Italy

Italy Family Adventure: Venice, Florence, Rome

  • Overview
    Starts at

    $6590

    Duration.

    9 days

    Activity Level

    Easy

    Your family will spend most of your time relaxing and not expending too much energy. These adventures are easy! Every member of your family will be comfortable and able to take part in this adventure no matter their fitness level.
    Meals

    8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

    Come explore Italy and see the most exciting, historic, and famous sites in the country. On this Italy family vacation you’ll travel to Venice, Florence and Rome to see the places and hear the stories that have shaped history.

    Ride a Gondola in Venice

    Take your family aboard a gondola and explore the striking and beautiful city of Venice on its famous canal system. You’ll visit a boatyard where gondolas are built and learn about the people who keep Venice afloat!

    Ascend the 414 Steps of Florence’s Duomo Cathedral

    Florence’s red-tiled Duomo is unmistakable–white, green and pink marble facades support an enormous dome that rises above the rest of the city. Climb the 414 steps to the top of the bell tower, stopping for breaks along the way to survey the Florentine horizon. At the top, take in a stunning view over one of the most important Renaissance cities of Italy.

    Explore Rome

    The Colosseum, the Forums, the Catacombs, Trevi Fountain and more amazing sights await in this legendary city. All the while your family will take in the daily rhythms of Roman life: picturesque streets, people strolling the piazzas and fashionable groups enjoying the dolce vita.

    Make Authentic Italian Pasta in a Private Cooking Class

    With your own personal chef leading you, learn how to make delicious pasta and pizza in a fun, educational cooking class. No prior skills necessary! Feast on your creations for lunch.

    Visit the Vatican and See the Sistine Chapel

    Leave Italy for a moment when you visit to Vatican City, where you’ll walk through striking halls, visit St. Peter’s Square and its soaring basilica, view art in the Sistine Chapel and learn about the Vatican’s deep history.

  • Itinerary

    Days 1-2

    Venice

    Gelato Tasting

    Head out for a gelato tasting in the late afternoon. Gelato is Italian-style ice cream that is more flavorful and creamy. It is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city!

    Venice Private Walking Excursion

    Explore the promenades and canals of Venice with your guide, seeing sites such as the Piazza San Marco, the golden mosaics of the medieval Basilica and many others. You’ll learn about the history of these fantastic buildings, sculptures and streets as you wind your way through.

    Private Mask-Making Workshop with Expert Artisan

    This afternoon, visit an artisan in their studio for a hands-on introduction to the centuries-old art of Venetian mask making. The master crafter will demonstrate how the mold for a mask is constructed and wrapped with papier-mâché, then painted. You’ll have the chance to use these unique techniques of the trade to create your very own mask-erpiece!

    Gondola Ride

    Take a private gondola ride through the canals to explore Venice from an exciting new perspective. Gondolas are deeply intwined in the history of the city, both as a novel mode of transportation and a distinct aspect of its character. There’s a reason it’s a bucket list item for so many travelers.


    Days 3-5

    Tuscany

    Florence Private Walking Excursion

    Wander narrow streets as you explore Florence with your guide, spotting medieval candle-lit chapels, marble basilicas and fortified structures of the medieval parts of town. Eventually, you’ll emerge on the Piazza della Signoria, the political center of the city since the Middle Ages.

    Climb the 414 Steps of the Duomo

    Florence’s red-tiled Duomo is unmistakable–white, green and pink marble facades support an enormous dome that rises above the rest of the city. Climb the 414 steps to the top of the bell tower, stopping for breaks along the way to survey the Florentine horizon. At the top, take in a stunning view over one of the most important Renaissance cities of Italy.

    Truffle Hunting with an Expert Guide

    Just outside of the old, fortified hamlet of Gargonza, stroll through Tuscan woods with an expert truffle hunter and their dog in search of the precious tuber. Along the way, your guide will show you how to identify truffles, aromas, tastes, culinary uses and the differences between species of truffle.

    Private Cooking Class

    With your own personal chef leading you, make use of your fresh truffles in a fun, educational cooking class. You’ll make a delicious pasta using ingredients you picked, as well as some that are provided for you. You’ll also have the chance to make homemade pizza! Feast on your creations for lunch.

    Explore a Sienese Contrada

    Discover the slow life that still characterizes a Sienese contrada (district) as you uncover its hidden treasures and traditions: among them, the stable, the archive and the bursar. You’ll visit the place where traditional pageantry items are maintained for the twice-yearly Palio horse race. You will see craftspeople fixing up medieval costumes, tightening drumheads and sewing silk flags.

    Afternoon at Leisure

    Relax at the pool, hike the surroundings or try your hand at the ancient ball sport known as bocce! If you’d like, your guide can offer recommendations for afternoon activities.

