Italy family vacation by train

Planet

Our custom-designed journeys prioritize train travel, offering a seamless, scenic, and sustainable way to explore each destination. High-speed rail efficiently connects major cities, while shorter routes make for perfect day excursions from urban hubs. We intentionally avoid car rentals where excellent rail service is available, reserving flights only for islands or routes that exceed six hours by train. Within cities, we discourage driving altogether and instead provide travelers with resources for local transit and walkable routes that foster deeper cultural immersion. Train travel is not just transportation—it’s an integral part of the experience.

Each itinerary includes carefully curated dining recommendations featuring vegetarian, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly options, as well as authentic local cuisine. When meals are included as part of an activity, plant-based choices are always available. For food enthusiasts, we design enriching culinary experiences such as guided tastings, farm-to-table dining, and private visits with regional producers.

We are proud to support Rewilding Italy, part of Rewilding Europe, an organization dedicated to restoring nature and wildlife and conserving wild landscapes through natural processes for the benefit of society. The Central Apennines is a landscape that has undergone rewilding initiatives.

We are also committed partners of TAP (Travelers Against Plastic), reinforcing our mission to promote sustainable and responsible travel.

People

All of our activity partners are locally owned, independent businesses. We work exclusively with guides and providers who specialize in creating intimate, authentic experiences deeply rooted in their communities.

In some regions, we also partner with small, family-run transportation companies—often just a handful of trusted drivers we know personally—ensuring that you’re supported by local experts at every stage of your journey.
Your family tips begins in Venice, where traveling by train and water taxi offers a low-impact way to explore the city’s canals and historic neighborhoods. Guided visits to Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, along with time in Cannaregio for cicchetti and a mask-making workshop, support local artisans and community-run businesses. A family bike ride on Lido and a visit to Villa Pisani introduce quieter areas of the lagoon, encouraging a more balanced approach to discovering Venice.

In Florence, walking tours through Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Gallery connect your family with local experts who help preserve the city’s artistic heritage. Hands-on activities—such as a gelato-making class, a street food tour in Santo Spirito, and visits to the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace—support small producers and cultural institutions. A day trip to the Chianti Hills, with visits to family-run wineries and time in the medieval town of San Gimignano, contributes to rural communities that rely on careful, responsible tourism.

In Rome, time in public green spaces like the Giardino degli Aranci and Villa Borghese Gardens complements your exploration of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where interactive, family-friendly tours offer a thoughtful way to engage with ancient sites. A visit to Vatican City, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Pio Clementino Museum, supports local educational guides who bring history to life. Ending your trip with a hands-on experience at the Gladiator School of Rome provides a meaningful connection to Roman culture while supporting small community programs.

This itinerary encourages slower, more mindful travel—supporting artisans, local food producers, cultural institutions, and family-run businesses across Italy—ensuring your visit has a positive impact on the communities you meet along the way.