Our Complete Guide to Italy Family Holidays

Each region of Italy offers something unique and exciting for families. Now it’s time to find out where a Scott Dunn family holiday in Italy will take yours...

Italy for Families

A successful family holiday sometimes feels like the holy grail. With adults wanting a reviving escape, and children looking for their next adventure; trying to find balance seems impossible. But, when it comes to family holidays, Italy truly does have it all. Whether you’re soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine on the Amalfi Coast, exploring Tuscan hills or firing up young imaginations in historic cities, there’s something to keep every member of the family thoroughly entertained. And at Scott Dunn, we’ll customise any region of Italy to suit your interests and needs to ensure your ideal family getaway.

Is Italy Good for a Family Holiday?

Absolutely! From fairytale Tuscan farmhouses to Sicily's palatial resorts, it’s easy to find family-friendly accommodation in Italy. Italian culture already famously loves children and many family hotels in Italy offer kids clubs that reflect that passion with creative and engaging activities. Then for the adults, spas, Michelin-star restaurants and impeccable service allow you to switch off and make memorable moments.

Italy’s diverse landscape also perfectly suits all families – from the adventurous to the laid-back – with a huge range of activities like cultural immersions, skiing, hiking and cycling.

 

Things to Do in Italy with Family

A mother, grandmother and daughters all making pizza

At Scott Dunn, we know that it’s the one-of-a-kind experiences that make a holiday extra special but in a country like Italy there is so much on offer it can be hard to know where to begin. Here’s the inside track on things to do in Italy with your family.

Let’s start with the food. It’s not a holiday in Italy if you’re not gorging on the delicious pizza, pasta, and gelato on offer. Roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a cooking class with all the family, like this farmhouse experience in Puglia or gelato workshop in Florence. Naples is the home of pizza, so where better to learn how to create the tastiest slice? One of the best things to do in Naples with families is to learn the art of pizza making with a professional pizza maker (pizzaiolo), who will teach your family all the secrets to creating the perfect Margherita. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Adventurous families should head straight to the Dolomites for stunning hikes, e-biking in the mountains and rope courses among the trees in the summer and epic skiing in the winter.

Meanwhile, the way to bring Italy’s iconic history and culture to life for you and your children is through private tours and interactive experiences. Tales of the thrilling gladiator lessons in Rome will be taken back to school, an out-of-hours tour of the Vatican will leave you all agog, and discovering ancient Rome with an archaeologist is just about the most interesting history lesson you could have.

The list of things to do in Italy with your family goes on, just ask our travel experts.

Beach Family Holidays in Italy

A father playing with his child at the beach

Italy’s seaside towns are some of the most stylish around. Beachside lidos, cool gelato stalls, swathes of family-friendly beaches, hidden coves for the intrepid and even a spot of aqua aerobics if you’re lucky. Like the rest of the country, the landscape along the coast changes vastly from region to region.

Few places can compare to the colourful towns and breathtaking terrace views along the Amalfi Coast. The area is the stuff of legends, captured by countless Hollywood films, and loved by the rich and famous. This part of Italy is better for families with older children as Amalfi’s beaches are reached by clambering over rocks and down steep steps to get to pebble beaches. But once you are there, you’re rewarded with a refreshing plunge into the cool, clear waters.

Puglia’s sandy shores are better for a range of ages and the region is laid-back and effortlessly cool in comparison to Amalfi. You’ve got a bit of everything here, from the shady beach cafés serving simple lunches to family-friendly resorts with glossy beach clubs closed off from the crowds.

when it comes to family holidays in Italy with a beach, the sun-drenched, beautiful island of Sardinia is hard to top with the water so blue, the sand so white and the food so incredible. Snorkelling, swimming, yachting, fantastic kids club – it’s got it all.

Sicily’s beaches are a beautiful off-season option, with sunshine from May right through to October, and temperatures warm enough to swim. There’s a whole host of beach options to discover, from craggy rocks and pebble shores to sandy coves.

Discover more family-friendly beach holidays with Scott Dunn.

Best Places to Visit in Italy with Family

The beaches are fabulous, but family holidays in Italy have so much more to offer. If you want to expose your children to cultural pursuits then Italy’s cities are the perfect place, while the lakes and mountains will reconnect you with nature. Read on to discover the best places to go in Italy with families.

Italian Cities 

A mother and child sitting on the ledge overlooking Rome

Italy is an excellent destination for tweens and teens, particularly in its cities. All the art, history, and culture that they’ve been studying jump off the page into reality. Tours of ancient Roman ruins and world-class museums, led by our expert guides, make the country’s past fascinating for older children. The food, the sights and the shopping are legendary too, teens won’t be able to resist the allure of experiencing it all.

