Italy With Kids: A Foodie Family’s 2-Week Travel Itinerary
Traveling through Italy with kids might sound daunting, but for our family of four it turned out to be one of the most rewarding adventures we’ve ever had. Over sixteen days, we combined trains, ferries, and a rental car to explore Northern and Central Italy, experiencing bustling cities, tranquil coastlines, rolling Tuscan hills, and serene lakes. Along the way, we learned that gelato can solve almost any travel hiccup, pasta tastes better where it was born, and sometimes the best family memories come from the unexpected moments.
Genoa: Where Our Journey Began
We flew into Milan but didn’t linger long, heading straight to Genoa by train for the first stop on our adventure. Genoa is a port city full of energy and history, but with only one night, we focused on kid-friendly fun. The Aquarium of Genoa was the highlight—our two-year-old was mesmerized by the colorful fish and sharks, while our six-year-old darted from tank to tank, eager to see everything.
After a long day of travel and adventure we settled into our apart-hotel grabbing a fiery pizza topped with ’nduja and one with cheese for the kids. The pizza was exquisite and paired with a local red wine and views of the marina was a perfect ending to our day. It was a short stay, but it set the tone for the trip: great food, happy kids, and new adventures around every corner.
Savour the Trip at Home with these Delicious Italian Recipes
- Easy Homemade Pasta: Your Guide to Fresh Pasta
- Homemade Saffron Fusilli Pasta with Lobster
- Cooking with Kids: A Fun and Delicious Homemade Bolognese Lasagna Recipe
Camogli and San Fruttuoso: Seaside Bliss
From Genoa, we took the train down the coast to Camogli, a postcard-perfect fishing village where we stayed for two nights. Camogli immediately slowed us down—days were spent at the pebble beach, with the kids building rock towers and splashing in the sea, and evenings strolling with gelato in hand. Dinners in Camogli were a delight with creative modern dishes and excellent wine each evening.
The real gem was a day trip to San Fruttuoso Beach, reached by a scenic boat ride. Nestled between steep cliffs, this tiny bay is home to an ancient abbey and some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen. Watching the kids splash in the shallow surf while we soaked in the sun felt like stumbling into paradise. It was one of those places that made us pause and think: this is why we travel.
Traveling Italy With Kids: Where to Stay
- Genoa: Look for central hotels or guesthouses near the aquarium or old port for easy walking. Bluripa Guesthouse worked out great for our family.
- Camogli: Small family-run hotels and airbnbs by the water are perfect—book early in summer.
- Cinque Terre: One-night stays work best in Riomaggiore or Manarola if you want evening quiet once the crowds leave.
- Tuscany: Agriturismos (farmhouse stays) like ours near Moncioni give kids space to roam while parents enjoy wine country.
- Bologna: Apartments in the city centers put you close to pasta shops and piazzas.
- Lake Como: Bellagio has charm and ferry access; apart-hotels make family downtime easy.
The Cinque Terre: Ferries, Playgrounds, and Bruchetta With a View
Next, we hopped another train to Riomaggiore, one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. With just one night to spend, we packed our day full. A ferry carried us to Manarola, where the kids ran free at Parco giochi Punta Bonfiglio, a playground with sweeping views of the sea. For lunch, we lined up early at Nessun Dorma, where bruschetta and spritzes (juice for the kids, of course) came with one of the most iconic views in Italy.
From there, we ferried to Corniglia and Vernazza, hopping between villages while fighting the crowds of day-trippers and cruise groups. The crush of people could feel overwhelming, but as the evening set in and we returned to Riomaggiore, the magic returned. The streets emptied, the sea quieted, and we found ourselves enjoying a simple dinner at Il Pescato Cucinato, feeling like the Cinque Terre was ours alone for just a little while.
Pisa and the Tuscan Countryside
From Riomaggiore, we trained down to Pisa—not just to see the famous Leaning Tower (though of course we did), but also to pick up a rental car for the next leg of our journey. Before hitting the road, we stopped for lunch at L’Ostellino, where we discovered sandwiches so good they deserved their own pilgrimage. Imagine crusty bread piled high with cured meats, cheeses, and spreads—simple, rustic, and unforgettable.
Our home base in Tuscany was a rustic farmhouse near Moncioni. The owners didn’t speak a word of English, and our Italian was very patchy, but with smiles, gestures, and plenty of laughter, we managed. The farmhouse itself was simple, but the grounds were beautiful—vineyards and olive groves stretched out before us with a pool and open space for the kids to enjoy.
Highlights in Tuscany included:
- A family cooking class at Al Gelso Blanco, where we learned to roll pasta and knead dough together.
- A visit to La Casa di Bricciano, an organic winery where the kids played outside while we sampled wines.
