road trip italy

6 beautiful road trips in Italy: drive the country's best routes

Nov 16, 2023 • 7 min read

Explore the best of Italy with these scenic road trips © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

The drive along Italy 's Amalfi Coast, preferably in a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider, is the stuff of travel legend.

And it's just one of dozens of epic road trip routes in this fascinating, richly layered country. Don't be put off by stories of impatient local drivers – the countryside here was made for exploring by road (and stopping every few hundred yards to take another photo).

With an extensive network of well-maintained roads that weave between snow-capped peaks, trace plunging coastlines, and meander through rolling farmland and vineyards to scenic lakes and historic towns, pretty much every journey in Italy is a scenic odyssey, but some road trips stand out as being particularly memorable.

To set the scene, we've chosen six classic road trips ranging from gentle Tuscan jaunts to hair-raising mountain adventures. Some are a little challenging, but they all make for unforgettable experiences! Here are the best road trip routes in Italy.

1. The Amalfi Coast

Best classic Italian coastal road trip Salerno–Sorrento; approx 75km/46 miles, 1 day

Experience Italy's most spectacular coastal scenery on this white-knuckle drive along the Amalfi Coast . From Salerno , the main southern gateway to the coast, strike west to Vietri sul Mare , a small town famous for its ceramics and the start point of the coastal road proper. From here, the driving becomes more challenging as the road narrows, the curves become tighter, and the views become ever more dramatic.

After about 20km (12 miles), you'll arrive in Amalfi , the coast's main hub. Stop here to look around the landmark Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and then head up to Ravello in the hills above. Pause for lunch here, perhaps at the Ristorante Pizzeria Vittoria , and enjoy heady panoramas from the town's lush gardens.

Next, push on to Positano , a chic, near-vertical town where colorful, steeply-stacked houses cascade down the precipitous hillsides. Beyond Positano, the route leads inland, up and across the hilly interior to Sorrento , a lively tourist hot spot overlooked by the dark, brooding bulk of Mount Vesuvius.

Planning tip:  It's a popular drive, so try to come out of season to avoid the traffic. With another day to spare, you can continue north to Naples via the ruins of Pompeii .

2. The Tuscan tour

Best road trip for art and architecture  Florence–Orvieto; approx 210km/130 miles , 2–3 days

Taking in two of Italy's great medieval cities, the wine treasures of Chianti  and swathes of classic Tuscan scenery, this two-day route leads from Florence to Orvieto in the neighboring region of Umbria . Whet your appetite for the road ahead by feasting on fine art and Renaissance architecture in Florence before striking south to Chianti wine country.

Stop for a tasting at the Enoteca Falorni in Greve and to sample the region's celebrated bistecca (steak) at L'Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano. From here, follow the backroads to Siena , a stunning medieval city centered on an awe-inspiring Duomo and a 12th-century square, the famous Piazza del Campo . Recommended overnight options here include the Pensione Palazzo Ravizza .

In the morning, head to Montalcino to stock up on Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's most revered red wines. A short drive to the east, the Val d'Orcia provides quintessential Tuscan landscapes with its billowing green hills, cypress trees and hilltop towns. Lunch in Pienza, then continue through Montepulciano to Orvieto, a striking hilltop town famous for its remarkable Gothic Duomo .

Planning tip:  While you could easily do this route in two days, consider adding an extra overnight stop to explore the region in more depth.

3. Southeastern Sicily 

Best road trip for exploring Sicily's charming towns Catania–Ragusa; approx 165km/103 miles , 2 days

Hunt UNESCO-listed baroque treasures on this two-day tour of Sicily 's rugged southeast. Start by investigating Catania's grandiose historic center and brilliant fish market. After a seafood lunch, hit the road and make for Syracuse where you can trawl through ancient Greco-Roman ruins at the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis and stroll elegant baroque streets in the Ortygia district. Overnight at the stylish Hotel Gutkowski .

On day two, continue to Noto , home to what is arguably Sicily's most beautiful street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which is dotted with churches and charming cafes. Once you've digested this masterpiece of urban design, turn inland to Modica , a bustling town wedged into a deep canyon. Stock up on the town's famous chocolates before pushing on through the rocky hinterland to Ragusa and the handsome historic center known as Ragusa Ibla.

Planning tip:  To round the trip off on a high note, book ahead and treat yourself to dinner at the Ristorante Duomo , one of Sicily's top restaurants with meals prepared by chef Ciccio Sultano.

4. The Great Dolomites Road

Best road trip for stunning mountain vistas Bolzano–Cortina d'Ampezzo; approx 125km/78 miles; 2 days

The Grande Strada della Dolomiti provides some of Italy's most exhilarating driving. Running from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, it boasts superb scenery as it snakes past craggy, saw-tooth peaks and over lofty mountain passes in the Dolomites.

From Bolzano , head eastwards toward Ponte Nova, where you'll get your first sight of the Dolomite's mighty granite peaks. Continue to Val di Fassa, a magnificent valley framed by forested slopes and gigantic rock summits, and up to the 2,239m (7,345 ft) Passo Pordoi. The descent from here is slow going, but you'll be rewarded with stunning views as you corkscrew down to La Villa in the spectacularly sited Val Badia.

From here, you could push directly on to Cortina d'Ampezzo , the chic resort that marks the end of the road, but for a more relaxed trip, stop for the night at the Dolomit B&B and take some scenic detours around La Villa on day two.

Planning tip:  This is serious country for outdoor activities with superb winter skiing and wonderful summer hiking .

5. The southern shore of Lake Como 

Best springtime road trip Como–Bergamo; approx 112km/70 miles; 1 day

Surrounded by Alpine peaks and wooded hills, Lake Como (Lago di Como) is the most picturesque of Italy's northern lakes. This leisurely one-day drive takes in elegant art nouveau villas and lush waterfront gardens along the lake's southern shoreline.

The obvious starting point is the town of Como itself. Once you've explored the charming historic center and the nearby Villa Olmo , take the swooping road up to Bellagio . Stop at this charming lakeside village to explore the grounds of neoclassical Villa Melzi d'Eril and have lunch at Terrazza Barchetta .

Suitably refreshed, leave your car and jump on a ferry to Tremezzo, home of the 17th-century Villa Carlotta and its spectacular gardens. Back in Bellagio, pick up your wheels and strike southeast, following the scenic lakeside road down to Lecco and on to historic Bergamo , where you can rest up in style at the Hotel Piazza Vecchia .

Planning tip: Time your visit for April and May when the area is awash with spring color.

6. Highlights of Abruzzo

Best road trip for unspoiled landscapes Rome–Sulmona; approx 240km/150 miles, one day

Just over an hour's drive east of Rome , the little-known region of Abruzzo is a world apart from the big city, with wild, empty valleys and unspoiled mountain landscapes. From the capital take the A24 autostrada to Fonte Cerreto, from where it's a twisting climb up to Campo Imperatore, a highland plain overlooked by the Apennines' highest peak, Corno Grande (2,912m/9,553ft).

Continue on to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a remote, semi-abandoned village high in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. If you're traveling during the weekend you can lunch at the Locanda Sotto gli Archi ; otherwise, pick up picnic supplies in the village.

In the afternoon, push on to Sulmona, a graceful town set in the shadow of the Morrone massif. Famous for its delicacy confetti (sugar-coated almonds), Sulmona makes a good base for exploring the region's rugged southern reaches, offering good accommodation at the Legacy Casa Residencia and filling food at local restaurants such as Il Vecchio Muro .

Planning tip:  We strongly recommend spending a day or more in Sulmona, exploring the surrounding hills by car or on foot away from the tourist crowds.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated November 2023

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15 Incredible Italy Road Trip Itineraries (with Driving Tips)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: June 3, 2023

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> 15 Incredible Italy Road Trip Itineraries (with Driving Tips)

A road trip through Italy is the trip of a lifetime. We have enjoyed numerous Italian road trips and never tire of exploring one of Europe’s most charismatic countries by car.

Italy offers glorious road trip possibilities with beautiful historic cities, stunning countryside, majestic lakes and mountain regions, and quaint coastal towns and islands. And, of course, such varied regional cultures and cuisines to explore.

Whether it’s an extended road trip from north to south or one region of Italy, we’ve rounded up some fabulous itineraries for each area – from a few days to four weeks to help you plan the perfect Italian road trip.

Table of Contents

Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Italy

• Always take photos when you pick up your rental and when returning it. Some agencies may try to accuse you of damaging the vehicle after you have returned it.
• Read your rental contract, and be aware of the excess fees and type of insurance.
• If possible, rent a small car . Streets can be narrow in small towns, and parking garages in cities and larger towns can be very tight.
• Collecting your rental car from an airport is always less stressful than in a city.
• Download the Parclick App to pre-reserve parking all over Italy (and Europe). It can save you up to 50% on parking fees . Select the garage that suits you, book for the required days, and show your reservation (or use the license plate recognition) on arrival. You can come and go from the garage as much as you like during your booked time. We have used it all over Europe and saved ourselves so much stress and money when parking in cities and larger towns.
• Be careful not to drive into any restricted zones in historical centers . They are called ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) and are monitored with cameras. You can check for the zones online before arriving in a city. Unauthorized vehicles will automatically be issued hefty fines.
• When it comes to speed limits in Italy, while many people don’t seem to respect them, you can get hefty fines if caught on camera, and there are a lot of speed cameras in Italy.
• The same goes for parking. It can be difficult to work out where you can or can’t park sometimes but never risk it – In Italy; you will either get a huge fine or worse – they just tow you away. Always look for the ticket machine or park in a paid garage.

Find the Best Car Rental Deals for Italy

When we travel, we always use Discover Cars for car rental as they aggregate the best local deals, have no hidden fees, and offer free cancellation.

Tip:  Always check if you have car rental insurance included on your travel insurance or with your credit card company before paying any additional to the rental car company. 

Search for the Best Car Rental Deals in Italy .

16 Fabulous Italian Road Trip Ideas

Northern italy to southern italy-south tyrol to bari.

• Recommended Duration : 3-4 Weeks
• Distance : Over 1400 Kilometres
• Destinations : South Tyrol – Venice – Bologna – Brisighella – San Marino – Perugia – Sorrento – Amalfi Coast – Naples – Capri – Pompeii – Ischia – Matera – Bari

For the ultimate Italy road trip, head from north to south. This Italian road trip itinerary starts at the border with Austria, visiting South Tyrol and ending in Bari in the south, where it is possible to head over to Croatia if you choose.

Covering over 1400 kilometers and traveling through many regions of Italy, you need to allow 3-4 weeks for the optimal experience.

The best time of year is spring – May/June and autumn – September/October for great weather without the summer crowds. However, this itinerary is great at any time – winter is especially good in South Tyrol for skiers.

Suggested Itinerary

• Start in South Tyrol for stunning mountain scenery and a mixture of Austrian and Italian culture. The German-speaking towns add a very different feel to this slice of Italy. Hike Lago do Baies to see the best of this area.
• Next, head to Venice for the quintessential Italian bucket list experience. Take a gondola ride, walk over the Rialto Bridge, and experience the unique ambiance of Venice. We have a fabulous Venice itinerary if you can allow at least a few days in the magical city.
• On your way south, stop in at Bologna . Bologna is renowned for its fantastic food, so indulge in the region’s typical dishes while exploring the atmospheric Old Town.
• Brisighella is the perfect rural stop to enjoy the Italian countryside. This gorgeous town has the must-visit Rocco Manfrediana fortress.
• Pop out of Italy for a moment with a stop on your way south at San Marino . One of the world’s ten smallest countries at 61 sq km, this tiny republic is the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state with glorious views and a beautifully preserved medieval walled town.
• Soak in the history of Perugia. The center is gorgeous, with interesting museums and many historic churches.
• Next up is Rome . There is so much to do in Rome (we have a great 3-Day Rome Itinerary to help you plan your stay). From the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City , Rome is a highlight on any Italian itinerary. If you need a budget-friendly Rome itinerary, there are many great things to do in Rome for free .
• It’s now time for southern Italy with a week in the Sorrento/Amalfi coast area – one of the most romantic places in Italy for couples . Make a day trip to Naples and Capri , explore the towns of the Amalfi coast by sea, and head to Pompeii and Ischia . There is so much to do in this region, so spend as much time as you can spare. For those that like walking and hiking, see our Amalfi Coast hiking guide .
• Finish up with a final stop at Matera before getting to Bari . Matera is famous for its cave dwellings which have been inhabited for 9,000 years. It’s amazing to walk around.

Recommended by Sharon Gourlay – Dive Into Germany

Northern Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip through piedmont italy.

• Recommended Duration : 7-10 days
• Distance : 290 Kilometres
• Destinations : Turin – Bra – Barolo – Alba – Asti – Biella – The Sanctuary of Oropa

The  Piedmont region of Italy  is situated in northwest Italy, bordering France and Switzerland. Backdropped by the majestic Swiss Alps, its rolling hills and vineyards eventually give way south to the Ligurian sea.

Piedmont has everything a traveler could want, from welcoming small towns, unique cuisine, and amazing wine, the most famous of which is Barolo, the King of wine.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Turin, the Imperial capital of Piedmont
• Bra – Birthplace of the Slow Food movement
• Barolo – Taste Barolo wine and local cuisine
• Alba – Home of the rare white truffle
• Asti – Much more than Spumante wine
• Biella – Famous wool town supplying the fashion capital of Milan
• The Sanctuary of Oropa
• Start your 290 km road trip in Turin , a large but walkable city with dozens of Savoy Royal Palaces to tour, loads of historical attractions, decadent chocolate, and the outstanding Egyptian Museum.
• Drive 74 km south of Turin to Monforte d’Alba , a hilltop town with many enotecas, restaurants, and historic sites. It’s a perfect base to explore the surrounding wine towns of Bra, Barolo, and Alba .
• Spend a day in Asti drinking the sweet Moscato wines for which the town is named, then head north to Biella , 125 km north of Asti.
• Biella is known for producing wool and exquisite cashmere, surrounded by rambling rivers and mountain scenery. Be sure and visit the Sanctuary of Oropa , one of the many sacred mountains in the region.
• Sixty kilometers north of Biella on the eastern shore of Lake Orta is the quaint medieval village of Orta San Giulio and a great place to end your road trip. Tour the Sacre Monte of Orta and Isola San Giulio just offshore. You can stay at the centrally located Hotel Rocco San Giulio and walk anywhere in town.

Travel to Piedmont in late Spring through Fall to avoid wintery road conditions.

Recommended by Lori Sorrentino – Travlinmad

Northern Italy’s lakes

• Recommended Duration : 10 days or more
• Distance : 700 Kilometres. Circular route starting and finishing in Milan.
• Destinations : Milan – Lake Garda – Lake Como -Lake Maggiore – Cannobio – Lake Orta

An easy circular route from Milan’s airport,  a road trip through northern Italy’s lakes  is a must-try bucket list experience. You’ll cover approximately 700 km in one week, though extending the itinerary to 10 days or more is easy.

• The first four days must be dedicated to Lake Garda , the largest lake in Italy. Boasting enchanting coastal towns and beautiful natural scenery, you’ll want to stay forever.

Focus each day on another part of the lake – visit the unique Lemon orchard of Limonaia del Castèl in Limone sul Garda, take a morning stroll around the turquoise Lake Tenno, roam the colorful Malcesine, enjoy wine tasting near Bardolino, climb the Scaligero Castle in Sirmione.

• Continue to the luxurious Lake Como for one day. Visit the picturesque towns of Varenna and Bellagio and the stunning Gardens of Villa Melzi.
• Next, spend a day on the lovely Lake Maggiore . Base yourself in the city of Stresa , and opt for a boat tour to the nearby Borromean Islands, one of the most beautiful islands in Italy . See the picture-perfect centuries-old villas and gardens still owned by the noble Borromeo family.
• Have a relaxed last day with a visit to the serene town of Cannobio and a final cup of coffee in the medieval Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta before returning the car to Milan.

Late spring or early fall are the ideal times for this road trip in terms of weather and crowds. Also, many attractions in the area are only open from April to October.

Recommended by Or – My Path in the World 

Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Piedmont. Bologna to Milan and Turin

• Recommended Duration : 7 -14 days
• Distance : 370 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Bologna – Modena – Parma – Milan – Turin

This fantastic road trip through historic Northern Italy is perfect if you want to taste some of the best ingredients and dishes produced in the country.

The entire distance of this Italian road trip itinerary is only 371 Kilometers, which means you will have plenty of time for small side adventures if you spread it out over two weeks. You could, of course, stay to the major stops and complete it comfortably in a week.

One thing is certain; there is no way you will finish this road trip hungry. You will wish you had just a bit more time to try just one more dish.

• The trip starts in Emilia Romagna, where you will make stops in Bologna, Modena, and Parma for a whirlwind culinary tour of the region. 

Some must-experience stops include learning how Parmigiano Reggiano is made in Parma and tasting 100-year-old Balsamic in Modena . 

Bologna is a highlight of the road trip, with historic sites like the Piazza Maggiore, its Renaissance buildings, the city’s incredible food scene, and charming cafes.

• From Emilia Romagna, head northwest toward the Lombardy region for a stop in Milan , the world’s fashion capital and home to the famous Risotto Milanese. 
• The road trip then continues to the city of Turin in the heart of the Piedmont region . You will want to take some time to go truffle hunting or take a day to taste some Barolo or Barbaresco.

The best time for a road trip through these regions is during truffle season in the late fall – you will experience fewer crowds and accommodation, and car rental prices are lower. It is also a great time of year for food festivals after the harvest season.

Recommended by Gabriel – Chef Travel Guide

Pisa to Genoa

• Recommended Duration : 2-7 days
• Distance : 330 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Pisa – La Spezia – Cinque Terre – Portofino – Genoa

One of Italy’s best coastal road trips is from Pisa to Genoa. This road trip starts in Pisa in the region of Tuscany, tracing the Ligurian Coast to the capital of Liguria, Genoa.

It is possible to complete this road trip in two days, with an overnight stop in one of the Cinque Terre Villages.

However, this itinerary would be lovely spread over a week, allowing for at least one night at each destination between Pisa and Genoa. We have a fantastic two-night Cinque Terre itinerary to help you plan extra time in the famous five villages.

• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and climb to the top
• Visit the Technical Naval Museum in La Spezia
• Enjoy the viewpoints and  Instagrammable places in Cinque Terre .
• Go to Castello Brown in Portofino
• Taste focaccia in Genoa
• On the first day, you’ll discover Pisa and the remarkable monuments in the so-called “Square of Miracles, including the iconic leaning tower.
• Head to La Spezia , the second largest city in Liguria and the gateway to the famous Five Villages. The pretty coastal city of La Spezia is also home to a major Italian naval base and the Technical Naval Museum.
• Head north to Cinque Terre to stay in one of the five villages for a night or two. Make sure you try tasty bruschetta at Nessun Dorma in Manarola and catch the sunset from one of the villages.
• Visit one of the prettiest fishing towns on the Italian Riviera, where the colorful village clusters around a small harbor. Since the late 19th century, Portofino has attracted European aristocracy and the celebrity jet set to its pristine shores, high-end restaurants, and glitzy boutiques. You never know who you might see in Portofino.
• You can spend an evening (or two) in Portofino or head directly to the final destination, the capital of Liguria, Genoa .

This road trip is best in the shoulder seasons to avoid summer traffic and crowds. However, if you plan to take advantage of the stunning coastal beaches, try for early or late summer. Avoid August if possible.

Recommended by: Dymphe Mensink – Dymabroad

Sanremo to Cinque Terre

• Recommended Duration : 3-5 days
• Distance : 260 Kilometres.

Embark on a memorable Italian road trip from Sanremo to Cinque Terre. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera as you drive along the Mediterranean Sea. This road trip itinerary can be completed in as little as 2-3 days or stretched over a week.

• Sanremo is a charming and animated town right next to the French border. It’s a perfect starting point for an Italian road trip after exploring the south of France . You will find good restaurants and bars to get a first taste of the culinary talent and kindness of the locals.
• Drive along the Ligurian Coast from Sanremo for two hours until you reach Genoa , the capital of Liguria. Spend the afternoon visiting the Royal Palace Museum, Piazza De Ferrari, or Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.
• For the second day of your road trip, head to the marvelous Portofino, less than one hour from Genoa. You will be mesmerized by the colorful waterfront houses that line the harbor of the beautiful coastal town.
• You can spend the rest of the day (or overnight) in Portofino or head to the world-famous cliff-side fishing villages of Cinque Terre . 
• You should spend at least two days in Cinque Terre to see it all. Explore each colorful village, from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore, making unforgettable holiday memories while savoring some of Italy’s best seafood dishes. 

Recommended by: Soline Le Page – On the Road Diary

Central Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Rome to pisa along the tyrrhenian coast.

• Distance : 350 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Rome – Cerveteri – Santa Severa Beach – The Tarot Garden – Argentario Peninsula – Elba Island – Pisa

A road trip along the Tyrrhenian Coast from Rome to Pisa is especially pleasant in summer. Traveling between the cities along the ancient consular road Aurelia allows you to discover beautiful beaches and small villages off the beaten path.

• Start in Rome, where the city’s historic center is dense with things to see. Aside from the main attractions – the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, there are wonderful piazzas, such as Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo, to explore.
• From Rome, head to Cerveteri . One of Rome’s most popular day trips , it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri—a fascinating city of the dead with thousands of tombs carved into the rock.
• Santa Severa Beach is the most beautiful beach near Rome. The beach is home to a well-preserved medieval castle and is washed by a clear sea.
• The Tarot Garden is a contemporary art park a few kilometers from the town of Capalbio . The park is home to 22 fascinating sculptures representing the tarot’s major arcana. The creator is French-American contemporary artist Niki De Saint-Phalle .
• Visit the peculiar Argentario Peninsula linked to the mainland by three narrow strips of land. The perimeter of the Argentario peninsula hides small bays bathed by crystal-clear sea, accessible by fairly steep walking paths. Cala Gesso is the most picturesque of these bays.
• Visit the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Elba Island . Take one of the regular ferries from the port of Piombino to explore the island’s unique and glorious beaches, such as Fetovaia Beach, and discover Elba’s rich history and the legacy of its most famous resident, Napolean Bonaparte.
• Finish in Pisa . The small city full of artistic treasures can be toured in a day. Its heart is the Piazza del Duomo, which houses the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery.

Tip: Pay attention to the speed limits along Aurelia road, as there are many speed cameras.

Recommended by Lisa –  Travel Connect Experience

Siena Region of Tuscany

• Recommended Duration : 2-3 days
• Distance : 70 Kilometres. Siena and Florence are the possible start and finishing points.
• Destinations : Montalcino – Pienza – Montepulciano – Cortona

One of the quintessential Italian experiences is a Tuscany road trip. The  Tuscan region of Siena  borders the province of Florence in the north, the province of Arezzo to the northeast, Umbria and Lazio to the south, and Pisa to the west. 

You can complete this road trip as a loop, starting and finishing in Siena. Or as this region is one of the most popular and accessible day trips from Florence , you could start or finish in Florence.