In Rome, discover the art techniques that the city is famous for with a fresco or mosaic making masterclass. This is the perfect opportunity for children to show off their creativity and pairs well with a visit to the fresco-covered Sistine Chapel. Refuel hungry children at one of Rome’s many food markets with a private chef.

Don’t think Venice is only for adults. Children will love taking a gondola ride through the canals, learning how to blow glass on Murano, and sampling cicchetti on a tour around the city. And as for Florence, the whole family will fall in love with the romance and beauty of its architecture. The city centre is compact, which makes it easier to explore with kids in tow and it is a perfect starting point for a family holiday in Tuscany.

Lake Garda

Two young boys playing in the water

The picturesque landscape of Lake Garda is a captivating playground for the young and old(er). There is sailing on the calm waters, paddling on the shores, flat cycle paths to explore and the idyllic lakefront towns such as Sirmione and Malcesine Harbour, with their castles and charming cobblestone streets. For older kids, a visit to Gardaland, Italy's largest amusement park, adds a thrilling dose of adrenaline to a family holiday in Italy. There is a certain kind of magic to Lake Garda, perhaps it's something to do with being between the water and mountains, or the romantic villages that circle it, either way, it is a destination that will leave all the family feeling relaxed.

South Tyrol

A family hiking in South Tyrol

In the northernmost part of the country is a region that is worlds away from the bustling cities and cultural hotspots that Italy is so often associated with. South Tyrol, bordering Austria, is an autonomous region of picture-book mountain peaks and towns steeped in alpine traditions.

Whether you visit in summer or winter you will find an area that is deeply connected to nature. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites, wind their way through five Italian provinces, including South Tyrol, giving the region some of the longest ski runs in Europe. In summer, the area is a magnet for hikers, climbers, swimmers, sailors, and mountain bikers. For those looking for a less action-packed holiday, there are fabulous, forward-thinking spas, Michelin-star restaurants and meadows full of wildflowers. Not to mention some of the best family resorts in Italy.

Tuscany 

Children picking olives off an olive tree

Rolling ochre hills, stone farmhouses, olive groves and vineyards drenched in sunlight, Tuscany hardly needs introducing. Its enchanting landscape is iconic, and few can resist the charm of the region. Whether you are looking for total relaxation in an all bells and whistles hotel with a kids club, spa and Michelin-star food, or a more adventurous stay exploring medieval towns and day-tripping to the coast, Tuscany has it all.

Fly into Siena for the postcard-perfect landscapes in Val d’Orchia. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes stunning hilltop towns such as Montepulciano and Pienza. Once there, join a cooking class, meet local artisans, and go on cycle rides with a delicious picnic in tow. Depending on the age of your children you could also take advantage of your hotel’s kids’ club and head out on a private wine tasting tour of Chianti.

Find more inspiration for a family holiday in Europe.

 

Embrace Winter Fun with our Italy Ski Holidays

Embrace Winter Fun with our Italy Ski Holidays

Family fun in the snow

Best Places to Stay In Italy with Family

With an idea of the best things to do in Italy with kids and the best places to visit, it’s time to explore our curated collection of the best family hotels in Italy.

Best For Younger Kids

Family holidays to Italy are a treasure trove for younger kids with tons of family resorts and experiences that cater to children under 12. These properties will welcome your tribe with tailor-made activities, imaginative kids clubs, pint-sized bathrobes, and special treats at turn-down There is just as much for the youngest guests as there is for adults in these properties. So, while they get creative, make and taste gelato, visit new playgrounds, and are looked after by enthusiastic babysitters, you can wander around cities, lie by the pool, or have a meal for two without being disturbed.

Borgo Egnazia
Borgo Egnazia - Puglia

Borgo Egnazia has been designed based on a traditional Apulian village all set within 20 hectares along the Puglian coast of Southern Italy. The biggest draw for families at the hotel is the fantastic custom designed space for children. The Trullalleri children's club for children aged eight months to eight years is a bright and airy club that has been cleverly divided and designed for each age group. Each day there is a varied and interesting activity program which makes the most of the facilities and activities available in the resort. The resort also features one of the largest and best play areas in Italy. The impressive adventure playground includes wobbly walkways, spring bridge, slides, nets to climb and a fireman's pole. While your children are being thoroughly entertained you can golf, visit the local fishing village of Savelletri, take a cooking class or relax in the spa.

