Italy family-friendly travel guide

The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. Winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central mountains; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicily.

Summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the mountains it is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions. Beach and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have a busy tourist season in summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn. Apart from the Alps, which have a mountain climate that varies with altitude, Italy has a continental climate in the north and a Mediterranean one in the south.

Summer temperatures average 24°C throughout the nation but Rome can be in the 40’s during the peak of Summer. Winter temperatures range from a January average of 1°C in Bolzano, to 7°C in Rome, and 12°C in Palermo, Sicily.

New Zealand and Australians do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Passports need to be valid for at least three months after your intended departure date.

Qantas flies to Rome via Dubai from all Australian capital citites. Qatar Airways flies from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth to Rome, Pisa, Milan and Venice via Dohor.

The best way to see central Rome is on foot, with most landmarks close together and may not be accessible by car. The Metro which has three lines: Line A (orange) runs southeast to northwest via Termini, Barberini, Spagna and several stations in Prati near the Vatican; Line B (blue), running north to south via Termini and stops in Ancient Rome; Line C (green) running from Monte Compatri in the southeast to San Giovanni (on Line A). Car or van hire is a popular way to explore the country.

There are historical buildings and museums where visitors can taste various homemade products. Italy is the perfect destination for picky eaters as all kids love pizza and pasta! Very traditional Italian pastas are simple yet delicious.

It is estimated that every year more than two million tourists visit the Italian countryside and its famous wine cellars. Italian cuisine, which is extremely popular in its authentic tastes, takes its origin from a large range of products offered in great quantity from nature reflecting the warm climate. There are itineraries which include visits to wine cellars with their own vineyards opened to the public.

Shops are generally open from 9:00am to 7:00pm. 

Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 or 9:00am to 12:30 or 1pm and from about 2:30pm to 4:00pm.  

Tips are customary in Italy, but not essential. The tradition of the tip remains impervious to change, even though cafe or restaurant prices now more and more often include both cover charge and service. When paying the bill, if it is paid in cash it is a matter of leaving a few notes from the change, or saying to the waiter “va bene così ” (it’s all right), when the difference between the amount paid and the actual bill automatically becomes the tip. When using a credit card, there are two possibilities: if the total on the credit card slip is the same as the bill, again leave some notes as a tip; but if the amount or the total is blank, simply round up the total to include the tip when signing the credit card slip.

A service charge of 15% to 18% is added to hotel bills. When all-inclusive prices are quoted, the service charge is already included. It is customary to leave an additional tip even when the service charge is already included.

A service charge of approximately 15% is added to all restaurant bills. It is customary, however to leave a small tip for good service as follows: waiter: 5% to 10%. You are now required by law to obtain an official receipt when eating at restaurants. If sitting at a table at a cafe or bar and your bill does not already include service charge, add 15% gratuity.

Dress for the heat in the summer months (June to August) and be prepared for cool weather in winter or in higher elevations. 

Many churches do not allow entry to people with exposed shoulders or shorts, so if you’re planning to visit any cathedrals, wear trousers or a longer skirt and bring light jumper to cover your shoulders if wearing a sleeveless top.

You’ll need an adaptor if you want to use Australian equipment in Europe. Plugs have two round pins and a receptacle for male grounding pin, and work on 220V / 50Hz Adaptors are available at the airport or you can purchase one before you leave. 

Italy is generally a safe and healthy destination, with a high quality of food preparation and drinkable water. You don’t require any vaccinations. Make sure you get travel insurance before your trip. 

Thank you – Grazie
You’re welcome – Prego
Please – Per favore
Yes – Sì
No – No
Excuse me – Mi scusi
I’m sorry – Mi dispiace
I don’t understand – Non capisco
Do you speak English? –  Parla inglese?
What’s your name? – Come si chiama?
How are you? – Come va?
Do you speak English? – Parla inglese?

A 12-minute chairlift – or an hour-long hike – will bring you to Mount Solaro, the highest point on Italy’s most renowned island, Capri. Once you’ve reached the site’s 589-metre peak you’ll come face-to-face with a sweeping panoramic view that includes Capri’s luxurious properties and clear blue waters as well as the Bay of Naples and the Almalfi Coast. Needless to say, you’ll be snapping quite a few pictures here!

With winding horns and fluffy faces, the mountaineering wild goat known as the Ibex is an adorable staple of the Italian Alps. In Gran Paradiso National Park, the first national park established in Italy, there are 5,000 of these alpine oddities spread over 70,000 hectares of stunning wilderness. From the towering Graian Alps to sweeping forests, the park has plenty of scenic wonders that can be easily accessed – and photographed! – by even those with a phobia of hiking.

Also known as the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, this historic landmark is marked by the 12-metre statue of King Vittorio himself sitting near its entrance. Atop the monument’s vast white marble structure you’ll find one of the best views of surrounding Rome. Known as the Terrazza delle Quadrighe, the top of the monument offers stunning panoramic views that include the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.