Italy is a land the place historical historical past, high-end style, inventive legacy, and hearty delicacies collide! It’s a treasure trove of experiences which might be awe-inspiring it doesn’t matter what your age, however for these touring with teenagers, you’ll discover your adolescent youths can be simply as excited to start out exploring as you might be!
The picturesque landscapes, the bustling ambiance, iconic landmarks, and blissful seashores are ready on your youngsters to snap for his or her Instagram feeds.
However with a lot to see and do, it may be laborious to slender down a listing of issues to do in Italy with youngsters, so we’ve come to assist.
We’ve visited Italy many instances with our two teenage daughters, and we’re usually 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 urged itinerary and suggestions for having a trouble-free journey, so you possibly can go to Italy with teenagers and not using a hitch!
Is Italy an excellent place for Youngsters?
Italy is a incredible nation to go to with youngsters for thus many causes. Once 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 crammed with iconic landmarks, museums, and historic websites that our teenagers discovered inspiring and memorable. They realized about many of those locations in class, so it was wonderful for them to have the ability to see them in individual.
Secondly, Italy has a whole lot of variety in terms of issues to do. You’ll be able to go climbing within the mountains, you possibly can snorkel within the heat Mediterranean waters and loosen up on golden seashores, or you will get misplaced in tiny Medieval cities. Whether or not your youngsters take pleasure in out of doors adventures like climbing, biking, and water sports activities, or choose culturally immersive experiences, the phrase “bored” by no means touches their lips.
Additionally, when you have fussy eaters in your loved ones, even the fussiest eater will love Italian delicacies – umm, hi there 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 among the Seven Historic 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 hundreds of thousands of holiday makers every year so do your self an enormous favor and guide excursions upfront!
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 the town and its beautiful sights with some scrumptious meals tasting with a neighborhood information, who can take you away from the vacationer traps to extra genuine locations.
Throughout a strolling meals tour, you’ll wander by means of charming neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, and pattern genuine Roman dishes similar to pasta carbonara, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato.
You may additionally go to native markets and take a look at recent produce, cheeses, and cured meats, and be taught 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 here 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 among the best-preserved historical buildings in Rome.
Its title means “temple of all gods,” and is understood for its round structure and distinctive “eye of God” opening within the ceiling, often called 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 wonderful.
Learn extra: Important Issues to know earlier than going to Rome
4. Discover the 5 Cities of Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre was one in all our favourite areas in Italy and our youngsters liked exploring the slender aspect streets and alleyways within the 5 cities and snapping images of the colourful buildings. In reality, 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 distinct (beautiful) 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, in the event you’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 a captivating and academic expertise that your youngsters mustn’t miss. They could have realized about this notorious volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, that devoured the town and captured it frozen in time.
This catastrophic occasion has preserved many elements of each day life, and you may stroll by means of the ruins of well-preserved buildings, streets, and frescoes.
It’s each fascinating and in addition a poignant reminder that your complete life might 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 residence.
Pompeii is among the most astounding issues I’ve seen on my travels. I do know any teen, curious in regards to the world, can be equally fascinated.
6. Take Pictures with the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is among 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 singular 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 continues to be standing!
I personally discovered the Leaning Tower of Pisa to be overrated and one in all 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, be taught in regards to the challenges confronted throughout its development, 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 line ticket.
7. See the Statue of David in Florence
Even in the event you’re not large on artwork, a chance 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 biggest masterpieces of Renaissance artwork, and it’s way more spectacular in individual in comparison with photos.
Standing at a formidable 17 ft tall, getting up near this iconic statue you possibly can see the outlines of muscle mass and veins, and the intricate element put into the facial options. Seeing David in individual, whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not, is a bucket checklist 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 have 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 be taught a lot extra in regards to the making of David (And different essential items within the gallery)
Because it’s so so so in style, make sure you get a skip the line 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 among the most well-known artwork museums on this planet, housing a unprecedented assortment of Renaissance masterpieces.
See iconic works by legendary artists similar to Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Teenagers will love the portray of Medusa! Even in the event you’re not large on artwork, seeing the ability and mastery of those nice painters from centuries in the past could be 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 understood for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
It’s additionally recognized for its well-preserved Roman structure, together with the enduring Enviornment 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 individuals go away messages on the partitions of Juliet’s home. A spotlight was standing on Juliet’s Balcony!
