When the Endicotts arrive in Rome, the driver takes them to the wrong address for their new home. Instead of the American housing, he takes them to traditional Roman housing. Michael is eager to fix the error, but the girls not so much.
Mike Endicott and his girls are pleased when Aunt Harriet comes to visit. Their delight begins to fade when Harriet look like she is planning on making her permanent home with the family.
Michael Endicott decides to pretend to be an native Italian when he meets an attractive American. Things are going fine until one of his daughters finds out and Michael has difficulty explaning the ruse to his child.
When the neighbors learn the Endicotts have the only operating phone in the vicinity they are constantly asking to use it. Michael and his daughter's frustration grows when they can't make calls and start missing messages.
Mike learns that an old girlfriend Elaine lives in Rome and is looking forward to seeing her again. But she is now a wealthy countess and is eager to reconnect with the Endicott father.
The Endicotts encounter and make friends with American flower child Carla. Things go well until Mike thinks Alison is attracted to the carefree lifestyle that Carla presents as desirable.