Traveling with a big family can seem daunting, but with the right planning, it can be an unforgettable adventure. Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly culture, is an ideal destination. I wanted to share a detailed itinerary, tips on where to stay, and what to consider when booking accommodations for a large family. We'll start in Rome, journey through Tuscany, visit charming towns like Lucca and Monterosso, and end our trip in the enchanting city of Venice.
With my extensive research on Facebook groups (I'll share my favorites below), Reddit forums, tips from co-workers who I work with globally that live here, and friends that have visited, I've curated my favorites that we plan on staying at in the summer of 2024.
Tips on Itinerary
Before you can book your hotels, you need to have a general idea of where you plan on visiting in Italy, and just know that you cannot hit everything.
Here are the very best tips that I have in terms of getting your itinerary set. Note that we decided to leave the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, and Lake Como for another trip one day in the future. This itinerary consists of east Italy which includes stays in : Rome, Florence, Lucca, Monterosso, and Venice with day trips to San Gimignano, Pisa, and villages of Cinque Terre. This provides you an overview of what your itinerary could look like. I plan on writing full posts on things you can do with kids in each of these cities.
Fly into Rome
Begin your adventure by flying into Rome, Italy's capital and a treasure trove of ancient history and vibrant culture. Spend the first two days exploring this bustling city.
Rome for 2 Days
On the first day, visit iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The second day can be dedicated to the Vatican City, where you can marvel at St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is a city where history comes alive, and it's a perfect starting point for your Italian journey. Things to know:
- If you opt to NOT do a private tour, you can buy passes for the Vatican and Sistine Chapel starting at 60 days in advance and the Colosseum at 30 days in advance. Do not wait, get on this pronto! Here's the tour that we booked for the Sistine Chapel and separately for the Colosseum because I didn't trust myself to wake up at 2am to book this in Rome time!
- There's also a golf-cart tour that you can do around the city, which is recommended as the very first thing you should do.
Go to Tuscany Area: Start in Florence
After soaking in the wonders of Rome, head to the Tuscany region, starting with Florence. Florence is a city of art and architecture. Spend a couple of days here exploring the Uffizi Gallery, the Florence Cathedral, and the Ponte Vecchio. The city's charm will captivate both adults and kids alike.
Head off to Beautiful Walled City of Lucca
Next, travel to Lucca, a beautiful walled city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls and cobblestone streets. Lucca is more relaxed and less crowded than other tourist spots, making it ideal for families. Rent bikes and cycle around the city walls, visit the Guinigi Tower, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Take a Day Trip from Lucca: San Gimignano to Pisa to See the Leaning Tower
From Lucca, take a transfer day trip to explore the medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its tower houses. Then, head to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. It's a bit of a whirlwind day, but these destinations are relatively close, making it a feasible and exciting adventure. This can be done by checking out of Lucca and having the driver take you to all these sites and you can end up in Monterosso after the tour.
Monterosso and Villages of Cinque Terre
After exploring the Tuscan countryside, travel to Monterosso, one of the five villages in the Cinque Terre. Monterosso offers stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and charming streets. It's a great place to relax and enjoy some downtime before heading to your final destination.
End Your Vacation in Beautiful Venice
Conclude your Italian journey in Venice, the city of canals. Spend your days exploring the maze-like streets, taking gondola rides, and visiting St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Venice is a city like no other, and it's a magical place to end your trip.
Safety
Phones
Ensure every family member, especially the kids, has a phone or a way to contact you. Local SIM cards or international plans are essential for staying connected. We have T-Mobile, and they have an international plan for both calling INTO and calling OUT OF Italy, make sure you are aware of which plans you will be getting (I'll be doing both)
Pickpockets
Be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure, use anti-theft bags, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Kids and Preparing to Hike and Walk a Lot
Italy involves a lot of walking, so prepare your kids for this. Comfortable shoes are a must, and taking breaks to rest and hydrate is essential. Encourage the kids by making walks more engaging—tell them stories about the places you're visiting or play games.
Water is Everywhere
In Italy, you'll find public water fountains (nasoni) where you can refill your water bottles. Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
Be Prepared During High Events with Lots of Crowds
During events or in crowded areas, hold hands, establish meeting points, and ensure everyone knows what to do if they get separated. Crowds can be overwhelming, so having a plan is crucial.
Where to Stay for Big Families in Italy
Here are the places I recommend for your stay in Italy. Remember, while some people might not be very friendly to Americans, I focused on comfort for a big family rather than luxury, with the exception of our first hotel.
Rome - Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Via di S. Basilio, 15, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
The Aleph Hotel in Rome, a Hilton hotel, offers luxury and comfort, ensuring a great start to your trip. It's centrally located, making it easy to explore Rome's top attractions. In terms of accomodations, they have a 2 bedroom suite that fits up to 6 people.
