ITALY! One of my favorite countries! Pasta, wine, history and some of the most beautiful views in the world! When I had my daughter in 2022, I knew I wanted to travel to Italy with her for our first big trip overseas. My husband and I would be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary in May 2024, so we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate a momentous occasion with a family vacation to Tuscany!
If you’re thinking of traveling to Italy with your baby, keep reading as I will be sharing everything you need to know including, where I stayed, ate, baby travel tips and more!
Map of Tuscany
Tuscany is located in the west central region of Italy. Tuscany is made up of ten provinces: Florence, Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. Any town you’ll be in will be listed essentially under one of these provinces which are the political sub-divisions of the Region of Tuscany.
How to get to Tuscany
There are 3 airports that you can fly into in order to visit the Tuscan region, which include:
- Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport)
- Pisa International Airport
- Rome Airport (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport)
Once you decide which region of Tuscany you plan to visit, I would then research which airport is closest and has the best flight options to that area from your home base.
We chose to fly into the Rome Airport, as the flights were the most affordable and non stop from Miami. The fact that we were traveling with a 15 month old baby, we did not want to make any stops. Flight prices were also important as we did pay for her seat even though children under two fly for free on your lap. I personally did not want to have my baby sitting on my lap for 9 hours so I felt it was worth it to pay for her seat.
How to get around Tuscany
In my opinion, if you’re visiting Tuscany you will need to rent a car, especially with a baby. We rented a car from Avis at the Rome airport, which was very convenient.
If renting a car is not an option for you, regional trains go to many of Tuscany’s cities and towns, and the places that cannot be reached by train can be reached by bus, which almost always leaves from the closest stations. Some areas have taxi services or Uber once you arrive at the train station to get you to your accommodations.
Both options are reasonable and have their pros and cons. It all depends on your preference. We personally prefer having our own car to explore at our own pace. Also, if you’re traveling with a baby having a car with your car seat or a rented car seat and everything you need for your baby is also much more convenient.
Helpful Tips
Remember that stick shifts are most common in Italy, so if you want an automatic, make sure you reserve one in advance. Your best bet is to get a car at the airport.
Before you travel, get an international driver’s permit (it’s legally required). Here in the US, we obtained our permit from AAA.
Most towns in Tuscany don’t allow tourists to drive in the historic areas, but you can find parking near every town center allowing for easy access to the main sites. Once you arrive to these areas, you will see all the other tourists parking, so it’s not difficult to figure out.
Brief Overview of My Itinerary
Tuscany is a large region, which is impossible to visit during a one week trip. With so much to see, it’s quite overwhelming to try and narrow it down to a particular area, so allow me to share with you the locations we chose to base ourselves in and cities close enough to plan day trips.
You could exhaust yourself driving around and trying to fit in an innumerable amount of activities into each day, but this is a vacation with a baby, so I included a realistic itinerary.
My itinerary in brief:
- Rome (1 night)
- Cortona, region of Arezzo (5 nights)
- Rome (1 night)
We chose to base ourselves in Cortona because it is only a 2 hour drive from Rome and in close proximity to many nearby towns that were of interest to us. During our 5 night stay in Cortona, we were able to do day trips to Siena, Montepulciano, Val’d Orcia, and Pienza.
Where we Stayed
During our stay in Italy, we stayed at three different accommodations, which included:
Rome (1 Night)
WHERE WE STAYED
After flying 10 hours from Miami to Rome with our baby, we decided to spend our first night in Rome. We picked up our rental car and headed to our hotel. By doing this, we were able to adjust to the time difference more easily. Upon arrival, we were able to situate ourselves in our hotel room and take a long nap, before going to dinner and exploring some of the city.
WHAT WE DID
Although this was our first trip to Rome with our baby, we have visited Rome in the past and visited all the major historical sites, including visiting Vatican City to see the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. For that reason, on this trip with the baby, we chose to only visit the areas that were close to our hotel for a photo. If you are traveling to Rome for the first time and with older children, your itinerary may vary in this aspect. I highly recommend skip the line tours especially with small children.
During our day in Rome, we decided to visit the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain which were both within a 20 minute walk from our hotel. Once in those areas, we strolled around and explored.
WHERE WE ATE
We chose to visit 47 Roof Garden for aperativo and the stunning views! For dinner, we had a reservation at Collina Emiliane, which came highly recommended and it did not disappoint! Very quaint and intimate, even with the baby, who ended up falling asleep! Lucky us!