- Tasting Brunello di Montalcino at Casanuova delle Cerbaie, paired with a wander through the charming streets of Montalcino.
- A memorable Tuscan-style lunch at Antico Macelleria Cecchini, run by the legendary butcher Dario Cecchini.
- Enjoying a stop at Brasseria Della Fonte, one of Italy’s top breweries situated near the famous Gladiator Tuscan villa scene in Pienza.
A Day in Florence
No trip to Tuscany would feel complete without a day in Florence, and our visit managed to balance history, food, and simple pleasures. For the kids, learning about Brunelleschi’s Dome came alive thanks to the illustrated book Pippo the Fool, which made the story of the Duomo’s construction fun and accessible. Standing beneath the massive dome after reading about its daring design gave them a sense of awe that even little ones could appreciate.
After hours of wandering through piazzas and marveling at Renaissance art, we slowed down the pace with a stop at an outdoor café. While the kids happily munched on snacks, we savored a classic spritz as the world passed by, taking in the rhythm of the city in the most Florentine way possible. Of course, Florence is also about food, and we couldn’t resist trying bistecca alla Fiorentina, the city’s iconic grilled T-bone steak—rich, hearty, and best shared.
For us, Tuscany was about slowing down, enjoying the food and wine, and giving the kids freedom to explore in wide-open spaces.
Traveling Italy with Kids Tip: Best Food With Kids
- Gelato everywhere: It doubles as a reward and a bribe.
- Genoa: Ndjua is a spicy spreadable sausage that brings the perfect amount of heat. For a milder option consider the regional specialty focaccia topped with tomato sauce.
- Cinque Terre: Bruschetta is a kid-approved choice, topped with mortadella.
- Pisa: The sandwiches at L’Ostellino are huge—share one between two kids.
- Tuscany: Family cooking classes are a hit; kids love rolling pasta dough. Being part of the process opens little ones up to trying new flavors. For meat eaters Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a classic choice.
- Bologna & Modena: Tortellini in brodo and bolognese sauce became our children’s favorite comfort foods.
- Lake Como: Pizza is plentiful; restaurants are used to families with kids and if you forget to book a reservation homemade butter noodles with a side of parmesan are always a hit.
Bologna and Modena: Pasta Heaven
After Tuscany, we returned the car in Bologna and turned our attention to food—specifically pasta. Bologna is often called Italy’s food capital, and it didn’t disappoint.
We had some of our best meals at Trattoria da Me, where humble dishes reached new heights: tortellini in brodo became an instant favorite for the kids, while we dove into ragù alla bolognese and ravioli. We also made a quick trip to Modena, known for its balsamic vinegar and elegant historic center.
For all four of us, Bologna was about flavors—rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. We nearly missed our train one afternoon while searching for fresh pasta and aged parmesan to take with us, which says everything about how good the food was!
Lake Como: A Peaceful Finale in Bellagio
Our final stop was Bellagio on Lake Como. Getting there was a journey in itself—high-speed train, regional train, then ferry—but the reward was worth it. Bellagio is the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease. The cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and calm lake set the stage for relaxation.
We rented a boat for the day, letting the kids “captain” while we cruised past villas and dipped into the cool, clear water. Afternoons were spent eating leisurely meals, sipping negronis, and simply enjoying the serenity. After two weeks of constant movement, Bellagio was exactly what we needed to recharge before flying home from Milan. Restaurant reservations are recommended as we found ourselves with long waits on our first night in town, but luckily the fresh pasta and parmesan that nearly caused us to miss our train led to the perfect meal in our apart-hotel.
Reflections: Family Travel in Italy With Kids
Sixteen days in Italy with kids, a two-year-old and a six-year-old, might sound ambitious, but it turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Public transportation carried us smoothly almost everywhere, except for the Tuscan countryside, where a rental car was essential. The kids embraced the trip with surprising enthusiasm—trying new foods, marveling at aquariums and incredible architecture, and, of course, devouring gelato on a daily basis.
Not everything went perfectly. Some of our accommodations didn’t have air conditioning, which made for sweaty, restless nights (and some grumpy mornings). But those challenges became part of the story—moments we laugh about now.
What we loved most was the variety: cities like Florence and Bologna offered culture and cuisine, coastal stops like Camogli and the Cinque Terre gave us sun and sea, and Tuscany balanced it all with wide-open spaces and slow living. By the time we reached Lake Como, we felt like we had experienced the many faces of Italy—and shared them together as a family.
This trip gave us more than beautiful photos and full stomachs. It gave us the joy of watching our kids fall in love with travel, try new flavors, and adapt to new surroundings. For us, that was the true reward of sixteen days in Italy with kids.
