Italy Family Holiday

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. With ancient ruins, gelaterias and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Rome offers your family the perfect first taste of Italy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow families and local leader. If you arrive early, why not check out the iconic Sistine Chapel in the Vatican or step inside the arena of the ancient Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. After the meeting tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group and toast with a slice of pizza (or a forkful of pasta) to the Italian adventure to come – when in Rome!

Jump on the train today as you journey to one of the world’s most famous ancient sites – the preserved city of Pompeii. On 26 August 79 AD, Mt Vesuvius erupted, spewing molten rock and ash all over the city and causing a thriving Roman trading centre to be frozen in time. Spend a few hours on a walking tour around Pompeii – you and your kids will be captivated by the incredible stories behind this ancient tragedy as your local guide brings the history to life. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and a once-bustling marketplace. Your hotel this evening is located very close to the archaeological site, so you won’t have far to go once you decide to call it a day. (B)

This morning, head to Mt Vesuvius for a short walk to the summit for views over the Bay of Naples. Soak up the view and snap plenty of photos before walking across the cinders to the lip of the central crater. Don’t worry – although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of recent volcanic activity. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, then make the descent. Continue to the Amalfi Coast town of Minori – a beloved holiday spot for thousands of years. With its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and sparkling ocean, there is truly something for everyone here. Arrive around lunchtime, then soak up a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. (B)

Take a free day to explore Minori at your own (or your kids) pace. There are many beaches to choose from, though the nicer ones will be more crowded (particularly during summer, from June to August). Hire a few deck chairs if you want to relax, or if you’re feeling active, maybe rent a paddle boat or kayak and explore the sea. The walk from Minori to Ravello is also beautiful and a great way to see the region – while it’s only about an hour each way, it’s steep and there are a lot of steps, so it’s moderately difficult. The views along the way more than make up for any huffing and puffing but remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen before leaving. Tonight, why not head out to a local restaurant with your family and try the Minori speciality, scialatielli (thick ribbons of fresh pasta). (B)

Leave Minori in the rear-view mirror this morning and make the drive past mountains to an agriturismo – a working farm that also provides meals and accommodation. While you won’t be staying here tonight, you will get to spend 1.5 hours in the gorgeous surrounds, sampling produce grown on site – a sure way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Continue to Sorrento, another beautiful resort town, famous for its lemons and surrounding plunging cliffs. Arrive early in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore. (B)

Head to the port this morning and board a lifted hydrofoil boat to Capri. Cruise across the Bay of Naples before arriving in the holiday destination favoured by the Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while narrow roads wind inland through citrus groves, past villages of white houses with flower-filled gardens. Though its unmatched setting and natural beauty means it’s popular with visitors, there are still many hidden corners and treasures to explore. Wander around the Marina Grande and the little town of Capri before taking a bus up to Anacapri for the best views of the island and bay from the top of Monte Solaro (reachable by cable car). Around mid-afternoon, you’ll take the ferry back to Sorrento, where you'll learn the secrets behind Italy's famous sweet treat in a gelato making demonstration – yum! (B)

There are many options for your free morning today – maybe grab a gelato while you’re here, as Sorrento has some of the finest scoops in Italy. This afternoon, you’ll get a hands-on lesson in crafting everyone’s favourite Italian dish – pizza! Watch a cooking demonstration in a gorgeous location (an agriturismo with incredible views of Mt Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples), then enjoy the fruits (or dough) of your labour for dinner. Eat, laugh and enjoy a glass of wine while the kids explore the farm alongside the adorable wild rabbits. Soak in the southern Italian hospitality and toast to your final night on this family adventure. (B/D)

Wave arrivederci to Italy and your new friends – with no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Those who have booked transfers will be taken to the airport to board their onward plane, while those who have not are free to leave at any time after check-out. If you need help booking extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)