Villa Borghese: A Family-Friendly Oasis in the Heart of Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, has it all—ancient ruins, world-class cuisine, and enough gelato to satisfy even the most indulgent traveller. But let’s be honest: it can also be a bit much. The bustling streets, endless attractions, and selfie-stick-wielding crowds can leave you craving a slice of serenity.
Enter Villa Borghese, your ticket to calm amidst the chaos. Just a short stroll from Piazza del Popolo, this sprawling park offers a quieter side of Rome that many visitors overlook. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or the perfect photo shoot backdrop, Villa Borghese delivers in spades.
Kid-friendly food in Italy beyond pizza
Many of my clients tell me that their biggest fear prior to arriving in Italy is finding food other than pizza for the fussy eater in their family. If you share those concerns and are wondering what to feed your kids in Italy beyond pizza, you’re in the right place!
The good news is that Italian food is typically simple flavours with fresh ingredients, and based on my travels throughout the world, I have to argue that it is the most child-friendly cuisine in the world.
Puglia mum & daughter portraits: Agriturismo photoshoot at Masseria Potenti
Looking for a place to escape everyday life, to process a recent event and find a way forward, this mum and daughter spent a week in Puglia at Masseria Potenti. Together, they oohed and ahhed at the landscape surrounding them. They over-indulged in the food placed in front of them. They talked, they laughed, and they embraced the special bond they have. And now they have gorgeous photos to relive the trip forever!
Savouring Italy, One Pasta Shape at a Time: A Journey Through Italy’s Regional Pasta Traditions
Dreaming of Italy with the family? Sure, there’s the art, the history, the jaw-dropping landscapes—but let’s be honest, Italy’s true heart is in its food. And what better way to dive into Italian culture than through pasta?
Each Italian region has its own signature pasta shape, and trying them is like taking a delicious bite out of local history, one forkful at a time.
Tuscany Family Photoshoot at Al Gelso Bianco
Family is everything to these Aussies- but between demanding work hours and after-school activities, they never managed to use one of the multiple gift certificates they purchased for each other over the years for a family photoshoot.
When they booked a week in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside at Al Gelso Bianco and learned they could have a photoshoot there while they were all together, without the distractions of day-to-day life- they decided to make it happen.
Tuscany Countryside Family Portraits
As a family vacation photographer in Italy, I work with kids of all ages but understandably one of the first comments made by parents upon enquiry is that they’re not sure if their kids will smile for the camera.
I get it. Over the last decade or so I’ve met my fair share of shy kids. But what I learned very quickly was how to make sure that by the end of the shoot they’re comfortable- and the photos reflect that.
That’s because this is your vacation. And I want you to look back at these photos and not only remember the wonderful trip to Italy, but of our few hours spent together with fond memories. I truly want you and the kids, to enjoy the photoshoot as part of your holiday.
The best hotels in Rome for families in 2024
Finding a family-friendly hotel is never easy. The options are typically limited to squeezing in a single rollaway (not helpful for your two teenagers?!) or booking two separate rooms and splitting your family.
You’re faced with the same issue when trying to find a family-friendly hotel in Italy! Many families opt for an Airbnb instead, but I know the guaranteed cleanliness of a luxury hotel (and the buffet breakfast) is enticing so I asked travelling parents where they’ve loved staying with their families here, and these are their recommendations.
The ultimate two-week summer trip through Italy with tweens and teens
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with your tweens and teens? This itinerary takes you from North to South with stops in Venice, Florence, Rome and Puglia. It promises to keep everyone entertained, enlightened, and well-fed as you explore the best of Italy’s vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Umbria photographer: Kid-Friendly Cooking Class themed photoshoot
Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at this culinary adventure in Umbria, the heart of Italy.
Prepare to indulge your senses and enjoy the highlights of this delightful Italian experience, where every photo tells a story of a vacation well spent.
Rome’s most fun local guide for the Colosseum and Rome with kids
Let me introduce you to Mariaclaudia. You’ll find her recommended in all the family-focused Facebook travel groups, and for good reason. I recently spent an afternoon photographing a family enjoying one of her tours and like all the reviews you read, I can’t recommend her highly enough. She’s fun, she can adapt to connect with family members of all ages (even your teenagers!) and personalities on her tour, and most of all, she leaves you feeling that little bit more knowledgable but still wanting to know more, without the overwhelm. A feeling that is sure to encourage your children to continue their learning.
Tuscany’s most beautiful family-friendly Agriturismo: Al Gelso Bianco
Whether you're envisioning a tranquil stay hanging by the pool, or looking for a central location for a busy trip, this gem stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere and ideal location amidst the myriad options: Al Gelso Bianco.