    Adults: Wine and Cheese Tasting

    Sit back and relax for a wine tasting and cheese pairing in a castle cellar. Tuscany is famous for its Chianti wine. Historically, Chianti was associated with a squat bottle in a straw basket called a fiasco. Today, most wine makers put Chianti in standard wine bottles – the fiasco is much more old school!


    Days 6-8

    Rome

    Explore Orvieto

    Today, on the way to Rome, explore the Umbrian countryside, rich with charm and history. You will experience the highlights of Orvieto, an Umbrian jewel of medieval architecture. Once an important Etruscan center, it was later annexed to Rome and then flourished in the Middle Ages, thanks to the presence of the popes.

    (Included, but Optional) Guided Visit to the Vatican Museums

    You’ll leave Italy for a moment when you visit Vatican City, an independent country within a country. On a private tour, you’ll walk through striking halls, visit St. Peter’s Square and its soaring basilica, view art in the Sistine Chapel and learn about the Vatican’s deep history. This legendary city-state is an unforgettable stop, and your family will always remember looking up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel together.

    Gladiator School

    Take a private lesson to learn what it takes to be a gladiator! Donning the traditional gladiator tunic and hefting authentic weapons you’ll gain a sense of what these Roman warriors experienced in their time.

    The Colosseum

    Today you get to explore one of the most recognizable sights in the world- the Colosseum!

    (Not Included,Optional) Guided Bike Ride in Villa Borghese

    Set out on a leisurely guided bike ride alongside meadows, groves, fountains and rivulets in the Villa Borghese historic park. You’ll pass the lavish, neoclassical Villa Borghese Gallery and have gorgeous views from the hilltops over Rome.


    Day 9

    Depart


  • Dates & Prices

    2024 Dates


    06/22-06/30

    Adult $6790
    Teen $6790
    Child $6590

    07/20-07/28

    Adult $6790
    Teen $6790
    Child $6590

    08/17-08/25

    Sold Out
    Adult $6790
    Teen $6790
    Child $6590

    09/28-10/06

    Adult $6590
    Teen $6590
    Child $6390


    2025 Dates


    04/12-04/20

    Adult $7290
    Teen $7290
    Child $7090

    06/21-06/29

    Adult $7490
    Teen $7490
    Child $7290

    07/13-07/21

    Adult $7490
    Teen $7490
    Child $7290

    08/16-08/24

    Adult $7490
    Teen $7490
    Child $7290

    Additional Info

    Small Group Supplement

    A supplement may apply to smaller groups. Please contact a Travel Consultant for more information.

    Alumni Discount 

    If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.

    Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

    Single Supplement

    Single supplement starts at $1,200.

    Price Includes

    All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, all meals, and bottled water & snacks in the vehicle.

    Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.

  • Hotels

    The Hotel Indigo Venice

    The Hotel Indigo Venice is a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a converted 1930s monastery. It offers a tranquil escape on the island of Sant’Elena, close to the Biennale Gardens, with stylish rooms and an upscale restaurant.

    Borgo San Luigi

    This charming Monteriggioni hotel offers elegant rooms, free breakfast, and blissful relaxation by the pool. Explore the surrounding gardens, or enjoy delicious meals on-site. With its history and charm, Borgo San Luigi promises an unforgettable stay.

    Hotel Empire Rome

    Steeped in Venetian history, UNAWAY Hotel Empire Rome offers modern luxury in a central location. Relax in a classic-style room, savor a delicious breakfast, and explore nearby Via Veneto or the hotel’s own art gallery and shops. Kids will love the on-site art gallery and shops, while parents unwind at the piano bar.

    Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary and its hotels as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

  • Why Thomson

    Guaranteed Departures

    No matter what happens, once your family books a trip you’re going.

    Guides

    Be accompanied for your entire trip by an expert local in-country guide who will know all of the ins and outs of the adventure and destination.

    Small Groups

    With a small group you’ll have plenty of time for spontaneity and to develop a connection with your fellow travelers and guide.

    Smart Traveler Advantages

    Book your trip 9 months in advance and get access to all of the advantages that come with being a smart traveler.

  • Extend Your Trip
    • Extension
    Starts at

    $2490

    Duration

    4 days

    Activity Level

    Easy

What Travelers are Saying

Italy is such a wonderful destination filled with warm people, great food and incredible history. Many of us have been there without our kids, and now it is time to take them to see some of this wonder.

Jim Kackley

Founder of Thomson Family Adventures


Starts at

$5390

Duration

9 days

Activity Level

Active

Active trips revolve around multi-sport activities that keep your family outside and having fun! Your family will spend more time interacting with the elements and exploring than sitting on a beach or inside of a museum. These activities are not always physically demanding but they can be and do require a basic level of fitness.
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