Our 8-Day Italy Family Itinerary: Rome, Cinque Terre & Venice
When people think about traveling through Italy, they often picture spending an entire week in one city. While that's certainly a wonderful way to travel, I wanted our family to experience several completely different sides of the country in one trip.
Over eight days, we explored ancient ruins in Rome, hiked dramatic coastal trails in Cinque Terre, and wandered the winding canals of Venice - while traveling with our two daughters, ages 10 and 13. Our girls happily walked between five and ten miles nearly every day, climbed to the top of St. Peter's Basilica, completed one of the most scenic hikes in Cinque Terre, swam in the Mediterranean Sea, and spent hours wandering the tiny alleyways and canals of Venice.
Italy's train system made moving between destinations incredibly easy, and each stop offered something completely different.
Rome gave us ancient history, beautiful churches, lively piazzas, and some of the best pasta we've ever eaten. Cinque Terre slowed everything down with colorful fishing villages, vineyard-covered hiking trails, beach afternoons, and fresh seafood overlooking the sea. Venice completely exceeded my expectations. I expected crowds and tourist traps but instead found quiet canals, hidden neighborhoods, charming local restaurants, and one of the most unforgettable evenings of our trip aboard a gondola.
One thing I hope this article encourages is confidence. You don't have to choose between seeing Italy and traveling comfortably with children. With a little planning, good walking shoes, and a willingness to slow down and enjoy each place, this itinerary offers a balance of history, nature, relaxation, and adventure.
Our 8-Day Route
Fly into Rome
Days 1–3: Rome
Centro Storico
Campo de' Fiori
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Vatican City
Roman Forum
Colosseum
Trastevere
Train to Cinque Terre
Days 4–6: Cinque Terre
Riomaggiore
Vernazza
Monterosso al Mare
Via dell'Amore
Beach days
Coastal hiking
Train to Venice
Days 7–8: Venice
San Polo
Rialto Bridge
Libreria Acqua Alta
St. Mark's Square
Bridge of Sighs
Gondola ride
Hidden canals and neighborhoods
Fly home from Venice
Days 1–3: Exploring Rome with Kids
If this is your first visit to Rome, my biggest piece of advice is simple:
Don't try to see everything.
Rome is one of those cities that rewards wandering. Some of our favorite memories weren't famous landmarks at all—they were discovering quiet churches, stumbling upon lively neighborhood squares, and sharing gelato while listening to street musicians after dinner.
For our family, three days felt like the perfect amount of time. We saw the highlights without feeling rushed and still had plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the city's atmosphere.
Day 1: Settling into Rome
After arriving at the airport, don't worry about reserving a taxi ahead of time. I had spent time researching airport transportation before our trip, but once we landed I realized there were dozens of official taxis waiting outside. It was much easier to simply walk to the taxi line and hop in one.
We stayed in Centro Storico, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.
It was within walking distance of nearly everything on our itinerary, surrounded by beautiful little piazzas, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Quick tip: Smaller hotels communicate almost entirely through WhatsApp. Our hotel sent us our entry codes and check-in instructions through the app, so I'd highly recommend downloading it before your trip.
After checking into our hotel, we headed straight out to explore.
Our first stop was Campo de' Fiori, one of my favorite squares in Rome. The atmosphere immediately felt relaxed and welcoming, with outdoor restaurants surrounding the plaza and people lingering long after dinner.
We ordered fresh truffle pasta and officially began our Italian vacation.
From there we wandered over to Piazza Navona, where artists displayed their work and musicians performed in one of the city's most beautiful public squares.
As evening approached, we walked to the magnificent Pantheon.
If you plan to go inside, arrive before it closes in the early evening. Even if you don't, it's absolutely worth seeing after dark when the lighting makes the ancient building even more impressive.
Our final stop of the evening was the famous Trevi Fountain. Yes, it was crowded. Yes, it's one of the busiest places in Rome. And yes - it absolutely lives up to the hype. Pictures don't prepare you for how enormous it really is.
Of course, we all tossed coins over our left shoulders with our right hands. According to Roman tradition:
One coin means you'll return to Rome.
Two coins mean you'll find new love.
Three coins mean marriage.
Whether or not you believe the legend, it's a fun family tradition, and knowing that the coins are collected each night and donated to charity makes participating feel even more meaningful.
Day 1 Itinerary
Centro Storico
Campo de' Fiori
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
Day 2: The Vatican, Ancient Rome & Trastevere
One of the biggest highlights of our trip happened first thing in the morning.
We attended the Pope's General Audience in St. Peter's Square.
Tickets are free, but I recommend requesting them online before your trip. We requested ours only about a week before arriving and had no trouble getting them.