Hotel Savoy
Hotel Savoy - Florence

The elegant, family-friendly Hotel Savoy is stylishly designed and provides the highest standards in cuisine and service. Your family’s every whim will be catered for here. The Hotel Savoy’s philosophy is that some of their most important guests are also the smallest. For the youngest members of the family, the ‘Families R Forte’ programme aims to pamper kids as much as their parents. From the Pinocchio-themed items presented to them upon arrival to dedicated kid-friendly guided tours and an arts and crafts workshop, children will never have a dull moment. The hotel also offers 24-hour babysitting, extra beds, interconnecting rooms, and all the bathrooms are set-up with rubber ducks and kids’ bathroom products.

San Clemente Palace
San Clemente Palace - Venice

San Clemente Palace is a stunning Venetian retreat across the blue lagoon and St Mark's basin from Piazza San Marco. Great for adults and children alike, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing summer holiday. You kids will be entertained by the supervised playroom, where activities include necklace making, painting, crafts, balloon games, traditional Venetian mask making, picnics in the garden and pastry lessons with the chef. There is a small playground and a mini-golf course for those kids wanting a little fresh air. The hotel also offers a whole range of child specific goodies, like a special welcome kit, DVDs, disposable bottles, cribs, high chairs and a kids pool. For parents, the hotel has tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a gym, offers spa treatments and has a huge garden space to enjoy some peace and quiet in.

Best for Older kids

Whatever interests your teen, Italy’s cities can deliver. Whether that is trawling Rome’s cobbled streets for vintage buys, getting lost in Venice’s entrancing art, seeing history come to life at the Colosseum or soaking up the street scenes in St Marks’ Square. After a day to remember with your kids, head back to these glamorous hotels for a spoiling treat in the spa or a dip in the pool.

Hotel de Russie
Hotel de Russie - Rome

Ideally located between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, families will be charmed by Hotel de Russie’s to-die-for location, pretty gardens and inimitable style. Your family will quickly learn why French poet Jean Cocteau described the hotel as “paradise on earth.” The Vatican City, with St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is just a ten-minute walk away, the Piazza Navon and Trevi Fountain are also within easy access. This is an excellent base for safely and easily touring and experiencing Rome’s attractions. The hotel also has an extensive health club and spa with a hydropool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish steam bath and beauty treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day spent on your feet exploring the city.

Hotel Cipriani
Belmond Hotel Cipriani - Venice

Situated within private, lush gardens the Belmond Hotel Cipriani provides a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Venice. The city is just a few minutes away by complimentary shuttle, giving your family the best of both worlds, and offering easy access to iconic sights such as St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Sure to delight any teen is Cip’s Club, an Italian pizzeria, that serves pizza from a wood-burning oven. After experiencing the sights of the city, spend some bonding time with your teens at the Olympic sized swimming pool, the spa with incredible massages and manicures, or take a private cruise around the lagoon in the hotel’s boat, “Shirley.”

Multigenerational Families

For experienced travellers, there is nothing like seeing somewhere through the eyes of a child, especially somewhere like Italy. And while it’s magical to share an experience like Venice or Tuscany with a grandchild or parent, there may be a few different priorities between the generations. That is why we have selected these properties, which are crowd pleasers, no matter what your age. Kids clubs and swimming pools sit alongside fine-dining and private butlers at these Italian family hotels and villas.

Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany
Castiglion de Bosco - Tuscany

Staying at Castiglion del Bosco is a rare opportunity to enjoy Tuscany the way it is meant to be experienced - on a magnificent country estate nestled among rolling hills, sweeping vineyards and centuries-old farmhouses. While staying at Castiglion del Bosco, you can relax by the fabulous outdoor heated stone infinity pool or enjoy one the treatments offered at the beautiful CdB Spa. For those wishing to be more active, there is a state of the art fitness centre, tennis courts and the Tom Weiskopf designed 18-hole private golf course. The Estate features miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails (bikes are complimentary) that hug spectacular ridges and meander past streams, waterfalls and hidden historic sites. Handsome Maremma horses lead guests through a network of riding trails extending to the far-reaching corners of the property.