• You can start from either Siena or Florence.
• First, head for the tiny hilltop village of Montalcino , famous for its delicious Brunello wine. Visit the wine-tasting room in the fortress of Montalcino, where you can sample most of the local producers in one place. 
• Next, head to Pienza , the hilltop UNESCO-designated town, arriving through the sublime landscape of cypress trees and gently rolling hills. On the way, stop at Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia, a scenic viewpoint. Pienza, known for its Pecorino cheese, is a well-preserved Renaissance town that has remained untouched since the 15th century. Linger over a long meal at La Terrazza del Choistro or Osteria Sette di Vino. 
• Visit the pretty village of Montepulciano . Sip on some of the village’s finest wine in one of the cozy wine-tasting cellars dotted throughout the town.
• The last stop is Cortona , the town made famous by the book  Under the Tuscan Sun  by Francis Mayes and the subsequent movie. The town’s buildings span the 11th to 15 centuries.  Grab a gelato from the delicious Gelateria Snoopy and lose yourself in Cortona’s endless winding alleyways and epic views of the Tuscan countryside. 
• Return to either Siena or Florence.

For a relaxing road trip to this part of Tuscany, plan for 2 to 3 days and enjoy a lovely stay at  Siena House , a charming boutique B&B or explore some of Tuscany’s best wine hotels in the region.

Recommended by Renee – Dream Plan Experience 

Tuscany-Round Trip from Florence

• Recommended Duration : 7 days
• Distance : 471 Kilometres. Starting and finishing in Florence
• Destinations : Florence – Lucca – Pisa- Siena – Cortona – Arezzo – Val d’Orcia – Chianti

A road trip through one of Italy’s most famous regions, starting and finishing in one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Florence.

Spring, summer, and fall are particularly beautiful in Tuscany. The hills will be green in the spring, and poppies will bloom in the countryside. In the summer, sunflower fields are a draw, and the golden, bare rolling hills look stunning after the autumn harvest. 

From a weather perspective, spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures, with fewer crowds than in the summer. 

Highlights of a  road trip through Tuscany  include:

• Charming hilltop towns that offer historical landmarks, local cuisine and culture, and charming ambiance.
• See the world-famous art in Florence.
• Wine tasting at some of the renowned wine-growing areas in the region, including Chianti and the Val d’Orcia.
• The opportunity to photograph one of the most picturesque regions in Italy, with its rolling hills, stately cypress rows, and picturesque farmhouses.
• Taste the region’s cuisine with its pasta, cheeses, meats, and the famous  ribollita  soup.
• Driving in a loop, you’ll start and end this Tuscany road trip in Florence. You can find our guide on what to do in Florence here .
• Head west of Florence to the city of Lucca , famous for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling the cobbled maze of the historic city center.
• On to Pisa , a small city best known for its leaning tower in the Piazza del Duomo. The so-called “Square of Miracles” is a treasure trove of remarkable landmarks, including the cathedral, baptistery, and the  camposanto (cemetery).
• Make your way south toward the stunning medieval city of Siena to explore the city’s 17 historic districts that extend outward from the unique fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo. Visit Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and the 14th-century Torre del Mangia for sweeping views of the city.
• Continue on to the Val d’ Orcia region for stunning landscapes and local wine – Plan some tastings in Montepulciano and Montalcino in the Val d’Orcia, where you can also taste the local pecorino.
• Head east to visit Cortona . The walled hilltop town, one of Tuscany’s prettiest towns, is famous for its beautiful medieval center and the Etruscan museum.
• Continue on to Arezzo in the east, an elegant city with an easy-going atmosphere often bypassed by tourists . Yet, the beautiful city is rich with monuments, parks, archaeological remains, churches, and historic squares.
• Make your last stop in the famed wine region of Chianti just south of Florence before heading back to the city.

If you have more time, you can add many small picturesque towns along the route to your itinerary.

Make sure you book at least one stay at an agriturismo. They capture the region’s essence and allow you to appreciate the countryside.

Recommended by Dhara – It’s Not About the Miles

Chianti Region Tuscany

• Distance : 100-150 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Montefioralle – Monteriggioni – San Gimignano – Radda in Chianti

One of Italy’s finest short road trips is a 2-3 day drive around the Chianti region of Tuscany. Chianti is situated between the tourist hotbed of Florence and the stunning medieval city of Siena .

A road trip between the two cities through Chianti only covers about 100-150 km, but there are so many beautiful places to see along the way that you won’t want to cover more ground. 

A region of rolling hills covered in vineyards and stone masonry villas, Chianti is what many people think of when they imagine Tuscany.

Chianti is mostly known for its wine. The region produces some of the finest wines in the world, especially the local specialty Chianti Classico . Vineyards are scattered throughout the region, mixed in with fairy-tale Tuscan villages and ancient castles.

Plan your road trip to avoid the motorways. While driving the winding back roads, be sure to include the following towns and villages in your itinerary:

• Montefioralle
• Monteriggioni
• San Gimignano
• Radda in Chianti

Most importantly, stop by some of Italy’s best wineries. Just be sure there is a sober driver in the group, as the local wineries can be generous with the pours.

Some of the top picks for Chianti region wineries are:

• Castello di Verrazzano
• Pogglio Amorelli
• Azienda Agricola Campocorto
• Fattoria di Montemaggio

Be sure to contact the wineries before visiting to arrange tours or tastings. Most of the more popular wineries require reservations. For a true Tuscan experience, spend the night at a castle vineyard like Castello Vicchiomaggio . 

A road trip through Chianti will leave you longing for more time in the Tuscan hills.

Recommended by: Chris Heckmann – Around the World with Me

Val d’Orcia Tuscany

• Recommended Duration : 4-7 days
• Distance : 350 Kilometres Starting in Florence or Siena.
• Destinations : Florence or Siena – Pienza – Montepulciano – Monticchiello – Bagni San Filippo thermal baths

The charming  Val d’Orcia in Italy  is a true jewel of Tuscany and a fantastic Italian road trip destination.

Most start their tour in Florence (approximately 1.5 hrs from Val d’Orcia), but you can also start or finish in Sienna (approximately 1.20 hrs from Val d’Orcia). You can plan around 350 kilometers for the entire route and 4-7 days.

On a road trip through Val d’Orcia, you will discover Tuscany you only know from movies. Endless hilly landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints along the panoramic roads, and the typical cypress avenues conjure up a picture-perfect ambiance. 

The stunning landscape dotted with small medieval villages and Renaissance towns is considered so unique it was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014.

• Explore the numerous small, charming Renaissance villages, where you can stroll through medieval alleys and discover Tuscany from its most beautiful side.
• Pienza is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Make sure you try the local pecorino di Pienza cheese.
• The medieval walled town of San Quirico d’Orcia is considered one of the prettiest villages in Tuscany.
• Montepulciano . The stunning medieval hilltop town is a paradise for wine lovers. Make sure to try the delicious local red Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
• Montalcino is another beautiful town for wine lovers. The town’s vineyards produce some of Italy’s most famous and delicious wines, Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino.
• The beautiful village of Monticchiello, with its famous winding road, becomes an open-air theatre in summer with performances by the local inhabitants.
• For the onward journey, it is best to choose the Strada Provinciale 146 between Pienza and San Quirico , considered one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the region with its numerous viewpoints.
• visit the Bagni San Filippo thermal baths – beautiful natural hot springs in a peaceful forest setting. The water is loaded with calcium, giving the water a milky blue/white color like milk, and leaves white calcium deposits on the rocks, creating a stunning setting to bathe in.

You will find lots of lovely agrotourism accommodations to stay overnight, which will add to the Tuscan experience. A road trip through Val d’Orcia is a wonderful mix of landscape, culture, and wine, which should not be missed on any trip to Tuscany.

Recommended by Martina – PlacesofJuma

Southern Italy Road Trip Itineraries

Puglia road trip.

• Distance : 580 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Bari – Manopoli and Polignano a Mare – Alberobello – Locorotondo – Ostuni – Lecce

A Puglia road trip is the best way to explore one of Italy’s most charming regions. The ideal time for this road trip is around seven days in spring, early summer, or early autumn.

Visiting Puglia, you can fly into one of two airports, Bari or Brindisi (in the South). Both airports have car rental options to begin your 580 km road trip around Puglia’s best sights.

Suggested Itinerary for Puglia

• It’s worthwhile beginning your Puglia road trip in the historic city of Bari , Puglia’s capital. Bari has beautiful architectural sights, including the Basilica San Nicolo and Bari Cathedral.
• From Bari, head to Manopoli and Polignano a Mare , where you will find the region’s best beaches.
• Head inland to see the famous trulli houses of Alberobello . The white cone-shaped houses of Alberobello are a recognized Unesco World Heritage Site.
• Locorotondo , a picture-perfect town (often missed by tourists), is a real treat. Visit during holidays such as Easter and Christmas when the locals adorn the town in traditional decor.
• The white city of Ostuni is a maze of white-washed buildings, sitting below a hill-topped citadel with ancient fortified walls.
• Before heading back to Bari, if your Puglia road trip itinerary allows, stop at Lecce , known as the ‘Florence of the South,’ with exquisite baroque architecture, including the Piazza del Duomo.
• It’s also worth stopping in Gallipoli : an old fishing village with a stunning port backed by ancient walls and pretty beaches.

Recommended by: Jasmine – The Life of a Social Butterfly

Calabria in the Toe of Italy’s Boot

• Recommended Duration : 7-9 days
• Distance : 153 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Costa degli Dei and Costa Viola – Pizzo – Zambrone – Marinella – Michelino – Tropea – Costa Viola – Bagnara Calabra

Often overlooked by visitors to Italy, Calabria is a fabulous region in Italy’s south. If the idea of visiting picturesque villages perched in the Pennine mountains, the glowing sun, and relaxing at the beach sounds like your type of road trip, Calabria is perfect.

If you find yourself in cities such as  Venice  or Rome, you can take an internal flight to Lamezia Terme Airport. Your road trip will start from here and ends in Scilla.

Taking between seven and nine days, you can drive 153 kilometers down the Costa degli Dei and Costa Viola.

• First, stop in Pizzo , where you can taste the delicious Tartufo (a gelato based dessert).
• Visit the beaches in Zambrone, Marinella, and Michelino, then the last stop along the Coast of the Gods, Tropea. The tourist town of Tropea is worth visiting for its lovely old city set on high cliffs overlooking the sea. Don’t miss trying the typical Calabrian pasta dish, Fileja alla Tropeana, when in Tropea.
• Continue towards the Costa Viola with Bagnara Calabra, known for its long stretch of sandy beach and Scilla.
• In Scilla , you can spend some time snorkeling in some of Italy’s most crystal clear waters and visit Chianalea , the charming fishing village. Make sure you try a swordfish sandwich in Scilla.

The best time of year to be in Calabria is in June or July, right before it gets too busy in August.

This Calabria road trip is an alternative way to explore the Tyrrhenian coast and includes popular places and lesser-known villages.

Recommended by: Maddalena Visentin – Venice Travel Tips

• Recommended Duration : 2 weeks
• Distance : 600 Kilometres.
• Destinations : Cagliari – Villasimius- Cala Goloritze – Gorrupu – Orgosolo – Cala Luna – Cala Brandinchi – Olbia – La Maddalena – Alghero – Bosa

A Mediterranean island road trip through Sardinia offers some of the world’s finest beaches, picturesque hikes, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming towns. 

A trip to Sardinia is an incredible Italian road trip experience.

A suggested 600 km, two-week itinerary would be to start in the capital city of Cagliari and end in Bosa. The best stops are Villasimius, Cala Goloritze, Gorrupu, Orgosolo, Cala Luna, Cala Brandinchi, Olbia, La Maddalena, and Alghero. 

• Once you have explored the capital Cagliari , drive along the coast to Villasimius , where you can enjoy the famous Sardinian beaches.
• Another must-see spot is Cala Goloritze , where a hike leads to one of the island’s most spectacular beaches with crystal-clear water.
• Gorropu , an impressive canyon, is a reminder that Sardinia has more to offer than just beaches. Inland villages such as Orgosolo , known for its street art and political graffiti, also provide a glimpse into the “real Sardinia.” 
• Another highlight includes the stunning La Maddalena Island . While there, visit Caprera Island, Cala Coticcio, the Garibaldi Museum, and Cala Napoletana.
• Finally, back on the mainland, visit the charming city of Alghero, Neptune’s Grotto, and the colorful town of Bosa. 

The best time for a road trip around Sardinia to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather is the shoulder season from May to June and September to October. It is still warm enough to go to the beach, but there are fewer crowds to battle – Sardinia is extremely busy in the summer months. See here for more tips on visiting Sardinia .

Recommended by: Rachel – Average Lives

Western Sicily

• Recommended Duration : 10-12 days
• Distance : 580 Kilometres. Starting and finishing in Palermo
• Destinations : Palermo – San Vito Lo Capo – Trapani – Marsala – Caltabellotta – Agrigento – Enna – the Parco delle Madonie.

Sicily is the ideal setting for an Italian road trip. This efficient itinerary starts and ends in Palermo and makes a tidy loop around the western part of the island.

We also have a 10 day Sicily road trip looping the entire island.

Covering both the coast and the lush interior, stops include San Vito Lo Capo, Trapani, Marsala, Caltabellotta, Agrigento, Enna, and the Parco delle Madonie.

This road trip covers a distance of approximately 580 km and requires a minimum of 10-12 days to complete.

The best time of year to explore this part of Italy is early autumn when temperatures are pleasant, the summer crowds have dissipated, and harvest festivities sweep through the vineyards.

• Embarking on a street food tour of Palermo
• Swimming and snorkeling at San Vito Lo Capo
• Exploring the salt flats near Trapani
• Shopping for traditional Sicilian souvenirs at the carpet ateliers in Erice
• Doing a fortified wine tasting in Marsala
• Getting lost in the ancient streets of Caltabellotta
• Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Valley of the Temples
• Touring the incredible Cathedral of Enna
• Hiking in the Madonie Regional Natural Park
• After a few days in Sicily’s biggest city, pick up your car and depart Palermo . Follow the coastal road to San Vito Lo Capo, where gorgeous white-sand beaches and ultramarine waters await.
• Continue along the coast to Trapani , the ‘City of Salt and Sail’, to explore the crystal pans before continuing to Marsala , a picturesque city of honey-colored stone known for its fortified wines. For a unique experience, tour the cellars at Cantine Florio.
• Detour inland to spend a night in the tiny village of Caltabellotta before making your way down to Agrigento , the departure point for exploring one of Sicily’s most important archaeological sites, the Valley of the Temples.
• Turning inland, make a quick stop in medieval Enna before spending a few nights on the fringe of Madonie Regional Natural Park , where you can enjoy the area’s hiking trails before returning to Palermo.

Recommended by Emily – Wander-Lush

Italy is such an incredible country to explore leisurely by road. With so many incredible and diverse experiences, it’s hard to choose just one Italy road trip itinerary.

The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip

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Road Trip Italy Planner & Itinerary

The gorgeous country of Italy is perfect for a road trip! Compact and with all the best bits in the middle, you’ll be blown away by the landscapes, architecture, and local food in this sublime country. Take a bucket list road trip to Italy and see it for yourself!

A road trip in Italy opens up the sweeping landscapes, historic cities, and some of the most picture-perfect seaside towns in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

This visually arresting country will have you stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like wine tastings, volcano trekking, exploring historic UNESCO sites, and the real Italian dolce vita !

In this Italy travel guide, you’ll find a list of all the top sights in Italy to visit on your road trip adventure, with Italy travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable Italian road trip itinerary.

Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Italy

Fly into Milan Malpensa   Airport,  a good starting point for your roadtrip in Italy. With direct international flights from North America, the Middle East, Europe, and  UK , we recommend booking through  Skyscanner  for live deals and the best prices.

Alternatively, switch up the itinerary a little and start your Italy trip in beautiful Rome, the historic capital city. There are so many things to do in Rome , we recommend allowing a couple of days for your visit before heading off on your Italian road trip!

Driving to Italy from UK

If you’re planning to drive to  Italy from the U K, then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest, and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our UK to Italy driving guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in Italy? As one of the largest rental car aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites as your travel around Italy, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Driving in Italy

Lots of people will tell you that renting a car in Italy is madness, that driving through Italy is dangerous and the roads are dreadful.  

It is true that some routes can be challenging to drive in Italy, and in big cities, Italian drivers see it as a badge of honor not to give way. Isn’t that the same in most big cities nowadays though?

Don’t let your fears about traveling Italy by car put you off taking Italian road trips. Take your time and be prepared for the differences in driving styles and roads from back home when you follow our driving in Italy tips .

You’ll also find helpful information regarding driving requirements in Italy, such as international driving permits, age limits, and tips about renting a car in Italy .

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Italy . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Italy Itinerary & Map

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Italy
• The Rough Guide to Italy
• DK Eyewitness Italy
• Italy Road Trip Itinerary

Milan – Portofino – Cinque Terre – Pisa – San Gimignano – Siena – Montepulciano – Rome – Spoleto – Assisi – Florence – Bologna – Venice – Lake Garda

• Distance: 1670km
• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Drive Time: 23 hours

How to use this Italy road trip map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Make your road trip across Italy flexible…

Italy road trip 1 week.

Fly into Pisa instead, skip San Gimignano, Spoleto and Montepuciano. Head home from Pisa once you’ve seen Florence.  

Italy Road Trip 2 Weeks

Skip Pisa, Spoleto, Venice and Lake Garda…these are tough choices, but you can always come back for a second trip.

Italy Road Trip 3 Weeks

You have enough time to complete our suggested itinerary, but you will be busy! You’ll have one day in most places, and up to 36 hours in Rome and Florence.

Italy Road Trip 4 Weeks

Enjoy the time and spend longer in Rome and Florence. Maybe add Arezzo and Verona to your itinerary or check out the Amalfi coast.

Want to print this itinerary? Download and print a text only version with no ads or images. Includes space for your trip planning notes and a packing list for Italy!

Italy Road Trip Route & Destinations

Milan is the best airport to fly in and out of for your perfect Italy road trip itinerary. As one of Italy’s major cities, Milan enjoys direct international flights from all the world’s continents, it’s accessible, has great car hire options and it’s a pretty kick-a** city to visit too!

If you didn’t already know,  Milan  is a global capital of design, and the famous Italian fashion brands that call the city their home deliver sleek and simple Italian style at every turn. Milan’s creativity and design flair are not a recent phenomenon though.

The city center has been at the forefront of the arts throughout history and this can be seen in the spectacular Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’. 

If you fancy a bit of shopping in this city of designer boutiques and couture labels, then visit the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall, and unlike any other shopping mall you’ve visited before!

Stay at the Moxy Milan Malpensa Airport , the best of Milan’s airport hotels, and get the train or bus directly into the center of Milan. It will take around 30 minutes and cost €10-15. If you’re splashing out, get a cab for around €100.

If you decide to spend a night in Milan, save money, and delay your car rental pick-up until the following day, then hit the road for the best road trip route in Italy!

RELATED POST: Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Head south to Portofino, a gentrified fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline of the Ligurian Sea. Pastel-painted houses line the picturesque harbor, mixing effortlessly with stylish bijou stores, seafood restaurants, and cool bars.

The charming Piazzetta, a small cobbled square, overlooks the harbor of the coastal town, which is lined with super-yachts in the summer and more traditional craft in spring and autumn. 

Spend a day soaking up the atmosphere and people-watching. Grab a slice of delicious focaccia con il formaggio (focaccia with cheese) from nearby Recco and meander along the winding backstreets, whilst indulging in a bit of window shopping.  

Head to San Fruttuoso, a stretch of the Mediterranean coast which you can only get to by boat or on foot. Enjoy lunch at a cantina on one of the beautiful terraces, where we ate one of the best tomato salads we have ever experienced. 

Spend some time on the warm turquoise water in a kayak or on a paddle board; make sure to take a snorkel and mask with you too, as the water here is crystal clear.

Head back to dry land and enjoy dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants in the harbor, for a perfect end to your first full day in Italy.

• Where to Stay in Portofino

Upmarket: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Piccolo Portofino – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Albergo Annabella, Santa Margherita Ligure – Booking.com | Agoda

Cinque Terre

You could easily spend a week or more in this wonderful national park, especially if you enjoy hiking, water sports, and outdoor activities.  Cinque Terre  is a group of five historic seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline and a real  bucket list destination .

Pretty and brightly colored houses cling to dramatic terraced streets, harbors are filled with traditional fishing boats bobbing on clear azure waters and trattorias serve up everything with homemade pesto (basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts), the traditional sauce of the region.

The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the five little towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. The trail offers incredible sea views and easy walking.

If you’re more of a water baby, see the Cinque Terre villages from a kayak, or take a boat trip and avoid the inevitable crowds in the towns.

Like driving the Amalfi Coast , going to Cinque Terre in a car can be challenging and you should read this  Cinque Terre guide  before you decide how to visit.

If you do decide to stay or park in Cinque Terre, head for delightful Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the Cinque Terre towns, and start your amble along the hiking route from there. Otherwise, stay in La Spezia and get the early train the next morning to make the most of your day.

• Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Upmarket: Sesta Terra – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Ca’ D’Andrean – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: La Taverna del Metallo Rooms – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Italy.

There’s  more than you think to do in Pisa , even though much of the town was sadly lost during the WW2 bombings. Head for the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) where you’ll find the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, the fine Romanesque duomo, Gothic baptistery, and  camposanto  (cemetery).

This beautiful quartet of creamy-colored historic buildings sits on an open and grassy area, enabling the infamous Instagram shots of people seemingly holding up the infamous tower.

If you’re on a deadline, the best way to enjoy Pisa is to take this excellent  two hour guided tour  of these important monuments, as you pass through on your way to the next stop.

• Where to Stay in Pisa

Upmarket: Palazzo Cini – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Di Stefano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel La Pace – Booking.com | Agoda

San Gimignano

As you approach this most archetypal of Tuscan hill villages, you’ll see its thirteen towers dominating the skyline.

Historically, this beautiful place was on the main pilgrim route from Northern Europe to Rome and the towers were built by merchants to show the world their power and wealth.   

San Gimignano is now beautifully preserved and perfect for an afternoon meandering the atmospheric narrow cobbled streets and piazzas of the historic center.

Make sure to visit the ancient Torre Grossa, the only one of the thirteen towers open to visitors.

Other must-sees are the stunning frescos in the 11th century Collegiate and the ornamental Rococo interior of Sant’ Agostino church. Otherwise, grab a gelato or a coffee and stroll to your heart’s content.

As with all Tuscan hill villages, if you’re in a motorhome or anything bigger than a car you will need to identify parking at sea level and walk up, or take public transportation – often provided by the municipality in the summer months.

When you leave San Gimignano, you’ll have time to make a quick stop to visit Monteriggioni , a fine example of a beautiful medieval walled castle and village.

RELATED POST: The Complete Guide to Touring Italy by Motorhome

• Where to Stay in San Gimignano  

Upmarket: Agriturismo Mormoraia – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Bel Soggiorno – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Relais Cappuccina – Booking.com | Agoda

Siena is gloriously Tuscan, its warm colors beckoning you into the medieval streets and towards the jewel in Siena’s crown, the famous Piazza del Campo.

