Family tours in Italy

Discover the hidden gems of Italy on an action-packed family vacation. Spend your days sea kayaking, mountain biking and zip lining, then learn to cook traditional Italian dishes, explore villages perched atop Sicilian hills and unwind by the pool.

Small group family adventures to Italy

Venture into the picturesque Garfagnana Valley in northern Tuscany for a range of thrilling outdoor adventures. Take on a seven-part challenge course of swinging beams, suspension bridges, nets and ropes, then wind down with kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Lake Gramolazzo.

Visit the Mediterranean island of Sicily to enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay in a tree tent, nestled among the lush, hilly landscapes of Petralia Sottana. Spend your days testing your aim at archery, exploring zip line routes or heading to the coast for a sea kayaking adventure around the dramatic sea stacks of Isole Ciclopi.

Our Italy family tours are graded as moderate, striking the perfect balance between active exploration and downtime. With expert local tour leaders, you’ll get chances to take in the must-see sights and hidden gems off the beaten path.

On our family vacations to Italy, you’ll join a small group of three to five families, which make it easy to meet like-minded travelers while keeping the experience personal and flexible.

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.

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Best family destinations in Italy

Family Adventures in Tuscany

Try your hand at canyoneering and zip lining in the breathtaking Turrite Valley on our Tuscany Multi-Activity Adventure. Begin in the charming village of Fornolovasco, where you’ll go canyoneering down the Rio Pinguino in Parco Battifero, complete with opportunities to try some small water jumps.

After a relaxed lunch in the village, hike up a dry canyon before exploring the local caves. End the day with an unforgettable zipline ride that ends at the café, the perfect spot to reward yourself with a well-earned 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, up the mountain to the small town of Linguaglossa Rivittello, where you’ll sample the region’s famed dairy and salami specialties. Continue to Piano Provenzana, then trek up to 7,500ft to explore the Northeast crater zone. After descending, discover a volcanic cave before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

What to expect on a family holiday in Italy

How active are the tours?
All our family tours in Italy are rated Moderate, with a carefully designed mix of high-octane activities and relaxation. Ideal for families who want a fun, action-packed itinerary with plenty of downtime to recharge and enjoy the sights.
Tree tents on our Family Sicily Multi-Activity Adventure
What’s the accommodation like?
Explore Worldwide prioritizes comfortable, locally-owned hotels with character. Most tours offer two or more nights in one place to minimize packing and unpacking. We always aim to select family-friendly accommodation with swimming pools, so you’ll never be short of things to do, even when you’re at the hotel. One exception to this is the magical tree tent stay in Sicily.

What’s the typical age of children?
The average age of children on our family tours of Italy is 14. Minimum age requirements apply: seven years for our Tuscany tour and 11 years for the Sicily adventure. This helps ensure each child can fully enjoy the experience safely.

What is the food like?
Italian food is renowned worldwide for fresh flavors, aromatic herbs and a rich tradition of simple, comforting dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients. Expect fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza and crisp salads, made in the traditional way with local ingredients.

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy authentic local dishes that often fly under the radar. In Tuscany, try fettunta - a toasted Tuscan bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. In Sicily, don’t miss caponata - a rich, sweet and sour dish made with eggplants, tomatoes and capers.

What should I pack for a multi activity adventure in Italy?
While July and August are the hottest months, weather can vary depending on your chosen region. To get the most from your stay, be sure to pack:

Light and breathable clothing
A warm sweater or jacket
A light raincoat
Comfortable walking boots or sneakers
Sandals
Swimsuit