Italy
The Italian economy may be in shambles but Italy still puts on a good show albeit an expensive one. Museums, architecture, archaeology ruins. Beach resorts, amusement parks, natural spas. Hill towns, art cities, alpine villages. Hiking trails, ski slopes, bicycle touring. Agriturism, villas, rifuggi. And while the Italians may be laughing less they still take time for food and wine. What's more in Italy kids are king. Italians take their children everywhere and pamper them obscenely. So what's the catch? Apart from the price tag, the biggest challenge to planning a family trip to Italy is like... Read Morely to prove choosing what to skip. For every boat trip, restaurant and borgo that travelers rave there are hundreds of other fun things to see and do that are just as good if not better.
Italy hotels and accommodation
Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera (Rural Tourism)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera may be 15km from Mantova but a trek to this farm stay is well worth the effort. It is quiet and cozy. The rooms are simple and clean. The restaurant is excellent. Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera has a play area for tots and outdoor swimming pool. What's more, it's an historic property on the banks of the Po. Built by Odoardo Guerrieri Gonzaga ... Read More
Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera may be 15km from Mantova but a trek to this farm stay is well worth the effort. It is quiet and cozy. The rooms are simple and clean. The restaurant is excellent. Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera has a play area for tots and outdoor swimming pool. What's more, it's an historic property on the banks of the Po. Built by Odoardo Guerrieri Gonzaga in the 17th century, Agriturismo Ca' Guerriera is an ideal base for cyclists as well as family travelers in search of something different.
Palazzo Arrivabene (B&B)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Palazzo Arrivabene is our top pick in Mantova. Not only does this historic palace boast original frescoes, the rooms are spacious and clean. It's centrally located; Palazzo Arrivabene is just a 5 minute walk from the train station and round the block from the main square. What's more, Claudio goes out of his way to make you feel at home. Driving to Mantova? Parking in c ... Read More
Palazzo Arrivabene is our top pick in Mantova. Not only does this historic palace boast original frescoes, the rooms are spacious and clean. It's centrally located; Palazzo Arrivabene is just a 5 minute walk from the train station and round the block from the main square. What's more, Claudio goes out of his way to make you feel at home. Driving to Mantova? Parking in central Mantova requires a pass. Mention it to Claudio and he'll arrange one for you.
Terrace, Palazzo Arrivabene
Alfredo De Simone
Agriturismo La Casa Rossa (Rural Tourism)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Via Pietra a Padule n. 5105
Loc. Massaciuccoli
55050 Massarossa, Italy
+39 0584975448
This Tuscan farm stay is ideal for families. Not only is La Casa Rossa within an hours drive from the Italian art cities of Lucca and Pisa and seaside towns of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, the atmosphere is relaxed. The apartments and rooms are both spacious and functional. The breakfasts, served to those choosing B&B, are abundant and offer variety. What's more, this ... Read More
This Tuscan farm stay is ideal for families. Not only is La Casa Rossa within an hours drive from the Italian art cities of Lucca and Pisa and seaside towns of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, the atmosphere is relaxed. The apartments and rooms are both spacious and functional. The breakfasts, served to those choosing B&B, are abundant and offer variety. What's more, this agriturismo boasts a game room and pool.
Tenuta La Chiusa (Self-Catering)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Tenuta La Chiusa, named for the wall that encloses it, commands a stunning view of the Gulf of Portoferraio and the farm's 13.5 hectares of vineyards and olive groves. And while the rentals at this manor are simple, they are functional and on the beach. Open Easter through October. Minimum stay: 1 week. An onsite shops sells olive oil and wine.
Costa dei Gabbiani (Resort)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
The holiday village known as Costa dei Gabbiani offers two types of lodging - rooms and rentals - and wide range of activities including kid's club and children's pool. The hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 19th century farmhouse known as Tenuta delle Ripalte. The rental villas, some with barbeque, are nestled beneath a canopy of pines. Family Travel Tips: ... Read More
The holiday village known as Costa dei Gabbiani offers two types of lodging - rooms and rentals - and wide range of activities including kid's club and children's pool. The hotel is housed in a meticulously restored 19th century farmhouse known as Tenuta delle Ripalte. The rental villas, some with barbeque, are nestled beneath a canopy of pines. Family Travel Tips: Neither the rooms nor rentals are on the beach but rather 218 m above the sea. (Its hike or drive to the water.) Not all of the rentals are equally charming; take care when choosing.
Agriturismo Il Termine (Rural Tourism)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Those who think farm stays aren't chic have never stayed at Il Termine. Not only is this agriturismo stylish, the food is divine. What's more, Il Termine boasts a privileged perch high above Elba's northeast shore. So why take the kids? This restored Tuscan dimora has a relaxed atmosphere. It's but a short drive from the village Cavo and port of Rio Marina. ... Read More
Those who think farm stays aren't chic have never stayed at Il Termine. Not only is this agriturismo stylish, the food is divine. What's more, Il Termine boasts a privileged perch high above Elba's northeast shore. So why take the kids? This restored Tuscan dimora has a relaxed atmosphere. It's but a short drive from the village Cavo and port of Rio Marina. The owners are excellent with children. And the kitchen is willing to accommodate finicky kids, albeit with simple pasta dishes but not chicken fingers.
Hotel Reviews
| Review
B&B Casastella doesn't boast a view of the Sassi and it's a bit a walk from the ruins yet this 4-room B&B is our top pick in Matera. Not only is this cozy bed and breakfast straight out of Elle Decor, the graciousness of the host is hard to surpass. And being on the edge of the old town has its advantages. The rooms are quiet, its possible to park, and all guest ... Read More
B&B Casastella doesn't boast a view of the Sassi and it's a bit a walk from the ruins yet this 4-room B&B is our top pick in Matera. Not only is this cozy bed and breakfast straight out of Elle Decor, the graciousness of the host is hard to surpass. And being on the edge of the old town has its advantages. The rooms are quiet, its possible to park, and all guest rooms look on to the Gravina. Tips for families: The suite sleeps five. All other rooms have a couch that can be made into a bed. The B&B's fridge is for the use of guests. The owner knows which tours to book and those to avoid and is happy to help with the arrangements.
Arcobaleno (B&B)
Via IV Novembre, 75
19016 Monterosso al mare (SP)
Italy
+39 0187 809183
This guesthouse or affittacamere (rooms for let) is a true find. Situated roughly 150 meters from the beach in the residential area of Monterosso this 7-room establishment has all the comforts of a hotel. Each of the spacious rooms has a private bath, minibar and kettle and two have a small balcony. The only drawback, there is no view.