The prettiest of  Tuscany’s must-see towns  is not only home to one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares but a wealth of stunning religious and civic buildings and a busy shopping area packed with interesting galleries and boutiques.

Any  visit to Siena  has to include the Piazza del Campo, an extraordinary site as you enter from Via di Citta to fully appreciate the symmetry, layout, and beauty of the square.

Lined with fine buildings that will grab your attention, don’t miss the tiny Fonte Gaia on the northern edge of the piazza, whose water is still supplied by a 500-year-old viaduct.

Take a  walking tour of Siena  and the Duomo to fully appreciate the city’s turbulent history and breathtaking architecture.

Stop for lunch at one of the many lively restaurants lining the streets around the main square and sample delicious Ribollita, a traditional Tuscan soup made with beans, vegetables, and bread, before heading off on one of the best drives in Italy.

• Where to Stay in Siena

Upmarket: Palazzetto Rosso – Art Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Athena – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Palazzo di Valli – Booking.com | Agoda

Val d’Orcia

Driving in Tuscany is one of the greatest pleasures as you road trip through Italy. As you leave Siena for Montepulciano, you’ll be motoring through some of Italy’s most iconic and stunning scenery.

Head south, setting your sat nav for the Val d’Orcia, and enjoy one of Europe’s best driving routes and Italy’s most scenic drive.

This journey will take you past small villages, vineyards, and olive groves, and you’ll pass row upon row of majestic cypress trees lining the roads and on the skyline. This is Tuscan countryside at its very best.

If you pick up the SP146 between San Quirico d’Orcia and Montepulciano, you might even spot the famous house from  the film ‘Gladiator’, some of which was shot in Tuscany .

Montepulciano

Famous for the classic, rustic wine of the same name, the gorgeous medieval town of Montepulciano is nestled into the chalky hills at the meeting point of the Val d’Orcia and the Vall di Chiana.

Surrounded by the classic Tuscan landscape of rolling green hills and golden fields dotted with cypress trees, this is your picture-perfect Tuscany road trip destination.

The old town itself is a masterpiece of cobbled streets, charming piazzas, restaurants, and gift shops which can easily draw you in for a deliciously pleasant afternoon and evening.  

Enjoy a meal of wild boar ragu, followed by local cheese and honey washed down with the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The town is also one of the best spots in this itinerary for a  wine-tasting tour of a local vineyard , to understand the history and process of  making wine in Italy .

You cannot park within the town walls and need a permit to park in one of the numbered car parks on the outskirts, which your hotel will provide for you.

The car parks are around a ten to fifteen minute walk from the center of the town, so maybe pack a small bag for an overnight stay.

• Where to Stay in Montepulciano

Upmarket: Palazzo Carletti – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Il Rondò Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Albergo Duomo – Booking.com | Agoda

Italy Road Trip Ideas

A Bucket List Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Puglia Road Trip: The Best 7 Day Itinerary + Map & Tips

Tuscan Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete 2024 Guide

Sicily Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Map

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

The center of a vast empire and capital of the Christian world for centuries, Rome is full of the works of the artists and architects who gathered here to work for the Popes and their wealthy families.

This magnificent legacy has assured the eternal city’s position as one of the most important historical places in the world. Even if you just have one day, you should see the most important of Rome’s ancient architecture like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, and the slightly more modern historical sites like the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

As you walk, you’ll take in a handful of light and airy piazzas, perfect for stopping and enjoying a coffee or ice cream as you people-watch.

Our Rome in one day itinerary has all the information you need to visit the city and get a real flavor of why Rome is a must-visit place in Italy.

RELATED POSTS: The Best of Rome in 36 Hours | Rome in a Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

If you have four weeks or longer for your driving tour of Italy, one of the best road trips from Rome is to head south for around three hours to the Amalfi Coast .

This stunning stretch of gravity-defying road from Sorrento to Salerno passes by the beautiful beaches of Positano, the romantic village of Ravello and authentic Vietri sul Mare, and is considered the best Italian coast road trip of them all.

The road south to the Amalfi Coast will also take you past Mount Vesuvius (one of Italy’s three live volcanoes – the others are Mount Etna on Sicily and Stromboli, its own small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea), and the magnificent Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Both Vesuvius and Pompeii can be seen in a day , meaning you could visit three major Italian attractions, adding just two extra days to your roadtrip Italy – be prepared for an early start from Rome though!

RELATED POST: Southern Italy Road Trip: Discover the Best 33 Places To Visit

Driving from Rome to Florence you’ll find Spoleto, often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors but a true hidden gem.

Nestled in a beautiful wooded setting in Umbria, the town is famous for the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of the Two Worlds) held in June and July annually.

Outside of this time, tourists are welcomed, but not thick on the ground like they are in next-door Assisi.

Spoleto’s independent nature has allowed it to thrive and progress as a town in its own right, rather than a tourist hot spot.

Come to Spoleto to enjoy a slow day, sipping coffee in the square, taking the travelator (an experience in itself) up to the mighty fortress of La Rocca Albornoz, which dominates the skyline, and wandering around the many beautiful churches and religious buildings in the town. 

• Where to Stay in Spoleto

Upmarket: Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel dei Duchi – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Vecchio Forno – Booking.com | Agoda

The birth and final resting place of St Francis of Assisi, this beautiful medieval hill town, with its geranium-filled narrow streets, charming piazzas, and panoramic views is a must-see on your Italian road trip itinerary.

Wreathed in history and religion, the magnificent Basilica di San Francesco draws pilgrims and tourists from across the globe – think of  Italian novels  like ‘The Name of the Rose’ and you’re imagining Assisi.

Clinging to the side of a craggy outcrop and visible for miles, the Basilica dominates the town and surrounding landscape.  Spend the day wandering between here and Assisi’s main square, Piazza del Comune, where the Roman columns of the Templo di Minerva still stand.

There are many other religious buildings of note, a  walking tour with a private guide  will help you understand the importance and history of each.

• Where to Stay in Assisi

Upmarket: Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Le Silve di Armenzano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Cladan – Booking.com | Agoda

If you’re all eaten and drunk out at this stage, consider giving Bologna (the stop after Florence) a miss and heading up the east coast of Italy from Assisi, before cutting back inland to Florence.

This route takes in the best of Le Marche, a remote corner full of beautiful scenery that is sandwiched between the Apennines and the Adriatic.

The coast is home to a number of seaside resort towns with long sandy beaches and the stunning Conero Peninsula, which makes a welcome relief from the almost uninterrupted beach which dominates the coastline.

Inland are lots of beautiful and historic towns, less visited and the better for it. For a real punch of medieval architecture, check out Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, the highlights of the region.

Whilst you’re there, pop into San Marino, said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic and the fifth smallest country in the world!

Florence is a vast and graceful monument to the Renaissance, the period of cultural and artistic rebirth following the Middle Ages. Many famous artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli contributed to Florence’s heritage, making it one of the artistic capitals of the world. 

Historic Florence is compact and walkable and could be seen in a day if you’re ruthless in your selections.

Better to spend two days here and visit the must-sees of the exceptional Duomo, the stunning Palazzo Vecchio, the sublime Uffizi Gallery, and the ancient church of Santa Croce.

Across the River Arno, via the Ponte Vecchio, lies the vast and imposing Pitti Palace and the Santa Spirito church.

Book everything in advance, whether that’s tickets, tours, or guides; this city never sheds itself of tourists, all clamoring to see the same things as you!  

RELATED POST: One Day in Florence – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Florence

Upmarket: Hotel Spadai – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Soprarno Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Perseo – Booking.com | Agoda

One of the best medieval cities in Italy and the foodie capital of Emilia-Romagna (and possibly the whole of Italy) Bologna will surprise and delight you. Follow our self-guided foodie walking tour of Bologna to sample the best food and architecture the city has to offer. 

If you have time, pop across to Modena to sample the famous Balsamic vinegar made there, and then Parma for the ham of the same name.

RELATED POST: Self-Guided Food Tour of Bologna

• Where to Stay in Bologna

Upmarket: Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: PHI Hotel Al Cappello Rosso – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Social Hub Bologna – Booking.com | Agoda

Ahh, Venice. This unique city has survived against all the odds; built on a series of mud banks, and in the tidal waters of the Adriatic, Venice regularly floods.

Despite this, little of the essential fabric and infrastructure of Venice has changed in 200 years, and more than 20 million visitors a year fall in love with the beguiling city of water.

Trying to see Venice in a day will not do it justice, and leave you feeling frustrated. If that’s all you have, either come back another time or take a  private full day trip  so you can be whisked around and see all the best bits, without getting lost.

Whenever you visit and whether you choose to see the religious and historic buildings, the famous glass island of Murano, the lace-making island of Burano, and haunting Torcello, or take a gondola along the Grand Canal, Venice will be crowded.

Park at Garage San Marco Venezia , (book well in advance) a five minute walk from the hotel. There is no free parking in or around Venice, expect to pay at least €25 per 24-hour period.

RELATED POST: One Day in Venice – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

• Where to Stay in Venice

Upmarket: Sina Centurian Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Palazzo Veneziano – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Saturnia & International – Booking.com | Agoda

Lake Garda is your final stop before heading back to Milan to drop off your hire car.  Lake Garda, the most well-known and largest of the beautiful Italian lakes , borders three regions; Trentino, Lombardy, and the Veneto.

The further north along the lake you go, the more dramatic the landscapes become, as you head towards the snowcapped Alps of the South Tyrol.

There are  many beautiful towns around Lake Garda , all offering opportunities for water sports, hiking, and relaxing at the end of your epic road trip around Italy.  

Our pick is Bardolino on the east shore, a lively town with easy access to the lake and lots going on, as well as spectacular sunsets over Lake Garda to end your day.

From Bardolino, it’s a few hour’s drive to Milan Airport, perhaps via Lake Iseo, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore if you have a few extra days to explore.

• Where to Stay in Lake Garda

Upmarket: LLAC Living Nature Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Resort Casino di Caccia – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel La Terrazzina – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or get inspiration from our favorite European road trips .

Italian Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for trips to Italy.

• Search for affordable flights to Italy with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Italy with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Italy with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Italy with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

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The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como and the culture, art and beauty of Florence and Rome, to the epic views along the Amalfi Coast and traditional Italian towns of Puglia, this Italy road trip has it all!

Road tripping past vineyards, dramatic coastlines and historic cities sounds like a pretty perfect holiday doesn’t it? When it comes to European holidays, Italy is always one of my top recommendations. I love the views, the buzz, the people. And don’t get me started on the food – I mean, delicious Italian cuisine for brekky, lunch and dinner? That’s enough of a reason to visit in itself! 

Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, food or fashion, a trip to Italy will no doubt appeal. Spend leisurely days floating beneath the Rialto Bridge in Venice on a gondola, window shopping in Milan’s boutiques, standing where gladiators once fought in the Roman Colosseum or staying in a traditional Trulli house in Puglia.

And the best part about an Italy road trip? The freedom! You don’t have to stick to the obvious routes. While I’ve created an Italy itinerary on the maps below, I’d encourage veering off course from time to time. That’s when you’ll find the hidden gems, the towns the tourists don’t know about, and no doubt some delicious Italian food too.

It’s also worth remembering that some of the interior parts of the country are as pretty as the coasts, with vineyards, sunflower fields and gorgeous hilltop towns. Going on a road trip means you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy too.

So, rather than create one epic Italian road trip, I’ve divided it into a northern Italy road trip and a southern Italy road trip. That way you can just pick one and break the country up into manageable chunks. Got a while? Join the two up and continue down the coast from Rome to Milan.

Click through to take a look at each itinerary, and figure out which one is right for you…

The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itinerary

From driving along the Amalfi Coast and enjoying traditional pasta in Puglia, to enjoying lake views in northern Italy and the incredible canals of Venice, it's time to plan the ultimate Italy road trip! 

The Ultimate Northern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the stunning scenery of Lake Como, dramatic coastlines of Cinque Terre and the canals of Venice, to the culture, art and beauty of Milan, Florence and Rome, it’s time to plan the ultimate northern Italy road trip!

The Ultimate Southern Italy Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From the vibrant city of Naples and the awe inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast, to the traditional Italian towns of Puglia and Sicily’s beaches, volcanoes and cuisine, it’s time to plan the ultimate southern Italy road trip!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?

Italy has a Mediterranean climate and is a lovely destination to visit all year round.

Temperatures vary by region, but as a quick example, you can expect average temperatures of around 0°C in around Cortina (a ski resort in the mountains) in January, and as high as 37°C in July in cities such as Milan and Venice. Temperatures in the south remain mild in winter, making destinations like Puglia and Sicily great options for a winter holiday.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Italy, I’d suggest planning a trip between April and June, or in September or October, just after the peak summer season.

The weather tends to be consistent in these months, but isn’t too hot. Plus, as you’re missing peak season, you should benefit from lower prices and fewer people.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list.

I hope you’ve enjoyed checking out my Italy road trip itineraries! Let me know where you decide to go and what your highlights are…

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later… 

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Italy Road Trip Itineraries: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More”

I am obsessed with Italy! I really want to visit Milan and Lake Como so I think that will be my next trip! xoxo Jess

Hey Jess – that’s a great route to take and super easy! I’ve just got back from Trentino which is also stunning!

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7 Phenomenal Italy Road Trip Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

There’s a lot to love about taking an Italy road trip, from admiring beautiful countryside views along the open road during the day to stopping at whatever hilltop village or seaside vista looks lovely, to spending evenings in small countryside inns or perhaps even a Tuscan farmhouse.

This guide will show you where to find the best road trips in Italy to help make those dreams a reality, while also providing plenty of practical advice along the way.

It’s no secret that Italy is one of our absolute favorite countries to explore, nor that we have taken more road trips in Italy than in any other country that isn’t our own–but at the same time, we fully believe that most popular, first-time-in-Italy itineraries are not best experienced as a road trip.

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While traveling in Italy is absolutely amazing, most of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations–Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, and Milan, just to name a few–are not well suited to an Italy road trip. 

On the contrary, if you ask us, a rental car is more of a liability than an asset in every single one of those destinations!

But that being said, there are some truly phenomenal road trips in Italy that are easily among the best in the world.

If you’re looking to plan an Italy road trip, here’s what–and where–we recommend.

Table of Contents

Is a Road Trip in Italy Right for You?

Renting a car for your road trip, the best italy road trip destinations, italy road trip tips.

Italy is home to some fantastic road trips, but whether or not a road trip is right for you depends a lot on both your personal travel style and what your dream trip to Italy looks like.

If you decide a road trip isn’t right for you, we highly recommend checking out some of our more classic Italy itineraries instead– this 2 week itinerary is a great introduction to the country, and this one week guide is packed full of Italy trip ideas!

An Italy road trip might be the right choice for you if…

… you’re hoping to focus on small towns and countryside destinations..

As I mentioned above, Italy’s biggest cities, while absolutely fantastic places to visit, are not well-suited for road trips.

If your dream Italy trip looks something like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Cinque Terre, you’re bound to have an amazing time–and you definitely shouldn’t experience it as a road trip.

This 2 week itinerary will get you started on your planning, though!

… you’re not intimidated by driving in a foreign country.

While driving in Italy is far from impossible, it does have an intimidating reputation for a reason: if you’re not a regular driver and/or are not confident behind the wheel, you may want to reconsider driving in Italy, or at the very least, be very careful to choose an easier road trip destination.

… you want to maintain maximum flexibility.

Want to duck into roadside cafes, randomly detour to check out a small town you spotted on the map, and wake up each morning unsure of what adventures it will hold?

If so, an Italy road trip might be the right vacation for you! 

… you’re willing to trade a few logistical challenges for a chance to get off the beaten path.

From finding the right parking spot to keeping an eye out for toll booths to getting lost along the way, taking a road trip in Italy definitely comes with its own set of challenges–but if that sounds like a worthy trade for an open-ended adventure and a chance to see a side of Italy that most of its visitors don’t, then it’s absolutely worth it.

For most people, of course, taking an Italy road trip will require renting a car.

We’ll cover some tips and tricks for renting a car later in this blog post, but here’s the short version: we recommend renting a small car in Italy through Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

We’ve rented a car in Italy more times than we can count, and we’ve used a different rental car company almost every time: the variations in prices depending on time of year, availability, and rental inclusions will vary dramatically, and you’ll want to make sure you arrange for the best combination of price and inclusions before arriving to start your road trip in Italy.

Check rates & book your rental car with  Discover Cars  today!

The Italy road trips outlined here aren’t just destinations that are doable as road trips–they’re destinations ideally experienced as one!

The freedom of the open road, beauty of the countryside, and delights of traveling Italy independently are all easily felt on these sublime Italy road trips.

Arguably the most classic Italy road trip of them all, the idyllic Tuscan countryside lives up to expectations!

From the beautiful hilltop villages to the seemingly endless rows of grapevines and olive trees, from the delights of Tuscan hot springs to the majestic beauty of Brunelleschi’s Dome erupting from the center of Florence’s skyline, the reality of Tuscany definitely lives up to the legend.

Consider starting your road trip from Florence (though you won’t need to pick up your rental car until you’re ready to leave the region’s capital), and visiting charming Lucca , stunning Siena, and famous Pisa along the way.

Of course, since half the fun of a road trip is going where the trains can’t easily reach, you’ll want to mix in even smaller towns as well– Volterra , Cortona, Montepulciano , and San Gimignano are all excellent options.

Be sure to visit the famous Val d’Orcia for those classic Tuscan views, and if you’ve ever wanted to stay in an Italian villa or at a vineyard, a Tuscany road trip is definitely an excellent opportunity to do so!

You can check out our full guide to taking a Tuscany road trip here .

Suggested Road Trip Length

A roughly 10-day road trip, plus a couple of days spent in Florence at the beginning and/or end of the trip, will provide an excellent overview of Tuscany while still leaving plenty of stones left unturned that will have you already dreaming of your next trip back by the time you say goodbye.

However, Tuscany is also well-suited for a mini road trip, so if you only have 3 days or so to spare, you can still get a delightful taste of Italy by car!

The Amalfi Coast

Despite being a mere 43 miles long, the dramatically curving road along the Amalfi Coast just may be the most famous–and challenging–Italy road trip of them all!

There’s no denying that the views of the Amalfi Coast along the drive are absolutely sublime and deserve their status as one of the most picturesque places on the planet.

From the shimmering sea visible far beyond the opulent villas of Ravello to the colorful houses climbing improbably up the cliff in Positano, the Amalfi Coast is positively packed with beauty at every turn.

Road tripping the Amalfi Coast has distinct advantages over a more traditional visit, including a chance to escape the crowds, discover offbeat vistas and coves, explore lesser-visited villages, and find (comparatively) inexpensive lodging by staying outside of the most popular towns.

On the flip side, though, the driving is intense: an Amalfi Coast road trip will take you along a very narrow road, perched on a very steep cliff, and demand that you repeatedly navigate around gigantic tour buses that have very little patience with cars clogging up the road–in other words, it’s quite challenging!

If you are a confident driver, there’s no reason to skip it–the Amalfi Coast truly is home to one of the most scenic road trips in Italy–but if you aren’t comfortable behind the wheel, it may be best to pick a different road trip (or simply visit the Amalfi Coast without driving, which is very doable!).

While you can easily drive the Amalfi Coast itself in less than a day, we recommend spending roughly 3-5 days in the area. 

You won’t necessarily want (or need) to change accommodation each day, but you can take incredible day trips via car each day along the Amalfi Coast.

If you’d like, you could also add on a (long) day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and/or Mount Vesuvius by car as well!

The Great Dolomites Road

The Great Dolomites Road–in Italian, the Grande Strada della Dolomiti–runs from Bolzano in South Tyrol to Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto, offering positively jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites along the way.

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind mountain vistas, sweeping valleys, epic lakes , and charming villages that leave you a bit uncertain as to whether you’re actually in Italy at all or if you accidentally wandered into Austria, then this is the Italian road trip for you.

Be sure to leave plenty of time in your road trip itinerary to stop and check out Carezza Lake and the vistas along the Passo Pordoi!

Although not technically part of the route, nearby popular stops in the Dolomites include Sella Pass and Passo Gardena, and you can easily expand your Italy road trip to include the ever-popular Seceda and Val di Funes as well.

While summer is the most popular time for a Dolomites road trip, if you’re visiting in September or October, you can enjoy not only the grape harvest but also memorable local events like Almabtrieb .

The Great Dolomites Road can easily be driven in a day, but we recommend taking your time and soaking up the views–this isn’t a region you’ll want to rush through.

For the bulk of your time in the Dolomites, you can easily base yourself in either Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo (both offer excellent nearby mountain hikes and villages to explore as part of your trip to the Dolomites), but you can also choose to spend part of your time at one of the countryside hotels that exist along this Italy road trip.

The largest island in the Mediterranean has long been a source of mystery and intrigue: loomed over by the enormous Mount Etna and covered in the scattered remnants of a half-dozen empires, from the Ancient Greeks to the Byzantines to the Moors to the Normans and beyond, Sicily an intensely beautiful and historically fascinating island, and easily one of the best places for an Italy road trip!

While exploring Sicily, be sure to visit the incredible Mount Etna, take in the views from Taormina, enjoy the phenomenal beach towns (we’re partial to Cefalu, but there are plenty to choose from!), admire the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, and check out the incredibly well-preserved Greek ruins at Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples.

And, of course, I have to acknowledge that if driving in Italy has a reputation for being challenging, Sicily has a reputation for being home to the most challenging driving of all. 

Our opinion is only one among many, but I will say that after driving all over Europe and Italy both, we didn’t find the driving in Sicily to be significantly different.

We have lots of region-specific driving tips in our detailed Sicily road trip guide .

Roughly 10 days to 2 weeks in Sicily will give you a chance to hit up most of the island’s highlights, but you’ll need to move quickly!

If you have 5 days or less in Sicily, we recommend concentrating on only one portion of the island–the east coast, from Taormina to Syracuse, with a possible detour over to the Val di Noto, is a great option.

Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is often overlooked in favor of Tuscany when it comes to planning a road trip in Italy, but Tuscany’s less-famous next-door neighbor also makes for an incredible road trip destination!

The region is the original home of many of the most beloved foods of Italian cuisine, including Parmigiano-Reggiano , tagliatelle al ragu (what’s known outside of Italy as spaghetti bolognese), mortadella (also known as bologna), and traditional (and decadent) balsamic vinegar, just to name a few!

A road trip in Emilia-Romagna will mean a chance to explore each of these cuisines in their natural settings.

In addition to the region’s capital city of Bologna , Parma and Modena should both be on your radar, as well as unique features of the region like Ravenna’s 1500-year-old mosaics and Rimini’s laid-back beaches.

Visiting Emilia-Romagna via car also provides an opportunity to visit a unique destination that’s technically not even in Italy at all!

T he stunningly beautiful country of San Marino is entirely surrounded by Italy and is easily accessible as part of a road trip in Emilia-Romagna.

A week-long road trip in Emilia-Romagna can cover a lot of what makes the region special.

If possible, we highly recommend adding a couple of days in Bologna, the capital of the region, to one end of your road trip!