Nestled in the heart of Chianti, Al Gelso Bianco offers an idyllic blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and conveniently located between Florence and Siena, this agriturismo is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. With amenities designed to cater to families, such as a pool, playground, and child-friendly activities, Al Gelso Bianco ensures a memorable stay for guests of all ages.
In this post, we’ll delve into the features that make Al Gelso Bianco the top choice for families, provide tips for navigating Tuscany with kids, and highlight must-see attractions in the region. From engaging cooking classes to exploring medieval villages, this comprehensive guide will help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable Tuscan adventure.
Family photoshoot with Grandma in Tuscany
Taking a trip to Italy with multiple generations isn't just about ticking off destinations on a map; it's about weaving stronger threads in the fabric of your family story. Picture this: Grandparents, parents, and kids, all sharing in the thrill of discovery, the joy of experiencing new sights, sounds, and in Italy, of course, flavours. It's not just about the places you go, but the moments you share along the way that truly cement those family ties.
Headshots and professional branding portraits in Tuscany
Over the phone Laura had told me “be prepared, I am not photogenic, in fact, I can’t be photographed”. I asked her more about that and with an understanding of her fears, began to design a photoshoot plan that would ensure it was a lovely morning together, and of course, that I showed her just how gorgeous she actually is!
The ultimate guide to Truffle Hunting in Italy
Italy is not only renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine but also for something hidden beneath its soil – truffles. And what better activity to escape the crowds of Rome and Florence than a typical Italian experience that combines nature, food, history and maybe even a cooking class and lunch? That’s what Truffle Hunts throughout Italy offer and in this blog post, you can learn all about them and find the best one for your trip!
Northern Italy 10 Day Itinerary from Venice or Milan with Kids
Planning a trip to Italy, especially for the first time or with your family, can be both exhilarating and daunting. Despite Italy's compact size, comprising just 3% of the land area of the United States, the country is brimming with an abundance of cultural treasures and picturesque landscapes to explore. However, in such a small country, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of trying to cover too much ground in one go, leaving you exhausted and feeling like you've barely scratched the surface of what Italy has to offer.
So how should you spend 10 days in Italy after flying into Venice or Milan?
The Best Family-Friendly Day Trip from Rome
Rome is a fabulous city with kids, and you are going to have a blast while you’re there. But it has to be said, that the buzzing city can be overwhelming. If you’ve booked Rome as a base for your dream Italy vacation and have 4+ days, you might be considering options for day trips or afternoon outings, outside the city- after you visit the Colosseum of course!
The Italian Lakes: A Perfect backdrop for your Multi-Gen Vacation
Planning a family reunion or a multi-generational escape in the captivating Italian Lakes requires careful consideration. The picturesque lakes, adorned with charming towns against the majestic backdrop of the Alps, beckon those with a taste for the finer things in life.
As you contemplate between the iconic Lake Como, family-friendly Lake Garda, culturally rich Lake Maggiore, and the hidden gem, Lake Orta, each offering a unique charm, let's delve into the details to help you curate the perfect Italian getaway that the whole family will enjoy- even your grandson!
A step-by-step guide to your family vacation photoshoot in Italy with Classico Portraits
You’re planning a family travel adventure to Italy and intend to hire a portrait photographer while you’re here on vacation. So, it stands to reason that you’ll want to fully understand what’s involved in a vacation photoshoot in Italy before you book.
In this article, I’m going to reveal the step-by-step process of working with me so that you know exactly what to expect if you choose me as your Italy photographer, whether you’re visiting Tuscany, Venice or elsewhere!
Is Italy still worth visiting in Summer even with the crowds and heat?
As Italy continues to draw record-breaking crowds and with forecasts of 2024 being the hottest year on record, the debate over visiting during the bustling summer months intensifies. Despite the heat and throngs of tourists, Italy's natural allure, rich history, and culinary wonders will always make it worth a trip!
Discover how to make the most of your family trip amid the hustle and bustle with strategic planning and savvy tips.
How Far in Advance Do You Need to Book Experiences and Family Activities in Italy
If you’ve started researching your trip to Italy, you might have already learned the importance of making bookings early, particularly in high season for hotels and tours. Popular activities and experiences, including photographers are no exception.
As a full-service photographer, I often photograph families undertaking a favourite activity during their travels like learning to row in Venice, or truffle hunting in the Italian countryside.
As you can imagine, I’ve learned who to suggest you book these experiences with, (and who to avoid) to ensure a wonderful time. As you’d expect, the best service providers are often the first to book out.