There are thousands of people in attendance, so arriving about an hour and a half early got us seats pretty close to where the Popemobile passed. Try to sit near the barricaded center aisle to be front and center - it truly is an amazing experience.
One thing we underestimated was the summer heat. Bring a hat. Bring plenty of water.
Don't be embarrassed to bring an umbrella for shade while you wait in the hot center.
After leaving Vatican City, we found an incredible pizza shop serving thick Roman-style pizza. One slice topped with local bacon may have been one of my favorite lunches of the trip.
The bacon in Rome is something special.
Next we walked through the Roman Forum, imagining what life must have looked like nearly 2,000 years ago before continuing toward the massive white monument known as the Vittoriano.
Most visitors don't realize that much of the monument is free to explore, and it offers fantastic views over Rome.
Later that afternoon we made our way to the Colosseum. We chose not to purchase tickets to go inside. Instead, we walked around the outside, admired it from every angle, and took plenty of photos. Sometimes just seeing a landmark is enough and we budget which landmarks to pay for.
After one more stop at the beautiful Santa Maria Church with its hanging chandeliers gently swaying in the breeze, we crossed the river into Trastevere for dinner. This ended up being our favorite neighborhood in Rome.
The streets felt lively but relaxed, and dinner at Nonna Gina was probably our best meal in the city.
The homemade pesto gnocchi, octopus, fresh salads, and welcoming atmosphere made it one of those restaurants we'd happily return to.
Day 2 Itinerary
Pope's General Audience
Vatican City
Roman-style pizza lunch
Roman Forum
Vittoriano
Colosseum
Santa Maria Church
Trastevere
Dinner at Nonna Gina
Day 3: Climbing St. Peter's Dome & The Vatican Museums
Our final morning in Rome began back at St. Peter's Basilica. If you're debating whether climbing the dome is worth it... do it.
We chose to take the stairs instead of paying extra for the elevator. The climb isn't easy. The staircases become surprisingly narrow near the top, and if you're claustrophobic you'll definitely notice it. But the reward is incredible.
Halfway up you can look down into the breathtaking interior of St. Peter's Basilica, and at the very top you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across all of Rome.
Afterward we walked toward the Vatican Museums. One mistake we made was arriving too early for our museum entry time. We had purchased skip-the-line tickets but arrived thirty minutes before our scheduled entry, only to stand outside in the summer heat. If I were doing it again, I'd arrive about ten to fifteen minutes beforehand.
Inside, the museums were spectacular. The Sistine Chapel was crowded and photography isn't allowed, but seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece in person was something to remember.
By the time we walked back toward our hotel we'd covered over 11 miles that day.
That evening we enjoyed live music in one of the nearby piazzas before finishing our stay with pasta carbonara and one final mission - tiramisu at Two Sizes. If you're planning to try one of Rome's famous tiramisu shops, arrive about five minutes before closing. The line that had stretched down the block all evening had finally disappeared and we walked right in.
Day 3 Itinerary
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Dome
Pizza lunch near the Vatican
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
Evening stroll through Centro Storico
Carbonara dinner
Famous tiramisu
Our Biggest Rome Tips
✔️ Stay in Centro Storico if it's your first visit.
✔️ Request Pope's General Audience tickets before your trip.
✔️ Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll easily walk 8–11 miles each day without realizing it.
✔️ Don't skip climbing St. Peter's Dome.
✔️ The outside of the Colosseum is just as impressive as the inside if you're trying to save money.
✔️ Visit Trastevere for dinner at least one evening.
✔️ Leave room in your schedule to simply wander.
Days 4–6: Cinque Terre – Hiking, Swimming & Slowing Down
After three busy days exploring Rome, arriving in Cinque Terre felt like taking a deep breath.
The pace immediately slowed.
Instead of ancient monuments and crowded piazzas, we found colorful fishing villages built into dramatic cliffs, hiking trails winding through vineyards, people swimming in the crystal-clear sea, and evenings that revolved around seafood and sunsets.
It was a completely different side of Italy. If Rome is about history, Cinque Terre is about enjoying the outdoors.
Traveling by Train to Cinque Terre
We left Roma Termini early in the morning and boarded a high-speed train toward La Spezia, where we transferred to the regional train serving the five villages.
One thing I'd do differently?
Don't try to walk all the way to Roma Termini carrying backpacks.
We started walking but quickly realized it was farther than we expected and happily grabbed a taxi for the final stretch. It only cost about €15 and was well worth it.
