12-Day Italy Outdoor Odyssey for Families

This 12-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the wonders of Italy, a land where history, art, and culture come alive. With its ancient ruins, Renaissance masterpieces, and breathtaking landscapes, Italy has something to offer everyone.

With the help of our dedicated travel advisors, we can effortlessly tailor the itinerary to match your family's needs and schedule ideally.

• Days:12±
• Best for:Outdoor-Loving Families
• Best time:Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct.
• Departure date:up to you
• Sample price:US$5,187 each (2 per room)

Brief Itinerary for Italy Outdoor Odyssey for Families Tour

This itinerary caters to outdoor-loving families, creating your ideal Italian adventure. Please feel free to contact me for expert help planning your dream getaway.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Discover the mesmerizing hills of Tuscany on a private hike from Florence to Pian dei Giullari with an expert trekking guide.

Marvel at the majestic Dolomites and discover the enchanting town of Cortina, tucked away in a valley paradise.

Admire Rome's most beautiful squares and monuments on a scenic bike ride!

Learn the art of making Italian pizza and gelato, following the same techniques that have been used for centuries.

Cruise through Venice's winding canals on a gondola, and let yourself be transported to a magical world of romance and history.

Journey through the heart of Italy as you effortlessly traverse the Italian countryside aboard a high-speed train.

Immerse yourself in the Colosseum's captivating history and legendary battles with priority access and a private guide.

Be captivated as you witness Michelangelo's masterpiece, "The Creation of the World", in the iconic Sistine Chapel.

Explore the Vatican Museums' galleries with priority access and witness awe-inspiring masterpieces around every corner.

Uncover the secrets of the Renaissance while exploring Florence's bustling piazzas, from the Duomo to the Uffizi.

Stand before Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery in Florence and breathe in the artistic essence of the Renaissance.

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 1

Rome Arrival

• Welcome to the Eternal Cityâ Rome! Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
• Relax and travel comfortably while enjoying a private transfer hotel in Rome.

the driver meet clients in the airport

Day 2

Rome | Uncover the Vatican and Rome's Secrets

• Your private driver greets you and whisks you away to the Vatican, where your expert guide awaits for a 7-hour Vatican and Ancient Rome Discover tour.
• Lose yourself in the grandeur of the Vatican Museums, where artistic masterpieces like Laocoon and Apollo captivate your senses. Let the intricate frescoes and sparkling gems of the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses.
• Be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel and feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as "The Creation of Adam" sweeps across the ceiling.
• Following your Colosseum exploration, your private transfer whisks you back to the heart of the Eternal City.
• Step into the Colosseum 's hallowed arena, where epic battles unfolded, and feel the echoes of gladiators still resonating in the air.
• Journey to the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal testament to Roman power. Delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum as you wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill.
• Conclude your day with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

The Colosseum in Rome

Day 3

Rome | Admire the Piazzas on Two Wheels

• Embark on a captivating 3-hour bike tour (Small Group) through Rome's piazzas.
• Cycle by Circus Maximus and the Imperial Forum, then explore Campo de' Fiori 's bustling market.
• Discover Piazza Navona 's Baroque charm, marvel at the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and end with views of the Colosseum.
• After the tour, return to your hotel at your own convenience.

the Pantheon

Day 4

Rome - Florence | Journey Through the Heart of Italy

• Make the most of your free time to explore Rome one last time before your driver transfers you to Roma Termini train station for a fast train to Florence.
• Upon arriving at Firenze S.M. Novella train station, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
• Embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration and have a first taste of Florence at your own pace.

High speed train in Italy

Day 5

Florence | Walk Through the Heart of Florence

• Meet your local Florentine expert at your hotel and embark on a 3-hour journey through time.
• Explore the Piazza della Signoria, marvel at the majestic Palazzo Vecchio and the incredible statues at the Loggia dei Lanzi.
• Stroll through the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most picturesque bridge in Florence, and then discover the sublime secret of the Vasari Corridor.
• Experience the beauty of Duomo Square, including the Cathedral, Baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, and Brunelleschi's Cupola.
• Enjoy a break! Explore the city at your leisure, or relax at the hotel until the 3-hour Pizza and Gelato Making Class (Small Group) begins.
• Learn pizza-making magic from a professional chef, mastering dough stretching and crafting the perfect light sauce.
• Uncover the science behind gelato as you explore fresh ingredients and witness the transformation into creamy perfection.
• Enjoy what you cooked before you walk back to the hotel.

