Rome and Milan for first trip to Italy!!!

Highs in the 50's lows in the 40's.
I always bring a light North Face Thing water resistant with a hood and layer under as needed.
Check the weather forecast online a day before leaving and pack according to that.

Since you asked I would get about 100 euros from my home bank small bills only to start and then hit ATMS attached to banks during open hours.

I find it is cheaper to get money from an ATM abroad than before leaving.

I was in Rome and Milan last May- the weather during the day was warm, nights a bit chilly- I would pack a few short sleeve shirts, a cardigan sweater, light scarf, good walking shoes or sneakers, a small umbrella as it may rain while your there. I only travel with a carryon- and Ive been all over Europe- packing light with items you can mix/match is the way to go!! The cobblestone streets of Rome would not be fun with large heavy suitcases, and no one cares what your wearing anyway. Be comfortable, pack light, a all weather light jacket and layers is the way to go.

As far as money, I always bring a few hundred euro with me, but get the rest at a ATM once Im there- they have English options, and are user friendly. Make sure you use a card that has no foreign transaction fees. You will get the best rates in euros from the ATM in Italy!! Rome and Milan are amazing- if you need any additional info just pm me.

Happy Travels✨💫

Spring weather is quite variable. Layers are definitely the way to go. You may have trouble getting into some churches if shoulders and knees aren't covered. Since it is extremely unlikely to be really hot in March/April, I would not take anything that would get me turned away at a church. If you're carrying a warm layer of some sort every day (which you may need), that will take care of covering your shoulders.

Using published averages is not always relevant any longer. I use wunderground website for historical data for the cities in question during the dates I will be there. You can look at the 'calendar' and choose several years in the past to see what seems to be a common theme. That is how I decide what to pack for all my travels.

I was in Italy early April a few years ago and we wore long pants, with a polar fleece over short sleeves....down to just shirt in the afternoon. Layered under a waterproof rain jacket. We only had rain in Venice, but we were lucky. Don't pack just jeans, as a lighter pair of pants may be more comfortable. Merino wool cardigan or hoodies can replace the polar fleece.

Generally speaking, the least expensive way of getting local currency is from an ATM at your destination. However, it's always a good idea, in my opinion, to have some local currency in hand when you land. There are many who will say just wait until you arrive. I suppose it depends on one's comfort level. Getting two hundred or so Euros from your local bank will cost you a little more, but it eliminates the hassle of trying to find a machine, the stress of hoping it works (they do occasionally malfunction), and doing it all while somewhat jet lagged. To me the small amount extra it cost to have money in hand when arriving is money well spent, and the extra cost relative to the overall cost of the trip is not, in my opinion, that much. In any case, be sure to put a travel alert on the account with your bank so they don't suspect fraud and lock the account.

Here's Rick's page of money tips. Read all the links on it, and you'll be an expert: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money

Here are his packing tips: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light

Rick has tons of packing info and videos available. Just use the search bar above.
Happy travels!

We were in Rome April of 2017. We found it very warm in the day and cool at night.

Most excellent pick of country for a first European foray. I expect your family will have great fun and a wonderful time in Italy. The what, how and why to pack a travel wardrobe and all else you bring on a trip is quite the vast topic with innumerable iterations, variations and opinions. My experience steers me to versatile (goes with/useful in other ways) and lightweight clothing/footwear picks for travel. I write up my packing list with literally every item noted, down to the last cotton swab included in my toiletries bag. I utilize packing cubes and do a complete pack-it-all-up beforehand/assess how it all feels once my load is shouldered and adjust as needed. I make sure my in transit wardrobe is adequately comfy (yet stylish) for 9+ hour flight in economy, have all necessities (e.g. paperwork, electronics, valuables, food, meds, etc.) in a carryon that easily accepts under seat placement with minimal fuss. Liking to be prepared for the invariably variable weather encountered, I always pack a small umbrella along with my sunglasses. I think streamline and simple for what I choose to tote and consider 'living out of a suitcase' a fun part of my travel adventure that I want to work for me and not against me. No worrying about whether I look like a visitor, I am more intent on feeling I look 'good' and am properly attired. "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." covers it regardless of where we roam. I am in the bring some local currency with me camp and utilize ATMs once abroad. Buon viaggio!!

Reminder -

If you and your family are smaller sizes and traveling with cash to spare, you'll easily be able to supplement your wardrobe while in Italy if the weather is colder than expected. I'd travel with my main coat/jacket on the plane (plus scarf & gloves) and make sure that you have at least one, long sleeve option per person. If you are easily cold, you'll want to up that number.