travel. Average temperatures range from around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit in most of the major cities during the summer. The island of Sicily is exceptionally hot during this time, and temperatures can reach the 90s Fahrenheit. Northern Italy can still get warm but remains more moderate. Rain can be encountered at any time of the year, but many open-air attractions, such as the Roman Forum, can still be visited with proper attire. Italy is also full of amazing museums if the weather is not ideal. A Zicasso travel specialist can plan alternate options for any day that inclement weather is a concern.

Whether traveling independently or on an escorted tour, Italy is relatively easy to navigate and offers a variety of transportation options. High-speed trains can get you from one major city to the next in a few hours. Rental cars are available, but you should keep in mind that many cars are manual instead of automatic, and traffic in the big cities can be difficult to manage. Escorted tour options can make it easier to get from one destination to the next, especially if you are traveling as a family and have a considerable amount of luggage. Some of Italy’s older roads are still cobblestone, so considerations should be made if walking around with a stroller or suitcase that rolls.

It’s a good idea to pack a variety of clothing when traveling to Italy. Even in the summer months, it is important to pack scarves, shawls, or light jackets because some churches and Basilicas require your shoulders to be covered, such as the Vatican. The Vatican also requires your knees to be covered as well, which means longer shorts or lightweight pants are required for anyone wishing to gain access.

Weather Considerations

Since rain may be encountered in any city in Italy, especially during April and November, umbrellas and raincoats are recommended for your entire family. If traveling in the summer and planning to spend some time outside, sunblock and hats are great options to protect yourself from the sun while still enjoying the great weather.

Electrical Considerations

European standard electrical outlets are utilized throughout Italy, so you should plan to bring a couple of power adaptors and convertors. These will be essential for charging electronics, such as cell phones and computers.

Pharmaceutical Considerations

It is important to pack any medications or daily prescriptions that you require before leaving on your trip. It may also be beneficial to pack a first aid kit when traveling with kids. Pharmacies are readily available in main cities throughout Italy, such as Rome and Florence.

Family is everything in Italy, so you will find warm greetings and open arms when traveling around the country with your kids. There are also gorgeous parks and kid-friendly amenities everywhere, from the main cities to the countryside. Many restaurants do not have specific kid’s menus, but that does not mean they are not used to accommodating families, especially in areas that experience a large influx of tourism. Public restrooms are usually available at main attractions, but can otherwise be difficult to find while navigating the streets of any given city. You should take advantage of the restrooms at your hotel, restaurants, and museums when available. If you do come across public restrooms, it is typical to have to pay to use it.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

It is extremely important to bring the required travel documents and identification with you when traveling to Italy. Being prepared with essential paperwork for your family will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here is a list of some of the most important documents you should have with you for each member of your family:

• Passport
• Reservation/confirmations for hotels and airlines
• Any pre-purchased tickets for museums and attractions
• List of personal medical information, including any conditions and prescriptions
• Doctor’s contact information for medical conditions that require special attention
• Emergency contact names and phone numbers
• Any necessary customs/declaration forms
• Travel and medical insurance (see above)

A Zicasso travel specialist can help guide you with what other documents you may need for your specific trip, but planning ahead and often checking with your airlines and hotel is a good idea.

Banks and ATMs are readily available in major cities throughout Italy. Italy uses the Euro, so it will be helpful to exchange some currency before your trip or shortly after arriving. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Italy. Negotiating and bartering on prices is common but typically only at outdoor markets or with street vendors. When purchasing from these dealers, you do not need to be afraid to try and get a better deal. Italy has often been known as a place where you do not tip, but this trend has been slowly changing. For exceptional service at restaurants, it is acceptable to leave a few euros, but tips of 15-20%, although common in the United States, are not the norm in Italy. Restaurants with table service may also automatically add a service charge to the bill, in which case any additional tipping is not necessary. Your Zicasso travel specialist can provide you with more specific guidelines in the event that you want to tip your staff.

Italy is a very safe country, and you can feel comfortable traveling with kids of all ages. Should any issues arise, emergency services and law enforcement are readily accessible, especially throughout the major cities.

Italy’s crime rates have been consistently low for a number of years, and it is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. Tourists can, unfortunately, become targets of petty theft, such as pickpocketing, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at popular tourist sites.

Italy is home to a number of outdoor markets and vendors that sell local items. Some vendors are known to try and sell counterfeit goods, so it is wise to make sure you are comfortable with what you are buying and how much you are paying for it. It is also recommended to keep personal documents and your wallet close to you when visiting busy attractions, such as the Colosseum or Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Emergency services and hospitals can be found throughout Italy’s major cities, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Doctors and medical professionals in Italy are not required to speak English, but some know the language and can communicate, but it is unwise to count on this. In the case of an emergency, getting to the nearest hospital and reaching out to the appropriate embassy are the suggested first steps to take. This information is not intended to replace the guidance of your doctor or physician. It is recommended that all international travelers consult with their primary care physician prior to traveling.

Italy is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, and the food of the country is known to be safe to eat and delicious. Carrying around water bottles for your family will help keep everyone hydrated while touring, but the water from drinking fountains is also safe to drink. There are virtually no concerns regarding food and water safety in Italy unless you have severe food allergies. If this is the case, it is wise to have a written translation of your allergy when traveling because you may encounter waitstaff at a restaurant that do not speak English.

When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We will match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. They know their country better than anyone, and each travel specialist in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators, comprising of the top tier of the industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.