10. Experience a Gondola in Venice
Driving a gondola in Venice is a quintessential factor for youngsters to do in Italy. Gondolas are usually not solely romantic and a good way to see the town from a brand new perspective, however they’re deeply rooted in Venetian tradition and custom.
Experiencing a gondola journey offers a direct connection to the heritage of Venice and a calming technique to admire the slender canals, historic buildings, charming bridges, and picturesque great thing about Venice.
Our non-public gondola journey was a part of our Venice guided strolling tour. I used to be comfortable to skip the lengthy strains!
Learn extra: Thrilling Issues to Do in Venice with Teenagers + Why They Love It!
11. Hike within the Dolomites
Should you’d choose to do one thing extra lively in your trip, then you definately’ll need to take into account climbing within the Dolomites.
The Dolomites are recognized for his or her dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and vibrant alpine meadows, the place you possibly can admire the awe-inspiring landscapes, with towering rock formations and picturesque vistas, whereas exploring the paths which might be appropriate for all ability ranges.
Spending time within the Dolomites permits youngsters to disconnect from expertise and reconnect with nature. Should you discover you’ve gotten teenagers who’re glued to their telephones, maybe the tranquility of the mountains, the sound of rustling leaves, and the recent alpine air will encourage a little bit of mindfulness in them.
12. Go to The Vatican Metropolis Museum & Sistine Chapel
The Vatican Metropolis is understood for being the middle of the Catholic church, and in addition the smallest nation on this planet, so you could make sure that to go to right here whereas in Rome to tick off one other nation for the checklist!
One of the vital thrilling sights within the Vatican is the Vatican Metropolis Museum, which homes probably the most intensive and spectacular collections of artwork on this planet, that includes works by famend artists similar to Raphael and Michelangelo.
I extremely advocate you’re taking a tour of the museum so that you might be whisked round all of the highlights, as in any other case, you may be within the museum for days! I feel a guided tour is a lot better for teenagers as they will get overwhelmed and bored rapidly. 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 trust this company if you’re looking for another Vatican tour option.
The spotlight of the museum is The Sistine Chapel, recognized 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 possibly can 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 style capitals of the world, Milan.
Dwelling to prestigious designers and luxurious manufacturers, these serious about style 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 most recent traits and kinds.
Milan just isn’t all about high-end style although, it has a various buying scene, with plenty of distinctive classic outlets and native artisan boutiques to discover as properly.
15. Benefit from the Seashores of Sardinia
In case your teenagers choose leisure, then make sure you head to the small island of Sardinia for some solar, sea, and golden sands.
Sardinia is residence to a few of the most stunning seashores on this planet, recognized for his or her crystal-clear turquoise waters, delicate 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 Steered 3-Week Italy Itinerary with Teenagers
If you wish to discover one of the best of Italy together 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 have much less time in your arms, you possibly can minimize days out as you’re feeling match.
We advocate hiring a automotive and driving for probably the most half, however in the event you don’t need to drive, Italy has an in depth prepare community, making it straightforward to journey between cities and cities. We advocate you guide tickets upfront for higher costs in the event you 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, often called 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, nevertheless 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 here are some urged issues to do in Rome with teenagers:
Discover the Trastevere District and see how the locals reside, and do some boutique buying
Day 4: Take a day journey to Pompeii
Take a high-speed prepare from Rome to Naples (about 1 hour), then a neighborhood prepare to Pompeii (half-hour). (Check trains here)
The Pompeii Archaeological Site is among 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 properties, 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 recognized for its blissful seashores and historic, quaint coastal cities.
Keep in Cagliari and rent a car to discover the island at your individual 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 leisure.
Costa Smeralda is one other hotspot for beautiful seashores, and you may as well do a ship tour of La Maddalena Archipelago, the gorgeous islands round Sardinia recognized 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, nevertheless it’s usually widespread to attach through Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, which might 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 think about attending to and from the airport, and permitting sufficient time to get by means 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 understood 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 beautiful 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, one of the well-known artwork museums on this planet, residence to masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo
- Go to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and climb to the highest of the dome for beautiful views of the 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 advocate 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, nevertheless it doesn’t have an enormous variety of sights, so we advocate 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, recognized for his or her place in opposition to dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and the colourful facades of their buildings.
