DK Travel - Family Guide Italy

Picnic under 25; Snacks 2540; Real meal 4080; Family treat over 80 or more (based on a family of four)

Centuries before Rome established itself as the centre of the civilized world, there was plenty happening around the Italian peninsula.

In , at the archaeological museum, visitors can pay their respects to the oldest known Italian, 5,300-year- old tzi, whose well-preserved mummified remains were found on the Similaun Glacier in 1991. Analysis of tzi has revealed many details about life in the Copper Age what people ate, what they wore, how they lived.

Some 2,800 years after tzis icy death, Sicily was the centre of the ancient Greek world, with the city of that are still used today.

In central Italy, at around the same time, Etruscan civilization was at its peak. There are marvellous frescoes to be seen in the Etruscan museum and haunting necropolis at , Romes Etruscan museum.

However, it is for its ancient Roman monuments that Italy is best known. The Romans left traces throughout the peninsula the amphitheatre at itself, of course.

The ruins of the ancient town of Herculaneum, near Naples

For most children, the top site in Rome is the , a 20-seater toilet.

Medieval majesty

Italy is full of perfectly preserved castles and fortresses whose turreted fortifications, arrow-slit windows, moats and drawbridges bring the world of medieval chivalry and battle magically to life.

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The Filarete Tower of Castello Sforzesco in Milan

Another part of Italys medieval heritage is its walled towns. Many of these are virtually traffic-free, with sights to see, labyrinthine streets to explore, local crafts to buy, and plenty of cafs and restaurants with terraces where parents can relax while the children play. with its relaxed vibe and magnificent fortress are among the best.

Cities of culture

Italys world-famous art cities have fantastic architecture, fine art and a lively cultural scene. They can be great for a family visit, particularly with slightly older children. Historical centres tend to be compact, making it easy to combine a visit to a church, gallery or museum with relaxing in a park or piazza.

Neptune fountain on Piazza Navona Rome

Lesser-known cities are well worth exploring, too, and the choice is vast and wide-ranging. There is the spectacular cave-city of , with its breathtaking Egyptian museum and elegant boulevards that date from its years as capital of the Savoy kings.

The great outdoors

Italy covers a huge variety of landscapes. There are vast, deep lakes; networks of caves; dramatic river gorges; rolling hills and rugged mountains. Well-marked walking, horseriding and mountain-biking trails in national parks and nature reserves offer the chance to spot wildlife, from golden eagles to flamingos, brown bears to wolves.

For most kids, a volcano is the ultimate natural wonder, and the island of , an area of outstanding natural beauty where kids can really run free.

Of northern Italys famous and beautiful lakes, family favourites are , with its watersports and lively theme parks to keep active kids entertained and happy.

Beside the seaside

Italys coastline ranges from rocky coves to wind-swept dunes, and from dramatic swathes of black volcanic pebbles to the endless ribbon of golden sand that runs along the Adriatic seaboard.

Italians like to be comfortable on holiday: in summer many beaches are given over to orderly grids of sun umbrellas and loungers. These are, however, sociable places, and can be a good option for giving children a chance make friends. And for families with young children, a little comfort and plenty of shade are ideal.

The family-friendly beach resort of .

The volcanic .

For families who like wild, unspoiled beaches, Italy has several coastal nature reserves. Among the finest are the Parco dellUccellina, near .

City breaks

Any number of Italian cities and towns are ideal for a short family break. Spending a long week-end or a few days off the beaten tourist track will give adults and children alike a real sense of discovery. Among the most rewarding are medieval in Sardinia.