Family Tour of Italy

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Rome, Florence & Tuscany, Venice, Lake Como

This private tour of Italy is ideal for families wanting an enjoyable, educational and bonding experience in one of the world’s best family destinations. It features Italy’s most compelling destinations, cultural highlights sure to amaze and inspire every family member, family-friendly activities, and ample free time to enjoy relaxing together at some of Italy’s greatest hotels and resorts.

Begin in Rome. Enjoy comprehensive private touring and experience the best of Roman culture, history and lifestyle. Discover ancient pagan and Christian monuments, the splendors of Baroque and Renaissance palaces and churches, and the surprising urban additions of the modern city. Highlights include the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Via Veneto, the morning fruit and flower market of Campo dei Fiori, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, the Jewish Quarter, the ruins along the Appian Way, beautiful Aventine Hill, and the catacombs and "Underground Rome." Also, enjoy family-friendly activities such as learning to make pizza or gelato, or visiting a school where children can train to be gladiators. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange special activities according to your interests, such as visits to other ruins and museums, tickets to evening cultural performances, and more. During free time in Rome, enjoy la dolce vita and the city's excellent restaurants.

Next, transfer to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. En route, stop in Orvieto, a small city perched on a cliff in Umbria. Continue to Florence and stay at a luxury resort that is a wonderful base for city touring. With your expert guide, tour the city according to your family’s interests. Perhaps enjoy skip-the-line access at world-renowned museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, climb to the top of the Duomo, browse artisan workshops and studios, tour historic squares, learn about Tuscan cuisine at specialty food shops and the Mercato Centrale, see the impressive Great Synagogue, or stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens. One day, take a private excursion to Pisa and Lucca. In Pisa, tour the spectacular Piazza dei Miracoli to see (or climb!) the famous Leaning Tower, the Duomo and the Baptistery. In Lucca, walk or bike along the top of the city walls, explore the medieval back streets, and perhaps sample the celebrated local olive oil. Alternatively, enjoy a private excursion to Tuscany or take a family cooking class and learn to prepare favorite Tuscan dishes.

Next, transfer to Venice, with a stop in Bologna, one of Italy’s great gastronomic and historic centers, en route. During flexible private touring, visit favorite local neighborhoods, museums, architectural landmarks, outdoor markets and specialty shops. Also, take a private cruise through the fascinating Venetian lagoon to visit islands such as Murano, which is famous for its glass, Burano and Torcello. Your expert guide will ensure that you discover the best of Venice including learning about the origins of Venice’s unique architecture and cityscape, discovering hidden neighborhoods, and sampling local food and wine at Venetian bacari (bars). Also enjoy a gondola ride with musicians through the narrow canals, a private Venetian mask-making lesson and a “secret itineraries” tour of the Doge’s Palace. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange activities such as shopping for high-quality glass and silks, special access to museums and art sites, and much more.

Conclude at one of our favorite spots for families: Villa d'Este, located on the verdant shores of Lake Como. Built in 1568 as a private residence, this neoclassical villa is one of Europe's most acclaimed luxury hotels. While there, enjoy a private boat excursion to Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns, to explore the beautiful backstreets and exquisite gardens. During free time, enjoy the resort's legendary pool that floats on the lake (there is also a separate children's pool), tennis, water activities, the excellent kids club, and walks through the hotel's gardens.

Touring can be fully customized to suit your family’s interests.