Should you don’t need to drive, you possibly can take a prepare from Pisa to La Spezia (which takes about 1.5 hours), then switch to the native prepare 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 straightforward 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 prepare (switch at La Spezia). Milan is named Italy’s style capital so for a little bit of retail remedy, spend a minimum of two days exploring this metropolis and diving into the shops and buying malls.
Whereas in Milan, make sure you take a look at the next highlights:
- Go to the beautiful cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views
- Discover the historic buying gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, crammed with luxurious outlets and cafes
- Uncover the Castello Sforza and its museums, and stroll by means of Sempione ParkSee Leonardo da Vinci’s well-known mural, The Final Supper (advance booking required)
Day 16-17: Lake Como
Drive 1.5 hours to Lake Como or take a prepare 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 instances and is understood for its beautiful 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, often called 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 prepare. Verona is a quaint, romantic city and a UNESCO World Heritage website, often called the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Verona is small and might simply be seen in a day or half a day. Remember to take a look at the next sights:
- Discover the traditional Roman amphitheater, Arena di Verona, nonetheless used for live shows and operas
- Go to Juliet’s House 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 prepare. Venice is named one 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 robust city-state and a serious commerce hub and cultural heart throughout 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, recognized for its beautiful mosaics and spectacular structure
- Discover the Doge’s Palace, the previous residence of the Doge of Venice, that includes stunning rooms and the well-known Bridge of Sighs
- Stroll throughout the historic Rialto Bridge and luxuriate in views of the Grand Canal
- Go on a gondola ride through Venice’s canals
- Take a ship journey to Murano Island recognized for glass-making and colourful homes
Learn extra: Be 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 prepare.
The Dolomites are a mountain vary in northern Italy recognized for his or her distinctive geology and breathtaking landscapes. They have been named a UNESCO World Heritage 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, recognized for its beautiful mountain surroundings
- Go to this picturesque lake of Lago di Braies surrounded by towering peaks, excellent for climbing
- Take a cable car ride up Seceda for breathtaking views
- Uncover charming villages and beautiful landscapes at Val di Funes
Ideas for Visiting Italy with Teenagers
Having visited Italy a number of instances with our teenage daughters, there are some things we want we knew earlier than we went. Listed here 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 offers them an opportunity to say what they’re serious 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 aggravated about them being on their telephones. It’s an excessive amount of stress to argue with them after they’re chatting with their pals in entrance of the Colosseum. They’re nonetheless appreciating the expertise, they only need to inform their pals about it NOW.
- Ebook sights upfront. We have been fortunate sufficient to have the foresight to guide our tour of The Vatican Museums, The Doge’s Palace, The Colosseum, and Roman Discussion board, and plenty of different key sights, properly upfront. We noticed queues going for miles once we turned up and have been capable of simply breeze by means of the queue. Some wait instances for tickets can go as much as 2 hours, so do your self a favor and guide upfront!
- 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 have been . We have been so jealous of all of the individuals who had a tour information to share a few of the historical past.
- At all times dine on the again streets, not the piazzas. As idyllic because the piazzas are, the costs are far costlier within the squares and truthfully, the meals is mediocre high quality. You will see cheaper and higher eating places off the primary squares.
- Go away room in your itinerary for adjustment. Make an observation of what’s essential to see and what you possibly can miss. Our youngsters bought a bit drained after every week, so we determined to skip some sights and simply have a day of wandering across the neighborhoods as an alternative.
- In reality, have a “free day” the place you don’t plan something. Have a time without work the itinerary to do no matter feels pure or spontaneous to you.
- Plan to go away later within the day. Youngsters are likely to need to sleep in, and though you might be on trip and need to exit early to discover, most outlets 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 widespread for eating places and outlets to shut from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, after which keep open later. It is 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 courses, and workshops, watch cooking demonstrations, and so forth once we journey, because it’s a means 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.