For long-distance trains between cities, I recommend booking directly through Trenitalia before your trip. The train system in Italy is incredibly easy to use. Downloading the app made everything simple - it showed our tickets, departure platforms, delays, and connections all in one place.
Before arriving in Italy, I also used Omio to compare routes and purchase a few tickets, and it worked very well.
One thing we appreciated was that electronic tickets don't need to be validated. Simply board the train and show your ticket when the conductor comes by. Also, don't be afraid to bring coffee, pastries, or lunch onboard either. Many passengers do, and it made the journey feel much more relaxed.
Day 4: First Impressions of Riomaggiore
Our home base for the next three nights was Riomaggiore, the southernmost village in Cinque Terre.
The moment we stepped off the train, I understood why so many people fall in love with this region.
Tall, colorful buildings climbed the steep hillside while fishing boats floated in the tiny harbor below.
After checking into our hotel, we skipped the restaurants and grabbed paper cones filled with freshly fried anchovies and calamari from a small takeaway shop.
We carried them down to the rocky beach and ate lunch overlooking the sea while people cliff-jumped into the water nearby. It was one of those simple travel moments that felt perfectly Italian.
The rocks are beautiful but incredibly slippery, so I recommend bringing water shoes or sturdy sandals if you plan to swim there.
That evening we wandered through the narrow streets of Riomaggiore, browsed the little shops, enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant, and ended the night watching the World Cup at an outdoor bar surrounded by people from all over the world. Travel and soccer both have a way of bringing strangers together.
Day 4 Itinerary
Train to La Spezia
Regional train to Riomaggiore
Fried seafood cones by the harbor
Swim at the rocky beach
Explore Riomaggiore
Dinner in Riomaggiore
Day 5: Hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare
This was one of my favorite days of the entire trip.
We started with fresh pastries and cappuccinos from a neighborhood bakery before taking the train to Vernazza.
If you're planning to hike, wear proper tennis shoes. This is not the place for flip-flops or casual sandals. My husband happened to get onto the trail wearing sandals, but we later learned that park officials often turn people away if they aren't wearing appropriate footwear.
The hike from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare took us about an hour and a half.
I'll be honest - it was harder than I expected. There are plenty of steep climbs, uneven stone steps, and very little shade during the summer. Our daughters, ages 10 and 13, handled it well, but I probably wouldn't recommend it for children much younger than eight.
The effort is rewarded with some of the most spectacular views we've ever seen. The trail winds through vineyards, olive groves, forests, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the bright blue sea.
By the time we arrived in Monterosso al Mare, we were hot, sweaty, and ready for the beach.
It couldn't have been better timing. The cool Mediterranean water felt incredible after the hike.
If you're planning to rent beach chairs, expect to pay around €40 for a pair.
Don't forget flip-flops.The sand becomes extremely hot during the afternoon.
After swimming, spend some time exploring the historic section of Monterosso al Mare. We loved wandering the narrow streets filled with an assortment of boutiques.
One of my favorite discoveries was Torre Aurora, a castle-like restaurant perched between the old and new sections of town. Even if you're not hungry, it's a wonderful place to stop for a drink and enjoy the view.
To return to Riomaggiore, walk through the tunnel connecting the old and new sides of Monterosso, purchase a train ticket at the station, validate it in the machine before boarding, and hop on one of the frequent regional trains.
Day 5 Itinerary
Breakfast in Riomaggiore
Train to Vernazza
Hike to Monterosso al Mare
Swim in the Ligurian Sea
Explore Monterosso al Mare
Drinks at Torre Aurora
Train back to Riomaggiore
Day 6: Beaches & Via dell'Amore
Our daughters loved Monterosso al Mare so much that we decided to return the next day.
If I were planning this trip again, I would actually stay in Monterosso instead of Riomaggiore.
While Riomaggiore is incredibly picturesque, Monterosso has the widest sandy beach, more space for families, additional restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere for spending an entire day.
We arrived early because the trains become much busier later in the day. Instead of renting chairs, we found one of the best free spots of our entire trip. On the public beach beneath the elevated walkway, there is a perfectly shaded area free of charge.
When lunchtime arrived, we walked into town to pick up fresh focaccia and seafood, which was a perfect picnic and less expensive than ordering from one of the beach clubs.
That evening we returned to Riomaggiore for one final experience - walking Via dell'Amore.
This famous coastal path connects Riomaggiore with Manarola and is one of the most iconic walks in Cinque Terre. Because access is limited, you'll need both a Cinque Terre Hiking Pass and a reserved time slot.
I recommend booking one of the evening entries. The softer light over the Mediterranean makes the scenery even more beautiful, and the temperatures are much more comfortable than during the middle of the day.