The Lakes of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is positively packed with stunning Alpine lakes that are a delight to visit, and a northern Italy road trip is the perfect way to experience them!

Most lake-focused Italy road trips focus on some combination of the large and beautiful lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore, mixing in stops and lakeside small towns, along beautiful hiking trails, and sometimes in nearby cities like gorgeous Verona.

By visiting this part of Italy by car, you’ll be able to avoid crowds of day-trippers at hotspots like Bellagio, instead concentrating your days on harder-to-reach corners while saving the most popular places for the beautiful (and less crowded) evenings.

If you’d like to visit all three lakes, possibly mixing in lesser-known spots like Lake Iseo along the way, we recommend setting aside 7-10 days for this Italy road trip.

However, if you’d like a taste of exploring Italy’s beautiful lakes by car but only have a couple of days to spare, you could also have a fantastic trip by narrowing in on just one lake.

If you’d like to significantly extend this trip, you could head west to the beautiful (and comparatively less touristy) northwestern corner of Italy to explore Piedmont (its major city, Turin , is beautiful but off the beaten path), or even into France!

In the southeast corner of Italy–or, more colloquially, in the heel of Italy’s boot–sits the region of Puglia, a beautiful place laden with white-washed Italian beach towns , craggy cliffs, unique architecture, tasty seafood, and plenty of sunshine.

If you’d like to get off the beaten path on your Italy road trip while focusing on the sun and sea, Puglia is the perfect place to land: while it has a growing tourism scene and is popular with Europeans, Puglia is still a bit under-the-radar for those of us coming from further afield, and it feels miles apart from the crowds of, say, the Amalfi Coast.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the unique trulli houses of Alberobello (these unique cone-shaped buildings can be found throughout the region, but are most highly concentrated in this village), the stunning beach at Polignano al Mare, and the gorgeous villages of Ostuni and Otranto .

Though not technically in Puglia, as it’s located in the region of Basilicata to the west, the ancient hilltop city of Matera definitely belongs on any Puglia road trip itinerary !

You can see the biggest highlights of Puglia in under a week, but as a destination that is more about ambiance than sightseeing, you can also easily extend it–especially if you’d like to include several beach days as part of your road trip in Italy.

Consider picking a base or two and traveling from there.

Just because you’re on a road trip doesn’t mean you need to move hotels every day!

Some of our favorite road trip experiences in Italy have been renting a villa in Tuscany for a week with family and then driving throughout the region to different nearby destinations each day.

Take advantage of agriturismos and rental homes during your Italy road trip.

Part of the joy of taking a road trip in Italy is experiencing the countryside–so take advantage of it!

Agriturismos–essentially Italian farms that operate as small inn-and-restaurant combos in the countryside–are incredibly fun to experience, and there is no shortage to the number of hotels and villa rentals available.

Not only can you often find better prices than in the cities, waking up in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Italian countryside without another soul in sight is definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience.

Stick to 1-2 regions at a time.

Driving large swaths of Italy may be tempting when looking at a map, but large, sterile highways pretty much look the same wherever you go–that’s not where you’ll find the best Italy road trip experiences.

By narrowing your focus and sticking to a smaller geographic region, you’ll end spending far less time looking out the window at generic highways and far more time discovering the quiet corners that make traveling in Italy so very special.

Don’t feel like your Italy road trip has to last the length of your vacation.

Want to take a Tuscany road trip, but also to spend some time in Florence? Want to cruise the Amalfi Coast, but also spend several days in Rome? 

No worries–that’s actually an incredibly fun way to structure a trip!

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you need to pick up a rental car at the airport the second you land: there are rental agencies all over Italy’s cities and towns, and there’s no reason you can’t spend part of your vacation on a road trip in Italy and another part focused on its incredible cities.

Make sure you have access to a GPS for your Italy road trip.

This is absolutely imperative, in our opinion, and can make the difference between an extremely stressful road trip and a fairly laid-back one.

Whether you purchase an international cell phone plan through your carrier before leaving for Tuscany or you purchase an Italian SIM card on the ground, you’ll 100% want to make sure you have cell phone data–and therefore GPS–with you as you drive.

Buy the extra insurance–you won’t regret it.

Ultimately, this is up to you–I know some people prefer not to buy additional CDW insurance (aka the insurance that covers damages to the actual car you’re driving, as opposed to your liability to anyone else) on trips–but we buy it every. single. time. when driving in Italy and have no regrets.

I don’t want to overstate things, because driving in Italy isn’t exactly like driving in the Wild West–but let’s just say that the roads are often tiny, the buildings very close, the parking lots cramped, and the other tourists’ rental cars parked nearby are frequently scratched and dinged in a way that while not horrendously damaging, is definitely something a car rental company would love to charge you for if it happened on your watch.

The peace of mind is absolutely worth it to us–you can price it for yourself when shopping on  Discover Cars , or purchase a travel insurance policy that includes car rental insurance (but be sure to double-check the policy, because only some policies cover it).

… and note that your typical car insurance may not cover your rental car in Italy.

Be sure to double-check what coverages you have, if any, before renting a car–and make sure that they cover Italy specifically, not just Europe.

You’ll need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy.

Technically, you always need an international driving permit to rent a car in Italy.

You can pick this up before you leave home from AAA, and it’s very easy and cheap to do–just a bit annoying, as it’s one more thing to add to your to-do list before leaving for your Italy road trip.

Now, that being said–will your rental agency always ask for it? No. Will the police always ask for it? No.

Is it worth the risk of being refused a rental car or getting a ticket over what amounts to $25 USD and a bit of hassle? Not in our opinion.

Rent the smallest car you can.

Not only is it cheaper, which is always excellent, but a smaller car is also much  easier to drive in Italy.

While the highways in Italy are pretty standard, this-could-be-anywhere highways, the small country roads, parking lots near villages, and dirt roads leading to vineyards and villas can be incredibly narrow.

However, this naturally does not stop them from being used for two-way traffic (you’ll probably end up pulling over to let someone maneuver past you at least a couple of times during your Italy road trip).

Be sure to account for how much space you’ll need for luggage, especially if you have three or more people in your group, but other than that–the smaller, the better.

Be militant about avoiding ZTL zones.

ZTL zones are restricted access zones that dot most of Italy’s historic city centers, including both world-famous cities and smaller towns.

If you drive into one, even accidentally, you’re risking a  big  ticket (and we’ve definitely had to call tiny Tuscan police stations to help some of our family members pay them off months after the fact).

Avoid them by parking on the outskirts of historical centers and by doing your research on where to park ahead of time.

You will encounter toll roads, so carry cash.

Most toll roads in Italy do take credit cards, but it’s always best to have a little cash on you–just in case.

Most cars in Italy are manuals.

Rental car agencies do tend to keep a few automatics on hand for tourists, but you’ll likely pay less and have more selection when renting a car for your Italy road trip if you can drive a manual instead!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “7 Phenomenal Italy Road Trip Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

Thank you for your amazing posts – wonderful details! We are headed to Italy in Sept/Oct 2023 and want to finish our trip with a 2 or 3 day driving tour of tuscany. Would you stay in one town and make day trips, say from Siena? Or move every night to a new town as we make our way back to Rome?

Ah, the perfect time of year to be in Italy. 🙂 You guys will have an amazing time!

I’d definitely recommend picking one town and making day trips from there. Since you’ll have a car, you may even want to consider staying at an agriturismo just outside of a town for easier parking and then driving to various towns/cities each day.

I would love to talk to you about making a special trip to my great grandfather’s hometown of Bagnaturo, and Pratola Peligna, near Sulmona in the Abruzzo region. I know it’s off the beaten path, and want to know the best way to get there. It is a trip of a lifetime.

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

We haven’t been there, but you’re definitely on the right track with taking a road trip. GPS directions are reasonably reliable in Italy, so I’d recommend renting a GPS if you don’t want to use the one on your phone.

And, while it’s definitely far off the beaten path, you’re also less than a 2 hour drive from Rome, so I’d recommend starting there unless you’re already going to be visiting somewhere else in Italy.

Hi Kate, my wife and I will be traveling to Italy in October of this year for two weeks. it is our first time and we will be spending time in Rome, then Sorrento, The Tuscany, Florence and then the Rome Airport. I will be renting a car for the Tuscany part of the trip and taking high speeds trains from Rome to Naples and then Naples to Florence what suggestions do You have for the trip?…We will be staying in B&B’s and Botique hotels and a Tuscan Villa for the two weeks….We want to see as much as possible but we also want to enjoy it as a vacation as well.

Sounds like you guys have a wonderful itinerary outlined!

From Sorrento, of course you’ll be able to reach Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, etc. I definitely recommend a guide at Pompeii–we didn’t use one the first time we visited and I regretted it.

I’m not sure how long you’ll be in Tuscany, but here’s our recommended road trip (it can of course be shortened and adapted): https://www.ourescapeclause.com/tuscany-road-trip-itinerary/

I have quite a few driving tips in there, too.

If you have even an afternoon to set aside for Naples itself, it’s a very memorable place. Get a pizza (L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is the most famous, and Pizzeria Brandi is another favorite of ours), a coffee and sfogliatella from Cafe Gambrinus, and enjoy the chaos.

Hope you guys have an incredible time in Italy! October is probably our favorite month to be there. 🙂

Thanks so much for your help Kate….stay safe in your travels.

Kate Can you suggest any places to stay south of Rome as we road trip down to Taormina for the Bocelli concert on Sept 2 ? We land in Rome on the 27th of August and will head to cassino and the where would you suggest ? When we Taormina on the 5th we thought we would hang out in Sicily and then make our way back to Rome for sept 9 to our departure day of sept 12. We have seen Rome on a cruise 11 years ago but want to see a bit more. Any suggestions for accomodation in Rome . It is just 2 of us btw Thank you for your help Pattie

Sounds like quite the journey! I’m assuming you’re choosing this route because you’re confident drivers and want the adventure of the journey–if not, you may want to consider other options, as you don’t really need a car in either Rome or Taormina.

As far as the journey, though, you’ll be passing close to many incredible places along the way, including Naples, Pompeii, if you’re open to going out of the way, of course the Amalfi Coast. None of those are the easiest places to drive in Italy, but they’re all worth visiting!

Paestum, a lesser-known but incredible Greek ruin site, is a short detour as well.

Further south, the resort town of Tropea isn’t too far out of your way.

As far as accommodation in Rome, we have several suggestions in our itinerary posts: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/4-days-in-rome-itinerary/

Enjoy the drive!

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Best Italian Road Trips: 16 Super Dreamy Routes

Italian road trips are the best. Whether you love strolling through cities, towns, and villages or exploring the country’s natural scenery, Italy is a fantastic road trip destination and it never disappoints.

The views will always be dreamy, the culture will always be fascinating, and the food will always be delicious.

With so much beauty in this country, it can be difficult to decide which area to choose for your scenic drive, so here’s a roundup of the best road trips in Italy that will hopefully help you make this almost impossible decision.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Best Italian Road Trips on the Mainland

Southern italy.

By Nicole from Adventures of Nicole

Route:  Circular starting in Naples.

Days:  15 days (13-17 days is comfortable).

In a perfect mixture of off-the-beaten-path and well-trodden classics, this Southern Italy road trip takes in the most-loved stops in the regions of Campania , Basilicata , Puglia , and Calabria , as well as their hidden gems .

Starting from the capital of Campania,  Naples , take a day or so to explore the historical sites that the city has to offer.

Some of the best things to do in Naples include exploring the historic center, grabbing some arancini, pizza fritta (fried pizza), and sfogliatelle, and heading to Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria for one of his famed pizzas.

After your whirlwind visit to Naples, head south and spend 2- 4 days on the Amalfi Coast .

Explore the gorgeous towns of Positano , Amalfi , Atrani , and Ravello that seem impossibly clung to the side of the mountainous coast that appears to tumble into the sea.

Continuing south from the Amalfi Coast, you’ll enter the little-visited region of Basilicata and on to two of the most beautiful places in all of Italy – Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa . These side-by-side towns are built right into the Lucian Dolomites.

From Castelmezzano, you’ll journey deeper into Basilicata and visit  Matera .

Once the ‘shame of Italy,’ the troglodytic city has risen from the ashes to become a European Capital of Culture and a UNESCO site. Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, don’t miss the fascinating caves of the Sassi di Matera.

Heading into  Puglia , you’ll visit the bizarre conical-roofed Trulli of Alberobello, the gorgeous caves of Grotta dell’Poesia, and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme before heading back into Basilicata to explore the nature of  Pollino National Park  en route to Calabria.

In  Calabria , you’ll laze on the beautiful beaches in and around  Tropea  and explore the untamed beaches and cave of Grotto dell’Arcomagno.

Head back north to  Maratea , your jumping-off point to the little-known cousin of Amalfi – the  Cilento Coast , where you’ll wrap up your epic road trip before turning your car back in up in Naples. Plan your own  Southern Italy road trip here .

By Krisztina from She Wanders Abroad

Route:  From Ortisei to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Days:  4-5.

If you want to discover one of the most stunning areas in Northern Italy, you have to plan a  road trip to the Dolomites  for your next vacation!

It’s best to explore the Dolomites by car, so you can either bring your own if you live nearby or rent a car at the airport when you arrive in Italy.

Although there are no international airports in the area, bigger airports such as Venice, Bergamo, or Milan are only a few hours away from the Dolomites. This makes it easy to visit the region, even if you are coming from overseas.

The Dolomites cover more than 140,000 hectares in several regions, so you can spend several weeks exploring the area without getting bored, but if you only have a shorter amount of time, 4-5 days are enough to discover the highlights.

Since the best places to visit in the Dolomites are quite far from each other, it’s best to choose two bases for your road trip from where you can explore the nearby area with less driving.

In the first part of your road trip to Italy’s Dolomites, stay in  Ortisei , which is a cute little town located in  Val Gardena (in South Tyrol).

From there, you can visit the famous  Alpe di Siusi ,  Lago di Carezza , the Seceda ridgeline, and the picturesque church of Santa Maddalena in  Val di Funes .

Cortina d’Ampezzo  is one of the most popular places to stay, and it will be the perfect base for the second half of your Dolomites road trip as you can easily reach the Insta-famous  Lago di Braies  or the iconic three peaks at  Tre Cime di Lavaredo  from there.

It’s best to stay at least 2 nights at each place to have time to properly explore their surroundings!

By Marek from Indie Traveller

Route:  Circular starting in Bari.

Days:  7.

Puglia is a highly underrated region of Italy that’s just made for a road trip.

It’s filled with ancient history, cute coastal towns, and great regional culinary delights, though without the crowds often found on the tourist trail elsewhere in Italy.

Start in the port city of  Bari , then drive a circle around the Puglia peninsula (recognizable as the ‘heel of Italy’s boot’). The ancient city of  Lecce , often billed as a kind of mini-Florence but without the crowds, is a must-stop along the way.

The true delights, though, are the small towns with white-plastered houses along the coast, such as  Monopoli  and  Otranto , many of them boasting old Venetian fortresses and some of the best beaches in Puglia .

Looping back to Bari, be sure to stop by  Alberobello . It’s a town known for its ‘Trulli’ – small conical buildings that were once used as farmhouses, but these days often function as souvenir shops or little holiday homes.

Staying in a Trullo is a unique experience you can’t have anywhere else.

Puglia is a wonderful region to explore by car, but do take care when driving; the Italians around here are known to be quite reckless drivers at times! Be sure to check out these  tips for a road trip in Puglia .

Read more about Puglia:

• Best places to stay in Bari
• Things to do in Bari
• Day trips from Bari
• Puglia itinerary without a car
• Hidden gems in Puglia
• Is Bari worth visiting
• Visiting Puglia in March

Northern Italy: Lakes Garda, Como, Maggiore, and Orta

Route:  Circular starting in Milan.

Northern Italy’s lakes are an ideal European road trip destination from Milan (especially if you want to spend fall or spring in Europe ).

From colorful coastal towns to relaxing beaches to natural landscapes, this area offers an interesting mix of things to do and see.

This one-week  Italian lakes road trip  can easily be extended to 10 or even 14 days if you want to visit a few more places or spend some time resting by the lakes.

Rent your car at Milan’s airport and head to  Lake Garda , the largest in the country. Dedicate at least 3-4 days to this lake and explore towns like Limone , Sirmione , Malcesine , Bardolino , and Borghetto sul Mincio .

Don’t miss the mesmerizing turquoise Lake Tenno , situated only a few miles away from Garda’s northern coast.

Continue to  Lake Como , which is mostly known for its luxurious lakeside villas. Towns like Varenna and Bellagio are its crowning glory, but there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the area.

The third lake,  Lake Maggiore , is the one that often gets overlooked, yet visiting it is one of the best things to do in northern Italy .

Base yourself in  Stresa , and visit places like the nearby Borromean Islands  (easily accessible by ferry or boat) and the lesser-known Cannobio .

Before heading back to Milan, be sure to stop at the charming  Orta San Giulio  on  Lake Orta .

Rome to Florence

By Tiffany from A Girl and Her Passport

Route:  Rome to Florence.

Days:  5.

Traveling from Rome to Florence is probably one of the best driving routes in Italy. This road trip takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Umbria and Tuscany .

A  road trip from Rome to Florence  is very short if you want to make no stops along the way, but where is the fun in that? You can make the trip in as little as two days or make it a longer trip of up to five days. 

Most people will rent a car at the Rome airport, so if you want to see the city first, you should do this before renting a car.

You can plan a short itinerary of just 24 hours in Rome , but the Italian capital has so much to offer, that it would be best to spend at least 4 days in Rome .

Once you leave the city, head to the  Parco di Monstri – this outdoor sculpture garden is unlike any art you might have seen, and it has a slightly creepy history.

In Umbria, there are several cute towns to visit that have fascinating histories. Amelia , supposedly the oldest Umbrian town, has 11-foot-thick walls and winding alleyways to explore.

Assisi is the hometown of St. Francis and has many stunning churches to visit. The view from the Rocca Maggiore castle is one of the best in Italy.

Tuscany brings its own beautiful villages, including Siena and Cortona , from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ fame.

Be sure to watch where you park in these towns as the parking can be restricted to residents only. Usually, there is a public car park on the outskirts of town.

Most of all, take time to enjoy the scenery of this stunning road trip from Rome to Florence.

You can also check out this 7-day Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary !

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Route:  Circular starting in Florence.

One of the best scenic drives in Italy is a trip through Tuscany.

With this  7-day Tuscany road trip itinerary , you can cover the best places to visit in the region, enjoy the art and architecture, take great photos, and relish fabulous food and wine along the way.

Begin your trip with 1 or 2 days in  Florence , the region’s capital and the cradle of the Renaissance.

In Florence, climb to the top of the Duomo for fabulous views, wander the streets of the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and take in the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Don’t forget to gorge on gelato!

From Florence, head southeast, to the lesser-visited but very beautiful towns of Arezzo and Cortona . With beautiful architecture and lively main squares, these small towns will charm you.

Your next stop is  Siena , possibly Italy’s most famous hill town. Its Duomo is magnificent, as well as its Piazza del Campo, one of the largest squares in Europe and one of the prettiest piazzas in Italy .

From Siena, move on to the scenic  Val d’Orcia , where you can stop at old historic abbeys, small picturesque hill towns, and even one of the best hot springs in Tuscany .

Do make time to sample the local pici pasta and famous local wines, and visit some vineyards as well!

On the western side of your loop around Tuscany, you will visit  San Gimignano , with its famous medieval towers, and  Lucca , famous for its medieval city walls (though you’ll find plenty of other things to do in Lucca ).

You can also stop in  Pisa , to see the famous Leaning Tower, before you head back to Florence.

Bologna Apennines

By Lori from Travelinmad

Route:  Circular starting in Bologna.

Days:  2-3.

If you’ve visited the over-touristy cities in Italy like Venice, Florence, and Rome and are seeking somewhere without crowds, base yourself in Bologna, rent a car, and  road trip the Bologna Apennines .

The small towns, scenic wilderness areas, and incredible historic sites are all within a one-hour drive from Bologna.

The Bologna Apennines are south of the city and easily accessible. Use a GPS to explore winding roads with overviews around nearly every bend.

One of the best things to experience is the incredible local food. The small hamlets all have one or two great places to eat.

On a weekend drive a pleasant 28 miles from Bologna, is the mysterious Rocchetta Mattei , a 19th-century fortress with a fascinating past and wild architecture. You’ll need a reservation, but that’s easy to do at the tourism office in Bologna.

Along the same road is the 13th-century sparsely habited village of Borgo La Scola . It’s quiet and interesting… and you might even get to chat with one of the few residents.

You’ll find the town of Tolé fascinating with its incredible murals and artworks lining the narrow lanes. And don’t miss the town of Vignola and its amazing castle, the Rocca di Vignola. The entrance is free, and if you’d like a tour in English, you’ll need a reservation.

If you’re looking for offbeat Italy road trip routes, the Bologna Apennines are definitely slow travel at its best.

Northern Italy: Veneto and Trentino Regions

By Emily from London City Calling

Route:  Circular starting in Verona.

Days:  10.

Starting and finishing in Verona, this 10-day northern Italy road trip itinerary will let you see the best of the diverse regions of Veneto and Trentino , with their many historic cities, beautiful lakes, and dramatic mountainous scenery.

Start your trip in the romantic city of Verona , known for its connection with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, followed by a couple of days in the neighboring Lake Garda , famous for its turquoise waters and quaint lakeside towns.

A leisurely few days in the sunny Veneto region is a perfect place to start your Italian road trip route.

From the south of Lake Garda, drive to the lake’s northern shore where you’ll enter Trentino, one of Italy’s most northerly provinces.

Here you can spend a few days nestled within the dramatic scenery of the  Dolomites , either in the charming city of  Trento  or out hiking, kayaking, and caving your way around the region’s beautiful nature.

Next, head back down to the Veneto region and spend your last couple of days exploring  Venice , Italy’s famous floating city, and  Treviso , home of the tiramisu.

Venice can be difficult to visit on a road trip given that cars can’t enter the island, however, you can either leave your car in Treviso and get the 30-minute train to Venice island or park at one of Venice’s designated car parks and jump on a boat into the historic center.

Finally, head back to Verona, just an hour’s drive away from Venice, to end your trip where you started it.

By Val from My Italian Diaries

Route:  From Ancona to Ascoli Piceno.

Le Marche is a beautiful region in central Italy , stretching along the Adriatic coast.

Its fabulous landscapes in all shades of green and yellow rival those of neighboring Tuscany, while its historic hamlets and glitzy beach towns are a joy to explore.

There’s a lot you can include on your  Le Marche itinerary , but with five days at your disposal, you can cover quite a few highlights.

Start in Ancona , the region’s capital, with a lively harbor, interesting museums (including one specially designed for visually impaired people), and a splendid hilltop cathedral.

The next day, head to Mount Conero National Park , where you’ll find pristine beaches immersed in natural beauty and enchanting little towns like Sirolo and Numana .

On day 3, visit Loreto , home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy – the Holy House of the Virgin Mary.

Then, reach the beautiful hilltop town of Recanati, where everything speaks of his most famous resident, Giacomo Leopardi, one of Italy’s greatest poets.

