Mother's Day: trips and getaways in Italy

It will be the perfect gift for her.

1 May 2019

Gruppo UNA

If you're wondering when Mother's Day is in Italy, in 2019 the answer is Sunday 12th May, which gives you time to plan an unforgettable mother's day trip for you and your mum after the UK date has passed.

Hotel and excursion bookings in Italy make perfect Mother's Day gifts for keen travellers, and at Gruppo UNA, we're here to help mothers and daughters have a fantastic time in the Italian countryside and cities. The best Mother's Day trips involve a little luxury and some well-planned activities partnered with a warm Italian welcome and genuine hospitality. 

How is Mother's Day celebrated in Italy?

Mothers, or the 'Mamma', are the focus of Italian families, and they typically work hard all year round looking after their children, so 'La Festa della Mamma', which is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May, is the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

In the UK, Mothering Sunday has pagan and religious roots and has been celebrated for centuries, but in Italy, it only became an official holiday around 60 years ago. In 1957, a priest in Assisi decided to celebrate the contribution women made to their families and communities. The day was so popular that the Italian government was petitioned the following year, and the day became an official tradition.

Mother's Day in Italy is not as commercial as in the UK or the USA (in which Mother's Day is celebrated the same time as in Italy), and planning a holiday for this time is a great way to show you care. Food is important, so when planning your Mother's Day travel, you'll be pleased to hear that many Gruppo UNA hotels have renowned restaurants serving Italian cuisine made with fresh local produce.

Few Mother's Day trip ideas to help you create a special holiday.

Gelato in Milan.

Who doesn't love Italian ice cream? And in 2019, Milan's Gelato Festival falls shortly before Mother's Day, giving you a perfect excuse to visit this city. Milan will also be preparing for its annual Outside Horticultural Festival which starts on May 17th, so the city's parks and gardens will be at their best, showcasing stunning displays of both exotic and native plants.

With several Gruppo UNA hotels in Milan, planning a mother's day trip couldn't be simpler. For a real touch of luxury, there is the Maison Milano | UNA Esperienze, located just a few steps away from the Duomo. Set in a carefully restored house, this boutique hotel is full of Italian charm and elegance. The Maison Assistant's Service is always on hand to advise on the best Milanese restaurants as well as suggest some great mother-daughter day trip ideas in the city, such as a tour of the Gallerie d'Italia on Piazza Scala.

Cafes and cake in Turin.

Cakes, especially cupcakes, play an important role in Mother's Day celebrations in Italy, and of all Italian cities, Turin probably has more historic cafes than any other. In fact, on the city's most famous street, Via Po, every second building is a cafe, chocolate shop or 'pasticceria'. After coffee and cake, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Po to Borgo Medievale. Housed in the Parco Valentino, this is a beautiful reconstruction of a typical Torino village.

Combine your Mother's Day tour of Turin with a stay in the UNAHOTELS Golf Hotel Cavaglià, just an hour's drive away. Also within reach of this hotel for a mother and daughter day out are the shores of Lake Maggiore. Precious mother and daughter time can be spent in the hotel's Turkish bath, whirlpool and sauna before dining on Italian delicacies in the hotel restaurant.

Madonna and child in Florence.

For a real Mother's Day treat book into the Leone Blu Suites | UNA Esperienze in the heart of Florence. It is set in the 15th-century Ricasoli Palace, which has been carefully restored to its former sumptuous glory and allows for every modern convenience and comfort. Its location between Florence's historic centre and the River Arno is just perfect.

A great mother and daughter day trip idea is to visit the Uffizi Gallery and focus on Madonna and Child paintings. Our tip: book a time slot online in advance for the Uffizi Gallery to avoid long ticket queues. 

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