After reaching Manarola, simply catch the train back to your village. It's an easy and relaxing way to finish your stay.
Day 6 Itinerary
Early train to Monterosso al Mare
Free public beach
Lunch of focaccia and seafood
Return to Riomaggiore
Walk Via dell'Amore
Finish in Manarola
Train back to Riomaggiore
My Biggest Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
✔️ Stay at least three nights if you want to enjoy both hiking and beach time.
✔️ Book long-distance trains through Trenitalia, but purchase local village train tickets as you go. The flexibility is worth it.
✔️ Wear proper hiking shoes if you plan to hike between villages.
✔️ Bring plenty of water during the summer.
✔️ Pack flip-flops or sandals for the beach after hiking.
✔️ If you're traveling with younger children or want more beach time, consider staying in Monterosso al Mare.
✔️ Reserve Via dell'Amore in advance and choose an evening time slot if possible.
Some of our favorite memories came from simple moments: eating seafood on the rocks, swimming after a long hike, sharing focaccia on the beach, and watching young and adventurous cliff divers.
Days 7–8: Venice – The Perfect Ending to Our Italy Adventure
By the time we boarded our train to Venice, we had already explored ancient ruins, climbed church domes, hiked along the Mediterranean coast, and walked well over fifty miles during our trip.
I wasn't sure what to expect from our final destination.
To be honest, I worried that Venice might feel overhyped. I imagined shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, overpriced restaurants, and a city that couldn't possibly live up to the photos.
I was wrong - I loved Venice!
Yes, the famous attractions are busy, but the real magic isn't found in checking landmarks off a list.
It's found by wandering. The moment we stepped away from the busiest streets, we discovered quiet canals, tiny bridges, hidden courtyards, and winding alleyways that felt untouched by time. The canals and boats made it unlike anywhere else we've ever visited.
Arriving in Venice
We left Riomaggiore early in the morning, catching the first train back to La Spezia before connecting to our high-speed train north.
One thing I loved about traveling through Italy was how relaxing the train journeys became.
We'd grab fresh pastries and cappuccinos at the station, settle into our seats, and spend the next few hours watching vineyards, rolling hills, and little Italian villages pass by the window.
The girls shared a pair of headphones, listening to music while looking out the window.
It reminded me of family road trips growing up before everyone had a screen in front of them.
Those train rides became a time to reconnect, instead of simply transportation.
Why We Loved Staying in San Polo
For anyone planning a first visit to Venice, I can't recommend San Polo enough.
It turned out to be the perfect neighborhood. After arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia Station, we were able to walk to our hotel with our backpacks instead of paying for a water taxi.
Even better, nearly everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. Each morning we simply walked out the front door and started exploring. One bridge led to another.
One canal became another. Unlike many major cities, getting lost in Venice is actually part of the experience.
The Best Way to Experience Venice
Before arriving, I had plenty of attractions bookmarked. In the end, we hardly used the list.
Instead of paying admission to museums, we just wandered and explored.
We crossed the Rialto Bridge, admired the beauty of St. Mark's Square, walked past the Bridge of Sighs, peeked into little churches, wandered through Libreria Acqua Alta, a cute bookstore with gondola shaped bookshelves, and spent hours following whichever street looked the most interesting.
The city itself is the attraction.
Day 7 Itinerary
Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia Station
Walk to San Polo
Wander the canals
Rialto Bridge
Libreria Acqua Alta
Hidden streets and neighborhood squares
Dinner at Hysteria Santaponal
Save Your Money for One Thing
If you're trying to visit Venice on a budget, here's my recommendation. Skip most of the paid attractions. Spend your money on a gondola ride.
It's expensive. But it's absolutely worth it.
One thing many visitors don't realize is that gondola prices are regulated by the city. You'll pay the same no matter where you board.
Current rates are:
€90 before 7:00 p.m.
€110 after 7:00 p.m.
Knowing that the price is standardized made choosing a gondolier much less stressful.
As our gondolier quietly navigated narrow canals beneath centuries-old bridges, the city suddenly felt peaceful. For about thirty minutes, we experienced Venice the way it has been experienced for generations. It really was a great highlight of our trip.
Our Favorite Places to Eat
One of the best parts about staying in San Polo was that wonderful restaurants were only a few minutes away.
Our favorite dinner was at Hosteria Sant'Aponal. It felt like the kind of neighborhood restaurant locals actually return to, with homemade food, a relaxed atmosphere and decent prices.
For a cheaper lunch option, we loved Pepe Bigoi. Fresh pasta made to order is hard to beat after spending the morning walking around the city, and it was an affordable option that didn't feel like fast food.