Spend the next day in Fermo , another fabulous hilltop town where highlights include Roman cisterns, amazing churches, and a fascinating piazza lined with historic palaces.

While you’re there, don’t miss the gorgeous hamlet of Torre di Palme , known as the “balcony of the Adriatic”, and the magical old town of Grottammare Alta , a bit further south.

Finally, reach Ascoli Piceno to admire its stunning Piazza del Popolo, lined with medieval buildings and historic establishments, and feast on  olive all’ascolana , the region’s delicious stuffed fried olives that were born here.

By Nancy from Nancy Goes to Italy

Route:  Based in Termoli.

Days:  3.

Molise is the second smallest region of Italy. Its western half is part of the Apennine Mountains and a national park. This  Molise road trip  concentrates (over 3 days) on the eastern shelf near the Adriatic.

The base is the seaside town of Termoli, with its old town and beautiful beaches, popular with Romans.

On day 1, visit Agnone, home to the oldest bell foundry in the world, founded in 1339 and continuously operating ever since. 

On day 2, head to Bagnoli del Trigno, a town built in and around a rock. It has an attractive big square, easy parking, pretty trees, painted houses, a piazza with benches and scalloped cobblestones, and a bar named Bizzarro.

Next, visit Pietrabbondante, a town with an ancient amphitheater built by the Samnites around 400 BC. It takes about 40 minutes to get there from Bagnoli del Trigno, even though it’s only 20 miles away. In Molise, the terrain is rough and the roads are small and twisty.

On your last day, head to the village called Acquaviva Collecroce, also named Kruć. It’s small and easily walkable but very hilly. It was founded by people from the Dalmatian coast (what is now Croatia) who are said to speak Italian and Serbo-Croatian.

Northwest Italy: Lombardy, Liguria, and Piedmont

Route:  Circular from Milan.

Days:  7-8.

Looking for more ideas for your Italian self-drive holidays? Another way to see northern Italy with a car is by exploring its northwestern regions, including Lombardy , Liguria, and Piedmont .

After spending a day in Milan , it’s time to hit the road and head to the city of Pavia to marvel at the Visconti Castle, the Cathedral of Pavia, and its beautiful streets.

Continue to Genoa for a couple of days. You can visit the Royal Palace Museum, admire the San Lorenzo Cathedral, stroll along the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi and its famous palatial buildings, and enjoy dozens of other landmarks, museums, and activities.

You could also visit the villages of the Cinque Terre, though you might find it easier to reach the area by train (from Genoa).

Spend some time in the charming small city of Asti , and head to Turin for about two days during which you should visit the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, Villa della Regina, and Borgo Medievale.

Before going back to Milan, make a final stop in the small city of Biella and the nearby Burcina Park and Sanctuary of Oropa , the largest and most important sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Alps.

• Non touristy things to do in Milan
• Day trips from Milan in winter
• Things to do in Milan when it rains
• 4 days in Milan
• Milan or Turin
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Best places to visit in northern Italy in October

Northwest Italy: Turin and Aosta Valley

Route:  Circular from Turin.

To combine history and culture with the most picture-perfect natural landscapes, spend a couple of days in Turin and then head to the dreamy Aosta Valley to enjoy the most amazing northwest Italy road trip .

The capital of Piedmont will reward you with UNESCO-listed royal residences of the House of Savoy, fascinating museums for all ages, amazing hearty food and chocolates, and so much more.

Then rent your car in the city center and head to the visit-worthy Aosta Valley (alternatively, rent your car at Turin’s airport, travel through Aosta Valley, and end your trip with 2 days in Turin).

Base yourself in the center of the region and explore a different area each day. On your way from Turin, you can already visit the awe-inspiring Fort of Bard .

In the remaining days, enjoy the magical Mont Blanc views offered by the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car and the quaint towns of Pre Saint Didier and Courmayeur , head into the scenic Gran Paradiso National Park , visit the Roman landmarks of Aosta (the city), and unwind at Brusson Lake.

Don’t forget to try regional delicacies cooked with locally produced fontina cheese, including fondue, risotto, and polenta.

• Where to stay in Aosta Valley
• Places to visit in Aosta Valley
• Is Turin worth visiting?
• 3-day Turin itinerary
• Things to do in Turin
• Best area to stay in Turin
• Chocolate in Turin
• Cafes in Turin
• Turin travel tips
• Winter in Turin
• Hidden gems in Turin

Southern Italy + Sicily

By Talek from Travels with Talek

Route:  Naples to Palermo.

My  road trip in Southern Italy  was one of the coolest I’ve ever taken. We started off in Naples and headed south to Sicily ending in the beautiful capital city of Palermo.

All told the trip took 10 days, but it is the type of journey that you could extend to whatever you want depending on your interests.

In  Naples , the best thing to do is to eat pizza and visit the Archeological Museum.

On to  Matera , a land of mysterious caves where people live and work underground. Further south we crossed into Sicily via car ferry, quite the experience navigating the narrow aisles on a ship with a car!

The island of Sicily is magical. Taormina , one of the first cities you reach when you cross the strait, is a medieval treasure.

Agrigento has the Valley of the Temples and the excavated Roman palace, Villa Romana del Casale, with its perfectly preserved collection of mosaics dating from Roman times.

One of the most impressive sights is the cathedral at Monreal , but the absolute gem of Sicily is its capital,  Palermo .

Wandering the city’s narrow streets and food markets (which are a great way to eat and experience Sicily on a budget ) and visiting the fascinating architectural mishmash of its cathedral and Norman palace was an unforgettable experience.

Best Italy Road Trips: Scenic Island Routes

By Marvin from Part Time Passenger

Route:  Circular starting in Olbia.

Days:  5-10.

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea , is an excellent road trip destination – for various reasons. If you think you’ve seen a fair share of beautiful Italy, this  Sardinia road trip  will elevate your Dolce Vita to the next level.

The local Sards will not only welcome you with open arms, but will fix you up with some of the best Italian food around, including baked goat cheese, homemade ravioli tossed in sage butter, and fresh seafood. 

From the impeccable beaches of the  Costa Smeralda  in the north to the surf spots in  Oristano , across the central mountains, to the sandy bays of the  Costa Rei , Sardinia is an incredibly diverse destination.

With constantly changing scenery, it’ll be hard to be bored. And the best part: the main routes are easy to navigate and dotted with an abundance of stop-over opportunities.

While you could technically drive from north to south in 3-4 hours, you should at least (!) arrange for 5 days on the island.

Olbia , located in the northeastern tip of Sardinia and served by various airlines, is a good starting point. From here, work your way around the coastline. 

Venturing offshore to  La Maddalena  islands, watching the sunset in beautiful  Castelsardo,  or catching that perfect wave in  Capo Mannu ,  are just some of the things that will keep you busy here.

Lovers of all things history and culture will enjoy roaming the colorful alleys of the former Spanish enclave  Alghero  or the many piazzas of  Cagliari , the island’s busy capital. Sardinia simply has it all.

Western Sicily

By Katja from Places and Notes

Route:  Circular starting in Trapani.

Days:  7-10.

On this awesome  Western Sicily road trip , you will visit some of the island’s best historical sites, sandy beaches, cute villages with traditional wine cellars, vibrant cities, salt pans dotted with windmills, lush countryside, and much more.

Start your adventure in  Trapani , spend the first day getting to know the laid-back Sicilian way of life, and take a trip to the medieval village of  Erice  the day after.

Continue towards  San Vito lo Capo , a wonderful white sandy beach bay with a mountain backdrop, perfect for a relaxing day at the seaside.

On the way to Palermo, you can stop by at  Segesta  archaeological site and  Monreale  monastery.

Palermo  is Sicily’s largest, loudest, and most chaotic city, but it sure is worth spending a day or two visiting all the sites and indulging in Sicilian cuisine.

While heading south towards Agrigento and its impressive Valley of the Temples, make sure you visit Corleone , a smaller town famous for its connection with some of the most powerful families of the mafia.

Unwind in  San Leone  at the beach and explore another one of Sicily’s best spots,  Scala dei Turchi  white cliff.

The last part of this trip before returning to Trapani takes you to  Marsala , a charming wine area and a natural reserve with salt evaporation ponds, which are especially lovely at sunset.

This trip can begin in either Trapani or Palermo since there are international airports in both cities and is doable in seven days, but can be extended to ten.

Eastern Sicily

By Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Route:  Circular starting in Catania.

Days:  10 or more.

One of the best drives in Italy, this exploration of Eastern Sicily takes in a wide variety of sights. Flying into  Catania , it is worth spending a day learning about this beautiful Baroque city and its relationship with nearby  Mount Etna .

From Catania, it is an easy drive south to  Syracuse  where highlights include the stunning Piazza del Duomo and the Ancient Greek and Roman remains at the Archaeological Park.

If you’re taking a  road trip in Sicily with kids , be sure to watch a show at the traditional puppet theatre.

From Syracuse, it is a short drive to the Val di Noto region of Sicily, home to some appealing cities including  Modica  and  Ragusa , both perfect for foodies.

Heading inland from the Val di Noto, you reach  Caltagirone  with its impressive terracotta staircase.

Not far from there is the highest regional capital of Sicily, hilltop  Enna  with far-reaching views across the countryside towards Mount Etna.

The final leg of this road trip through Italy’s biggest island passes the smoldering volcano before reaching the pretty clifftop town of  Taormina .

Here, you will find a perfectly positioned Greek-Roman amphitheater with views looking out towards the sea and Mount Etna. There’s a cable car down to the pebbly beach and enough restaurants and cafes to fill a lifetime of holidays.

Some Tips for Planning an Italian Road Trip

• As you can see in the suggested routes in this post, you should focus on a relatively small area instead of trying to see the entire country in 7 to 10 days (or even 2 weeks), which is impossible.
• In some instances, parking is limited and the roads are narrow, so renting a smaller car would be better. It’s not always the case – in Aosta Valley, for example, this wasn’t a problem.
• Parking is never free, so always have spare change, and be prepared for many toll roads (for these, you can also pay by card in most cases but not always).
• Driving inside big Italian cities is not fun, so rent and return the car at the airport if possible.
• Browse the best car rental deals on Rentalcars.com !

Related Travel Guides

Did you like these Italian routes? You might also like:

• Best quotes about Italy
• Books set in Tuscany
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Gifts for Italy lovers (which you can totally buy for yourself)
• Winter in Italy

Did you like these bucket list Italy road trip ideas? Check out:

• Best road trips in Portugal
• A road trip from Lisbon to Porto
• Northern Portugal road trip
• Beautiful road trips in Spain
• Southern Spain road trip
• Northern Spain road trip
• 4 days in Crete
• 3 days in Malta
• Spring destinations in Europe

Have you found the best Italian road trip ideas for you? Tell me in the comments which one is your favorite and pin this post for later

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

14 thoughts on “Best Italian Road Trips: 16 Super Dreamy Routes”

Thanks for the recommendations. I am planning a road trip to Italy for the summer and your info just made if 10 times easier to plan. Appreciate it!

That’s the goal, so that’s great to know! Thank you, Nadia!

I did a road trip in Puglia, Basilicata and the Amalfi Coast! It was really nice! I passed by many places you mentioned 🙂

That sounds lovely 🙂 Italy is so dreamy!

Great list of road trips you’ve put together! I would love to do all of these so I’m saving this post for later reference.

Thank you so much! A bucket list can never be too big 🙂

I’m loving these road trip ideas! I’m wishing I could teleport myself to Europe now and start the adventure. Ahh well, I will definitely keep these ideas in mind for the future! Those Italian Lakes are calling my name…

Oh, teleporting myself to other places is my dream superpower 😛 You’ll love the Italian lakes – their colorful towns are right up your alley 🙂

What a beautiful country! I’ve travelled through Tuscany and the Veneto but definitely need to explore the Northern Lakes and Sicily. We usually cope with driving in the country (although the smaller roads do have those anxiety inducing ditches on either side) then chicken out and go for a park and ride when we get close to the bog cities.

Your fabulous photos make me want to go back again soon!

I agree some regions in Italy are not so fun to drive, but I’ll take my chances 🙂 Happy you like this post!

Thanks for the feature! I wish I could be in Italy right now 🙁

Me too! Thanks for writing about your amazing Italian road trip 🙂

Thank you for the feature! This is an awesome list of Italy road trips and I can’t wait to explore some of these routes. Especially the Sicily road trips make me crave more Italian adventures!

Thanks for participating! I think it turned out awesome 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Ultimate Italy Road Trip (North & South)

Planning an Italy road trip? Here are itinerary ideas for Northern and Southern Italy, plus maps, route planner, best places to visit and more!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE road trip planner to help you keep everything organised.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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Italy Road Trip

Italy has an interesting reputation when it comes to road trips. It’s infamous for crazy drivers doing reckless things on tiny roads… and those stories aren’t entirely inaccurate.

Driving in Italy CAN be challenging. There are indeed crazy drivers who refuse to give way. There are some difficult routes and roads can be poorly maintained, especially in the south of Italy.

BUT, before you give up the idea of an Italian road trip completely, it’s one of our favourite countries in Europe to drive around. The weather is often wonderful (MUCH better than the UK), the people are welcoming (unless they’re driving and refusing to give way!) and the food involves pasta, pizza and copious amounts of ice cream. Seriously, what’s not to love.

It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling Italy by car, motorhoming or campervanning in Italy or exploring by bike- there’s plenty here for you to start planning your perfect Italy road trip. We’ve provided road trip itineraries, places to visit and more to help you have an amazing adventure.

Ultimate Italy road trip Planner

Don’t forget to grab your FREE road trip planner- this helpful guide will allow you to make notes on the places you want to visit in Italy and keep it all organised so you can remember it all.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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Planning a driving holiday in Italy

Italian road trip basics.

Some quick tips for driving in Italy:

• Italy drives on the right
• Motorways are GREEN, dual carriageways are blue (opposite to the UK and much of Europe)
• The maximum speed for private vehicles under 3.5t is 130kph (81mph) on motorways but speed limits are lower for cars towing caravans and for motorhomes over 3.5t in weight.
• When on two-lane motorways, dipped headlights must be used.
• If driving through towns and villages, only use the horn in an emergency.
• Buses and trams have right of way.
• Seatbelts are compulsory
• In-car speed camera detectors and motorhome sat-nav systems warning of the presence of radars are illegal (whether they’re in use or not!)
• Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use a hands-free unit.
• Minor traffic offences can result in on-the-spot fines.
• UK driving licences are perfectly acceptable to use and you probably won’t need an IDP (find out the changes made to driving in Europe after BREXIT )
• You will need a green card to prove you have insurance cover when travelling in Italy.

Speed limits in Italy

Speed Limits are as follows for cars and vehicles under 3.5t (unless otherwise signed!)

• 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways
• 110km/hr (30mph) on major roads
• 90 km/h (50 mph) on minor roads (out of town)
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas

In rain or snow conditions, the limit is lowered to 110 k/h on motorways and 90 k/h on trunk roads- this WILL NOT be signposted- you’re expected to know it

Fuel Stations in Italy

Fuel prices are comparable to France. and slightly cheaper than the UK. Buy fuel anywhere apart from on the main roads- it’ll be cheaper.

There is a ‘two-tier’ payment system in Italy. A cheaper option if you fill yourself (self-service), and a more expensive rate if you get a forecourt attendant to do it for you. There’s often a symbol of a man with a pump, but ‘con servicio’ or servizio for service and ‘self’ for self-service.

Many stations close overnight and on Sundays. Chiuso means closed in Italian and Aperto means open.

Petrol (Unleaded) is Benzina senza piombo/ “Benzina verde”. It’s also called Normale (95) or Speciale (98) and will be green handles at the pump.

Diesel is Gasolio / Diesel and will be black or yellow at the pump.

Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?

GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Contains eBook, checklists and more. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit

CHECKLIST: Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Low Emission Zones and ZTL’s in Italy

Many major cities and towns are trying to reduce pollution levels by restricting vehicles into the centre. This is a ‘Zone Traffico Limitato’ or ZTL. Most ZTLs are for residents only, so if you drive into a ZTL you will receive a fine through the post. Also, NO rented vehicles are allowed in a ZTL at any time.

Low Emission Zones are becoming more common throughout Europe. If you do decide to drive into a city with no ZTL, check if there is an LEZ or congestion charge to pay. Alternatively, park outside the city and use public transport to access the centre.

Hiring a vehicle for your Italy Road Trip

If you don’t want to drive or are planning to fly in, you can hire a car or campervan for your Italy road trip. If you’re flying into Italy, you’ll need to pick an airport near the area you want to explore. Then you’ll need to find a hire company with a base near there and plan how to get from the airport to the campervan.

If you’re driving and then hiring, make sure the hire company has somewhere secure to park your car whilst you’re off touring around Italy.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Driving in Italy- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

• Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
• If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic
• Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
• Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
• Insurance company details of all parties
• Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Best time of year to do an Italian Road Trip

As with all European road trips , WHEN is almost as important as WHERE.

We’ve enjoyed several road trips in Italy, both in a car and in our motorhome. We’ve visited in every season- and when you go definitely does make a difference.

Italy Road Trips in Spring

Spring is a great time to road trip in Italy. The later you leave it, the better the weather will be. Try and avoid Easter if you can- many places are closed for religious reasons, but it also gets busy as schools are on holiday.

Italian roadtrips in Summer

Summer is crowded pretty much everywhere in Italy. Although the weather is generally great, having to queue for major attractions in the heat can make you wilt. Also, many hotels and campsites book up months in advance.

Roadtripping Italy in Autumn

This is our favourite time to road trip around Italy. We toured the Dolomites in early October and the weather was perfect. See all our favourite places in Europe in Autumn

Italy road trips in Winter

Don’t dismiss Italy in Winter – there’s still plenty to do. Northern Italy does get cold and there’s snow in winter, so you’ll want to make sure you have proper heating in your camper or motorhome.

Obviously, the further south you go the warmer it will be. Sicily is where the Italians go to escape the chilly temperatures in the north, so that can be busy. Of course, if you want to go skiing with your motorhome, stay in the Dolomites and enjoy some of the best slopes in Europe.

Snow continues in Northern Italy all the way through until March. We did a tour from Rome to Florence (via Pisa) in February and there was still snow on the ground, it was freezing cold, but the lack of people was wonderful- we practically had some of the museums and popular sites to ourselves! If that’s too cold for you, here are the warmest places in Europe in February .

Italy Road Trip Route ideas

If you have the time, there are countless places and routes you could take in Italy. To help, we’ve separated the country into regions and sections for you, as well as giving the best places to visit in each area.

Road trip to Italy from UK- route planner

If you’re driving to Italy from the UK, you need to allow at least one day to reach the Italian border. There are several routes you can take.

If you’re planning a road trip through France to Italy, we’ve put together some of the best driving routes for motorhomes, campers, caravans and cars (complete with estimated toll charges)

Tolls in Italy

Italy doesn’t have a vignette- it has tolls (pedaggio). You collect a ticket at the machine as you enter the road system and pay (either a person or machine) at the end in cash or on a card. Tolls are generally more expensive than Spain but cheaper than in France.

You can use a tollpass/ telepass (like e-Movis) or you can pay-as-you-go by cash or card (we always recommend carrying some cash- just in case!) Signs indicate the means of payment accepted on each lane.

You can calculate the toll cost of your intended route here

Italy Road Trip- How long to spend touring Italy

Italy road trip one week.

It is possible to do an Italy road trip if you only have a week for your holiday. However, you will need to plan your trip carefully to make sure you get the most out of it. For only one week in Italy, we recommend staying in Northern Italy (unless of course you’re flying in and then renting a vehicle)

If possible, going for at least 10 days will allow you to see much more, and be able to relax and enjoy it.

Italy Road trip 10-14 days (two weeks)

Obviously, the longer you have, the more you can see. As a guide, we’d suggest two weeks for road tripping around Northern Italy, and 10-14 days for Southern Italy.

Driving from North to South Italy

If you’re desperate to see as much of the country (and eat as many of the different regional Italian dishes ) as possible, it takes about 12 hours (1160km) to drive from Milan in the North to Catanzaro in the South- according to Google maps. Personally, I think this is VERY optimistic and you should allow at least 2 days driving.

For the purposes of this guide, we’re calling Northern Italy anything from Rome north, and Southern Italy anything south of Rome.

New to motorhome or camper travel in Europe? You might find these posts helpful:

See all our Europe motorhoming posts here

NEED GEAR? If you need any kit or essentials for motorhoming in Europe, here’s what we recommend and where to find it

Northern Italy road trip

There are some spectacular places in Northern Italy to explore by road. In fact, we prefer Northern Italy to Southern Italy- but that’s mainly because we love the mountains. Here are some ideas for your road trip.

Northern Italy Road Trip highlights and best places to visit

Some of our favourite places in Northern Italy include:

• Gran Paradiso
• Cinque Terre, Portofino and Portovenere
• The Italian Lakes (especially Lake Garda)
• The Dolomites

Stelvio Pass

Northern italy bucket list map.

Here’s a map of some of the places mentioned on our Northern Italy road trip itinerary, so you can find them easily.

You can find out more about each area below.

Italy North West Coast road trip

If you’re driving into Italy, especially if you’re driving from the UK, many people find themselves arriving in the North West- from France or Switzerland. If you are going motorhoming in Switzerland , remember you may need more than a vignette.

This is the perfect introduction to Italy. There are national parks, beautiful villages, amazing coastline and dramatic mountains. It can include Gran Paradiso National Park, Cinque Terre, Portofino and Portovenere, La Spezia and down into Tuscany.

Gran Paradiso National Park

The Gran Paradiso National Park was one of the first National Parks to be created in Italy and is popular for skiing, wildlife watching and hiking. 

Only 20% of the park is forest- the rest is scrubland, mountains or grassland, so if you want to see wildlife the forests are a great place to head to. You might even see the famous Ibex and Chamois.

The highest point is Gran Paradiso mountain, which stands at 4061m but there are plenty of other mountains and valleys to explore. There are many hiking trails and walks- and several guidebooks you can buy to stay on track. 

How long to stay in Gran Paradiso

You can get a taste of the park in a day, but if you’d like to do any hikes or see more of the highlights, stay in the area for at least 2 or 3 days.

Where to stay in Gran Paradiso?

If you’re in a campervan, be careful as wild camping is forbidden in National Parks, but there are plenty of campsites and Sostas around.

If you’re touring Italy by car or bike, here are some wonderful accommodation options for you .

We love the Bellevue Hotel and Spa – friendly, relaxing and right near the glacier.

Highlights of a road trip in Gran Paradiso National Park

Some of the best things to do in Gran Paradiso include:

• See Gran Paradiso- the highest mountain
• Drive the Colle de Nivolet- scenic mountain pass
• See the views at Serru Lake
• Drive Col Ferret- mountain pass
• Cascate di Lillaz- 3-tier waterfall

Cinque Terre and Portovenere

Cinque Terre is one of the most famous regions in Italy- and for good reason! It’s a series of 5 beautiful villages, all carved into the incredible coastal cliffs of north-west Italy. 

