I’m an American who’s been living in Italy for nearly 10 years and am often asked about visiting with children. First, let me say, that Italy is a country that loves kids. For example, it’s completely normal to bring kids into restaurants and essentially let them run loose (a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much).

Understandably, many families choose Italy for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation thanks to its unique historical sites, gorgeous and idyllic villages, and well, the food and wine. But if I had a dime for every time I saw American families over-plan their trips to Italy, I’d be a millionaire. So if you’re looking to visit Italy with your kids, here are 10 tips to make the most of your trip.