For dessert, don't miss Gelatoteca Suso. After trying gelato throughout our trip, this was still my favorite. The flavors tasted fresh and natural rather than overly sweet. The pistachio is a must try.
Another unexpected discovery was taralli. These little crunchy rings are often served alongside drinks, but I started buying bags of them at neighborhood grocery stores. These quickly became our favorite snack while walking through the city.
One Money-Saving Tip
One afternoon we noticed a restaurant near Doge's Palace advertising beer for €18.
That was all the reminder we needed. Walk five minutes. Prices drop dramatically once you're away from the busiest tourist areas.
The same was true throughout our trip. Always find restaurants at least a 5 minute walk away from the major tourist sights.
Some of our favorite restaurants were also among the least expensive.
Day 8 Itinerary
Morning walk through San Polo
St. Mark's Square
Bridge of Sighs
Gondola ride
Lunch at Pepe Bigoi
Gelato from Gelatoteca Suso
Wander until your flight home
My Biggest Tips for Visiting Venice
✔️ Stay in San Polo for easy walking access to the train station and major sights.
✔️ Skip the museums if you're on a budget. Wandering the city is the real experience.
✔️ Save your money for a gondola ride instead.
✔️ Eat a few streets away from the major attractions.
✔️ Try fresh pasta from Pepe Bigoi.
✔️ Don't miss gelato from Gelatoteca Suso.
✔️ Don't rush.
Leaving Italy
As we made our way back toward the airport, I realized each of these three destinations gave us something unique.
Rome inspired us.
Cinque Terre slowed us down.
Venice reminded us that sometimes the best travel experiences are simply allowing yourself to wander.
If someone asked me today whether it's possible to experience three unforgettable parts of Italy in one family vacation, my answer would be an easy yes.
Before You Go: Our Best Tips for This Itinerary
If you're planning a similar trip through Rome, Cinque Terre, and Venice, here are the things that made the biggest difference for our family.
What We'd Pack Again
Packing light made this trip so much easier.
Between train stations, cobblestone streets, steep hills in Cinque Terre, and dozens of bridges in Venice, backpacks were far more practical than rolling suitcases.
If we packed for this trip again, we'd bring:
✔️ A comfortable travel backpack (we loved our Cotopaxi backpacks)
✔️ Comfortable tennis shoes
✔️ Flip-flops or sandals for beaches and evenings
✔️ Four casual outfits and four nicer outfits for dinner
✔️ A wrinkle-resistant dress that's comfortable enough to sightsee in but nice enough for dinner
✔️ A European plug adapter
✔️ A hat for the summer sun
✔️ A small medicine kit and electrolyte packets
✔️ A high-quality filtering water bottle
✔️ Bluetooth headphones for train rides
One thing I packed but never wore? A long-sleeve shirt. Even restaurants and trains were much warmer than I expected as AC is hard to find.
Foods You Shouldn't Miss
Every region had its own specialties, and trying local foods became one of our favorite parts of the trip. Don't leave Italy without trying:
Fresh pastries and cappuccinos from neighborhood bakeries
Roman-style pizza
Fresh focaccia in Cinque Terre
Homemade pasta (especially seafood, carbonara, pesto, and truffle pasta)
Wonderfully fresh salads
Fried seafood cones in Riomaggiore
Gelato from Gelatoteca Suso in Venice
A 'Caffe Shakerito' for a fancy shaken iced coffee
What We Spent
Italy was about what we expected for costs. Our average daily food budget for a family of four looked like this:
Breakfast: About €30 at a neighborhood bakery
Lunch: Around €50 from a pizzeria or focacceria
Dinner: Usually €80–90 at a sit-down restaurant
Each hotel was approximately €220 per night.
Trenitalia tickets cost us €205 and Cinque Terre trains cost us €24 per one way ticket.
Because we walked almost everywhere, other transportation costs stayed low. We averaged 5–10 miles a day and only used two taxis (€70 from Rome airport and €15 to Rome train station) during our entire trip.
For budgeting purposes, our trip cost us roughly €430 per day.
If We Did This Trip Again...
There honestly isn't much we'd change.
We'd still stay in Centro Storico while visiting Rome.
We'd still finish our trip in San Polo in Venice.
The only thing we'd do differently is spend one extra night in Cinque Terre and probably stay in Monterosso al Mare instead of Riomaggiore. We loved the wider beach, relaxed atmosphere, and the convenience of spending a full day by the sea.
I hope this itinerary helps you create your own unforgettable memories in Italy. And when you go, leave a little room in your schedule for the unexpected - it might just become your favorite part of the trip.
Buon viaggio!
Comments