Italy holds a special place in our hearts, especially since my husband was born and raised there. This trip was particularly meaningful as it was the first time we took our freshly turned six-year-old twins to visit their dad’s homeland. From the ancient wonders of Rome to the tranquil beauty of San Casciano, the vibrant villages of Cinque Terre, the warmth of family in Biella, and excursions to breathtaking lakes, our journey was nothing short of magical. Here’s a look at how we explored Italy—one destination at a time!
The Journey Begins: Rome to Milan
Our adventure kicked off in Rome, where we landed after a long flight—two excited little ones in tow! We spent a few days immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the Eternal City before renting a car and heading north into Tuscany. The flexibility of having a rental car allowed us to explore Italy at our own pace, turning every scenic drive into a treasured memory.
Rome: Ancient Ruins, Scenic Views & Modern Marvels
We decided to stay near the famous Spanish Steps, booking a cozy apartment through this Rome Dream Home listing. It was spacious enough for our family of four, and the central location made sightseeing easy with kids.
Highlights:
• Colosseum & Roman Forum: The twins were fascinated by tales of gladiators and emperors. Early morning visits beat the crowds and summer heat.
• Trevi Fountain: Each of us tossed in a coin (yes, even the twins!) to ensure a future return to Rome.
• Gelato Galore: Sampling different gelato flavors became a daily ritual—pistachio was a favorite!
• Scenic Open-Air Bus Tour: To take in as many sites as possible without tiring out our legs, we hopped on a scenic open-air bus tour loop. The kids loved following along with the headphones and brushing up on the city’s history while we enjoyed breathtaking views of landmarks like the Vatican and Piazza Venezia.
• Charming Churches: We strolled through some beautifully ornate churches, including one perched atop the Spanish Steps. These hidden gems added a spiritual and cultural depth to our explorations.
Florence & San Casciano: Tuscan Countryside Bliss
After leaving Rome, we drove directly to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, where we stayed at the breathtaking Fattoria La Loggia, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This serene retreat was the perfect place to unwind.
On the second day, we ventured into Florence (Firenze) for a quick taste of Renaissance art and architecture. To simplify the visit with kids, we parked outside the city and took a short train ride into the center. We explored the bustling Piazza della Signoria, enjoyed gelato, and marveled at the iconic Ponte Vecchio before returning to our Tuscan haven.
One of the most memorable experiences during our Tuscan stay was a day trip to Pelago, a small town nestled in the Tuscan hills. We enjoyed a 45-minute horseback ride through the stunning landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Despite the slightly overcast weather, the experience was magical. The highlight? A rescued young wild boar named Gino, who followed us throughout the ride alongside the stable dog Jack. The twins found it absolutely hilarious, especially when Gino would try to keep up with the horses. It was such a charming and unique experience that added a touch of adventure to our Tuscan exploration.
Highlights:
• Poolside Relaxation: Our twins adored cooling off in the pool while we soaked in the countryside views.
• Horseback Riding in Pelago: Riding through olive groves and vineyards, accompanied by Gino the boar, was unforgettable.
• Homemade Breads and Focaccias: The kitchen at Fattoria La Loggia baked fresh breads and focaccias daily, filling the air with a delicious aroma we couldn’t resist.
• Easy Day Trips: Florence was a delight, and San Casciano’s location made brief stops in Siena or San Gimignano feasible.
Before heading to the coast, we made a memorable detour to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. The kids had a blast posing for classic “holding up the tower” and handstand photos!
Cinque Terre: Coastal Charm in Monterosso al Mare
Our next stop was the stunning Cinque Terre. We stayed in Monterosso al Mare at a conveniently located Airbnb, just one floor above the small train station that connects all five villages. We took full advantage of a family day ticket that allowed unlimited train rides between Monterosso and the other villages. The train rides were not only practical but also offered breathtaking coastal views that we’ll never forget.
Highlights:
• Seaside Strolls & Beach Days: We built sandcastles, splashed in the Ligurian Sea, and treated ourselves to fresh focaccia and pesto (a local specialty!).
• Cliffside Trails: The hiking paths linking the five villages offer stunning views, but we kept our walks short to suit our twins.
• Exploring via Train: Traveling between villages was seamless, and the kids loved hopping on and off the trains to explore each unique spot.
• Slow, Scenic Days: After bustling cities, we loved the laid-back routine of strolling narrow alleys, sampling gelato, and admiring colorful cliffside homes.
Genova: Tunnels, an Aquarium, and the Old City Center
As we made our way north from Monterosso, we drove through countless tunnels (52, according to the kids!) and stopped in Genova for a few hours. The Aquarium of Genoa was a big hit, and we explored the charming old city center before continuing on.
Visiting Family in Biella and Exploring the Piedmont Region
Our final stop was Biella, in the Piedmont (Piemonte) region, where we spent quality time with family—arguably the most emotional and meaningful part of our trip. Home-cooked meals, hearty laughter, and long evenings sharing stories around the dinner table gave our twins a beautiful glimpse into their Italian heritage.
We also ventured out with family to experience the natural and historical beauty of the region:
• Lago d’Orta: This smaller, tranquil lake charmed us with its medieval narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque surroundings. We enjoyed strolling along the lakefront, stopping for pizza and ice cream along the way.
• Lago Maggiore & Villa Pallavicino: At the larger lake, we visited the stunning Villa Pallavicino, a true gem. The kids loved the gardens and park, which offered both natural beauty and space to explore.
• Candelo’s Ricetto (Medieval Village): This enchanting village on the outskirts of Biella transported us back in time. The cobblestone streets and fortified walls were a hit with the kids, who were fascinated by its history.
Capturing the Moments
Throughout our journey, we shared our adventures on Instagram (@twins.by.the.beach), posting everything from iconic Roman landmarks to scenic Tuscan sunsets. Our saved highlights include:
1. City Sightseeing – Rome & Florence
2. Countryside Getaways – San Casciano, Pelago & Tuscan Vineyards
3. Coastal Escapes – Monterosso al Mare & Cinque Terre Trails
4. Family Reunions – Biella, Lago d’Orta, Villa Pallavicino & Candelo
Feel free to follow along and experience the magic of Italy through our eyes!