Italy Family Adventure

Arrive in Rome and transfer to our stylish and family-friendly hotel in the elegant Parioli neighborhood. In the late afternoon, gather for a welcome reception. Take an evening tour by golf cart through the back streets to famous city landmarks such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navoni, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

Explore the Eternal City this morning with a tour of the Colosseum, completed in 80 CE and still listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest amphitheater. Then, experience an immersive trip into history reenacting ancient Roman life and gladiator training. After lunch in a local pizzeria, climb Palatine Hill to learn about the origins of Rome and wander among the ruins of ancient emperors’ palaces. Continue to the Roman Forum—the social, cultural, and political epicenter of the Roman Empire—to stroll beneath the Arch of Constantine and see the Senate Hall.

Rise for an early morning tour of the masterfully restored Sistine Chapel before the crowds. View room after room of masterpieces by Giotto, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Reflect on what we’ve seen over a light bistro breakfast, then set out for a tour of Vatican City, the administrative center of the Papacy since the 14th century. Return to our hotel for lunch and Young Explorer activities before an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Depart by high-speed train to Florence, gazing out the windows at the scenery while kids mingle and play games with their Young Explorer leaders. Arrive in Florence and walk through Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and Piazza San Lorenzo on our way the Mercato Centrale, a modern food hall, for lunch on our own. Continue to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michaelangelo’s David and a collection of works by Florentine artists. Finish the day in Florence with a walking tour of the city center’s highlights, including the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio, stopping—of course—for gelato. Meet our coach for the ride to a superbly restored 13th-century medieval hamlet, our home for the next five nights.

Experience a mellow day in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Begin the day with a pasta-making class, then sit down to a hearty Italian pasta lunch. In the afternoon, choose between touring the local area by bike or taking a guided walk in the woods to learn about truffles, wild boar, and chestnuts. In the evening, adults enjoy an aperitivo while kids play games on the vast castle grounds. After dark, watch a classic Italian movie outdoors.

Spend our morning at a family-run agriturismo learning about Tuscan pecorino and other traditional cheeses. Try our hands at making cheese, followed by a delicious traditional Tuscan lunch made with fresh ingredients from the farm. After lunch, make our way to Cortona by way of the Celle Hermitage, founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1211. In Cortona, our guide highlights the many cultural and architectural gems of this archetypal Tuscan hill town. Choose to visit a museum or relax in a piazza during free time in town before returning to Gargonza for the evening.

Devote the morning to Tuscany’s medieval landmark, the remarkable hill town of Siena. This exquisitely preserved city retains its ancient grandeur and captures the essence of what Tuscany was like in the Middle Ages. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is closed to traffic and lined with lively cafés and shops. Marvel at the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral with its brilliant marble façade before grabbing lunch on our own at one of Siena’s many delightful trattorias. Then, explore one of the neighborhoods with our local guide who shares with us the secret traditions of the Palio. Return to Gargonza for dinner and a gelato tasting.

This morning, head to Pienza, a perfect example of sophisticated Renaissance urban planning. Explore the small city center during a fun-filled photo scavenger hunt. After lunch at leisure, return to Gargonza where adults enjoy a tasting of regional wines while kids get in one last game of bocce. Toast our travels at a festive farewell dinner.

Bid farewell to our gracious hosts as we depart for Florence and flights home.