![image of a tents next to the see](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c34cd1eac4150cf2d0e183_Boat.webp)
![A roof of a old Italian building](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce151b180e2c770ee98dfc_Rectangle%20171.webp)
![A image of a bay between two buildings](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce157f70a6d8f3810d6e24_Rectangle%2031.webp)
![Image of the coliseum in Rome](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c1e4d3012fe086766318c6_Rectangle%2094.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65f055104e30cb94982adfb0_ItalySelects_19.jpg)
![A woman standing next to a rail fence with rock peaks on the background](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce0f3dde99f6ff9305370c_Rectangle%20162.webp)
The Anderson family's memory-filled Italian summer
![image of a tents next to the see](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c34cd1eac4150cf2d0e183_Boat.webp)
![Image of the coliseum in Rome](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c1e4d3012fe086766318c6_Rectangle%2094.webp)
![A roof of a old Italian building](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce151b180e2c770ee98dfc_Rectangle%20171.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65f055104e30cb94982adfb0_ItalySelects_19.jpg)
For their 2023 holiday, Jane and Simon Anderson wanted to introduce their young family to Italy’s many delights in the most authentic way possible. This is why they reached out to Access Italy for support. What follows is Jane's journal from their viaggio...
FROM NIGHTMARES
TO DREAMS
11 Jan
A family holiday to Italy sounded like a logistical nightmare and so I called Access Italy and said: “Rome, Capri, art and lemon gelatos. Can you help?” Yes they could! Nothing was a hassle and every idea and itinerary came with different options. I didn't think we'd be able to visit Venice, so hadn't even mentioned it, but Simona made it happen.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65dee49e807a93c618c97108_Rectangle%20175.jpg)
![Image of beach chairs and umbrellas with the see on background](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce15a58bf014121a4ec138_Rectangle%20164.webp)
14 Jun
What a welcome!
As soon as we land at the airport, our chauffeur greets us and helps with our bags. The kids clap along to the Italian songs in the car as we quickly arrive at our hotel, which is beyond perfect. A beautiful hamper from Simona awaits us including an aperitivo, language book, disposable camera and games. The kids love it all and head straight to the pool!
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef325bcd56583f9f2f2fc4_Destination_NQ_06.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef325b5605d41cc258a436_Destination_NQ_011.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef32685f4a5a93f62ef0b4_access-italy-giada-mariani-venezia-H-402.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef3122f56d21ce38576b1f_ItalySelects_27.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef3165efc04b60933c7485_ItalySelects_19.jpg)
15 Jun
Behind the mask in Venice
I wanted to learn about Venice’s famous canals and carnivals but I knew the kids wouldn't sit in one place for long. Simona suggested we do a mask-marking workshop as the masters give you a history of Venice while you create and decorate your own ornate mask. Everyone wins! The kids had such a fun time and their Venetian masks now hang on the wall at home.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef326845c98493f620a633_access-italy-giada-mariani-venezia-H-211.jpg)
CHASING SUNSETS
IN CARPI
16 Jun
Simon and I have always wanted to go to Capri, but I was nervous about getting there and being surrounded by so many tourists. “No problem,” said Simona. And she was right. We got a private boat from Naples to Capri and had a charming local meet us on the island. So simple. So stylish. A photo of us on the boat now sits on our mantlepiece.
![Dishes and drinks arranged on a table](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce1618961661f715e7ae81_Rectangle%20170.webp)
![A woman standing next to a rail fence with rock peaks on the background](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce160983719d6f16992dfb_Rectangle%20169.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef325300e1ca8940e888c2_access-italy-giada-mariani-roma-h-313.jpg)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ef32537d8049579896c3db_ItalySelects_14.jpg)
18 Jun
When in Rome
A day of gladiators and gelatos! We had a special tour of the Colosseum where our youngest dressed up as a gladiator and Simon did his best Russell Crowe impression. We then visited an old gelateria to make our own sweet treat. Again, this was perfect for me as the experience was full of interesting stories about Italian culture and customs.
![Image of a woman staring at the see with rocks on the background](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c1f4769518e98fc517e3bf_Rectangle%2094-2.webp)
CIAO
FOR NOW
20 Jun
After saying ‘arrivederci’ to Italy, we returned home full of memories. And photos! The kids took the disposable camera to the printers and they've stuck all the photos on their bedroom walls. It’s a cliché, but this really was a trip of a lifetime. We'll definitely be back, and we'll definitely be speaking to Access Italy again.
![Image of a coast with boat in the see water](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65c34cbdc7869c76fa908e74_Boat-1.webp)
![Image of a coffee and some juice on a white table](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65ba3310b612127c28d0bd76/65ce11747d9110dec1dd84e8_Rectangle%20161.webp)