Additional Recommendations:
Cortona (5 Nights)
Our home base was at Corte Delle Stelle in Cortona and each day we would drive to a nearby town and spend the day. It was really perfect for us, especially to have our own car to get around and explore at our leisure.
Cortona
Cortona is one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Tuscany. It was founded by the Etruscans, colonized by the Romans, and, after its sale to the Florentines in 1409, thrived under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Cortona is perched majestically on a ridge of Monte Sant’Egidio, dominating the Val di Chiana. The approach road winds through terraced olive groves and vineyards, past villas, farms and monasteries.
WHAT WE DID
On our first day in Cortona, we traveled to the main square to stroll, eat and shop. You can spend hours strolling the town, walking into little shops and looking at all the historical buildings.
WHERE WE ATE
Parking Tip: If you do bring your own car, you’ll need to park in one of the main lots outside the town walls and get around by foot inside. There are number of small parking lots around the walls of Cortona, that leave you right outside the entrance of Piazza Mazzini that leads to the center of town.
Parcheggio Pubblico: 52044 Cortona, Province of Arezzo, Italy (Google Map It)
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. It’s nestled right in the beautiful Tuscan hills and has an incredibly charming, historic and peaceful atmosphere. On our second day in Cortona, we drove 30 minutes from our villa and spent the day in Montepulciano!
WHAT WE DID
Explored the town
Be prepared to walk uphill for a bit when you enter Porta al Prato, the main gateway to Montepulciano. Follow all the charming streets. You will pass through several Renaissance palazzos on your way to the apex of the hill where you will be greeted by Piazza Grande.
Wine Tasting at De’Ricci
Wine tasting with a baby? Wine not? When you’re thinking about the best things to do in Tuscany Italy, this will ultimately come up. Hear me out: You’re not drinking enough to impair you, and if you prefer to let someone else do the driving, there are many Tuscany wine tours available. Also, vineyards in Tuscany are very kid-friendly!
We booked this guided tour and wine tasting of 6 wines + food, which is in the center of Montepulciano and walking distance from Piazza Grande. De’Ricci is said to have “the most beautiful wine cellar in the world,” and lucky for all pedestrians, you can easily access the cellar near Piazza Grande. The winery produces the classic nobile wine of Montepulciano along with many other vintages.
We traveled with our Doona Stroller/Carseat, which was perfect for Italy as it fit the smallest little walkways and even through the cellar during our wine tour. I was shocked at how well it held up over all the cobblestones! Highly recommend the Doona for traveling with a baby.
If you travel to Tuscany with family or a nanny, this Tuscan winery tour with wine tasting + a meal, is perfect for a romantic night. Also, this countryside Tuscan wine tasting, which is just about 1 hour in duration and includes an olive oil tasting, is the perfect about of time and number of tastings to enjoy some wine while the baby naps.
Here is a list of additional recommended wineries within Montepulcino you could visit:
- Gattavecchi – Cantina Gattavecchi is also located near Piazza Grande and has a historical cellar to enjoy. Down in the cellars rests aging wine that won’t see bottles and markets for at least two years.
- iCario – located within Montepulciano, in a corner of Tuscany bordering Umbria, a corner that still maintains its authentic nature and uncontaminated beauty. It is a territory where there are no large factories, but small shops, artisans and a culture of hospitality. Click here for tasting menu. Reservations required.
- Contucci – One of the oldest in Tuscany, open for over 1000 years, and very popular. It is also situated in the city’s main square.
WHERE WE ATE
Pienza
Pienza is a tiny village in southern Tuscany in the beautiful valley called Val d’Orcia, which I highly recommend you visit. It’s a great place to walk around for a few hours and grab a traditional Tuscan lunch. Pienza is also the city of cacio, which means cheese! The town streets are full of small charming shops selling a large quantity of various types of pecorino, from fresh to aged pecorico, that you can taste together with a number of other typical local products, such as fine wines, spices, pici (handmade pasta) and so on.
WHAT WE DID
Strolled the Village
In Pienza, you must simply walk the pedestrian friendly streets with grand historical buildings. Inviting doors and delightful windows adorned with colorful flower beds add to Pienza’s enchantment.
Drove through Val D’ Orcia
The picturesque valley is known for its winding path that cuts through the rolling fields of Tuscany. Sitting in a lush valley with large cypress trees lining the road on each side.