Cinque Terre literally translates to “five lands”, which are the 5 villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore . It has been designated a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portofino is just outside the Cinque Terre protected zone, but is well worth a visit too.

Driving into Cinque Terre

NOTE: Do NOT try and drive into Cinque Terre, even with a car and ESPECIALLY not with a motorhome or campervan. The roads are tiny and not easy for tourists, plus there’s little to no parking. Some hotels in the area do offer parking- if you’re driving to one of them try to avoid arriving at peak times, so the roads will be quieter.

Alternatively, find somewhere safe to park your vehicle for a couple of nights (such as in La Spezia) and leave it there whilst you enjoy a stay at a hotel in the middle of one of the prettiest places in Italy.

How long to stay in Cinque Terre

We did Cinque Terre in one day and it is possible, but it was a LOT of walking. Staying for 2 days is better- 3 if you want to see Portofino as well.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre?

If you want to leave your vehicle safely somewhere and stay in the heart of Cinque Terre, you won’t beat the views from Il Sogno di Manarola by The First

See all Cinque Terre hotels and deals here

Highlights of Cinque Terre

Some of the best things to do in the area include:

• Enjoy the sandy beach at Monterosso
• Walking the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza
• Exploring Vernazza Harbour and Castle Doria
• Riomaggiore
• See the sunset at Manarola

Portovenere

Portovenere is further south along the coast. Whilst not technically a part of Cinque Terre, Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town looks like something from a fairytale and is well worth a stop on your itinerary.

If you visit in August, you’ll find the Madonna Bianca Festival when hundreds, if not thousands, of Roman torches are lit at night. Also, each Monday there is a market in the town centre. 

Italian Lakes Road Trip

The Italian Lakes are like a warmer version of the UK Lake District- with more pizza instead of scones. They’re all pretty, but our favourite lakes are Maggiore and Garda.

How long to visit the Italian Lakes for?

We stayed for a week and only really explored Lake Garda and Maggiore properly. So you can easily spend two weeks in the area and still find things to do. Of course, you can just spend a day or two here and get a taste.

Where to stay in the Italian Lakes

There are plenty of incredible hotels, BnBs and campsites around the Italian Lakes (many with lake views!). One of our favourites is Hotel Spiaggia d’Oro Boutique Hotel , with an incredible pool AND views across the lake.

See all options and current deals for Lake Garda accommodation

Highlights in the Italian lakes

Some of our favourite places in the lakes include:

• Sirmione on Lake Garda. This picturesque town dates back to Roman times. The fortress is 12th century and is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy . You can book a tour around the inside if you wish- the views down the lake are even better higher up.
• Grotte di Catullo- ruins of a Roman Villa built over 2000 years ago! Get here as early as you can because it’s a huge tourist attraction and by mid-morning it will be very crowded. 
• If you are road tripping Italy in a car or motorbike (or want to rent one for the day), don’t miss the Strada Della Forra Gorge road on the west side of Garda- it’s spectacular. The road is literally carved into a gorge and it’s so steep and narrow that only cars and motorbikes are allowed up it. The tunnels through the gorge are so low that you couldn’t drive through in anything bigger than a large car- I think even a 4×4 might be too big! 
• If you like heights, there’s a zipwire near Lake Maggiore which has been on my bucket list for a while!

Milan to Lake Como Road Trip

This Italian Road Trip was driven by Jamie from Travel Addict

The drive between Milan and Lake Como is only 1.5 hours, but don’t rush north without taking a short break to Monza. This utterly charming Italian village is the halfway point between Milan and Lake Como. Most of the ancient buildings date all the way back to the 1400s, but the town is currently best known as a Formula 1 racing circuit

You can drive around the loop of Lake Como, or take a ferry tour. The most popular towns on the lake are Como and Bellagio, for good reason. Some of the smaller towns have their own unique charm – Varenna, Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio to name a few worth visiting. And no drive on the lake is complete without a stop at one of the famous villas, such as Villa del Balbianello or Villa Carlotta.

TOP TIP: The roads are doable with a motorhome, but some of them are VERY small, so try to go early in the morning or well out of peak season.

Afterwards, head west to Lake Maggiore for more of Italy’s lake region, or East to the incredibly beautiful city of Bergamo to extend your journey a few extra days. Bergamo has a rich and long history, incredible architecture that spans a hillside, and a wonderfully authentic vibe.

If you’re feeling brave on your Italian road trip, head north from the lakes and drive the Stelvio Pass.

The Stelvio Pass is a high mountain pass carved into the Italian Alps. It has a series of 48 hairpin turns and rises to an elevation of 2,756m (9,045ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest paved roads in Europe.

It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views are phenomenal.

TOP TIP: Drive Stelvio Pass early in the morning- before the crowds arrive and the road becomes even more crazy!

(And yes, it looks a lot like Trollstigen Road in Norway !)

Dolomites Road Trip

The Dolomites are one of the most breathtaking mountain regions in Europe. The incredible rock formations, combined with the beautiful lakes, valleys and incredible roads make this one of the best road trip destinations ANYWHERE, not just in Italy.

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are in Northern Italy, about an hour north of Lake Garda.

Venice to Bolzano (the start of the Great Dolomites Road) will take you about 2 and a half hours (the distance is 267km)

Milan to Bolzano is about 3 and a half hours (the distance is 278km)

How long to spend in the Dolomites?

We spent 4 days roadtripping around the Dolomites and feel like we barely scratched the surface. If you want to just drive and see the scenery, 2 or 3 days will give you a taste. If you want to hike and enjoy the outdoors, you need at least 5-7 (and still will want to go back!)

See our full Dolomites road trip itinerary

Highlights of a Dolomites Road Trip

Some of our favourite places in the Dolomites include:

• Tre Cime di Lavaredo (seriously, if you are doing an Italy road trip in a motorhome or campervan, you HAVE to stay up here for at least one night (we stayed for 2)
• Driving the Great Dolomites Road – this was magic and Lake Carezza is on it too.
• Lago di Braies
• Val di Funes
• Via Ferrata

Where to stay in the Dolomites

If you’re exploring the Dolomites by motorhome or camper, there are some wonderful campsites and aires with breathtaking views. Don’t miss a chance to stay at the top of Tre Cime di Lavaredo- it’s incredible.

If you’re not in a motorhome or camper, base yourself at one of these fabulous locations (many with views of the Dolomites!)

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world- there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe . Avoid in high summer- it’s just too crowded to see anything.

You can’t go road tripping in Italy (especially Northern Italy) and NOT make a stop to see Venice. This incredible city has canals, history, stunning views- and it is utterly unsuitable for vehicles.

If you’re exploring Europe in February, don’t miss the Venice Carnival – it will be crazy busy but spectacular!

When is the best time to visit Venice?

We highly recommend visiting out of high season. Our favourite time to visit Venice is after summer- in fact, it’s one of the best places to see in Europe in October.

But no matter what time of year you go, do NOT try and drive into the city, especially with a motorhome or camper.

Where to stay in Venice

If you want to stay in the heart of Venice, the St Regis Venice has the most incredible views.

See all ideas and deals for Venice Hotels

East Coast Italy Road Trip

The east coast of Italy (The Adriatic Coast) has much to recommend it. You can actually drive from Venice to San Marino in about 3 hours, but the prettier route is using the coast roads and taking your time.

Where to go on the East coast of Italy

Some of the best places to visit on the Italian Adriatic Coast include:

• Trieste: up near the Slovenian border
• Comacchio: Don’t miss the Trepponti fortified bridge
• Po Delta Natural Park: UNESCO World Heritage site protecting around 54,000 hectares and many species of local flora and fauna
• Cesenatico: Don’t miss the Porto Canale, which runs through the historic city centre, or the Maritime Museum which houses several vintage boats.
• Rimini: can be crowded, but out of season is well worth a visit. Don’t miss Tiberio Bridge- the historic Roman bridge crossing the Marecchia River or the former fishing district of Borgo San Giuliano which now has colourful houses and a great atmosphere.
• San Marino- one of the oldest and smallest countries in the world!

San Marino is actually a totally different country. It’s totally surrounded by Italy, but is independent. San Marino is one of the oldest and smallest countries in the world- only 23sq miles and is mostly one city.

It was founded on September 3rd, 301. The people who live in San Marino are not “Italians” – they are referred to as Sammarinese. They are very proud of their independence from Italy.

NOTE: San Marino is not part of the European Union although they do use the euro as currency.

Spend at least a day enjoying San Marino. There are castles, museums and towers to explore- you won’t get to them all in a day!

Recommended by Pamela from the Directionally Challenged Traveler

Tuscany Road Trip Planner

This Tuscan Road Trip itinerary was driven by Martina and Jürgen from Places of Juma

There are many highlights of a Tuscany road trip- the landscapes, the historic towns and the pretty stone villages. Tuscany is also famous for art and delicious cuisine. The infro-structure isn’t bad in most places, and it’s not too crowded, except in high summer.

Some of the best places to see in Tuscany include:

• Siena- famous for the Piazza del Campo
• Arezzo- the antique market is legendary
• Val d’Orcia- UNESCO world Heritage and fabulous views
• Montalcino- famous for its for its Brunello di Montalcino wine

How long to spend in Tuscany

Plan at least a few days to explore Tuscany. Many people spend 2 weeks just in this area along!

Where to stay in Tuscany

There are many lovely agritourism accommodations all over the place, so you can stay at vineyards, farms or local producers for the night if you want to taste their produce. There are also plenty of hotels and BnBs in the region- here are some wonderful ideas for you.

If you’re looking for a beautiful city in Italy, you need to head to Florence. This picturesque city is famous for the culture, renaissance art, architecture and monuments. It’s full of art galleries and museums including the famous Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti. 

The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are plenty of churches, cathedrals- including the world-famous Duomo and idyllic streets to explore, as well as plenty of upmarket shops and unique boutiques to discover. 

As well as the galleries mentioned above, you should also visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, which contains the incredible marble sculptures by Michelangelo and others, notably David and Prisoners, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines and Botticelli’s Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea.

Another must-see is the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most historic bridges in Florence. As well as being picturesque, shops line each side of the bridge, including jewellers, artisans and souvenir shops. 

Where to stay in Florence

If you are visiting Florence while campervanning in Italy, there are plenty of great campsites near the city but if you’d like to stay in the centre, head for the Laurus Al Duomo hotel and be awestruck at the views.

See all ideas and deals for Florence Hotels

Rome is the capital of Italy and the most visited tourist destination- and for good reason. We’ve been to Rome many times and never get tired of the history, the ancient sites, the architecture or the incredible views.

When is the best time to visit Rome?

We highly recommend visiting out of season. Rome is always busy and always open, so no worries about missing the best parts. In fact, Rome is one of the best cities in Europe to visit in Winter.

Having said that, our favourite time to visit Rome is in October, when the colours of the changing leaves look AMAZING against the backdrop of the city.

How long to visit Rome for?

If you’ve never been to Rome before, stay at least 3-4 days. There’s so much to see, and if you don’t plan enough time, you’ll miss out.

TOP TIP: Don’t drive into Rome- use public transport.

Where to stay in Rome

There are several campsites on the outskirts of Rome, where you could leave your camper. If you’re in a car, or here are some great deals on hotels for any budget.

If you’d like a central location, the Otivm Hotel has incredible views and is right in the heart of the city.

Southern Italy Road Trip

So, you’ve made it to Rome and want to keep heading south? Ok, let’s talk about Southern Italy road trips.

You’ll notice a difference in southern Italy in terms of road quality, and also in how many service points and fuel stations there are- so make sure to make use of them when you find them.

It takes about 2 and a half hours to drive from Rome to Naples. The A3/E45 autostrada is the fastest route and is fine for motorhomes/ campers. From Naples, you can start exploring the famous Amalfi coastline and other historical areas, like Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

Be careful- parts of the Amalfi Coast route are unsuitable for motorhomes and campers.

Highlights and best places to visit on a Southern Italy Road Trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Southern Italy include:

• The Amalfi Coast
• Pompeii and Herculaneun
• Puglia and Alberobello
• Cilento National Park and Paestum -the ancient Temple ruins
• Sassi di Matera (Caves of Mattera)

Southern Italy Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of some of the best places to visit in Southern Italy. See below for more details on each.

Personally, we didn’t rate Naples at all, but we didn’t go into the city centre, which is apparently much nicer than the outskirts. Still, it is the home of Pizza, so I feel we need to return and give it a chance.

Pompeii and Herculaneam

Pompeii is the famous Roman city which was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. It’s incredible to be able to walk the streets and see shops, temples, houses and even the local brothel! There’s a great motorhome campsite just across the street, Camping Spartacus

If you get chance, be sure to visit Herculaneum, which is closer to Naples than Pompeii, but much less well-known and therefore less touristy.

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

The Amalfi coast is one of the iconic Italy road trips. Be warned, some of the route from Sorrento to Salerno is impossible with a motorhome or camper, so you won’t be able to drive the entire thing unless you have a bike or scooter with you!

Larger than many  towns on the Amalfi Coast , but warm and full of character, Sorrento is fun. The old town is absolutely delightful and has a great choice of restaurants. As the sunsets, relax with a glass of Limoncello, the local lemon liqueur. There are often street musicians on the promenade overlooking the sea.

TOP TIP: Be sure to get chips from the ‘Queens Chips’- often voted the best in the area.

Agerola & Positano

Agerola is the beginning of the ten-km hike called Path of the Gods. The views are stunning and at Vallone Porto, near Positano, a tumbling waterfall and canyon, mark the end of the walk. Positano is an amazing town, built vertically on a rocky precipice.

Amalfi and Ravello

These are two of the larger towns. Amalfi has the Duomo di Amalfi with its mosaics in yellow and green and there are a number of boat trips to enjoy or the chance to slow the tempo and simply relax on the beach.

Ravello’s treasures include two stunning medieval palaces with amazing views of the bay far below.

The last stop on the route is Capri. Take a boat trip to the grottos, or a cable car from the harbour up to the town with its snazzy boutiques and romantic restaurants. 

This Italy road trip itinerary was driven by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

Cilento Region Road Trip

Cilento is one of the undiscovered gems in Southern Italy. For some reason, it’s not as famous as the other regions- which makes exploring it even better, as it’s generally quieter.

There’s a national park here, which is wonderful to explore, but the two highlights for me are the INCREDIBLE beaches- and the Paestum ruins.

Paestum Ruins

Paestum used to be an ancient Greek city and is now famous for the ruins of thre ancient Greek temples, dating from about 550 to 450 BC, which are in a surprisingly good state. The walls and amphitheatre are largely intact, and the bottom of the walls of many other structures remain, as well as paved roads. The site is open to the public, and is well worth a visit.

Honestly, much of the coastline of the Cilento region looks similar to this, but this town is a great place to stop for a night or two on your Southern Italy road trip. Thre’s not a huge beach, but the water in unbelievably clear and wonderful to swim in.

Puglia- the heel of the boot!

Puglia is on the Adriatic coast in the south east of Italy and offers a wonderful mix of crystal clear sea and ancient history.

Some of the highlights include:

• Bari, the Capital of Puglia
• Polignano a Mare
• Alberobello- with the cone-shaped houses
• Lecce and Otranto
• The Cave of Poetry!

Puglia Road Trip itinerary

This Italy Road Trip idea was suggested by Ophelie from Limitless Secrets

You can easily spend one week exploring Puglia as there are many beautiful spots to visit! Start your Puglia road trip in Bari, the capital of Puglia.

Bari has an interesting Old Town that you might want to visit before taking to the road. Then head to Polignano a Mare, about a 30-minute drive away, which is a great place to enjoy the beach and some spectacular coastline views as it perched on top of cliffs.

The next stop is Monopoli, just 15 minutes down the coast. In this charming town you can wander in the Old Town- the Old Port is especially picturesque. 

After that, head inland to the beautiful town of Alberobello- famous for its trulli (cone-shaped) houses. It really does look like something out of a storybook. Alberobello is only 25 minutes from Monopoli.

Then head west to Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage built on the side of the Matera Gravine and full of caves (Sassi) which are amazing to visit.

Head south for 2 hours and visit Lecce- famous for the beautiful baroque architecture. If you want more beautiful coastline views, surprising rock formations and natural pools, be sure to visit the Cave of Poetry (Grotta Della Poesia), which is a natural swimming pool in Roca Vecchia village, just 30-minute drive east of Lecce.

Lastly, don’t miss Otranto. It doesn’t look much on the map, but the sea here is one of the clearest azure we’ve ever seen!

Where to stay in Puglia?

The best places to eat and stay in Puglia are the agriturismo: these are farms designed to also receive guests (for food or for accommodation). You will find plenty to choose from! 

Sardinia- another Italy Road Trip idea

This Italy road trip itinerary was suggested by Rachel of Average Lives

If you’ve explored enough of the Italian mainland, you can extend your Italy road trip to one of the islands nearby, such as Sardinia.

Sardinia is full of beautiful beaches, historic castles, and delicious food. You can enjoy. aroad trip in North Sardinia , from Olbia to Alghero, which will take around five days to a week, depending on your travel style.

Start by exploring the quaint streets and markets of the city of Olbia. After hop on an affordable ferry (with your car) to the nearby Archipelago of La Maddalena. In La Maddalena town, head to I Vittelloni for trendy vibes and the best aperitivo. Over the next couple of days, explore Caprera Island and visit Cala Coticcio, the Garibaldi Museum, and Cala Napoletana. You won’t want to leave, but you must follow the coast to Santa Teresa Di Gallura. First, eat breakfast, have a coffee, and then spend your day exploring the colourful streets, the Spanish Tower and watch the sunset at the nearby hippie village – Valle Della Luna.

The next morning visit Li Cossi for a swim in the emerald water before spending the evening in the medieval village of Castelsardo. After you have finished exploring, make your way towards Alghero and stop to cast your eyes on the ‘Elephant Rock’ and then enjoy the Catalan-style town. In Alghero, you can see sensational beaches and take a trip to Grotte Di Nettuno in Capo Caccia’s cliffs. Most importantly, you will have finished one of the most beautiful road trips in Italy and won’t want to leave the idyllic island.

How to get to Sardinia from Italy

It’s easy to reach the island by car or motorhome from mainland Italy because you can catch a ferry from Genoa to Olbia. Be warned- this ferry can be expensive, so book well in advance if you can, especially in the summer when it gets booked up quickly.

Other posts you might find useful:

• How to plan a Europe Road Trip
• Essential Kit you need to drive in Europe (with checklist)
• Unmissable Europe road trip ideas
• 15 essential tips for Europe road trips

See all our Italy road trip posts

See all our Europe road trip posts and tips

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Bucketlist Italy Road Trip: Best Hiking, Wine, & Culture (with Map)

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An Italy road trip is one of those bucket list items that begs for a few weeks of vacation, and a certain level of “ I do what I want! ” attitude. I mean, it is a renowned tourist destination for good reason – the old-school architecture, world-famous art, food that will have you asking for thirds, and history that’s weaved its way into all our cultures – all of it is unlike anything else in the world.

Having traveled up and down Italy several times over the past couple of years, through all seasons, and in all the transportation modes, I can tell you that the best way to experience Italy is via road trip, at your own pace , sometime in the summer or fall enjoying the dolce vita without stressing about planning or a checklist of must-do tourist attractions.

This article is aimed at providing guidance on how to plan a 1-week to 4-week road trip through Italy and includes:

• The how-to of transportation & logistics
• Flexible road trip routes depending on the vibe you’re going for and the time you have
• Best local stops along the way that are must-see in Italy
• Lessons learned about the Italian way of doing things

Table of Contents

Italy Road Trip: 1 – 4 Week Route Options

These road trip routes focus on central and northern Italy and take into account a few options depending on how much time you have . Below that, I’ve outlined my 4-Week road trip in detail, and have given notes and tips on how to adjust if you need to be flexible, what to do and see, and how much time is really needed in each spot.

Here are the road trip route options based on how many weeks you have, so you can get an idea before jumping into more detail.

Italy Road Trip 1 Week

Venice – Verona – The Dolomites – Venice

• Distance: 200 miles (320 km)
• Length of Trip: 5 – 7 days
• 4 days hiking the Dolomites
• 2 days in Venice with gondola rides
• 1 day, a quick visit to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Italy Road Trip 2 Weeks

Milan – Lake Como – Lake Garda – The Dolomites – Venice – Milan ⭐️ Most Bang for your Buck Road Trip ⭐️

• Distance: 500 miles (800 km)
• Length of Trip: 12 – 14 days
• 2 days exploring Milan
• 3 days on Lake Como
• 2 Days on Lake Garda
• 5 days hiking the Dolomites

ALSO CONSIDER : Two weeks in Italy can also be spent in authentic South Italy . It is just as beautiful and ideal for early summer or a late fall trip when the tourists have left and the sun has calmed down a bit. This road trip is about discovering Naples and Sicily!

Italy Road Trip 3 Weeks

Milan – Portofino – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Florence – Venice – The Dolomites – Lake Garda – Lake Como – Milan

• Distance: 900 miles (1,500 km)
• Length of Trip: 18 – 21 days
• 4 days in Portofino & Cinque Terre
• 2 days around Florence and Pisa
• 2 days on Lake Garda
• 3 Days on Lake Como

Italy Road Trip 4 Weeks

Milan – Portofino – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Castiglione della Pescaia – Orbetello – Saturnia – Montepulciano – Siena – San Giminiano – Florence – Venice – The Dolomites – Lake Garda – Lake Como – Milan

Distance: at this point, it doesn’t matter! 😄

Length of Trip: 28 – 31 days

Highlights: Italian Riviera, Tuscany, The Dolomites, Hidden Gem Towns

• 5 days in Portofino & Cinque Terre
• 4 days exploring hidden gem towns (Castiglione, Orbetello, Saturnia)
• 2 days around Montepulciano & Siena
• 4 days around Florence (day trips to Pisa & San Giminiano)
• 2 days in Venice for gondola rides

Full 4-Week Itinerary

If you had one month at your disposal, here are the things to see and do based on my own travels and advice from local Italians , aka my friends. I’ve included favorite spots and little hidden gems to peek into while on the way.

I started my road trip in Milan because it’s a great airport hub and offers relatively cheap prices for renting a car. I recommend spending a couple of days exploring Miland and settling into the time zone differences if you’re flying from abroad.

Plus, there is no shortage of things to do in Milan – from historical landmarks to world-renowned museums, the city is insane. Here are just a few of my favorites:

• The Duomo: One of the most iconic buildings in Milan, the Duomo is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Gothic cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world, and its intricate design is truly a sight to behold. Inside, the Duomo is equally impressive, with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows that tell stories of faith and Italian history.
• The Last Supper: Another must-see for anyone visiting Milan is Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” The painting is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, and it is considered one of the greatest works of art ever created.
• The Pinacoteca di Brera: For those interested in art, a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera is a must. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Italian paintings in the world, and it includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Of course, because you’re in Milan, you have to do some shopping – either window shopping or for real. The city’s upscale boutiques and department stores offer everything from designer labels to high-street fashion. I had to really control myself on this one!

I headed south to the coast to start the road trip after Milan. Situated on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is first on the list. It is a picturesque fishing village that has long been a popular destination for tourists. With its brightly-colored houses, winding streets, and scenic harbor, Portofino is super charming and perfect to get you into that Italian spirit.

