While most of my reviews will be from the family perspective, this trip was a little different because it was adults only. This was an anniversary trip so we chose not to bring the kids (sorry boys!) but it could easily have been a family trip with a few modifications. In my opinion, any destination is family-friendly if you choose the right sites and activities.
Click on the photo links below to read my reviews and then scroll down to read a few notes for families considering these destinations.
Rome
Of all the places we visited, I think the boys would have enjoyed Rome the most. The city itself is exciting to walk around and explore, and the history and ruins are both interesting and educational. Instead of audio tours, we would have gotten tour guides and we definitely would have booked the underground tour of the Colosseum.
Florence
Florence would have been a little more challenging with the boys. While they both enjoy art and have spent some time in museums, the almost singular focus of Florence on museums filled with Renaissance art makes it a bit sophisticated for young kids. But exposure to any European city is bound to be interesting for kids. Just walking around and seeing how different their buildings and streets are from our own is a worthwhile endeavor with kids. If the boys had come with us we would have probably spent more time outside and wandering the city streets than inside museums but they would certainly still have had a good time.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre would be a wonderful location with kids, but hiking expectations should be level set to their ages. We saw very few (if any) elementary aged kids on the trails we went on, but there were plenty of other hiking opportunities that would have been more age appropriate. Kids would love traveling between the towns by train and exploring each different town. Kids of any age can appreciate the amazing views that are around every corner in Cinque Terre.