Planning a family trip to Italy involves considering various expenses that can significantly impact the overall budget. The cost of traveling to Italy with family members often hinges on several factors, including the duration of the trip, the time of year, the choice of accommodation, and the intended activities.

Our family of 5 went to Italy in 2019 for 10 days. We visited Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Venice, and other small towns. We rented a car and drove, stayed in Airbnbs and generally ate out once per day. We flew for $330 round trip from New York City to Rome. The family trip to Italy cost us $6000.

Travel Planning for a Family Trip to Italy

When planning a family trip to Italy, selecting the right itinerary and timing is crucial to manage costs effectively.

Choosing Your Itinerary

Families should consider their interests, such as historical sites or coastal relaxation, to design an itinerary that maximizes their budget. Major cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are prime destinations, but including lesser-known cities could offer savings.

• Rome: 3 nights – Colosseum, Vatican City
• Florence: 2 nights – Uffizi Gallery, Duomo
• Venice: 2 nights – Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica

Alternative Destinations:

• Bologna: Known for its cuisine
• Naples: Gateway to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Timing Your Visit

Traveling off-peak can lead to significant savings on accommodation and attractions. Peak tourist season in Italy spans from June to August.

Our family visited the 3rd week in April for our Spring Break!

• Best Months for Value: April, May, September, October
• Avoid if Possible: December (due to holidays), August (peak prices)

Typical Price Range for a Family of Five:

• Off-Peak Season: Accommodation from €150-€250 per night
• Peak Season: Accommodation from €250-€500 per night

These values are based on a cursory search on booking.com

Choosing the right itinerary and timing can make a significant difference in the total cost of a family trip to Italy.

Transportation Costs

When planning a family trip to Italy, transportation is a critical expense to consider. From international flights to local public transit, each mode of transport comes with its unique cost structure. In general, it is easy to take trains and taxis to get from point A to point B in Italy, so your big expense is flights to and from the country.

International Flights

International airfare for a family heading to Italy can vary greatly depending on point of departure, season, and how far in advance tickets are booked. For a family of five traveling from New York to Rome, round-trip tickets might range from $2,000 to $4,000 in economy class during the off-peak season.

• Peak Season (Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan): $4,000 – $6,000
• Off-Peak Season (Feb-May, Sep-Nov): $2000 – $4,000

Prices are higher during holidays and school breaks due to increased demand.

Domestic Travel

Once in Italy, families might choose to rent a car, take flights, or use trains to traverse the country.

• Car Rental: $30 – $70 per day
  Additional costs: insurance, fuel, tolls (There a tolls on every major road and they can add up quickly.)
• In-country Flights: $60 – $150 per person, each way
• Train Travel: $45 – $150 per person, on major routes

These costs depend on the distance traveled and the type of service chosen (standard vs. premium).

Public Transportation

For day-to-day explorations, cities in Italy offer a range of public transportation options such as buses, trams, subways, and water taxis in Venice.

• Single Tickets: Approximately $2.50
• Day Passes: Around $10
• Week Passes: Estimated at $25 – $35

Families can save through passes valid for multiple rides or several days. Each city has its pricing system, so it’s worth checking local transportation websites for the latest fares.

Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation greatly influences a family’s experience and the overall trip cost in Italy. Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, each offering different amenities and price points.

Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts cater to families looking for comfort and convenience during their Italian vacation. Average prices per night for a family room can range from €150 to €400, depending on the city and season. Amenities often include on-site restaurants, concierge services, and sometimes childcare facilities.

Family rooms for 5 were very hard to find, so we chose to rent apartments through Airbnb and VRBO. If you are a family of 4 you will have a much easier time.

• Rome: €200 – €350
• Venice: €180 – €400
• Florence: €150 – €300

Rentals and Apartments

For families preferring a home-like environment, rentals and apartments are an ideal choice. They can typically cost between €80 and €200 per night for a two-bedroom apartment, depending on location and style. This option offers more space and a kitchen, which helps save on dining out.

• Milan: €100 – €200
• Naples: €80 – €160
• Tuscany countryside: €90 – €180

Dining and Food Expenses

Italy offers a delightful array of dining experiences, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries, as well as opportunities for self-catering. This can be a great place to save money by eating at your apartment and buying groceries.

Restaurants and Eateries

In Italy, restaurant dining ranges from affordable pizzerias and trattorias to luxurious fine dining establishments. A family can expect to spend on average €30-€50 per person at a mid-range restaurant for a three-course meal. Children’s menus are often less expensive, averaging around €10-€20. Tips are appreciated, usually about 5-10% of the bill if not included.

Groceries and Self-Catering

Self-catering can be a cost-effective option for families, especially with local supermarkets and markets providing fresh produce. A weekly grocery bill for a family of four is typically between €100 and €200, depending on food choices. Local markets also offer fresh produce and the experience of Italian food culture.

Attractions and Activities

When planning a family trip to Italy, one should consider the costs of various attractions and activities, as they can significantly affect the overall budget. These include entrance fees to museums and cultural sites, prices for tours and excursions, and expenses for recreational activities.

This was a big expense that we did not expect. Prepare to spend 15-20% of your budget on attractions and entrance fees. These prices were much higher than we expected, and every single place has an entrance fee!

The more you can buy tickets ahead of time at discounts, the better off you are!

 

How Much Does a Trip to Italy for a Family of 5 Cost?

Italy is an expensive trip, but you can make it cheaper by following these tips:

• Plan ahead and buy tickets before you go.
• You can wait for a great deal on flights.
• Choose to stay outside of the large cities to save on accommodations.
• Eat out sparingly (there is delicious homemade pasta at every grocery store!)
• Use public transportation.
• Buy souvenirs that you will actually use at home.
• Don’t climb every tower and visit every small museum; enjoy what matters most!