Villa F
Villa F - Venice

Villa F is a stunning hotel and perfect for the more discerning guest, looking for privacy and space as well as proximity to all that Venice has to offer. While here, your family will live as the noble Venetian families once did (Villa F dates from the 16th century when it served as a country retreat for a noble Venetian family). Nowadays, the island still retains an air of calm, tranquillity and greenness you won’t find across the lagoon in Venice's tiny streets. The decor is sumptuous with gorgeous antiques, silk fabrics and personal touches. The villa can be booked exclusively providing enough space for the entire family. Your family will be looked after by a butler, and will have access to 24-hour room service, and a shuttle to the pier at il Palazzo. This type of flexibly guarantees that every member of your family will be kept happy at every moment throughout your stay.

Active Families

No matter the season, or activity level of your family, adventures abound in Italy. For outdoorsy families, there is cycling in Puglia, climbing the notorious Mount Vesuvius volcano, and water sports off the coast of Sicily. And for the ultimate way to experience nature in Italy, families must head to the Dolomites. In the winter, ski, or snowboard in some of Italy’s best family-friendly winter ski resorts, while summer ushers in hiking, geocaching around Val Gardena and a thrilling Adventure Park in Alta Badia with a tree-top ropes course.

Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano
Rosa Alpina - Dolomites

The Hotel Rosa Alpina is a beautiful family run hotel, in the quaint village of San Cassiano nestled in the Italian Dolomites. This is the ideal place for a winter break family ski adventure. The Rosa Alpina is conveniently located near the Dolomiti Superski which consists of 460 lifts and 760 miles of runs. Apart from downhill skiing, the area offers some of the most beautiful settings for those who enjoy cross country skiing, excursions with mountain guides, snow shoeing, ice climbing or simply sledding. The hotel offers a specially dedicated family wellness area, with a swimming pool, saunas and relaxation area. It’s the perfect place for your family to unwind after a hard day’s skiing, hiking or biking.

Verdura
Verdura Resort - Sicily

The Verdura Resort has a wonderful sense of space nestled within 230 hectares of gentle rolling Sicilian countryside with nearly 2km of private coastline. The facilities here are exceptional and every family member will be well catered for. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses, six floodlit clay tennis courts, a full-size soccer field, an infinity pool and a fully equipped gym. Bicycles for adults (some have baby seats) and child bikes are available for guests to use all over the resort on a complimentary basis. And the Water Sports Club offers a number of activities from kayaking, standup paddle boarding and snorkelling to the more adrenaline fuelled activities such as waterskiing and wakeboarding. Children of all ages, from newborn up to 16 years are looked after and entertained in Verdura's own dedicated children and teens club. Verdù the hedgehog host, will look after you children in a specialised space with a heated pool, TV room and activity zones designed to keep even the most active child busy.

Best for Relaxing

With glamorous stretches of coastline, world-class spas and endless rolling vineyards, Italy is the perfect place for your family to relax. With a glass of wine in hand, soak up the picturesque landscapes, dine on indulgent food and treat yourself to a leather handbag, you deserve it. Turn off your alarm and kiss meetings goodbye, because your family will have a luxurious, peaceful break from the everyday on your holiday to Italy.

Castello di Casole, Tuscany
Castello di Casole - Tuscany

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, as you drive up the Cypress-lined lanes towards Castello di Casole looking out over vineyards, orchards of olive trees and rolling countryside dotted with stone farmhouses, you’ll truly feel in a world of your own. The hotel offers a combination of luxury and yet charmingly rustic comfort within the restored Castello and original buildings of the hamlet. Most suites have stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, and all have complete access to the estate’s services and amenities, including the Essere luxury spa, pools, fitness centre, and casual and fine dining options. At Ristorante Tosca you can head out to the dining terrace for an al fresco meal overlooking dramatic vineyards and valleys. The estate’s expert sommelier advises on every course, making for memorable food and wine pairings. The food features endless fresh bread, local produce from the hotel’s gardens, seasonal fresh game and seafood and estate-grown extra virgin olive oil.

Lefay
Lefay Resort - Lake Garda

Lefay Resort is a beautiful and tranquil hideaway overlooking Lake Garda. Based on a philosophy of a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, this family run resort offers spacious accommodation set in beautiful woods and olive groves. Wide spaces, natural fabrics, precious local materials including Italian marbles, olive tree and Italian walnut woods combined with attention to detail and advanced technologies provide your family with the ultimate comfortable, rejuvenating and luxurious experience during your stay. The spa is second to none and is divided into three areas, each dedicated to the elements: water, fire, earth and air. As well as a comprehensive assortment of treatments to choose from, there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool overlooking the lake, five kinds of saunas, a large gym and fitness studio and a range of classes including Pilates, yoga and t'ai chi.