The Ponte Vecchio

Day 6

Florence | Stroll Through the Art Galleries

• Uncover the secrets and curiosities of the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in a 4-hour private tour.
• Skip the queues at the Accademia Gallery and explore Michelangelo's iconic David, gazing in awe at its intricate details.
• Prepare to be dazzled by the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Giotto, Masaccio, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
• After delving into Renaissance masterpieces, return to your hotel with lingering inspiration.

The Birth of Venus in Uffizi Gallery

Day 7

Florence | Hike in Green Hills

• Meet your expert guide at your hotel and enjoy a 4-hour hike tour from Florence to Pian dei Giullari.
• Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best panoramic spots to view Florence.
• Capture a photo of the newly restored fountain, ' Le Rampe,' constructed by architect Giuseppe Poggi between 1872 and 1876.
• Enjoy the best spots as you journey into the lush, green hills.
• Arrive at Pian dei Giullari, a charming and quaint area built along the road to Impruneta, which has remained practically untouched by time.
• Pass by the Il Gioiello Villa, where Galileo Galilei lived and died.
• The tour concludes with a direct return to your Florence hotel.

Piazza Michelangelo in Florence

Day 8

Florence - Venice | A Change of Scenery

• Unwind and explore Florence one last time before your driver whisks you away to Firenze S.M. Novella train station for a high-speed train to Venice.
• Glide through the canals in a private motorboat to your Venice hotel upon arriving at Santa Lucia train station.
• Embrace the rest of your Venetian adventure and savor your first taste of the city, getting lost in the labyrinthine alleyways.

Venice City View

Day 9

Venice | Discover the Beauty of Venice

• Meet your expert guide in your hotel and enjoy a 2-hour stroll to iconic Piazza San Marco, home to the legendary Basilica of San Marco and Doge's Palace.
• Discover the luxury and beauty of the Basilica of San Marco, with its stunning golden mosaics, polychrome decorations, five domes, and the legendary Pala d'Oro.
• Explore the dynamic Venetian Gothic masterpiece Doge's Palace, showcasing vibrant cultural connections between the Serenissima Republic and other European states.
• Cross the poignant Bridge of Sighs, a reminder of the prisoners' fate.
• Take a break for a cup of coffee or a light lunch at noon before your 1-hour private gondola ride along the canals.
• Let the sights and sounds of Venice serenade you as you glide through the canals, past grand palazzos and romantic bridges on your private gondola.
• Stroll back to your hotel or explore the charming narrow streets further.

Piazza San Marco

Day 10

Venice | Dolomites and Cortina Exploration

• Meet your private driver at Piazzale Roma and embark on an 8-hour Dolomites and Cortina Exploration Tour (Chauffeur guide).
• Leave the Prosecco region behind, characterised by rolling hills and lush vineyards.
• Admire the emerald-green Lake Santa Croce and the first mountain ranges rising on the horizon.
• Enjoy a short stop in Pieve di Cadore, a delightful town famous for its traditional salami and cheese shops.
• Drive through enchanting landscapes with green valleys, pastures dotted with animals, and untouched nature until you reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, towering 2,360 meters.
• After a brief stop, continue along the enchanting Lake Misurina to Cortina.
• Explore Cortina surrounded by the majestic Dolomites that rise on the horizon at your own pace.
• Settle into a comfortable return to Venice, cherishing the happy memories of the day.

Lake Misurina

Day 11

Venice | Get lost in the Canals

• A free day to explore! Wander Venice's canals, a maze of surprises waiting around every bend. Discover cute cafes, colorful pottery shops, musical performers, and family-run restaurants.

Venice canal

Day 12

Venice | Departure

• Indulge in the sights of a Venetian sunrise before gliding through the canals en route to your departing flight.

Bridge of Sighs

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Grand Hotel Palace Rome

Hotel Orto de Medici

Palazzo Veneziano Venice