Future recall and wonderment

Surely one of the things we most wish for our children is that they tuck away experiences for future recall and wonderment.

These are the years for piling up sights and sounds and flavors and images and surprises and amazements.

In Italy, amazement is everywhere.

Robert and I are parents to children ages six and eight, and one of our great joys as parents is watching our children discover Italy.

A first trip to Venice..

A first view of the Dolomites, a first ascent up Florence’s Duomo dome, a first viewing of Siena’s Piazza del Campo, a first step into the garden of Ninfa…

These experiences are particularly precious to me personally as I grew up in Rome, and remember so many of them myself.

When we plan trips for families with children, we start by asking you all about your children : their names and ages, what they enjoy, what they do not enjoy..

Whether they have studied or are interested in anything related to Italy (which might be gladiators or Ancient Rome or Renaissance history or art history or Latin)..

Are curious about archeology, or enjoy art activities or drawing or painting…

Perhaps animals ? (Like these water buffalos who make superb mozzarella in Paestum, below.)

What do they enjoy ?

We listen.

We are just as interested in our youngest travelers as we are in their parents.

Here is an example : when we know that a child likes medieval armor, for their first full day in Florence we will propose the Museo Stibbert, an off-the-beaten track museum with a remarkable arms collection.

When we know that a child loves animals, they visit the Museo La Speccola. This is next door to the Palazzo Pitti, which parents may want to see, and everyone will enjoy the adjoining Boboli gardens.

If your children are not as interested in visiting the wine town of Montalcino why not combine it with Niki de Saint Phalle’s magical Tarot garden, not far away ?

A long morning in Pompeii is so well complemented by a long afternoon of idyllic swimming.

Alternating and combining children’s and adults’ destinations proves remarkably easy when you have our help, and creates a harmonious ordering for each day.

Do your children like to cook ?  We organize children’s cooking classes in many of their favorite places.

Our children were in strollers just a few years ago — please ask us for questions regarding babies too, and special locations that will delight littler children as well.

We have a Children’s Reading List and Children’s language tape ideas.

Guides and docents are one of our strong points.  We select many of our docent guides for their special expertise in engaging children. Here a Lion Treasure hunt is in progress.

Planning independent trips for family travelers is one of the single most enjoyable parts of Insider’s Italy.   Please contact us if we may help your family too.