Planning a family trip to Italy? I’m sharing our family-friendly Italy itinerary to make your planning easier and more exciting!

In our family, big celebrations aren’t really our thing. When it comes to choosing between a party and a trip, the trip always wins! Exploring new places together is just what we do—and it’s a nice break from our NYC apartment. (Let’s be honest: tantrums are a lot easier to handle with gelato in hand, right?)

So, when our older daughter’s Bat Mitzvah came around, we skipped the party and packed our bags for a 10-day adventure through Italy. We set out to create the perfect family-friendly Italy itinerary, blending history, culture, and relaxation for a trip everyone would enjoy.

Her only request? The Amalfi Coast (thanks, Instagram). That became the highlight of our trip, but planning around it meant making some tough choices. Tuscany was out—it was too far north. Instead, we crafted an itinerary that included Rome, Umbria, and the Amalfi Coast. Here’s how it all came together:

Day 1: Arrival Day in Rome

We landed in Rome late at night, tired but excited to kick off our adventure. A quick taxi ride got us to our hotel hassle-free.

Hotel: We stayed at Via Del Corso Home—a perfect spot near Piazza Venezia, with easy walks to the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon. The rooms were clean, comfy, and air-conditioned, and breakfast delivered to our room was a nice touch.

Day 2: Rome – Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps & Trastevere

Morning: We started our day with a leisurely walk to the Trevi Fountain. Standing in front of this iconic masterpiece felt a bit surreal—like stepping into La Dolce Vita. Naturally, we tossed coins over our shoulders to ensure we’d come back to Rome (as tradition demands).

From there, we made our way to the Spanish Steps. Climbing all 135 Baroque steps was totally worth it for the sweeping rooftop views of the city. It was a nice mix of cardio and culture—a win-win!

Afternoon: After a quick break, we headed to the Jewish Ghetto, where history oozes from every corner. We explored the Great Synagogue, visited the Jewish Museum, admired the Turtle Fountain, and marveled at the ancient ruins sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

Crossing Ponte Sisto, we arrived in Trastevere, where the cobblestone streets and colorful alleys feel like a world of their own. This lively, bohemian neighborhood charmed us with its medieval vibe and postcard-perfect views of St. Peter’s Basilica. We spent the rest of the day wandering, people-watching, and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

Where We Ate: Dinner was at Ristorante Trattoria Antonia al Pantheon, where every bite felt like a warm Italian hug.

Travel Tips:

• Wear comfy shoes—cobblestones don’t forgive.
• Visiting Trastevere on a Sunday? Swing by the Porta Portese Flea Market for vintage treasures and people-watching galore.
• Spice up your itinerary with a street food tour in Trastevere, where you can savor pizza, supplì, and local desserts while soaking in the neighborhood’s flavors.

Day 3: Vatican, Pantheon, and Shopping

Morning: We kicked off the day with a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. We chose a VIP “pre-entry” tour, which allowed us to skip the line, and the visit was truly remarkable. Having a guide made it both educational and engaging. The moment we looked up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, we were all speechless. It’s one thing to read about the Sistine Chapel in history books, but seeing it in person felt like stepping into a work of divine art. Afterward, we headed towards the Pantheon. The sheer size of its dome and the open oculus were breathtaking.

Next, we made our way to the Colosseum, where we joined a short guided tour. Standing inside this iconic arena was incredible, and learning about the gladiators and Roman games made it all the more fascinating. Netta, our history buff, had endless questions for our guide!

Afternoon: We treated ourselves to some “Girls Fun Time” with shopping at Via del Corso and the charming streets around it. After dinner, we took a relaxed evening stroll to Piazza Navona, which looked stunning under the glow of a full moon. The fountains and lively energy made it the perfect ending to our day.

Where We Ate: Dinner at Maccheroni Restaurant was a highlight. Located on a cobblestone street, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the food was top-notch.

Day 4: Rome to Perugia – Exploring Orvieto’s History & Charm

Morning: Our fourth day began with picking up a rental car in Rome and driving toward Umbria. After about 1.5 hours, we arrived in Orvieto, a charming hilltop town nestled on a volcanic rock. Umbria, known as the “green heart” of Italy, was a peaceful escape from Rome.

We parked at the train station and took the funicular up into the town. Wandering through Orvieto’s cobblestone streets, we discovered boutique shops, art galleries, and the breathtaking Orvieto Cathedral with its intricate façade. Netta loved the Underground Orvieto tour and marveled at St. Patrick’s Well. “It’s like a secret passage to the past,” she said with wide eyes. The sense of history and clever engineering left us all in awe.

Afternoon: After a few magical hours in Orvieto, we drove about 75 minutes to Perugia. Upon arrival, we explored the city center’s charming streets and local atmosphere.

Day 5: Exploring Perugia – History, Views & Chocolate

Morning: We began our day at Piazza IV Novembre, home to the magnificent Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. After soaking in the lively piazza atmosphere, we visited Porta Sole for panoramic views of the city and Umbrian countryside. One of the most memorable parts of the morning was touring the ancient underground remains. Walking through the centuries-old ruins, we couldn’t help but imagine the lives lived within those walls.

