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Family holidays in Italy

Set off on a family holiday in Italy that combines iconic highlights with hidden gems. Enjoy active adventures by day, from sea kayaking to mountain biking and zip wires, then slow down with cooking lessons, quiet strolls in hilltop villages and plenty of time by the pool.

 

Small group family adventures to Italy

Explore the picturesque Garfagnana Valley in northern Tuscany for an exciting week of outdoor adventures. Tackle a seven-part challenge course of swinging beams, suspension bridges, nets and ropes, then wind down with a gentle afternoon of kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Lake Gramolazzo.

On the warm, Mediterranean island of Sicily, spend a night in a tree tent, set amongst the wooded hills of Petralia Sottana. Enjoy action-packed days of archery, zip wire routes and coastal kayaking around the dramatic sea stacks of the Isole Ciclopi.

Our Italy family tours are graded Moderate, offering a strong balance between active exploration and relaxation time. With expert local tour leaders, you’ll experience both the must-see sights and those less-travelled destinations off the beaten track.

With Explore’s small group family tours, you’ll join three to five other families, which makes it easy to meet like-minded people while ensuring you have the freedom and flexibility to explore independently.

A person wearing a blue helmet slides down a narrow, rocky water channel. Others in similar gear, some standing, form a line behind, surrounded by lush greenery and sunlit cliffs.

Our Italy Family trips

Italy Family Trip code FNAW
NEW
Child Ages: 11+
8 Days From £1399 without flights

Best family destinations in Italy

Family Adventures in Tuscany

Experience canyoning and zip wiring in the breathtaking Turrite Valley on our Tuscany Multi-Activity Adventure. Begin in the charming village of Fornolovasco, where you’ll descend the Rio Pinguino in Parco Battiferro, with chances for small water jumps along the way.

After a relaxed lunch in the village, you’ll enjoy a scenic hike up a dry canyon before exploring fascinating caves. The day ends with a thrilling zip wire ride straight to the café - the perfect destination for an ice cream.

Family Adventures in Sicily
On our Sicily Multi-Activity Adventure, journey to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Drive through citrus groves and beech woods to the small town of Linguaglossa Rivittello, where you can sample the region’s renowned cheeses and salami. From Piano Provenzana, trek up to 7,500 feet to explore the Northeast crater zone. After the descent, visit a volcanic cave before returning to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

What to expect on a family holiday in Italy

How active are the tours?
Our family tours in Italy are graded Moderate, making them ideal for families who want a holiday that blends exciting activities and experiences with ample time to relax and unwind after action-packed days. 
Tree tents on our Family Sicily Multi-Activity Adventure
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned hotels throughout the holiday. Where possible, we try to include two or more nights in each place, so there’s less packing and unpacking. We also opt for hotels with swimming pools and other family-friendly facilities, though one exception to this is the tree tent stay in Sicily. 

What’s the typical age of children?
The average age of children on our family holidays in Italy is 14. Minimum ages apply – seven years for Tuscany and 11 years for Sicily. This is to ensure that everybody can take part safely and enjoy the adventure.

What’s the food like?
Italian food world-renowned over for its fresh flavours, fragrant herbs and simple, seasonal ingredients. Expect handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and fresh seasonal salads.

There are also plenty of local specialities to discover. In Tuscany, try fettunta – toasted bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. In Sicily, don’t miss caponata – a rich sweet-and-sour dish of aubergines, tomatoes and capers.

What should I pack?
July and August are the hottest months, though weather varies by region. To make the most of your trip, we recommend packing:

  • Light, breathable clothing
  • A warm jumper or jacket for cooler evenings
  • A light raincoat
  • Comfortable walking boots or trainers
  • Sandals
  • Swimwear