19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Italy
Italy is a dream destination for families, offering a perfect blend of educational history, incredible food that even the pickiest eaters love, and a culture that truly welcomes children. This 19-day itinerary focuses on the 'Slow Travel' philosophy, ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy a gelato in a piazza without rushing to the next museum.
We have carefully selected routes that utilize Italy's excellent high-speed rail network, minimizing transit stress. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the whimsical canals of Venice and the thrill of Lake Garda's theme parks, every stop is designed to be accessible for strollers and engaging for curious young minds.
Day 1: Rome, Italy - Arrival & Ancient Foundations
Arrival at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Clear customs and head to the train station within the airport. The Leonardo Express is the most comfortable and quickest way to reach the city center with luggage and kids.
Villa Borghese Gardens
After checking in, head to this massive park. It is completely stroller-friendly, offers bike rentals, and has a small toy train that children adore.
Pincio Terrace
Located at the edge of Villa Borghese, this spot offers a stunning view over Piazza del Popolo without the need for strenuous climbing.
Welcome Pizza in Prati
Enjoy an authentic Roman thin-crust pizza in the family-friendly Prati district, which is quieter than the tourist core.
Day 2: Rome, Italy - Gladiators & Roman Life
The Colosseum
Enter via the 'Stern' entrance which is reserved for guided tours and offers easier access. Kids will be fascinated by the stories of ancient games.
Roman Forum (View from Via dei Fori Imperiali)
Instead of navigating the bumpy rocks with a stroller, walk along the wide, paved sidewalk of Via dei Fori Imperiali for great views and photos.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Visit the 'Cat Sanctuary' ruins. Children love watching the hundreds of protected cats lounging among ancient Roman temples.
Gelato at Giolitti
Visit one of Rome’s oldest gelaterias near the Pantheon for a classic Italian treat.
Day 3: Rome, Italy - Vatican Wonders
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Use the elevators provided for strollers and focus on the Map Gallery, which is visually stunning for all ages.
St. Peter’s Square
The vast open space is perfect for kids to run around while parents admire the Bernini columns.
Castel Sant'Angelo
This fortress-turned-museum has wide ramps and a rooftop café with a spectacular view of the Tiber River.
Trastevere Evening Stroll
Explore the cobblestone streets of this vibrant neighborhood and enjoy a relaxed family dinner in a traditional trattoria.
Day 4: Rome, Italy - Hidden Gems & Parks
Appian Way Regional Park
Rent a golf cart or bikes with child seats to explore the ancient Roman road and its surrounding greenery.
Picnic at Parco degli Acquedotti
Eat lunch under the shadows of massive ancient Roman aqueducts—a perfect spot for a family picnic.
Janiculum Hill Puppet Theater
Check out the traditional Teatrino di Pulcinella, an open-air puppet show that has entertained children for decades.
Farewell Rome Dinner
Enjoy a final Roman meal near the Trevi Fountain to toss a coin and ensure your return.
Day 5: Florence, Italy - To the Renaissance City
High-Speed Train to Florence
Depart from Roma Termini. The journey takes just 1.5 hours, providing a smooth transition between regions.
Mercato Centrale
Grab lunch at this gourmet food hall. There are options for everyone, from fresh pasta to burgers and local cheeses.
Piazza della Repubblica
Let the kids ride the historic antique carousel located in the center of the square.
Florence Duomo (Exterior)
Marvel at the pink, white, and green marble facade of Santa Maria del Fiore while enjoying a gelato nearby.
Day 6: Florence, Italy - Gardens & Art
Uffizi Gallery
Focus on the 'Greatest Hits' to keep kids engaged, and take advantage of the museum's stroller-accessible lifts.
Ponte Vecchio
Walk across the world-famous bridge and look at the glittering gold shops—a great spot for photos.
Boboli Gardens
Behind the Pitti Palace, these vast gardens offer plenty of space for children to explore sculptures and fountains.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Take a bus or taxi to the top for the iconic sunset view of the Florence skyline.
Day 7: Florence, Italy - Leonardo & Science
Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum
A hands-on museum where kids can operate machines built from Da Vinci's original sketches.
Lunch in San Lorenzo
Enjoy a casual lunch in one of the many family-friendly trattorias surrounding the Medici Chapels.
Galileo Museum
Explore the history of science with fascinating telescopes and globes that spark curiosity.
Arno River Walk
A relaxing sunset stroll along the riverbanks to see the city lights come on.
Day 8: Pisa, Italy - The Leaning Tower Excursion
Regional Train to Pisa
A quick 1-hour journey from Florence. The trains are frequent and easy for families.
Piazza dei Miracoli
The iconic Leaning Tower and the green grass around it make for the perfect family photo backdrop.
Pisa Baptistery
Visit the Baptistery to hear the incredible acoustics during the periodic demonstrations.
Return to Florence
Head back to Florence for a quiet evening meal before moving on tomorrow.
Day 9: Venice, Italy - The City of Water
Train to Venice Santa Lucia
Arrive directly on the Grand Canal. The sight of the water as you exit the station is unforgettable.
Vaporetto Ride
Board a water bus (Line 1) for a scenic and affordable 'cruise' down the Grand Canal to your hotel.
St. Mark’s Square
Marvel at the Basilica and the Campanile. Kids will enjoy watching the pigeons (but remember not to feed them!).
Cicchetti Dinner
Try Venetian tapas-style snacks at a local 'Bacaro'—small bites are perfect for children.