Afternoon: No trip to Perugia is complete without sampling its famous chocolates. From truffles to Baci, the city’s signature chocolate, we indulged at Augusta Perusia. We also visited the Perugina Chocolate House, home of Baci chocolates, where we learned about the history of this iconic treat. It was sweet both literally and figuratively!

Where We Ate: Dinner at Al Tartufo, known for its creative use of Umbrian truffles, was unforgettable.

Day 6: From Perugia to the Amalfi Coast, with a Stop in Rasiglia

Morning: Our journey to the Amalfi Coast began with a detour to Rasiglia, a charming village tucked away in Umbria. The drive from Perugia to Rasiglia took about 1.5 hours, with scenic views along the way.

Often called the “Little Venice of Umbria,” Rasiglia is known for its canals that snake through the village. The crystal-clear streams running past stone houses create a peaceful atmosphere. We wandered cobblestone streets, crossed wooden bridges, and explored picturesque alleys. Bonus: it’s blissfully off the beaten path, so we had the place nearly to ourselves.

Afternoon: After soaking in the beauty of Rasiglia, we continued our drive to Sorrento—a 4-hour journey. The drive was smooth and pleasant, despite the reputation Italian drivers sometimes get (spoiler: we survived), but navigating Sorrento’s narrow streets was tricky. We parked our car at a nearby lot and embraced walking for the rest of our stay.

Where We Stayed: Sorrento Apartments, centrally located and family-friendly, offered simple accommodations with friendly staff.

Day 7: Exploring Capri – Views, Chairlifts & the Blue Grotto

Morning: Inspired by Axel Munthe’s The Story of San Michele and his love for Capri, we were finally going to see the island. We took the ferry from Sorrento to Capri, which took about 30 minutes. The boat ride was a bit on the adventurous side, making it one of those family moments we’ll definitely laugh about for years to come. But once we arrived, the stunning views of Capri made it all worthwhile—smooth sailing from there on out!

Late Morning: We took the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri, for breathtaking views. Then we wandered through Anacapri, enjoying its charming streets and local bakeries. The sandwiches from a tiny bakery were the perfect fuel for more exploring.

Afternoon: One highlight was walking to Belvedere della Migliera, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the cliffs and Blue Grotto.

Evening: Back to Sorrento After a day of exploration, we returned to Sorrento for a refreshing swim and dinner.

Where We Ate: Dinner at Ibisco Garden Restaurant—so good we returned the next night!

Day 8: Amalfi Coast Tour – Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Highlights

Morning: Today was our “Big” Amalfi Coast Day! We hired a local driver to take us through Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—a game changer for those winding roads!

First stop: Positano. This postcard-perfect town is instantly recognizable with its pastel houses cascading down the cliffs. We explored narrow streets filled with boutique shops offering handmade sandals and vibrant ceramics, then headed to the pebbled beach with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Climbing back up the steep staircases turned into a fun competition for my husband and me—though the girls weren’t as enthusiastic about the cardio!

Afternoon: Next, we visited Amalfi, where we explored Piazza del Duomo and its iconic cathedral. A boat ride along the coast gave us a fresh perspective on the dramatic cliffs and colorful towns.

Late Afternoon: The Peaceful Escape Our final stop was Ravello, a tranquil mountain town known for its gardens and views. The Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone was unforgettable.

Evening: Back to Sorrento We returned to Sorrento in the late afternoon, ready for a relaxed evening.

Day 9: Exploring Pompeii & Final Stroll in Rome

Morning: Our last day in Italy was bittersweet as we left the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento. There was still one more stop before heading home—Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. A guided tour brought the ancient city to life, from preserved wall paintings to homes frozen in time. As an art lover, I’d been fascinated by Pompeii ever since a school art class covered its frescoes. Walking through the streets and stepping into these homes felt like time travel.

Netta, my history-loving daughter, practically bounced with excitement. Her favorite part was seeing the plaster casts of the residents caught in the eruption—a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into history.

Afternoon: After visiting Pompeii, we drove back to Rome, arriving just in time for one last evening stroll through the vibrant streets of the Eternal City.

Day 10: Reflecting on Our Unforgettable Italian Journey

The final day arrived all too quickly. Reflecting on our journey through Italy’s landscapes, history, and vibrant cities, we felt grateful for the memories created together. From Rasiglia’s quiet charm to Pompeii’s haunting history, every moment added something unique to our adventure.

What stood out most was the time spent together. Traveling as a family isn’t just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about creating memories that will stay with you long after the trip ends. Whether it was laughing on the ferry to Capri or sharing quiet moments in a beautiful garden in Ravello, these are the moments that made the journey unforgettable.

Our family friendly Italy itinerary gave us the perfect balance of iconic sights and meaningful time together. As the plane ascended, leaving Italy behind, we took with us stories and memories that will stay with us.

Looking for more family travel ideas? Check out our Top 5 Things to Do in London with Teenagers or our favorite Family Road Trip from NYC to Acadia National Park. If you’re ready to start planning your next family getaway, feel free to get in touch with me here or sign-up for our newsletter.