20 day itinerary
Italy
Itinerary
Italy is a fantastic destination for families, and with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious food, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a 20-day itinerary that balances family-friendly activities, hiking opportunities for your large dogs, and plenty of parks and green spaces. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Morning: Arrive in Rome. Settle into your family-friendly accommodation.
- Afternoon: Stroll through , a beautiful park where your dogs can roam. Rent bikes or a family-friendly pedal boat on the lake.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood, known for its charming streets and family-friendly restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Rome
- Morning: Visit the and . Consider a guided tour that’s engaging for kids.
- Afternoon: Head to for some hiking and stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Dinner near the Pantheon, followed by gelato at a nearby gelateria.
Day 3: Vatican City
- Morning: Explore Vatican City, including and the . Book a family-friendly tour.
- Afternoon: Relax in the (dogs allowed on a leash).
- Evening: Dinner in the nearby Borgo Pio area.
Day 4: Day Trip to Tivoli
- Morning: Take a day trip to Tivoli to visit and its beautiful gardens.
- Afternoon: Hike in the nearby , which has trails and waterfalls.
- Evening: Return to Rome for dinner.
Day 5: Travel to Florence
- Morning: Take a train to Florence (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore the , a great place for kids and dogs.
- Evening: Dinner in the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan shops.
Day 6: Florence
- Morning: Visit the (book a family-friendly tour).
- Afternoon: Climb to for panoramic views and a picnic.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner with Tuscan specialties.
Day 7: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take an early train to . Hike the trails between the villages (check dog policies).
- Afternoon: Explore , where you can relax on the beach.
- Evening: Return to Florence for dinner.
Day 8: Florence to Bologna
- Morning: Travel to Bologna (about 1 hour by train).
- Afternoon: Explore the city’s parks, like , perfect for a family picnic.
- Evening: Try the famous Bolognese pasta for dinner.
Day 9: Bologna
- Morning: Visit the and the historic center.
- Afternoon: Take a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to make pasta.
- Evening: Enjoy your homemade dinner!
Day 10: Travel to Venice
- Morning: Train to Venice (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the city on foot and take a gondola ride (check for dog-friendly options).
- Evening: Dinner in a family-friendly trattoria.
Day 11: Venice
- Morning: Visit and the .
- Afternoon: Relax in , a lovely park.
- Evening: Enjoy a pizza dinner.
Day 12: Travel to Lake Como
- Morning: Train to Lake Como (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore the town of . Take a lakeside walk.
- Evening: Dinner with a view of the lake.
Day 13: Lake Como
- Morning: Hike the , which is dog-friendly.
- Afternoon: Visit and its gardens.
- Evening: Relax with a lakeside dinner.
Day 14: Travel to the Dolomites
- Morning: Drive or take a train to the Dolomites (consider staying in ).
- Afternoon: Explore the area and take a short hike with your dogs.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty mountain meal.
Day 15: Dolomites Hiking
- All Day: Spend the day hiking in the Dolomites. Trails like or are family-friendly and dog-friendly.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation for a cozy dinner.
Day 16: Travel to Verona
- Morning: Head to Verona (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the city, including and the .
- Evening: Dinner in the historic center.
Day 17: Verona to Sirmione
- Morning: Day trip to Sirmione on Lake Garda. Explore the .
- Afternoon: Relax in the thermal baths (check dog policies).
- Evening: Return to Verona for dinner.
Day 18: Travel to Naples
- Morning: Train to Naples (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the city and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza for dinner.
Day 19: Day Trip to
- Morning: Visit the ruins of (check dog policies).
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby for a family-friendly hike.
- Evening: Return to Naples for dinner.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll along the waterfront.
- Afternoon: Depart from Naples or return to Rome for your flight home.
Tips:
- Always check dog policies for each location, especially in parks and historical sites.
- Consider accommodations that are pet-friendly.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hikes!
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Italy with your family and furry friends! Enjoy your adventure! 🌍🐾🍝
