Just because you have small children doesn’t mean that you suddenly want to go to a soulless resort, or a holiday village where you are cheek by jowl with the neighbours. It is possible to have an authentic Italian experience with small children in tow. Indeed, while the children as so little may be the ideal time to go as you are not confined to school holidays and so will have the pick of accommodation , perfect weather and cheap flights. Brava Mamma!

Since moving to Italy 2 years ago with a two year old we have been amazed at the Italian attitude towards children. Italians love children. It’s not that the tolerate them or think they come with the spending parents; they are genuinely child focussed. We think Italy, and Le Marche in particular is a the perfect place for a family friendly holiday. Having said that there are a few tips that you should bear in mind when looking to travel self catering in rural Italy.

Know what to expect: Many rural Italian farmhouses are on different levels, and not always easy to gate. And those charming terracotta tiles are…hard!! When searching for accommodation look for houses that specifically mention things like baby monitors, stair gates, booster seats, sterilisers, step ups etc. These will be the owners who see family groups as an important market and not just someone to be managed or fobbed off. Fenced pools are not a legal requirement in Italy but are an imperative for your peace of mind.

Baby food is not available in as many flavours or varieties as at home so it is wise to sacrifice a few or your luggage allowance grams for a couple of jars of your known favourites. Having said that there is always pasta and pizza!! (and ice cream!! It is a holiday after all) Fresh milk is widely available in Le Marche.

High chairs are hit and miss in restaurants. When booking ask for “una seggiolina per il bimbo” . It is a good idea to carry a harness in your bag as not all chairs have straps. Even better invest in one of those fabric seat arrangements for emergencies.

When you order food in restaurants ask for the children’s food “subito” ie straight away. Otherwise it will come with your main course and you will have hungry and cranky little ones distracting you from your delicious antipasto. Then , and this is our top tip! when they get bored, ask the waiter for the hardest, coldest ice cream they have. “Il gelato piu freddo, piu duro.” You might not have the same 3 hour leisurely lunch you used to have pre kids but you will definitely optimise the experience.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to be realistic about your expectations. You are not the care free couple you were five short years ago. You are taking small kids out of their (and your) comfort zone. You will all be tired the day you arrive when all the new things are most likely to stress you out. Take a deep breath and look around . Look at the view. Isn’t this better than the M50? Wouldn’t you prefer to buy 10 slices of local prosciutto at €15 a kilo versus pre packed Parma in Dunnes for more than twice the price?

Le Marche is often called the next Tuscany. We hope that is wrong. Le Marche has an unspoilt charm and offers a warmth of hospitality that makes it the perfect low key introduction to Italy for your bambini. Enjoy!

Paula Ryan www.casacannavino.com 0039 0733661854.