In addition to taking in the atmosphere of the village, there are a bunch of little trails to walk on and churches to peek into. Spend a couple of days here dining at the village restaurants or picnicking on the beach – this is a seafood lovers’ paradise.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a breathtakingly beautiful section of the Italian Riviera. Comprised of five medieval fishing villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination for good reason, with each village offering its own unique charm!

PRO TIP: You’ll want to park your car outside of the 5 towns for this one and only take a light bag with you to your lodging – trust me on this one!

Here are some of the top things to do and see in Cinque Terre:

• Hiking: The villages of Cinque Terre are connected by a network of hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can hike from one village to the next, or take a more challenging hike up to one of the nearby hills for an even better vantage point.
• Swimming: The Mediterranean Sea is just steps away from each of the villages, making Cinque Terre a great place to take a dip. There are plenty of spots to relax on little beaches or enjoy exploring the rocky coastline.
• Wine Tasting: Cinque Terre is home to some of Italy’s best vineyards. Tour a local winery or enjoy a glass of wine with lunch or dinner – either way, you’re sure to appreciate the region’s signature wines.

And we enter the Tuscany Region of the road trip! We all know you’re here for the iconic photos, so let’s make this a quick but meaningful stop in Pisa, as there is much more to see in Tuscany.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most distinctive buildings in the world, and it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy – luckily it’s on the way to our next destination! I recommend taking a long lunch stop here as you’re coming from Cinque Terre and heading down the coast to Castiglione Della Pescaia.

That said, if you stay the night, there’s more to Pisa than just its famous tower. The city is also home to a number of other historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of Pisa and the Baptistery, which is quite beautiful. Whether you’re interested in history or simply want to enjoy some of Italy’s most beautiful scenery, Pisa is definitely worth a short visit.

Castiglione Della Pescaia & Orbetello

If you’re looking for beautiful seaside towns to explore in Tuscany, Castiglione Della Pescaia and Orbetello are these hidden gems that no tourist knows about.

Castiglione Della Pescaia is an idyllic little town located on a picturesque stretch of coastline. It’s easy to spend hours strolling along the seafront or relaxing on the beach in both of these towns. That said, there are also plenty of other things to see and do in Castiglione Della Pescaia. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Visit the Duomo di Massa Marittima: a beautiful cathedral built in the 13th century that has an impressive façade decorated with marble statues.
• Check out the Museo Archeologico e Storico: Housed in a former Franciscan convent, it has an extensive collection of artifacts from the Etruscan and Roman periods.
• Take a boat trip to Isola d’Elba: Located just off the coast of Castiglione Della Pescaia, this island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town for a while. You can reach the island by taking a boat from the port.

Orbetello is the other beautiful little town in Italy I think you should adventure to, just further down the coast. Think picturesque streets lined with medieval buildings and lazy boat rides out to the Island of Giglio. There are also several museums and art galleries to enjoy, as well as plenty of opportunities for wine and dine adventures.

These couple of days are for the slow rollers, the non-tourist in you. These towns are where Italians go to relax and take it in, and so it’s an opportunity to be among locals!

While most people flock to Italy for its stunning Mediterranean coastline (and let’s be clear, that’s totally ok!), there is another side to this country that is well worth exploring.

In the heart of Tuscany lies the town of Saturnia, known for its natural hot springs. You can find a number of therapeutic pools to soak in, as well as hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hills, and that is why I’m a fan! It’s off the beaten path and offers a little bit of something extra!

Here are just a few of the many highlights:

• The famous thermal waters of Saturnia are naturally heated waters said to have healing properties. You have to go to at least one of the several public baths and spas throughout the city.
• The Roman Ruins of Saturnia are some of the best preserved in all of Italy, dating back over 2,000 years.
• The Cascate del Mulin o is one of Saturnia’s most popular attractions, a stunning waterfall fed by natural hot springs, it is a popular spot for swimming.
• The Palazzo Vecchio is a 14th-century palace that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Saturnia.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a small town in the heart of Tuscany that is best known for its Tuscan wine and stunning Renaissance architecture. The town’s cobbled streets and medieval alleyways are lined with quaint shops and atmospheric cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring.

One of the highlights of any visit to Montepulciano is a tour of one of the town’s many wineries, where you can learn about the production process of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and sample some of the local goodies.

Siena is a beautiful medieval city in Tuscany, similar to the pictures above of Montepulciano. The historic center of Siena is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know they know how to preserve their history!

Known for its old-school architecture, delicious food, art, museums, and all of the little things that make the Tuscan region special, Siena is yet another little gem on this road trip that is special and low-key.

San Giminiano

San Giminiano is a beautiful hill town in the Tuscan region of Italy and is the last of the little towns on this road trip. It is best known for its medieval towers, which rise up above the town’s red tile roofs.

Visiting San Giminiano is easy as can be because it’s all about exploring the narrow streets lined with traditional shops and restaurants and enjoying the countryside. This little stop on the road trip comes highly recommended by quite a few Italians who visit Tuscany every year, so it’s become part of my recommendations as well!

Last but not least in the Tuscan countryside is the beautiful city of Florence. The original gangster of the Rennaisance. The home of painters and sculptors like Michelangelo and Rafael. It will have a distinct tourist vibe to it compared to some of the past few days on this road trip, but it’s not quite a big city yet.

I love Florence for many reasons.

• The Duomo is the iconic cathedral that towers over the city.
• The Uffizi Gallery is a must, home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, the gallery offers an immersive experience into Florentine art from the Renaissance period.
• Strolls through Boboli Gardens and the narrow streets of Florence.
• Enjoying a meal at one of the many cafes or Michelin-rated restaurants. Ah! La Dolce Vita!

One of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world, Venice is a must-see for any traveler. Built on a network of canals, it is home to a myriad of fascinating sights and attractions.

• Take a gondola ride: A ride in a gondola is the quintessential Venice experience. While it can be pricey, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this activity on a budget. Many gondolas offer discount rates for early morning or late night rides, and there are also several companies that offer group discounts.
• Visit St. Mark’s Basilica: One of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see for any traveler. Located in St. Mark’s Square, this ornate cathedral is free to enter, and its impressive interior is well worth a visit.
• Walk around Cannaregio: Cannaregio is one of the busiest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Venice. From its lively markets to its colorful street art, there is plenty to see and do in this area. And best of all, it’s relatively cheap to explore compared to other areas of the city.
• Take a day trip to Murano: Murano is a small island located just off the coast of Venice. Known for its glassmaking tradition, Murano is home to several factories and studios where visitors can watch glassblowers at work. A day trip here makes for a great addition to any Venice itinerary.

On your way out of Venice, heading to the Dolomites, there is a little (not so little actually) town called Verona. If this rings a bell, it’s your high school education slapping you over the head.

Verona is renowned for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and has many ties to the author. Highlights include:

• 1st-century AD Arena, a Roman amphitheater
• 13th-century Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), with a balcony overlooking an archway
• Verona Cathedral, housing 14th-century frescoes
• Castelvecchio Museum, in a restored 14th-century castle
• Piazza delle Erbe, a central market square
• Lamberti Tower, with an 84m-high climbable lookout

The Dolomites

The highlight of the second half of this road trip for me was The Dolomites. Overall I recommend spending about 5 – 7 days in the Dolomites. I visited a few times with friends before, and each time, I spent quite a few hours  planning the best route so I could maximize time  in one location, minimize driving a huge amount in one day, and also see all of the beautiful spots we had on our highlights list.

My highlights list for things to do and see in the Dolomites:

• Adolf Munkel Hike  
• Cadini di Misurina Ridge Hike  
• Tre Cime de Lavaredo Hike
• Seceda Ridgeline Hike  
• Via Ferrata Tridentina (not for first-timers)
• Paraglide in the Dolomites

📍Where to Stay

I recommend a few towns to get lodging in, each close to certain iconic trails and hikes. If it’s your first time heading into the Dolomites, check out  some of my favorite hikes above, and decide what town speaks to you.

A few hours drive away from the Dolomites is Lake Garda, where we rest our weary feet.

We picked  Cola Beach  to post up and enjoy the sun. This is AFTER the  insane breakfast at Hotel Limone  which I cannot say enough good things about! Literally, they have a chef preparing a fresh meat and cheese board fresh and custom just for you.

Happy hour drinks and a light dinner were at  Scaloni 20  both nights because this is an absolute gem, and they have a killer Espresso Martini which both of us are absolute suckers for!

From Lake Garda, we headed to Lake Como. The drive was a couple of hours, and  the most difficult portion of the drive  was the one-car-at-a-time-only streets around the lake to get to our lodging.

Bellagio and Varenna are two of the most beautiful towns and are famous for it.  I say this, but the reality of it is that all of the small hidden towns around Lake Como are incredibly charming.

PRO TIP:  If you only have a couple of days like us,  I recommend doing this  Villa Balbianello and Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour  and hit all of the highlights – including explanations of where George Clooney’s mansion is, how many celebrities truly live around Lake Como, and if Leonardo DiCaprio is in town or not.

A few lessons we learned in Lake Como about transportation:

• The lake is very large and  it’s worth staying close to the main ports  (Bellagio, Varenna, Como).
• It’s very important to  plan out your ferry routes and transfer times for the day  because the fast ferries only run to certain ports at certain times (and can take 2 hours to get from the town of Como to Bellagio).
• All  ferries are crowded, queues are long  for tickets, and lines take forever at some ports due to lack of organization. This is very on brand for Italy sometimes – love it or hate it, it’s the way it is!
• It’s  worth renting a private boat if you’re wanting to get around quickly  and without the stress of planning ferry logistics. Or just use your car!

And that’s it. From here, you’re off to Milan to complete your month-long journey, return your car, and head home much richer in memories than you started!

Italy Road Trip Map

Milan – Portofino – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Castiglione della Pescaia – Orbetello – Saturnia – Montepulciano – Siena – San Giminiano – Florence – Venice – Verona – The Dolomites – Lake Garda – Lake Como – Milan

Driving Through Italy

Here are answers to the questions I had when I was planning my road trip through Italy about logistics and transportation.

Renting a Car in Italy

You will need the following 3 things to rent a car in Italy:

• A Drivers License
• An International Driver’s Permit

You can get an International Drivers Permit (IDP) from AAA or the State Department ( form here ) .  You do not need to have a AAA membership to go through this application process.

The IDP is valid for 1 year and must be carried with your driver’s license when you’re driving. Be sure to bring 2 passport-style photos with you when you apply for the IDP, your US driver’s license, and a method of payment to cover the application fee (cash or credit is fine).

This is what I use to get the cheapest rental ➡️ Discover Cars ⬅️

Should I rent a car or use public transport?

Good question, especially as Italy is super well connected by trains. While trains are a convenient and cheap way to travel, they are constantly delayed ( sometimes by hours ) in Italy and can be a pain in the butt logistically – this is the reality.

My advice is to rent a car if you’re going to be traveling around for a week or more , exploring lakes and mountains, little small towns and fisherman villages. And especially if you’re doing any one of the road trips I outlined above.

The only time I don’t recommend a car is when you’re just sticking to one big city, like Milan or Rome, as it can be a nightmare to navigate traffic and parking in these megacities.

Can foreigners drive in Italy?

Absolutely they can! Just make sure you have the right documentation and read up on the common mistakes people make when renting a car in Italy. And then go for it!

How easy is it to drive around Italy?

In my opinion, driving in Italy is the toughest of all other European countries. A few observations I’ve made after multiple road trips in Italy:

• Only Italians see an invisible 3rd lane in the middle of the road , which is mostly used for general meandering in a passive-aggressive way, and/or to scare rule-abiding westerners out of their respective left or right lanes.
• Italians love to honk … to say hello to their besties on the road, to intimidate you from your lane, to express road rage, and sometimes I think just for fun. Basically, honking is a big part of Italian driving culture, so don’t take it personally when people are consistently leaning on their horns. When in Italy, it’s ideal to use all the means of communication with other cars!
• Watch for the cows, sheep, ducks, and occasional humans crossing the road in the middle of high-speed traffic. Life is like it’s a game of Frogger when driving in Italy.

Tips for Taking an Italian Road Trip

There are quite a few things to consider when planning your Italian road trip. Here is my advice on when, how, and how much.

Is Italy good for a road trip?

YES! Italy is a popular tourist destination for a reason – it has it all! Historic ruins, beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, and hiking-friendly mountains! So whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family vacation, Italy is the ideal place to hit the open road while keeping on a budget.

The country has good roads, the food is familiar and delicious, the people are friendly and speak English most of the time, and it’s one of the cheaper countries in Europe to vacation in.

And of course, as you can see from the itinerary, there’s no shortage of things to see and do and memories to create.

How do I plan an Italian road trip?

When planning an Italy road trip, it is important to consider the best route to take, what stops to make along the way, and how to budget for your trip. The 1-week to 4-week road trip options outlined in this post will be a good starting point , but just in case, here’s the process to think through.

✅ STEP 1 Decide which route you want to take based on the amount of time you have. There are a number of scenic drives throughout the country, so it is worth doing some research to find the one that best suits your interests.

✅ STEP 2 Once you have chosen your route, you can start to plan for specific stops along the way . Italy is home to countless historic cities and villages, like Milan and Val di Funes. When deciding which stops to make, it is important to consider how much time you have available and what type of experience you want to have (ie. the activities you are interested in and how long you want to spend in a car/in transport).

✅ STEP 3 Finally, it is important to budget for your Italy road trip . Accommodation costs can vary widely depending on the region and time of year you are traveling. By doing some research in advance and booking accordingly, you can ensure that your Italy road trip is both pleasant and affordable.

What is the best month to travel to Italy?

This road trip is best done in late summer or early fall, anything during the months of July, August, or September. The weather is warm, the lakes are cool and refreshing, all the mountain huts and restaurants are open in the Dolomites, and the sun is out all the time!

Note that August is the most touristed month in Italy because all the kids are off on vacation. This means August will also be the most expensive month as it is peak travel season for Europeans .

How much does a road trip around Italy cost?

It really depends on your activities and travel style but it does not have to break the bank, especially since a lot of things are outdoor activities like hiking & lake sports.

During the peak summer season, these were the average costs for me:

Car Rental : €60-100 per day Lodging : €80-120 per night Food   & Drink : €60 a day per person ( and here’s some advice on how not to be an a*hole tourist when tipping )

What is the best way to see Italy?

There’s no wrong way to see Italy, but some ways are definitely better than others. A road trip is the best way to see all that the country has to offer, from the vibrant cities to the picturesque countryside.

You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and take detours whenever you please. Plus, you’ll get a taste of the real Italy away from the tourist traps. Rent a car and hit the open road – it’s the best way to see Italy!

Final Thoughts: Why A Road Trip in Italy Is A Must!

Italy is a country with something for everyone – stunning coastlines, rolling hills, dramatic mountains, picturesque villages, and cities brimming with culture and history. Here are just a few reasons why a road trip to Italy should be on your bucket list.

• Italy has some of the most scenic drives in the world. From the Amalfi Coast to the Tuscan countryside, there are endless opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes.
• Italian culture is friendly, easygoing, and welcoming. Traveling in Italy is like being welcomed into an old friend’s house just as they are preparing for a meal, and they’re so glad you’re joining them!
• An Italy road trip gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and create your own itinerary. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life, a road trip allows you to slow down and really appreciate the present.

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary, The Ultimate Italy Road Trip

Planning a trip to Italy for 2 weeks? You are at the right spot! I’ve been exploring Italy for decades. So I have all the hands on experience and tips to give you the best 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. 

Italy is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and is home to some of the most beautiful towns, cities, and experiences on offer in Europe.

Italy is probably my favorite country to travel in. You’re engulfed in history, can admire some of the world’s best art, and eat some of the world’s best food. What could be better?

Overview Of 2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary

This 2 week Italy road trip itinerary starts in Venice and ends in Naples. It’s a perfect itinerary for first time visitors to Italy.

Venice’s airport is terrific and typically inexpensive to fly into. The city’s Santa Lucia and Mestre train stations connect to just about everything south with high speed service. 

You can pick up your car leaving Venice or leaving Bologna. Alternatively, you can also do the entire 2 weeks in Italy by train.

With this Italy itinerary, you’ll have 5 bases: (1) Venice; (2) Bologna; (3) Florence; (4) Rome; and (5) Naples.

If you need a break from the city, instead of staying in Naples, you can base yourself on the Amalfi coast for 3 days and day trip from there.

The cliff top town of Sorrento makes a perfect springboard for visiting the Amalfi Coast. From there, you can day trip to Pompeii, Positano, Capri, and even Naples.

• Day 1 : Venice
• Day 2 : Venice
• Day 3 : Bologna
• Day 4 : Bologna, day trip to Parma or Modena
• Day 5 : Florence
• Day 6 : Florence
• Day 7 : Florence, day trip to Siena
• Day 8 : Rome
• Day 9 : Rome
• Day 10 : Rome, Vatican City
• Day 11 : Rome, day trip to Orvieto
• Day 12 : Naples
• Day 13 : Naples, day trip to Pompeii
• Day 14 : Naples, day trip to Amalfi Coast

Where To Stay With 2 Weeks In Italy

Here are my hotel recommendations for the cities listed as bases.

Venice : Gritti Palace , Hotel Danieli , St. Regis , Aman Venice (my favorite), Bauer Palazzo

Bologna : Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni (my pick) Il Portici , Art Hotel Orologio

Florence : Il Touranbouni ,  Hotel Brunelleschi , Portrait Firenze , Palazzo Vecchietti , Villa Cora (my favorite in the Oltrarno)

Rome : Li b ert y Boutique Hotel ,  H o t el  M aalat ,  De co  Ro ma ,  Hotel H a s s ler Roma , Pa lazzo Man fr edi  (my favorite)

Naples : Grand Hotel Vesuvio , Romeo Hotel , Hotel San Francesco al Monte (my pick)

2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary: 14 Days Of Exploring

Ok, let’s dive right into this 2 week Italy itinerary. If you’re landing in Venice, the easiest way to get to the city is via a private water taxi transfer .

Day 1: Venice

Kick off your 2 weeks in Italy in the magical floating city of Venice. Even though Venice is very touristy, there’s a reason for its popularity.

Venice is a natural film set. It’s like no other city in the world.

Start your day in Piazza San Marco. Visit the pink marble Doge’s Palace, which is the very symbol of Venice.

You can traipse up the famed Scala d’Oro, the world’s fanciest staircase, admire the Doge’s apartments, and see the world’s largest painting by Titian.

Click   here  to book a skip the line ticket to avoid a long queue. I also loved the Secret Itineraries Tour , which take you to secret spots in the palace you can’t see on a regular tour.

Then, move on to one of the world’s most unique and stunning churches, St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s absolutely essential to book a skip the queue ticket . You can also purchase an  after hours ticket  for fewer crowds and to get access to some places you can’t see during the day.

The basilica is famous for its almost blinding golden mosaics from the 5th century B.C. They blanket the walls, covering 90,000 square feet.

Then, take a ride along the Grand Canal. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Venice. You can also hop on and off the Vaporetto yourself.

Along the way, you can check out Ca’Rezzonico, Ca’ Foscari, and Ca’ d’Oro. In addition to housing some great art, the palaces offer up great views of Venice.

You can book a  1 hour guided boat tour . You can also book a  3 hour guided tour   of the St. Mark’s area that comes with a boat cruise.

Day 2: Venice

On day 2 in Venice, take a stroll through the Rialto neighborhood. Snap a classic shot on the Rialto Bridge, check out the Fish Market, and myriad shops. You can also take a  lunchtime tour of the Rialto Market and other foodie hot spots .

Next, head to the Dorsoduro neighborhood. Stroll around the pretty streets, check out the shops and eateries, and then go to one of the neighborhood museums.

The two I love are the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria Accademia .

The Guggenheim is for people who want to see some of the greatest works of modern art from the 20th century. It’s a star studded lineup compiled by the eccentric American heiress, who helped launch Jackson Pollock’s career.

This museum will be packed. Click  here  to purchase a skip the line ticket. Click  here  to book a private guided tour of this extraordinary collection of art.

The Galleria Academia is for travelers who love old masters. It houses the world’s best collection of pre-19th century Venetian painting. You’ll find works by luminaries such as Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Bellini, Canaletto, and Giorgione. 

The museum is not usually crowded, so you won’t have to worry about buying tickets in advance. But, if you’re a fan of Renaissance art, you may want to book a 2 hour  guided tour of the museum .

If you want to see the “Sistine Chapel of Venice,” head to the San Polo district to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. It’s decorated wall to walk with dramatic paintings by Titian.

Then, spend some time in the Cannaregio district. you can escape the crowds, poke in and out of cute lanes, and grab some cicchetti , Venice’s version of tapas.

Cannaregio is an excellent neighborhood to sign up for a   f ood and  wine  tour . You can also book an  evening food tour and gondola ride .

For more information, you can check out my 2 days in Venice itinerary . It has detailed information on gondola rides, how to use the vaporetto, and how to get to the other Venetian islands in the lagoon.

Day 3: Bologna

On day 3, head to beautiful Bologna. This food-loving city is underrated and absolutely deserving of a spot on your 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. It’s sandwiched between 3 major cities — Venice, Florence, and Milan — and is often skipped.

Don’t skip it! To me, Bologna just oozes old world medieval charm.

It has all of the charm of Italy with none of the tourists! Bologna is filled with striking architecture, beautiful piazzas, endlessly photogenic streets, porticos, and a swathe of palaces and towers.

Most of the must see attractions are clustered in or around the city’s main square, Piazza Maggiore. On one end of the piazza is the massive Basilica of San Petronio, honoring Bologna’s patron saint. On the other is the swishy Palazzo dei Rei Enzo.

You can also climb Bologna’s leaning tower, Asinelli Tower, for views. Since it’s a rickety 500 steps to the top, you’ll deserve a gelato afterward.

Be sure to meander through shops in Bologna’s medieval Quadrilatero neighborhood. You can also visit FICO Eataly World . It’s part farm and part theme park, with 20 acres of food and livestock stalls, restaurants, grocery stores, and food labs.

There are lots of fun tours to take in Bologna. Naturally, most of them food related:

• classic food tour
• 3 hour FICO Eataly food and wine tour
• food tour with factory visits and a gourmet lunch
• history tour and learn food secrets
• e-bike tour with cheese and wine

Day 4: Bologna, Day Trip To Parma & Modena

On day 4, take a day trip from Bologna to either Parma or Modena. Both are foodie towns that are pretty and un-touristy.

Underrated Parma is just too cute for words. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful cities , a foodie haven, and home to the greatest works of the famed Renaissance artist Correggio.

Parma has a gorgeous Romanesque cathedral and pretty pink octagonal Baptistery. The entire town is dotted with red, pink, and yellow walls. Purple flowers decorate the Ponte Verdi.

Parma is tailor made for art lovers. The town was home to Correggio, the opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, and the conductor Toscanini. In 2022, Parma was chosen as Italy’s Capital of Culture.