Day 10: Venice, Italy - Palaces & Lions
Doge’s Palace
Visit the 'Secret Itineraries' tour or simply explore the armory and the Bridge of Sighs.
Lunch near Rialto Bridge
Eat at a canal-side restaurant and watch the gondolas and delivery boats go by.
Gondola Workshop (Squero di San Trovaso)
See one of the last remaining workshops where gondolas are built and repaired from across the canal.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Visit the 'floating' bookstore where books are kept in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from floods.
Day 11: Venice, Italy - Colorful Islands
Murano Island
Watch a live glass-blowing demonstration. The heat and the transformation of glass are mesmerizing for kids.
Burano Island
Known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Italy.
Torcello Island
Visit the quietest island of the lagoon for a peaceful walk and to see the ancient mosaics.
Dinner in Cannaregio
Dine in the Jewish Ghetto area, which offers wide walkways and a more local feel away from the crowds.
Day 12: Lake Garda, Italy - Relaxing Lakeside
Train to Peschiera del Garda
A relaxing 1.5-hour train ride takes you from the canals to the largest lake in Italy.
Explore Sirmione
Visit the 'Pearl of the Lake'. The town is pedestrian-only, making it extremely safe for kids to wander.
Scaligero Castle
A rare lakeside fortress. The climb to the walls offers great views over the blue water.
Lakeside Dining
Enjoy fresh lake trout and local pasta while the sun sets over the water.
Day 13: Lake Garda, Italy - Theme Park Fun
Gardaland Resort
Italy’s most famous theme park. It features Peppa Pig Land for little ones and thrilling coasters for adults.
LEGOLAND Water Park
Located inside Gardaland, this is the perfect place to cool off on a warm afternoon.
Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium
Walk through transparent tunnels surrounded by sharks and tropical fish.
Dinner at Peschiera
Relax after an active day with a quiet meal in the historic fortress town of Peschiera.
Day 14: Lake Garda, Italy - Grottoes & Trains
Grotte di Catullo
Explore the ruins of a massive Roman villa at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula.
Jamaica Beach
A unique beach with flat stone slabs. The water is shallow and perfect for kids to splash around.
Bardino Village & Little Train
Take the small tourist train that runs around the Sirmione area for a fun, effortless tour.
Olive Oil Museum (Bardolino)
A quick visit to learn how local olive oil is made, with tastings for the parents.
Day 15: Lake Garda, Italy - Nature & Views
Malcesine & Monte Baldo Cable Car
The rotating cabins provide a 360-degree view of the Alps and the lake. Strollers are allowed!
Picnic on Monte Baldo
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and alpine meadows before descending back to the lake.
Limone sul Garda
Take a ferry to this charming town famous for its lemon groves and hanging gardens.
Final Lakeside Dinner
Toast to a wonderful week at the lake before heading to the fashion capital tomorrow.
Day 16: Milan, Italy - The Grand Cathedral
Arrival in Milan
Transfer from Lake Garda to Milan Centrale. The station itself is an architectural marvel.
Milan Duomo
Visit the largest church in Italy. Take the elevator to the rooftop to walk among the spires.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Spin on the bull mosaic for good luck and admire the stunning glass dome of the world's oldest shopping mall.
Risotto alla Milanese Dinner
Try the famous saffron-infused rice that Milan is known for at a family-friendly bistro.
Day 17: Milan, Italy - Castles & Canals
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Explore the massive courtyards and the fountain outside. The castle grounds are free and great for kids.
Parco Sempione
Located right behind the castle, this park has playgrounds and the Aquarium of Milan nearby.
Museum of Science and Technology
Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, this museum features full-size planes, trains, and a submarine.
Navigli District
Walk along the ancient canals of Milan. It's a lively area with many gelato shops and street performers.
Day 18: Milan, Italy - Lake Como Day Trip
Train to Varenna
A scenic 1-hour ride from Milan. Varenna is widely considered the most beautiful and accessible town on Lake Como.
Ferry to Bellagio
Take the short cross-lake ferry. Kids love the boat ride and the view of the villas from the water.
Villa Melzi Gardens
Stroll through these lakeside gardens in Bellagio, which are mostly flat and very stroller-friendly.
Return to Milan
Head back to the city for your final Italian feast and some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Day 19: Milan, Italy - Departure
Souvenir Shopping at Via Torino
Pick up some Italian leather or fashion items at family-friendly prices before heading home.
Last Italian Coffee & Pastry
Enjoy one final brioche and cappuccino at a local bar to savor the flavors of Italy.
Malpensa Express to Airport
Take the dedicated airport train from Milan Cadorna or Centrale station for a stress-free departure.
Flight Departure
Check in for your flight home, carrying memories of an epic 19-day family adventure.
Best Time to Visit Italy
The best time for a family trip to Italy is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making long walks with strollers much more comfortable. You will also avoid the peak summer crowds of July and August, meaning shorter lines at attractions and more space in the piazzas for children to play.
Currency & Money
Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases like gelato, public toilets, or at smaller local markets. Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but rounding up the bill or leaving 1-2 Euros per person at a nice dinner is a kind gesture appreciated by staff.
Getting Around Italy
The most efficient and family-friendly way to travel between major cities is the high-speed train network operated by Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo. These trains are clean, fast, and offer plenty of space for luggage and strollers. For regional travel, such as Florence to Pisa or Milan to Lake Como, regional trains are affordable and frequent. Within cities, walking is the best way to see the sights, though Venice relies on water buses (Vaporettos) and Rome has a helpful, if limited, metro system.
