Plan the Perfect Italian Family Holiday

Italy is an ideal family holiday destination, with literally something for every age group. Imagine a young child’s wonder at a city of canals and seemingly endless supply of gelato, or a teenager's delight at the fashion and contemporary art of Florence or Milan.

Renting any of the excellent villas in Italy will give you a perfect base from which to explore – giving you the freedom and independence to plan your own itinerary.While a lot of marketing seems to focus on how wonderful the country is for couples (and it is!), there’s also a lot to enjoy as a family.

Here are just a few destinations a family will enjoy.

Rome

The children may have seen pictures or computer-generated versions of the Coliseum from movies and games, but nothing beats seeing it in all its glory - especially when a tour comes with gory stories of ancient times. Even if it’s just ruins, you can count on the children to fill in the blanks.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and stay in one of the fabulous villas in Italy. Some of them have a storied history and children will be fascinated to hear stories of who has stayed here before them – and they will certainly love the space afforded by this kind of accommodation.

Famous attractions the whole family can enjoy in Rome include the stunning Sistine Chapel, the amazing Trevi Fountain and the ancient harbour town of Ostia Antica – especially enjoyable if you are familiar with the popular series 'The Roman Mysteries'. Cap off your Roman holiday with a visit to one of the most famous villas in Italy - Villa Borghese, where children can play in the park and ride the go-carts.

Venice

The typical Venetian holiday will involve a visit to Piazza San Marco to feed the pigeons and a ride on a traditional gondolas – and this may sound clichéd, but don’t knock it! Both of these activities are always a great hit with youngsters. For a little more 'grown-up' fun, consider a visit to the famous Palladian villas of Veneto.

Florence and the Rest of Tuscany

Florence is the perfect blend of old and new – suitable for both young and old! There's cutting edge fashion and technology for the young, and artistic and cultural masterpieces for the grown-ups. If you're staying in one of the wonderful villas in Italy on the outskirts of the city, you will also have easy access to some other stunning Tuscan cities like Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni as well as the spectacular rural farming regions.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect villas in Italy their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.