WHERE WE ATE
The perfect restaurant for lunch while driving through Pienza. You will find breathtaking panoramic views of Val di Chiana and the Chiesa di San Biagio as you dine on an outdoor terrace. They are known for their historical wine cellar, where Vino Nobile wines are aged patiently.
On our third night at Corte Delle Stelle, we decided to do a cooking class for dinner. This was the perfect way to end our day after exploring Pienza. We were able to head back to our villa and freshen up and the lovely Micheli family hosted THE BEST cooking class I have ever experienced! The family operated business is run exquisitely and with love. That same love is demonstrated in the dishes curated during the cooking class by Chef Catia and her daughter, Sara. Both of these women are so lovely and they treated our family like their own, including our baby. At times during the class, they held the baby and let her participate in the cooking experience so that we could relax and have a glass of wine. The food was SO delicious! I highly recommend taking this cooking class or eating at the restaurant during your stay in Cortona or the surrounding areas.
Siena
For authentic Tuscan life, take the family for a day in Siena. The area is known for its unique local culture, agriculture, and handcrafted art. Once in Siena, you should head straight to Siena’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the famous medieval square, Piazza del Campo, where the renowned Palio di Siena horse race takes place.
While in Siena, make sure to enjoy a classic wine tasting. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a tour to taste Brunello di Montalcino wine, a famous Siena specialty. You can find it at local wine cellars or take a wine-tasting tour from Siena into the local countryside.
WHAT TO DO
Wander through the historic center
Explore the narrow streets and alleyways of Siena’s medieval old town
Visit a Museum
Discover art collections at the Palazzo Pubblico, the Duomo, and Santa Maria della Scala
Climb the Torre del Mangia
Enjoy panoramic views of Siena from the top of the bell tower
Visit Duomo di Siena
A stunning cathedral with impressive architecture and artwork
WHERE TO EAT
Rome (1 Night)
WHERE WE STAYED
Walking distance from the Spanish Steps and the Vatican, Le Méridien Visconti is a perfect location in the heart of Rome for leisure, business, shopping and nightlife. We decided to stay at Le Meridien during our last stop back in Rome so that we could explore a different part of the city. We drove from Cortona to Rome in the morning so that we could be closer to the airport as our flight left from Rome back home to Miami the following morning. This worked our perfectly for us as we were able to explore a few more areas of Rome before heading home.
WHAT WE DID
Explored the Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite its age. Although we toured the Colosseum 10 years ago, we wanted to take a photo in front of it during this trip with the baby.
WHERE TO EAT
That completes 1 week in Tuscany with a baby! Hopefully you survived and created beautiful memories with your little one!
We’ve traveled to many places over the years, but this was our first trip overseas with a baby. It took a little extra planning, but it was all worth it in the end! The history, charm of each town and the genuine warmth of the locals we met easily made this one of our favorite trips to date. If you are planning to visit Italy with your baby, I highly recommend adding Tuscany to your bucket list.
If you’ve been to Tuscany, DM me on Instagram or comment below and tell me your favorite spots. I would love to add them to my list for our next family vacation to Italy!
Additional Tips for Traveling with a Baby:
- Bring lots of snacks for the airplane ride. I would bring things that travel well and don’t have to be refrigerated.
- I brought a snackle box in my purse for the airplane. On our flight back to Miami I filled it up at the breakfast bar from the hotel.
- Bring lots of games and activities to keep your baby/toddler entertained. I brought sticker books and busy books.
- Offline or download your baby’s favorite cartoons on your phone before your flight for some screen time. You can also bring your child’s personal screen device.
- Pack exactly what you need so you’re not carrying tons of luggage and bags.
- You can buy diapers and wipes in Italy at a grocery store. You can even buy fruit packs and additional snacks when you arrive to free up room in your suitcase.
- Bring a travel friendly stroller that can tackle cobblestones well.
- If you plan to rent a car, you can rent a car seat if you don’t want to lug yours around. If you have a Doona, like I did, traveling will be so much easier as its a stroller and carseat all in one. The Doona fits in the overhead bin when folded down. I also have the Bugaboo Butterfly, which is a great travel stroller and also fits in the overhead bin of the airplane.
- Highly recommend buying a bed for the airplane for your baby to sleep and also keep them in their seat if they have their own seat. The bed allows allows your child to sit up or lay down and be at the level of the window. I had no issues using this bed on my flights. The baby sat in the window seat and she slept on all flights like a baby!
SHOP MY TUSCAN LOOKS
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