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9 nights
Epic Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Epic Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast & Puglia

Amalfi Coast, Basilicata & Puglia

Fall into the never-ending glamour of the Amalfi Coast along to the epic beaches of Puglia, where we share our best kept secrets to bring you this epic itinerary. You will find crystal clear waters, mouth-watering cuisine, luxury boutique hotels and epic landscapes as you drive this fascinating route exploring southern Italy in style.

Couples Beach Culture

SGD $11,600 pp

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9 nights
Ultimate Italian Cities

Ultimate Italian Cities

Venice, Florence & Rome

Dive into three glorious cities as you travel though wonderful Italy taking in the iconic sites of Venice, Florence and Rome. Staying in ultimate luxury you will be doused in world-class art, breath-taking architecture, profound ancient history, all alongside expert guides, unprecedented service and mouth-watering cuisine, you will be spoilt from...

Couples Culture

SGD $15,200 pp

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14 nights
Limitless Italy, La Dolce Vita!

Limitless Italy, La Dolce Vita!

Portofino, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast, Rome

Jet-set on a meticulously curated extraordinary journey through created for only the most discerning travelers. From the glamorous coastal haven of Portofino to the tranquil beauty of Lake Como, the iconic Amalfi Coast, and the timeless allure of Rome, every moment is designed for those seeking the height of luxury and exclusivity. Immerse yourself...

SDP Couples
10 nights
Epic Sicily

Epic Sicily

Palermo, Agrigento, Noto, Taormina, Sicily

Indulge in a 10-night escapade through Sicily most captivating destinations, combining lavish accommodations, delectable gastronomy, and enriching cultural experiences. From the historical allure of Palermo and the ancient marvels of Agrigento's Valley of the Temples to the baroque splendor of Noto, the dramatic landscapes around Mount Etna and...

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SGD $17,900 pp

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Tastes & Traditions of Puglia

Tastes & Traditions of Puglia

Leece, Matera, Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia, Italy

Indulge in a journey through the heart of Puglia’s most captivating destinations. Traverse the cobblestone streets of Lecce, savoring a gastronomic walking tour and relishing a stay at the Palazzo Bozzi Corso. Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Ancient Matera, with a luxurious night at Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort and a breathtaking sunrise...

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SGD $16,800 pp

12 nights
Ultimate Lake Como to the Riviera Road Trip

Ultimate Lake Como to the Riviera Road Trip

Lake Como, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Monaco, Nice, Cannes

Embark on the ultimate self-driving journey from Lake Como to Italian and French Rivieras. Venture through the most glamorous destinations of the Riviera over the course of 12 nights and experience the serenity of Lake Como, the beauty of Portofino, the elegance of Monaco, the iconic charm of Cannes. Indulge in luxurious accommodations, discover...

SGD $16,700 pp

10 nights
Family Holiday to Venice & the Italian Lakes

Family Holiday to Venice & the Italian Lakes

Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Italy

Embark on a refined family adventure to Northern Italy. Explore enchanting Venice with iconic sites and an exclusive Venetian mask-making experience. Venture over to Verona, a gastronomic haven, relishing a culinary walking tour and a view of Juliet's balcony. Indulge in leisurely tranquility by Lake Garda’s shores. Fall in love with Lake Como's...

Culture

SGD $12,100 pp

8 nights
Epicurean Emilia Romagna & Tuscany

Epicurean Emilia Romagna & Tuscany

Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Italy

Enjoy a bit of Michelin magic on 10-day Italian sojourn which blends high-cuisine and culture as you immerse yourself in the heart of Emilia Romagna & Tuscany. Indulge in culinary delight at the famed Osteria di Francescana and explore the secrets of Balsamic production. Unveil the thrills of the Motor Valley with a Ferrari experience fit for any...

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6 nights
Apulian Family Getaway

Apulian Family Getaway

Puglia, Italy

Take a 6-night journey to Puglia, one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Nestled within the resplendent Borgo Egnazia, this family escape promises enchanting experiences. Revel in a private boat tour through Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, an family biking excursion to the beach, and leisurely afternoons.

Culture

SGD $10,100 pp

4 nights
A Roman Holiday

A Roman Holiday

Rome, Italy

Experience quintessential Rome during a 5-day sojourn complete with a stay in Rocco Forte's opulent Hotel de la Ville for 4 nights. Enjoy a Panoramic Evening Tour, exclusive Colosseum highlights, and privately guided access to the Roman Forum. Elevate culinary skills with a private chef's apartment cooking class. Unveil Vatican treasures through an...

Adventure

SGD $6,400 pp

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