We recently completed a trip to Italy with this itinerary:
4 days in Rome
4 days in Siena
4 days in Venice
1 final day near Rome airport before flying home
Choosing between Siena and Florence was a challenge, but after visiting Florence for a day, we found it extremely crowded, even more so than Rome. While Florence is undeniably beautiful, we were glad we chose Siena as our base. It felt charming, less crowded, and well suited for families. The main piazza was especially enjoyable with kids, as it allowed them space to move around while we relaxed nearby.
Tuscany was a highlight of the trip. We took part in a cooking class hosted in a local home via Airbnb, which we really enjoyed. We also went on a wine tour, which turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Rome exceeded our expectations. We stayed in Trastevere, which worked very well for us, especially with young children. Having a nearby park and plenty of restaurants made the stay comfortable. We explored the Roman Forum using a Rick Steves walking audio guide, which helped bring the site to life. We purchased Colosseum tickets on the same day and waited about 40 minutes to enter. Although it was crowded, the experience was still worthwhile.
At the Vatican, traveling with a stroller worked to our advantage. Staff allowed us to bypass the line and purchase tickets online, giving us access to St. Peter’s Basilica in about 15 minutes. Families with strollers or mobility needs may find this helpful, and asking staff or police for directions can speed things up.
Venice was both crowded and beautiful. We kept a relaxed pace, visited Murano on one of the days, though it felt overly crowded and less enjoyable for us. However, using the boat bus was a great way to see the city and navigate around.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip, and we are looking forward to returning in the future.
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