Family Trip to Italy: Nature, Ancient Temples, and Cuisine

You can start your day with breakfast at the Vatican to begin your Rome highlights tour. Witness the works of Rafael and experience Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel before visiting the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. At the Colosseum, you will find the dramatic walls of the ancient structure that date back to 72 AD. Inside the amphitheater, you can peer into the depths of the hypogeum, the subterranean labyrinth beneath the former stage. At Piazza Navona, the subtle trickle of water will lead you to the famous figures of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Your private transfer will take you to the airport in Rome for your quick flight to Palermo. After arriving in Sicily, you can travel to the village of Mussomeli as you venture to Agrigento. The village is crowned by the impressive walls of Manfredonico Chiaramentano Castle that overlook the surrounding valley. You may also visit Sciacca, a fishing village nestled into the cliffs overlooking the turquoise Sea. A narrow stretch of water separates the corner of the town from North Africa giving it an eclectic cultural ambiance as a once-thriving center of trade.

Your family will have an immersive excursion into ancient Sicily at the Valley of the Temples. The ruins of the city of Akragas represent what was once one of the largest cities in the known world. The scent of citrus fruit will derive from the nearby Kolymbetra Garden as you travel the routes that connect the preserved architecture. The Temple of Concordia dates back to the 5th century BC, and the eight columns of the Temple of Heracles are the oldest remains in the area, dating back to 6th century BC.

The beauty and prestige of the Roman Empire will come into sharp focus as your family transfers from Agrigento to Taormina. Villa Romana del Casale dates back to the 4th century AD and spans more than 37,673 square feet. The remarkable mosaics shine with vibrant, preserved colors and reflect important cultural activities of Rome. Images of giants and fishermen decorate different rooms while the eastern corridor features a 210-foot long epic hunting scene. You will continue to Taormina, where you can relax in the gorgeous views over the Ionian coast.

Taormina nestles into a coastal mountain and offers spectacular panoramas that sweep from the turquoise sea to the dramatic peak of Mount Etna. The cobbled lanes and intricate architecture provide the perfect base for indulging in a slice of la Dolce Vita. The aromas of espresso and blossoming flowers that drape over houses will fill the air as you stroll down picturesque Corso Umberto. The day will be at your family's leisure to enjoy the town, from listening to conversations at the open-air cafes in Piazza IX Aprile to basking in the impressive view of Mount Etna from the 3rd-century BC Greek Theater.

Your family will venture to the base of Mount Etna with your guide to traverse one of the easier trails that spans a portion of the 10,912-foot tall active volcano. The soil provides a lush landscape near the bottom, and the terrain near the four upper craters creates a lunar-like ambiance. You will then continue to a family-owned winery on the slopes of the active volcano. Wine-growing traditions have been passed down for generations amid the scent of soil and sugar. Once in the tasting room, you will find aromas of raspberry and wildflowers, emanating from the glass.

The Amalfi Coast offers nearly 25 miles of opulent Italian shoreline with coastline mountains decorated with citrus trees. Your family can enjoy the morning in Taormina at your pace before you transfer to Catania for your brief flight to Naples. Upon your arrival, a private driver will meet your family at the airport and take you to the comforts of your hotel on the famous Amalfi Coast. Classic architecture climbs the terraces of coastline, and you can bask in the blend of the sea breeze, citrus aromas, and renowned Italian hospitality.

Your family will have a private boat to the beautiful island of Capri in the morning to find the steep coastal cliffs that reach up to 200 feet above sea level. Piazza Umberto I will fill with the aromas of espresso and blossoming wisteria as open-air cafes offer views of the water. Your family can visit a local shoemaker for a pair of handmade sandals or witness the sparkling hues of the renowned Blue Grotto.

After breakfast, your family will transfer to the chic and charming town of Positano, the most westerly town of the Amalfi Coast. Flowers will drape over the facades of pastel-colored houses as the town layers the steep coastal hillside. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets and visit the 13th-century church of Santa Maria Assunta. The dome will glint with majolica tiles, and the church remains an important part of town culture. Medieval Saracen towers speckle the coastline, and a hidden stairway leads to the Path of the Gods hike, which offers a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast.

Your family will uncover the wonders of ancient Pompeii. At the Forum, you can spot the peak of Mount Vesuvius, the infamous volcano whose eruption in 79 AD covered and preserved the city in pumice and ash. The Temple of Jupiter bounds the northern edge of the plaza with a base that stands at nearly 10 feet. The House of the Faun features a bronze statue in the center of a former hall that is surrounded by a series of rooms and additional shops. In the House of the Tragic Poet, you can witness the world-renowned mosaic of the Cave Canem.

After breakfast, you will have an easy transfer to Rome's Fiumicino Airport for your flight home, bringing an end to your Family Italy tour. You will have experienced the marvels of Vatican City, uncovered the ancient history of Sicily, and indulged in the pristine beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Your family will have enjoyed the simple pleasures of Italy's "sweet life" before you return home with the indelible memories of your trip.