We booked our stay at a rate of $1,849.19 per night for two nights, totaling $3,740.52 with taxes. This was the most expensive accommodation of our summer trip to Italy, booked during peak season. The decision to splurge on this stay was influenced by my circumstances: I was meeting my family in Rome after traveling separately for work, while my husband traveled from the States with our four kids. Ensuring an easy transition into Italy was a priority, and this hotel’s outstanding reviews made it an ideal choice. Throughout our correspondence, the hotel staff was consistently prompt and courteous, accommodating all our adjustments.
Details for the 2 Bedroom Suite:
- Sleeps 6
- Living Room has a Sofa
To summarize the most common things we saw in the reviews:
- Service was amazing (for the cost of this, it definitely should be)
- Staff was great with kids
- Turn down service is amazing
- Location is walking distance to city center, but really quiet at night to get away from the bustle of it all
- Hilton Honors Diamond Members get an upgrade and complimentary breakfast; breakfast was excellent
- Large clean rooms with every luxury
- Boutique feeling hotel in the heart of Rome
- Comfortable beds
Here are some of the concerns across reviews of the Aleph Hotel:
- It is pricey (expected for this type of hotel)
- There's no in room washer and dryer (there's one onsite)
- No kitchenette, so likely eating out most of the time (which you should be doing anyway in Italy)
- The pool is always busy
Here are a few videos that I've found that share the experience on TikTok for Aleph Rome hotel:
@welltraveledbestie On a 10-day trip to Rome, I didn’t listen to any of the recommendations from friends on where to stay and instead followed my gut, choosing the Aleph. This 5-star hotel doesn’t get as much attention as some of its equals around the city, but it definitely should. With a central location and a rooftop pool, it’s the only place I’ll ever stay when visiting the eternal city. Book a stay here for your next trip — I highly recommend one of the rooms with a terrace! #romeitaly #italytravel #luxuryhotel ♬ original sound - Your Well-Traveled Bestie
Florence - Casa Belle Donne Apartment
Address: 19 Via delle Belle Donne, Santa Maria Novella, 50123 Florence, Italy
In Florence, I suggest opting for a VRBO rental that is conveniently located near the city center, offering three rooms and enough beds to comfortably accommodate large families. Choosing a VRBO over a full-service hotel can provide more flexibility, especially for families who prefer the option to prepare their own breakfast or lunch. This can be particularly helpful when traveling with kids. Here's the location:
After spending the initial few days in a hotel to settle into your vacation, transitioning to a VRBO can enhance your experience by offering the comforts of home and added convenience. This specific VRBO also includes a washer, which is a valuable amenity for families needing to do laundry during their stay. Although it is on the pricier side, the benefits of comfort and prime location make it a worthwhile choice.
For reference, our accommodations for 4 nights that included a final cleaning fee totaled: $2,312.20. The goal was to be by city center and not need to rent a car, otherwise other accommodations would have been much more affordable. This specific VRBO also requires an additional $700 security deposit that is paid by credit card on arrival.
VRBO Details:
- 3 Bedroom
- Bedroom 1: 1 King Bed
- Bedroom 2: 1 King Bed
- Bedroom 3: 2 Twin Beds
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
- Has air conditioning
- Kitchen
- Washer
Across all reviews, here were the most common highlights of this stay which made us choose this accomodation:
- Great central location to Florence sights, located close to train station (2 minutes) and Duomo (5 minutes)
- Property manager was responsive
- Well appointed
Here are the concerns that we have with the booking, which we will address once we stay:
- Pillows are flat
- Couch needs cleaning
Lucca - Casa Gina Urban Retreat VRBO
Address: 5 Via Bonagiunta Urbiciani, 55100 Lucca, Italy
This VRBO called Casa Gina is a perfect blend of contemporary luxury and practical amenities, making it ideal for big families visiting Lucca. The apartment features an elegant design with carefully chosen Italian furnishings, advanced technology, and warm, natural lighting to create a harmonious atmosphere.
Situated next to the historic walls of Lucca and close to the train station, the apartment offers convenient access to sightseeing in Tuscany and beyond, including Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. The apartment provides ample space, a fully equipped kitchen, luxury bathrooms, air conditioning, and high-speed WiFi. A standout feature is the grand private terrace, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. With easy parking options and flexible late check-in arrangements, the apartment ensures a comfortable and sophisticated stay for large families, whether for a short visit or an extended vacation.
This was super affordable across a 2 night stay at $652.93.
