Rome Family Trip 8 Nights in April: Florence, Cinque Terre Travel

I stood in the middle of Piazza Navona on our first evening, jet-lagged and slightly overwhelmed, watching Lily try to count all the fountains at once. Rome in April is a specific kind of beautiful — the light stays golden until almost eight, the jacaranda trees are just starting to bloom, and the crowds haven’t yet hit the suffocating peak of July. We had eight nights to cover Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre with a four-year-old and a seven-year-old in tow. That’s a tight window for three very different regions, but I found it works if you pace yourself and accept you won’t see everything. This guide covers exactly how we structured those eight nights — what we skipped, what we wish we’d done differently, and the honest trade-offs of moving a family between three destinations in just over a week.

Rome: three nights to find your footing

We based ourselves in Trastevere for three nights, and I’d make that same call again.

Trastevere is less polished than the historic center, but it’s walkable to almost everything and full of trattorias where kids are genuinely welcome. On our first full day, we walked to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. I bought tickets online two weeks ahead through the official site — CoopCulture — and skipped the line that snaked around the Arch of Constantine. Ethan lasted about forty-five minutes inside before declaring it “too many old rocks,” so we let him run around Palatine Hill while Lily asked questions about gladiators. That’s the rhythm of Rome with young kids: you get about an hour of focused sightseeing before you need a gelato break or a piazza to chase pigeons.

Day two we hit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. I booked the earliest entry slot at 8:00 AM through the official Vatican Museums site, and even then the Gallery of Maps was shoulder-to-shoulder by 9:30. The Sistine Chapel is stunning, but it’s also packed, warm, and silent — a tough combo for a four-year-old. We brought a small sketchbook and crayons for Ethan, which bought us maybe ten minutes. Lily was more engaged, but both kids were done by the time we reached St. Peter’s Basilica. We skipped the dome climb because the spiral staircase looked like a nightmare with tired legs.

Our third Rome morning was loose — Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and a long lunch in Piazza Navona. Trevi was packed even at 9:00 AM, but we found a spot near the left side where the crowd thins out. The Spanish Steps are wide enough that kids can sit without blocking traffic. That afternoon we took the train to Florence.

Florence: two nights, one big decision

Florence is compact, which works in your favor, but the major sights require advance planning.

We had two nights in Florence, and I knew we couldn’t do both the Uffizi and the Accademia without meltdowns. We chose the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David — booked tickets for 8:15 AM through the official Galleria dell’Accademia site. The museum is small, so you’re in and out in under an hour. David is genuinely overwhelming in person, and even Ethan stopped fidgeting for a solid two minutes. Afterward we walked to the Duomo and climbed Giotto’s Bell Tower instead of the dome — fewer stairs, shorter line, and you still get that iconic view of the red-tiled roofs.

We spent the afternoon at Piazza della Signoria and the Mercato Centrale. The upstairs food hall at Mercato Centrale is a lifesaver for families: multiple cuisines under one roof, no one cares if kids are loud, and you can grab a table without a reservation. Michael had a plate of truffle pasta while Lily ate pizza and Ethan demolished a bowl of gelato. That evening we walked to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset. It’s a steep climb from the city center, but the view of Florence glowing in golden hour is worth every step. We brought a blanket and let the kids lie on the grass while we watched the light fade.

Cinque Terre: three nights, one village as home base

We based ourselves in Monterosso al Mare for three nights, and that decision shaped the entire second half of our trip.

Monterosso is the only Cinque Terre village with a proper sandy beach and the flattest streets, which matters when you’re pushing a stroller or carrying a tired four-year-old. We booked a small apartment two blocks from the beach through Booking.com. The train station is a five-minute walk, and the ferry dock is right on the main beach. From Monterosso, you can reach any of the other four villages in under fifteen minutes by train. The Cinque Terre Train Card — which covers unlimited train travel between the villages plus access to the hiking trails — cost around €18 per adult per day when we visited. You can buy it at any station or online through the official Cinque Terre Park site.

Our first full day we took the train to Riomaggiore and Manarola. Riomaggiore is steep — lots of stairs and narrow alleys — but the harbor view from the top is postcard material. Manarola is slightly more walkable, and we found a spot near the church with a bench where we sat and watched the boats. The famous Via dell’Amore walking path between Riomaggiore and Manarola was still partially closed during our visit due to landslide repairs, so we took the train instead. Check the official park website before you go if hiking between villages is a priority.

Day two we stayed in Monterosso. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella for the morning — about €15 for the set — and let the kids dig in the sand for hours. The water in April is cold, but Lily waded in up to her knees. After lunch we walked to the old town section of Monterosso, which has a castle ruin and a small church. That evening we took the ferry to Vernazza for dinner. The ferry ride itself was the highlight for Ethan — he stood at the railing the whole time pointing at the cliffs. Vernazza at sunset, with the pastel houses stacked against the rock, is one of those moments that makes you forget the logistics of traveling with kids.

Our third day we took a morning train to Corniglia, the only village not directly on the water. Corniglia sits on a cliff, and you have to climb the Lardarina — a staircase with 382 steps — to reach the center. We did not attempt this with Ethan. Instead, we took the shuttle bus from the train station to the village square, which runs every twenty minutes and costs €1.50. Corniglia is quieter than the other villages, with fewer shops and more locals. We had lunch at a tiny osteria where the owner brought out a plate of fried anchovies for the kids to try. Lily ate three. Ethan fed his to a stray cat.

