Planning a trip to Italy with kids under the age of 13 might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Finding the right tour service can make all the difference in transforming a potentially stressful vacation into an enjoyable, seamless experience. For our recent 14-day adventure through Italy, we used LivTours for several key activities, and I’m here to share why it was worth every penny—even with their higher price point. This is not a paid promotion—I personally paid full price for all these LivTours experiences with my own money, with no discounts or special treatment.
Why We Chose LivTours
When planning a trip, I often get frustrated with booking platforms like Viator, Get Your Guide, or similar services. While those options can be more affordable, I wanted more control and direct communication with the tour company. With LivTours, I had access to a real phone number for customer support, highly responsive service, and the ability to customize itineraries to fit our family’s needs.
As a family of six traveling to Italy with little kids, this peace of mind was worth the premium (~20%) we paid compared to competitors. Plus, the added value of being able to book transportation directly to and from our destinations was a lifesaver. No hopping on multiple trains or figuring out directions—just hassle-free touring.
What We Booked with LivTours
Here’s a breakdown of the tours we booked with LivTours and what made each experience stand out:
1. Golf Cart Tour in Rome
Our Golf Cart Tour in Rome was the perfect way to kick off our Italian adventure. The guide picked us up directly from our hotel, making it super convenient for our family of six. Manuel, our guide, was not only hilarious but also incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts about iconic landmarks like the Wedding Cake and Circo Massimo. He made special stops for us at Pizza Florida, where we discovered the deliciousness of potato pizza, and at a gelato shop near our hotel, which the kids loved. This tour gave us a great overview of the city while keeping everyone entertained and engaged.
- Why it worked for us: We booked this for our first day in Rome, and it set the tone for the entire trip. Our guide, Manuel, was hilarious, knowledgeable, and fantastic with the kids.
- Highlights:
- Quick stops at major landmarks, including the Colosseum and the “Wedding Cake” (Altare della Patria).
- A visit to a local pizza spot, Pizza Florida, where we discovered potato pizza—surprisingly delicious!
- Visit to the best places for photo ops.
- Museum visit where he pointed out various educational things that our kids learned about history.
- A gelato stop near our hotel to wrap up the tour.
- Verdict: A 10/10 experience, especially with a golf cart that comfortably fit all six of us.
- Cost in 2024 July for 6: $752.89
2. Sistine Chapel & Vatican City (8 AM Entry)
The LivTours Express Early Morning Sistine Chapel Tour was awesome. Our guide met us outside and led us into the Vatican Museums before the crowds, ensuring we could admire the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms in peace. The morning light streaming through the windows illuminated Michelangelo’s frescoes beautifully, and our guide shared incredible stories and insights about the artwork. We even got to see the changing of the guard, which was an unexpected treat. This tour was both informative and awe-inspiring, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll never forget.
- Why it worked for us: Early access meant we beat the crowds, and our guide—a professional archaeologist—was a wealth of knowledge.
- Highlights:
- The guide brought a book with illustrations, prepping us for what we’d see in the Sistine Chapel.
- Exclusive insights into Vatican history and architecture.
- We were among the first inside, allowing for unobstructed photos (where permitted).
- Verdict: Fascinating for adults, though the kids found parts of it a bit long. Still, a must-do!
- Cost in 2024 July for 6: $763.43
3. Colosseum Tour
Our Colosseum tour was another highlight of our trip. We had access to the attic level, which offered breathtaking views of this ancient marvel. Although we couldn’t explore the underground section, our guide made up for it with fascinating stories about the Colosseum’s history and architecture. The tour also included a walk through the Roman Forum, where we got a glimpse into the heart of ancient Roman life. The experience was both educational and visually stunning, making it a must-do for history lovers.
- Why it worked for us: Our guide, an architect, brought the ancient structure to life with stories and details that kept the adults engaged and the kids entertained.
- Highlights:
- Exploration of the Roman gardens nearby.
- Scenic routes and fun facts about ancient Roman life.
- Verdict: Another 10/10 experience, even without access to the underground portion.
- Cost in 2024 July for 6: $750
4. Florence to Lucca with Stops in Pisa and San Gimignano
Our transfer from Florence to Lucca, with stops at San Gimignano and Pisa, was a stress-free way to explore Tuscany. LivTours provided a private van that comfortably fit our entire family, and we were pleasantly surprised to have a guide accompany us. The stops were perfectly timed, allowing us to enjoy the charm of San Gimignano and snap photos at Pisa’s Leaning Tower. The kids even napped between stops, making the journey relaxing for everyone. This transfer was worth the price for the convenience and seamless travel experience.
- Why it worked for us: Transportation with a private driver and guide eliminated the headache of train-hopping with kids.
- Highlights:
- A seamless journey between destinations with engaging stories from our guide.
- Flexibility to stop and explore iconic landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Kids napped in the van between stops—huge win for parents!
- Verdict: Pricey but worth it for the convenience and stress-free travel.
- Cost in 2024 July for 6: $2096
5. Water Taxi from Venice to the Airport
- Why it worked for us: We needed a stress-free way to get from our VRBO in Venice to the airport early in the morning, and LivTours delivered. Their coordination meant we didn’t have to worry about navigating the canals or risking delays.
- Highlights:
- A private water taxi picked us up directly from our VRBO.
- Plenty of space for our family of six and all our luggage.
- Early morning pickup was prompt, ensuring we had ample time to make our flight.
- The ride through Venice’s canals was scenic and peaceful, even at dawn.
- Verdict: A flawless transfer that made leaving Venice as enjoyable as our time exploring it. Highly recommend this option for families needing reliable airport transportation.
- Cost in July for 6: $202
Why LivTours Is Worth It
LivTours consistently exceeded our expectations across every excursion we booked. The guides were always prompt and professional, ensuring we started each tour stress-free and on time. Each experience was tailored to our family’s needs, from private pickups at our hotel or VRBO to seamless transitions between destinations. The level of detail, from expert storytelling to thoughtful coordination, made every excursion memorable and engaging for both adults and kids. While LivTours may come at a premium, the convenience, reliability, and exceptional service made it worth every penny for our family of six.
- Seamless Coordination: Booking was straightforward, and they handled all the logistics, from tickets to transportation.
- Personalized Service: Their guides were knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating, making each tour feel tailored to our family.
- Stress-Free Travel: Transportation options made it easy to focus on enjoying the trip instead of managing details.
- Responsive Support: Having a real person to call when needed was invaluable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling to Italy—especially with kids—LivTours is a game-changer. From their exceptional guides to seamless transportation, every part of our experience was top-notch. Yes, it’s a bit pricier, but the value far outweighs the cost. For a stress-free and memorable trip, I’d book with them again in a heartbeat.
Have questions about our experience or planning your trip? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to help!
