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Traveling in Italy with kids

Find out what Responsible Travel recommends if you’re hell bent on traveling in Italy with kids. We’ve asked our experts to help you discover what to do with little ones and if you’re thinking active volcanoes, leaning towers and pizzas every day of the week then you’ll be pleased to learn that you’re already on the right track.

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Traveling in Italy with kids

What does Responsible Travel recommend?

A rich variety of activities and locations makes traveling in Italy with kids a joy - aided by the Italian love of children. Burn bambini energy zipping over the waves in RIBs then dive/snorkel off Sardinia, or go climbing or orienteering in Tuscany. Potter ravishing coasts in Amalfi or Liguria, cycle on quiet backroads in Sardinia between white sand coves, or ski hidden Alpine valleys where you can dine in caves! Delve epic ancient history – Rome's imperial grandeur perhaps or frozen-in-time Pompeii in the lee of still fiery Mt Vesuvius. Add food all kids will love.

For health & safety advice, please see our Tips page.

Activities for families in Italy

What to do with little ones

Hot-heads & high spots
Italy is Europe's land of volcanoes – still rumbling Vesuvius, quietly brooding Etna and, in Sicily's Aeolian Islands, Vulcano – the hot-top that named them all. Hit the heights with hiking or winter sports among the famous peaks of the Alps, the stunning Dolomites or the more secret Apennines.

Old - but sick!
Italy's history will stir any child. Discover life and death in ancient times at eerie time-capsule Pompeii, grand gladiatorial arenas or glorious ocean-view temples. Delve colourful past lives, from the Borgias to geniuses Galileo and Leonardo. And teach them about solid foundations by Pisa's wonky tower!

Squisito! (Delicious!)
Feed a young interest in food – learn to create proper pizza or fresh pasta (in any shape!), or see how oils and cheeses are made – after picking olives or milking! And in the home of Slow Food, kids will see how food, land and people truly connect.

Traveling in Italy with kids

Responsible Travel asks the experts

Melanie McAnaw from our supplier Headwater suggests a cycling break in the Veneto is ideal for traveling in Italy with kids:
“A cycling vacation in the Veneto at a family run and quintessentially Italian agriturismo comes with vineyards for the parents, two soppy collies that are good for dog-loving children of any age, and a gorgeous outdoor pool that's good for everyone!. There’s the opportunity to mix superb, easy cycling with sightseeing so it’s guaranteed to keep our younger customers interested with our traditional mix of activity and local discovery.”

Marta Marinelli from our supplier Exodus says keeping busy and engaged makes for great times traveling in Italy with kids:

“We make sure we go beyond the traditional sightseeing experience and keep children and adults always entertained. 'Get involved' activities like pizza and pasta making, arts and craft lessons, and group walks or bike rides allow families to get together, have fun, and bring home some fabulous memories. And our expert leaders and organisation on the ground makes sure all the difficult parts of family vacations are taken care of. We want a no-stress experience for all!”

Photo credits: [Top box: Giovanni Cioli] [etna: gnuckx] [pisa: Rosino] [pasta making: Nan Palmero] [kids walk: Barney Moss]

Written by Norman Miller

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