Train travel between cities: what worked and what didn’t

We took three trains over eight days, and the experience ranged from seamless to mildly chaotic.

The Rome-to-Florence leg on Frecciarossa was smooth — about 1 hour 35 minutes, with assigned seats, air conditioning, and a snack car. We booked through Trenitalia about three weeks in advance and paid around €40 per adult for business class. The Florence-to-La Spezia train was the trickiest. We had to change in Pisa Centrale, and the connection was tight — twelve minutes between platforms. With two kids, two backpacks, and a stroller, we barely made it. If I did it again, I’d book a direct train from Florence to La Spezia, which runs a few times a day and takes about two hours. From La Spezia, the local Cinque Terre train to Monterosso is another fifteen minutes.

The regional trains between Cinque Terre villages are frequent but crowded, especially between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. We learned to board at the front of the train where there’s more space for strollers. The trains run roughly every twenty minutes, so if one is packed, you can wait for the next one.

Packing for three climates in one week

April in Italy means you’ll need layers, rain gear, and a willingness to adapt.

Rome was warm — highs around 68°F (20°C) — but Florence was cooler, and Cinque Terre was downright chilly in the evenings. I packed one small carry-on each for the kids and a medium checked bag for Michael and me. The single most useful item was a lightweight stroller that folds flat — we used it in Rome and Florence, but in Cinque Terre we left it at the apartment and carried Ethan in a toddler carrier on the steep streets. Lily walked the whole trip without complaint, but I packed a small collapsible stool for her to stand on in crowded museum queues.

I also brought a compact travel camera — the DJI Mini 3 — for aerial shots of the Cinque Terre coastline. It weighs under 249 grams, so no registration was needed, and the vertical shooting mode was perfect for Instagram stories. I flew it over Monterosso beach early one morning before the crowds arrived, and the footage of the pastel houses against the blue water is my favorite souvenir from the trip.

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Before you go: Rome, Florence, and Cinque Terre

Is eight nights enough for all three destinations?

Yes, but only if you accept you’ll miss things. You won’t see the Uffizi, the Borghese Gallery, or hike all five Cinque Terre trails. Focus on one or two major sights per city and leave the rest for next time.

We skipped the Uffizi and the Vatican Gardens and didn’t feel like we missed out. The kids remember the beach in Monterosso and the train rides more than any museum.

Which Cinque Terre village is best for families?

Monterosso al Mare, without question. It has the only sandy beach, the flattest streets, and the widest selection of family-friendly restaurants. The other villages are beautiful but steep and crowded.

We stayed in an apartment two blocks from the beach and walked everywhere. The train station is flat and stroller-friendly, which matters more than you’d think.

What’s the biggest downside of this itinerary?

You spend a lot of time packing and unpacking. Three hotels in eight nights means you’re checking in and out every two to three days. That gets old fast, especially with kids.

If I did it again, I’d consider skipping Florence and adding those two nights to Cinque Terre. Florence is wonderful, but the pace of moving every few days wears on everyone.

Do I need to book trains in advance?

For high-speed trains between Rome and Florence, yes — book at least two weeks ahead for the best prices. Regional trains to Cinque Terre don’t need advance booking, but buy your Cinque Terre Train Card at the station.

We booked our Rome-to-Florence train through Trenitalia and saved about 30% compared to last-minute fares.

Is April a good time to visit Cinque Terre?

April is a mixed bag. The weather is mild and the crowds are manageable, but the water is cold for swimming and some hiking trails may still be closed for maintenance. The Via dell’Amore was partially closed during our visit.

Check the official Cinque Terre Park website before you go for trail conditions and ferry schedules.

What I’d do differently next time

Eight nights across three destinations taught me that less really is more when you’re traveling with young kids. The best moments weren’t the famous sights — they were the ferry ride to Vernazza, the cat in Corniglia, and the hour Lily spent building a sandcastle on Monterosso beach while I sat with a book and a glass of white wine. If I planned this trip again, I’d give Cinque Terre four nights instead of three and cut Florence to one. But I’d still start in Rome, because Rome is the kind of city that makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere important, even when your four-year-old is asking if they have chicken nuggets. For more on traveling beyond the usual tourist path, read my guide to undiscovered Italy beyond the usual tourist path.

Sources and further reading

Statista. “International tourist arrivals in Italy 2013-2023.” 2024. 🔗

Italy4Real. “8-Day Rome, Florence & Cinque Terre Semi-Escorted Tour.” 🔗

Kimkim. “Discovering the Italian Highlights: From Rome to the Cinque Terre — 8-Day Itinerary.” 🔗

JayWay Travel. “Rome, Cinque Terre & Florence Tour — 9 Days / 8 Nights.” 🔗

Related reading on Emily in Italy

Imagine Ancient Rome Without Crowds at Caracalla Baths — A quieter alternative to the Colosseum that’s perfect for families who want history without the crush.

Capture Rome’s Best Views From These Spots — Where to go for skyline photos that don’t involve climbing the Vatican dome.

Naples, Italy: A Guide to Timeless Discoveries — If you have extra days, Naples is a gritty, rewarding add-on to any Rome itinerary.

Spain & Italy Honeymoon: 17 Days — A longer itinerary that pairs Italy with Spain, useful for pacing comparisons.