VRBO Details:
- Sleeps 6
- 2 Bedrooms
- Bedroom 1: Double Bed
- Bedroom 2: Double Bed
- Living Room: Pull Out Sofa
- Washer and Dryer
- Wifi
- Kitchenette
Best things said about this accomodation in reviews:
- Perfectly appointed, looks exactly like the photos
- Great service
- Short walk to the city of Lucca and the train station
- Beautiful property
- 3 minutes walking to the train station but no noise from the train; 7 minutes to the San Pietro gate of the wall. 15 minutes to the Esselunga supermarket.
Considerations before booking:
- The third bedroom is only closed off by a curtain so ideal for kids but no privacy for adults.
- It is not inside the walls of Lucca BUT it doesn’t matter.
- A damage deposit of $213.87 is required on arrival, which is reimbursed within 7 days of check-out.
Monterosso - Porto Roco Hotel & Restaurant
Address: Via Corone, 1, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy
Hotel Porto Roca offers a stunning and memorable stay with panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and a prime location in Monterosso al Mare. This hotel is a big splurge to stay in the region of Cinque Terre. It is known for its exceptional service, noting the friendly and accommodating staff who go above and beyond to make every stay enjoyable. The rooms are comfortable and elegantly furnished, many with private balconies that offer breathtaking sea views.
The hotel's outdoor pool and terrace are perfect for relaxing, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, adding to the overall experience. However, some reviews mention that the hotel can be expensive, especially during peak season, but many feel the unique location and amenities are worth the cost. For families, the spacious rooms and family-friendly environment make it an ideal choice, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone.
The downside is that it does not fit a big family of six, so you'll need to split up rooms and request accommodations near by each other. This is the only part of the trip where this is necessary, but the stunning views and experience make it worthwhile. It is absolutely beautiful and stunning.
Why people love it:
- Great hotel with beautiful pool
- Best dinner can be had at their restaurant with great food, service, and reviews
Other considerations that reviewers had:
- The walk up and down to Porto Roca is steep, and while it's not super far from the train station, it's definitely a little bit of a hike compared to other options.
TikTok videos with real reviews:
@travelwithlolo 📍Hotel Porto Roca #cinqueterre #italy #travel #italyhotels ♬ La belle vie - Sacha Distel
Venice - Apartment in Palazzo with Balcony and Canal View
Address: Near 30121 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
This exceptional property in Venice offers an ideal stay for families with kids, combining comfort, space, and an authentic Venetian atmosphere. Located in a serene area overlooking the canal, yet close to major tourist attractions, the apartment provides easy access to activities with nearby water buses.
The beautifully renovated apartment retains its historical charm, featuring high ceilings, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and a large family room. The spacious layout includes a mix of antique and high-end furnishings, luxury kitchen, king-size beds, and super-fast WiFi.
Guests will appreciate the bright and airy ambiance, with 12 windows offering ample natural light. The first-floor apartment, situated in a restored old palazzo, offers easy access, being just five minutes from the main station and ten minutes from Rialto, making it a perfect choice for a comfortable and enjoyable family stay in Venice.
Accomodation Details:
- 2 Bedroom
- Bedroom 1: 1 King Bed
- Bedroom 2: 1 King Bed
- Living Room: 1 Double Futon
- Kitchen
- Dining Area
What people love:
- Located in Cannaregio, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Guglie Bridge, Piazzale Roma, and Grand Canal. Rialto Bridge and Port of Venice are also within 1 mi (2 km). Venice Santa Lucia Station is 9 minutes by foot and Venice (XVQ-Santa Lucia Rail Station) is 9 minutes.
- Eclectic mix of modern and Venetian furniture looks great!
- Makes you feel like you stepped back in time, but with modern amenities
- AC was great
What people considered:
- Nothing I've seen bad reported
What to Look for in a Hotel When Booking for Big Families
When booking accommodations for a large family, consider the following:
Food Nearby
Having restaurants and grocery stores nearby is crucial, especially with kids. It makes mealtime easier and more flexible to gather your kids.
By the Attractions
Staying close to major attractions might mean dealing with tourist traps, but it's often worth it for the convenience. With kids, proximity can save a lot of time and hassle.
Tour Guides
Tour guides can enrich your experience. LivTours, although expensive, come highly recommended by various travel guides and Facebook groups. They offer personalized and engaging tours that cater well to families.
Conclusion
Don’t overthink—just go for it! Traveling with a big family can be challenging, but the memories you create are priceless. I'm currently working on credit card churning, which can help save on travel expenses—a topic I’ll delve into soon. Stay tuned for my posts about our personal experiences in Italy, and I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible trip with your family. Bon voyage!
More Europe Trips and Ideas
- 9 Days in Italy
- Day Tripping to Zurich
- Day Tripping in Amsterdam
