Italy, the land of toddlers

Our good plans in Rome for a family stay

The Italian capital is a must for anyone who wants to discover Italy, especially with children!

Trevi Fountain

In Rome, stop at the Trevi Fountain. A word of advice, go there at night. The famous baroque fountain is then illuminated. In addition, you will meet a lot less people. Why do children like this place? To perpetuate the famous tradition, that of standing with your back to the fountain to throw two coins into it: one to make a wish and the other to be sure to return to Rome one day.

The Colosseum: absolutely indisputable

A little tip to save you hours of waiting at the cash desks: buy your tickets in advance on the Internet (you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the visit).
This amphitheater is impressive (its capacity was 80,000 spectators). Imagine yourself with your children at the time of the Romans, in front of a fight of gladiators, a release of big cats or even naval jousts (the arenas could give way to basins!).
To stay in the atmosphere of the Colosseum, why not invite your dear toddlers to become gladiators for an afternoon? Enroll them in the school of Roman Gladiators. They will dress up, fight and learn the essentials of the life of the Romans in antiquity. They will love it! In the evening, you can even watch a gladiator show.

Visiting the catacombs

It is the ideal place if you go to Rome in summer, because it is cool there. Head to Via Appia Antica to visit the catacombs of Saint Sebastian and Saint Callixtus. In this maze of underground cemeteries where the tombs of the first Christian popes are located, your little ones will shiver, but nothing very scary, don't worry!
Outside, rent bikes and take a pleasant family ride along the Via Appia Antica.

Spend your holidays in Italy and enjoy Tuscany

Because Tuscany is not only Pisa, Florence and Siena, get off the beaten track and visit this magnificent region in a different way. Indeed, you will be able to mix culture and excursions in nature, for beautiful family holidays far from the crowd.

The castle of San Leo

It will be a wonderful memory for your children. This medieval fortress was originally a prison where the Count of Cagliostro was detained in the 18th century, accused of black magic. It is possible to visit his cell and it is said that the guards were so superstitious and afraid of him that they did not want to approach him or look him in the eye. You can also enter the terrifying torture chamber, where many machines rub shoulders, with drawings explaining how these machines were used...

The village of Anghiari

This medieval village, perched on a hill, is absolutely beautiful and will transport you back in time. Here, rest is assured, calm reigns and you will have the impression of feeling alone in the world, in narrow streets steeped in history. The place is little frequented by tourists and cars are not allowed to drive there. In the evening, outdoor shows are organized and if you come on a Wednesday, you will have the pleasure of enjoying the weekly market.
Leave the village and go for a walk in the surrounding countryside. Nature is preserved and you may have the chance to observe wild animals such as deer, wild boar, or even wolves.

The Tarot Garden

If you want to do an original activity with your children during your stay in Italy, the Tarot Garden is the place to go! Located in Garavicchio, in the province of Capalbio, this unique place imagined and created by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle, will delight young and old alike. Gaudí's Park Güell in Barcelona inspired the artist who spent more than twenty years (from 1975 to 1998) developing and staging these impressive and very colorful sculptures. As you walk, you will discover with wonder 22 divinatory cards from the tarot deck: the Fool, the Magician, the Sun, Death, the High Priestess, the Devil, etc. Leave room for your imagination, in this magical, sometimes strange and above all whimsical place. Niki de Saint Phalle wanted a "place that delights the eyes and the heart", mission accomplished!
The park is ideally located: in about fifteen minutes by car, you will be at the seaside. Along the coast, you will find beautiful beaches, such as that of La Torba, in Capalbio, which is ideal for the little ones. .

The Cinque Terre region for a successful family trip to Italy

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these five fishing villages, nestled in superb coves, seem to have stood still in time. Between breathtaking views, medieval fortresses, tasting local dishes and pebble beaches as beautiful as in Croatia, the whole family will enjoy themselves.

Monterosso

To the north of this region, there is first of all Monterosso. Although it is the largest village, it is pleasant to discover with the family. Its two large beaches and its garden with slides and swings are perfect for children. Don't miss the church of the Capuchin Fathers, from which you will enjoy a spectacular view of the four other villages of the five lands.
It is also possible to rent kayaks to visit the Cinque Terre National Park in a fun and original way, starting from Monterosso.

Vernazza

Going down to the south, you will then find Vernazza, voted the most beautiful village in the Cinque Terre. The architecture of this village is typical of the Liguria region: it is made up of medieval ruins, very old churches, arcades and defensive towers. From the remains of the castle and more particularly from the Doria tower, you will enjoy a splendid view. You can admire the whole village and its main street, which goes down to the port. To access the unique, but charming, pebble beach, you will have to take a tunnel dug into the rock mass of the Doria.

Corniglia

It is the only village in the Cinque Terre not connected to the sea. It was built on top of a hill and to reach it you will have to climb the 382 steps of the “Lardarina”. But don't worry, if you don't want to tire your cherubs with this climb, you can take a shuttle that will take you directly to the heart of the city. In this village, which is less frequented by tourists, go with calm and authenticity. Linger at the table of one of the many restaurants in the circular square, take advantage of the relaxed Italian way of life and taste the local cuisine.

Manarola

Further south is Manarola. It would be the oldest village of the five lands, and also the most photographed. Its typical houses of all colors that descend to the port, its mill and its San Lorenzo church, will ensure you take wonderful shots.
If you go to Manarola in December, you will have the chance to see the largest nativity scene in the world (it is also listed in the Guinness Book of Records). Made up of more than 300 life-size subjects scattered around the vineyards, the entire hill is illuminated, thanks to a photovoltaic lighting system. It is a magical spectacle that awaits your eyes. Your children will be amazed!

Riomaggiore

This is the last village you will discover, if you started your excursion from the north. Here, culture is present at the Museum of Memory, located in the main street. You will discover the traditions, the culture and the origin of the architectural heritage of this region.
To have a splendid view of the houses and the sea, you will have to climb a few steps to reach the castle of Riomaggiore. It was built in the 13th century on the rocky peak, to allow the inhabitants to take refuge during pirate attacks.
Finally, taste the best pizzas of Cinque Terre, queens of Italian gastronomy, in one of the restaurants hidden at the bend of the alleys.