Precious frescos by Correggio literally blanket the city. There are art-filled palaces, a famous opera house, and a world class museum.

Parma will also appeal to traveling foodies. It’s home to some of Italy’s best known culinary products — parmesan cheese, prosciutto, fresh pasta, and other delicacies. All this goodness has led the town to be dubbed the heart of the “Italian Food Valley.”

You can easily spend one day in Parma just popping in and out of food shops, taking a food tour, and having some memorable meals. Check out these cool food tours in Parma:

• 5 hour prosciutto and parmesan tour
• 7 hour cheese, ham, and balsamic tour
• 3.5 hour traditional food tour
• 2 hour tour of parmesan cheese factory
• 2 hour tour of dairy and prosciutto factory

Modena is a hidden gem in Italy , an elegant little city that’s well worth a visit.

If you’ve heard of Modena, it’s probably because of its food. Modena is a foodie haven. It’s famous for hams, cheeses, and barrel aged balsamic vinegar. You can sample the dark elixir in shops around the town. 

But Modena isn’t just about food. Modena is beautiful and immaculate.

Piazza Grande is its eye catching main square. It’s home to several monuments, including a Duomo, town hall, a picturesque 15th century clock tower, and medieval relics.

The 12th century Duomo is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. It comes complete with a slightly leaning bell tower called the “Ghirlandina.”

Modena was also the birthplace of Luciano Pavarotti. His titular museum,  Luciano Pavarotti Museum ,  is located about 20 minutes from city center on the estate where the famous tenor lived.

Since Modena is for foodies, you may want to book a  guided food tour , do a  balsamic vinegar tasting , or  tour Italy’s most famous cheese factory .

Modena is just a 45 minute drive from Bologna. You can also visit on an 8 hour guided day tour from Bologna.

Day 5: Florence

Ah Florence . It may be Italy’s most beloved city, even over Venice. The “Cradle of the Renaissance” is beautiful from every angle.

You can content yourself with just absorbing the beauty and street life. But there are so many amazing attractions in Florence, you won’t be able to resist them.

Start your day at one of Florence’s hotspots, the Galleria Academia . It’s home to the world’s most famous statue, Michelangelo’s David , and his prisoners.

The lines are epic here, so you should definitely pre-book a  skip the line timed entry ticket .You can also opt for a  1.5 hour guided tour with fast track ticket .

For even more Michelangelo, head to the Medici Chapels. Inside, you’ll see the over-the-top Prince’s Chapel and the New Sacristy with 7 Michelangelo sculptures.

You’ll need to  pre-book a ticket  with a time slot reservation. These fill up fast, so don’t delay. You can also book a  guided tour of the chapels . This isn’t a bad idea because there’s not much explanatory signage.

After lunch, it’s time to tackle the Florence Cathedral complex . This consists of 5 separate sites: Florence Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery, the Duomo Museum, and the Giotto Bell Tower. 

If you buy the  Brunelleschi ticket , you have entry to all the sites. You can only enter each attraction once, but you have 3 days to use the pass. I suggest you visit them all this afternoon. 

There’s a lot to absorb at these wonderful attractions. You may want to  book a guided tour  to get the full scoop.

Go the Duomo Museum first. It’s the best cathedral museum I’ve ever visited. It’s chock full of stunning statues by Donatello and will give you a primer on how Brunelleschi built the iconic dome of the cathedral.

I would climb either Brunelleschi’s dome or the Giotto bell tower. It might be a bit much to do both in one day.

Giotto’s bell tower might offer slightly better views. But, if you climb Brunelleschi’s dome, you can admire the Giorgio Vasari frescos on the way up.

In the evening, take a stroll through Piazza della Signoria and admire the statues in the piazza.

If you want, you can visit the Palazzo Vecchio (right in the square) in the evening because it’s open late. Inside, you’ll find Medici apartments, a Michelangelo sculpture, and room after room of Vasari frescos.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket for Palazzo Vecchio

Day 6: Florence

On day 6 of you 2 weeks in Italy itinerary, begin with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce . It’s Florence’s most stunning church and a mausoleum for its most famous citizens.

The basilica opens at 9:30. You should arrive with a pre-purchased  skip the line ticket . You’ll have to dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered or you won’t be let in. They’re very strict on this score.

Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket for the basilica. You’ll need one in high season unless you can brave the lines. There’s so much to see that you may want to  book a guided tour of Santa Croce .

After Santa Croce, head to the  Uffizi Gallery . The gallery is Florence’s premiere museum and one of the best museums in the world. This is where you come to admire Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

The museum is huge and just stuffed with world famous masterpieces. You could spend hours there. The most popular rooms are the two Botticelli Rooms and the Raphael and Michelangelo Room.

You won’t be able to visit the Uffizi, almost in any season, without pre-booking a  skip the line timed entry ticket . Once inside, keep the ticket with you because they ask for it at several checkpoints.

You may want to book a guided tour of the museum. The last time I was there, I booked a  2+ hour private guided tour . My husband, who’s not an art lover necessarily, loved it!

After admiring the fine art, take a stroll through the Piazza della Repubblica and stroll over the iconic Ponte Vecchio. The bridge takes you to the Oltrarno neighborhood , which is a more authentic and less touristy part of Florence.

The main attraction here is the Pitti Palace . It’s another Medici palace stuffed with world class art. You’ll need to book a skip the line ticket in high season.

You should also hit one of Florence’s viewpoints for panoramic views of the city — Piazzale Michelangelo (or 10 minutes further uphill) San Miniato al Monte . I would opt for San Miniato. It’s less crowded and one of Florence’s most ancient buildings.

Have apertivo and dinner in the Oltrarno. I thought this neighborhood had some of Florence’s best restaurants. Check out my one day in Oltrarno itinerary for more details and restaurant ideas.

Day 7: Florence, Day Trip To Siena

It’s tough to leave Florence, I know, but Siena is also fabulous. It’s one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy and is effectively an open air museum.

Plus, Siena is full of first rate art and stunning architecture. It central square, Il Campo , is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. This is where the annual Palio horse race is held.

You can admire the city’s art-laden  Siena Cathedral , gaze at a famous fresco cycle in the  Palazzo Pubblico , and stroll the vibrant streets full of artisan shops and boutiques.

You should  book a ticket to the Siena Cathedral complex . Then, I would add on a  ticket to the Palazzo Pubblico . It’s worth it just to see the stunning  Allegory of Good and Bad Government  frescos.

If you can, try to stay for dinner in the evening. The day trippers will be gone and you can stroll the pretty lanes in peace.

Siena is just a one hour drive from Florence. You can also  book a guided day tour   to save you the hassle of arranging transportation. This tour also takes you to the gorgeous medieval town of San Gimignano .

Day 8: Rome

From Florence, it’s time to move on to Rome, the Eternal City, where you’ll stay for 4 nights. I’ve been to Rome many times and written dozens of articles on the city, which you can check out on my Rome page .

On your first day, I would tour the imperial ruins. That includes the Colosseum , the Roman Forum , and Palatine Hill . I’ve linked my article on each place, which describe everything you can see at each stop.

You can’t really visit these sites without a skip the line ticket . You’ll also need to make a separate timed entry reservation for the Colosseum. There are plenty of tour options as well.

• 3 hour guided tour and entry to all 3 sites
• tickets & tour of all 3 sites + underground Colosseum access
• 4 hour private day tour of Ancient Rome
• skip the line private guided tour with an art historian
• skip the line private tour of all 3 sites + the underground Colosseum

When you’re done touring the ruins, head to the nearby Monti neighborhood for a stroll and lunch. You can also pop into the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore .

Then, head to Piazza Venetia. You can admire the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and take an elevator up for views.

Don’t miss the Capitoline Museums . It’s surely one of Rome’s ancient art museums . It boasts a vast repository of ancient sculpture that’s just incredible.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to the Capitoline Museums

In the evening take a stroll in Trastevere, Rome’s most beautiful neighborhood. You can admire the ochre colored buildings and ivy clad facades. This is also a great place to book a food and wine tour .

Day 9: Rome

On you next day in Rome, take a classic  walk through central Rome . You might consider booking a  3 hour walking tour  or  private walking tour to get the full historical backdrop on all the sites.

Start at Campo de’ Fiori and end at the Spanish steps. Along the way, you can stop to admire some of Rome’s most iconic monuments — Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Piazza Colonna, and the Trevi Fountain.

Grab some lunch and then head to Rome’s best museums, the Borghese Gallery. It’s one of the world’s greatest small museums. You’ll find the most famous sculptures of the Baroque artist Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Correggio.

Here’s my  complete guide  to the Borghese Gallery . You’ve got to  pre-book a timed entry skip the line ticket  to visit this magnificent museum.

When you’re done admiring the art, I recommend heading over to the west side of the Borghese Gardens, towards the Piazza del Popolo. The view from the Pincio Terrace is quite beautiful, particularly at sunset.

Consider ending your day with a food tour. There are a bunch of great options:

• a  food tour of the trendy Testaccio district
• a  food tour in the off the beaten path Pratti district
• a   food tour in the beautiful Trastevere district
• a  market food tour and pizza class
• a   food and wine tour in the historic center

Day 10: Rome, Vatican City

On day 10 of 2 weeks in Italy, it’s time to explore Vatican City. I’ve written a detailed one day in Vatican City itinerary . So won’t repeat myself too much here.

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums are heart and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous church in Christendom. Designed by Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo, it’s a true Renaissance masterpiece.

The basilica is the burial place of St. Peter and past popes. It houses the famous Bernini Baldachine altar, scads of sculptures, and Michelangelo’s tragically beautiful  Pieta .

For a panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square and Rome, you should climb the dome. Here’s my complete  guide to St. Peter’s Basilica , with tips for visiting. You can take a  guided tour  of St. Peters. You can only visit the  underground grottos on a guided tour .

The Vatican Museums hold one of the world’s greatest art collections. Some of the most famous art works on the planet are there, including Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel .

You absolutely must pre-book a  skip the line ticket  for the Vatican. Or else you’ll be stuck in line for hours unless it’s the dead of winter.

Here are some sample Vatican tours you might consider taking:

• a  2.5 hour overview on a skip the line small group guided tour
• a  3 hour no  w ait tour that also includes the Raphael Rooms
• a  3.5 hour tour Vatican visit with a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• a  3 hour Friday night tour of the Vatican
• a  Vatican tour that includes a climb of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

Day 11: Rome, Day Trip To Orvieto

Day 11 sees you day tripping to Orvieto, a hill town in southern Umbria . I personally just loved Orvieto and you can check out my one day in Orvieto itinerary for the full scoop.

Orvieto’s most famous attraction is its glamorous Duomo, Orvieto Cathedral . It has one of the most colorful and art-filled facades of any church in Italy. Inside, you’ll find one of the most famous fresco cycles in Italy by Luca Signorelli.

You’ll also want to take a stroll through Piazza della Repubblica and climb the Torre del Morro.

But part of the charm of Orvieto is just aimless strolling. Wherever you look in Orvieto, there’s a picturesque lane, quaint shop, or terrific displays of flowers.

Every once in awhile the medieval lanes part and you can glimpse a brilliant slice of the Umbrian countryside.

Last time I was in Orvieto, I booked a  2.5 hour guided private walking tour . My guide was Emma and she was excellent, making the cathedral and its beautiful art works come to life. 

You can also book a  3 hour small group walking tour  that includes the cathedral, the old town, and Orvieto’s underground.

Day 12: Naples

From Rome, venture on to Naples. It’s about 2.5 hours by car or 1:10 by train.

This Mediterranean capital is lorded over by the still-kicking Vesuvius volcano. Naples is unpretentious with chaotic streets, Baroque excess, and layers upon layers of history.

The historic center is brimming with striking architecture, fascinating museums, and lively piazzas.

Naples Cathedral has a 13th century Gothic church with Baroque frescos. The Santa Chiara Cloisters are simply gorgeous, with hand-painted Majorca tiles covering benches and columns. The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is chock full of Greco-Roman ruins.

Art lovers will want to take the shuttle to the Capodimonte Museum , which is one of Italy’s best museum s . It features works by Caravaggio, Correggio, Masaccio, Titian, Raphael, El Greco, Bruegel, and Sebastiano del Piombo.

History buffs should head to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , which is truly one of the world’s best archaeological museums. 

You can see original mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The most famous piece is the  Farnese Bull , which once decorated Rome’s Baths of Caracalla . In high season, you’ll definitely need a skip the line ticket .

Naples is famous for its cafe culture and as the inventor of pizza. One of the most exquisite cafes is Caffe Gambrinus. For pizza, the two most famous spots are Gino Sorbillo and Antica Pizzeria da Michele.

Naturally, in Naples, you can go on a street food tour , take a walking tour of the street markets , or take a pizza making class .

As an alternative to basing yourself in Naples, you could stay in the Amalfi Coast instead and day trip into Naples to see the museums and sample the pizza.

READ : One Day In Naples Itinerary

Day 13: Naples, Day Trip To Pompeii

On day 13 of your 2 weeks in Italy, head to Pompeii. The site is Italy’s most famous archaeological treasure. It’s a 2,000 year old living museum.

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city in 60 feet of ash. The city was entombed and preserved for many centuries. Beginning in 1748, archaeologists began painstakingly excavating the ruins.

Today, you can see dazzling frescos in ancient abodes. The House of the Vet just opened to the public in January 2023 and the frescos in the Villa of Mysteries are newly restored.

It’s definitely easiest to visit Pompeii on guided day tour from Naples . I recommend this  guided walking tour with an archaeologist  to learn everything abut Pompeii. But if you can do it yourself, you’ll at least need to book a skip the line ticket .

I advise getting the longest and best tour possible so that you can see everything at Pompeii (the new frescos) and not just walk down the main drag, as some tours do.

For the complete scoop, here’s my complete guide to visiting Pompeii .

Day 14: Naples, Day Trip To Amalfi Coast

On your last day of 2 weeks in Italy, head to the Amalfi Coast. It’s a stunning 30 mile stretch of the Italian coast where cliffs tower above pebbly coves and villages cling to steep slopes.

One day isn’t much time to explore this area. And it isn’t easy to get to. You will drive down a precarious road and take ferries and buses.

With one day, if you take a guided day tour from Naples, you can more efficiently get a quick peak at Positano, Amalfi, and or Ravello.

Positano comes complete with sherbet colored cliffside homes, stunning beaches, and tiny cobbled lanes. It’s considered Amalfi’s most picturesque town, cut into a cliff with views galore.

Called the “mountain pearl,” Ravello is suspended between the sky and sea. Ravello is known for its stunning views. You can get them at the town’s two stunning medieval villas Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.

Amalfi town is a lively port city. It’s known for the stunning Amalfi Cathedral , which is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. You can visit the cloister, church, and the Diocesan Museum.

Positano and Sorrento are the most touristy towns. If you’d like to avoid crowds, you can try the towns of Ravello, Praiano, Maiori, or Minori.

Alternatively, you could visit the island of Capri from Naples. Capri is one of the most dazzling and seductive islands in the Mediterranean.

Capri is known for its soaring cliffs, shimmering emerald water, whitewashed towns, and historic landmarks. It’s a great place to hike. And it’s known for its natural wonder, the Blue Grotto.

You can take the ferry or get to Capri on a guided day tour from Naples .

Alternative 2 Weeks In Italy Itinerary

For a slightly different spin, here’s an alternative two weeks in Italy itinerary. This itinerary drops Bologna and gives you more time in southern Italy.

• Day 3 : Florence
• Day 4 : Florence
• Day 5 : Florence, day trip to Siena & San Gimignano
• Day 6 : Rome
• Day 7 : Rome
• Day 8 : Vatican City
• Day 9 : Rome, day trip to Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio
• Day 10 : Naples
• Day 11 : Naples, day trip to Pompeii
• Day 12 : Amalfi Coast
• Day 13 : Amalfi Coast, day trip to Capri
• Day 14 : Matera

Tips For Spending 2 Weeks In Italy

If you need tips for visiting Italy, you should check out some of my relevant articles:

• 40 tips for visiting Italy
• Tips for visiting Rome
• Tips for visiting Florence
• Tips for visiting Venice
• Tips for renting and driving a car in Europe

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 weeks in Italy itinerary. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides and resources.

• 12 Ways To Spend 1 Week in Italy
• 5 Ways To Spend 1 Week In Sicily
• 10 Days in Southern Italy Itinerary
• 10 Day Tuscany Itinerary
• Tips For Visiting Italy
• 7 Day Road Trip From Venice To Milan
• 130+ Bucket List Experiences in Italy
• Historic Landmarks in Italy
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• Best Museums in Rome
• Hidden Gems in Rome
• Best Museums in Florence

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Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

An Epic 2-Week Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Milan To The Amalfi Coast

By Jessie Festa. This Italy road trip guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

For the past two summers, my boyfriend Andy and I have chosen countries in Europe to road trip through, taking our time to just enjoy the scenery and have adventures along the way.

Last year we explored the South of France , while this year we chose Italy , beginning in Venice and ending in the Amalfi Coast .

Table of Contents

Our Italy Road Trip Route

Okay, so in reality we actually flew round-trip NYC -> Milan as flights to and from Milan seemed to be much more affordable than other cities. We didn’t really spend any time there, though, so for the intention of this post I won’t really be mentioning it.

As soon as we arrived into Milan we hopped on a pre-booked Trenitalia train to Venice.

After Venice we pre-booked an Italo train to Florence where we picked up a car and began our Italy road trip.

The full 2-week Italy road trip itinerary included Milan – Venice – Florence – Tuscany – Perugia – Amalfi Coast – Ischia.

Psst, Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

Booking Ferries & Trains In Italy

For train and ferry travel we booked in advance, using Omio ’s easy interface and reliable booking system.

We also found Omio often had cheaper prices than booking directly with TrenItalia and Italo.

Note: You’ll want to book in advance! The earlier you book your train and ferry tickets, the cheaper it will be.

For example, our train tickets from Milan to Venice were 60.80 Euros for two tickets (one-way) booked in advance.

When we arrived at the train station early from the airport and asked if we could switch our ticket to an earlier train, they said we would have had to pay the difference in price: 160 Euros.

We were glad we booked early.

Renting A Car In Italy

Ugh. So the truth is we booked our car through Hertz.

I hate Hertz. I’ve had so many problems with them over the years, and their customer service just is not good.

Typically I’d book with Enterprise, but they didn’t have a car rental office in the city in Florence (only the airport).

We tried to book with EuropCar, but they didn’t have automatic cars in the city (only the airport).

In short, if you don’t mind renting from the airport — such as if you’re flying into Florence anyway — book with Enterprise . In my experience they are the best and have great customer service.

If you’re desperate for an automatic car in Florence and don’t want to trek to the airport, Hertz has what you need.

Here is another option that I sadly didn’t know existed before this trip:

Use a comparison site like Discover Cars .

You can save up to 70% on your rental just by comparing your options!

Use their widget here and try it out for yourself: 

Best Hotels In Italy

We booked almost all of our accommodation through Airbnb. You can stay in everything from gorgeous countryside wineries to historic palaces-turned-city hotels.

Accomodation Links:  We loved all our accommodations aside for Amalfi Coast, so I’m leaving that one out of the list.

• Milan Airbnb
• Venice Airbnb
• Florence Airbnb
• Montepulciano Airbnb (extra special!)
• Perugia Agritourismo (extra special!)
• Ischia Airbnb (extra special!)

Prefer hotels?

Click here to search for the best hotels in Italy!

You can also use this map to search for local hotels and rentals:

Italy Road Trip Video

Love traveling through video?

Check out my entire Italy trip video above!

Italy Road Trip Highlights

Wow! Where to begin. There were so many amazing experiences to be had on the trip, from the wine travel to the scenic adventures. Here are 12 highlights from our journey — truly one of the best road trips we’ve ever done!

Quick tip: download these 6 amazing apps before your road trip.

1. A Floating Apertivo Hour

While we did the whole gondola thing — hey, you gotta! — we also booked a Canal & Aperitivo Experience with Urban Adventures .

Full disclosure:

I work with Urban Adventures in NYC as one of their guides, so when coming to Venice I reached out to their Italy manager and they set Andy and I up with this awesome experience.

We took a private water taxi down the Grand Canal and beyond, seeing everything from the city’s ancient palaces-turned-hotels to outer islands like Murano and Lido .

Along the journey we learned fun facts about the city — like that Venice invented the Aperol Spritz — while sipping Prosecco, munching on tasty finger sandwiches and clinking glasses with new friends.

While the gondola was fun, this felt like a much more local experience. It was definitely an Italy travel highlight, and would be a great social experience for those traveling solo in Italy too.

2. Explore The Art

For an inspiring afternoon, wander the sculpture gardens at  Giardino Della Marinaressa  (public park) —  Carole Feuerman ‘s sculptures were on view when we visited — before boarding a ~10-minute  vaporetto (ferry taxi) to Murano.

Here you can drink an Aperol Spritz on the water before wandering the many Murano glass shops.

Within the stores, you’ll see gorgeous glass sculptures, jewelry, and housewares. Additionally, walking around the small island introduces you to giant al fresco glass works.

Burano is another island nearby — though a bit farther at about an hour away from Venice. Here the houses are in crazy bright colors, with the shops introducing you to artisanal lace products.

3. Lido Beach

While you can’t swim in the Grand Canal — both because there are so many boats and because it’s full of sewage — you can head less than 10 minutes by vaporetto to Lido Beach.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from the dock to the shell-gowned shoreline, with tons of gelato shops offering a snack for the stroll.

Once there, walk along the sand or jump in for a swim.

It’s seriously beautiful, not to mention their beach cafe serves tasty Aperol Spritz cocktails.

Can you tell what my favorite cocktail is?

Check out my full article on responsibly exploring the city for more things to do in Venice .

4. Take A Fresco Class

Sadly, the art of fresco in Florence is dying out. In fact, there are only three fresco artists left in the city, and you can take a workshop with one through Context Travel .

We had the pleasure of creating our own frescos with Dr. Alan Pascuzzi in his San Frediano studio.

The neighborhood is known for its artisan studios and introduced me to the city beyond the Duomo.

True fresco refers to applying natural pigments to freshly laid (wet) lime plaster.

There are no binders — like oil — in the paints, just water, and when the hues hit the limestone a chemical reaction takes place that leads to a truly lasting piece of art.

The tough part is having to complete your painting (and tempering!) before the plaster dries.

A truly creative race against time that leaves you with a deeper cultural appreciation and an authentic souvenir to take home!

This was one of a few great art experiences in Florence that we did!

5. Dinner In A Local Home

This was our second dinner through BonAppetour  and as usual, it was a pleasure.

We opted for a traditional Tuscan dinner in the home of a local man named Andrea and his wife Giovanna , savoring a delectable spread.

On the menu: Tuscan tomato & bread salad (Panzanella), Tuscan onion soup (Carabaccia), spinach with baby squid in squid ink (Seppie al Nero con Spinaci) and cold chickpeas with tomato and sage (Ceci all’uccelletto) — all paired with wine of course. This meal made me seriously want to volunteer to do vineyard work in Italy and immerse myself in the vino culture!

We ended with a chestnut tart called Castagnaccio that’s typically eaten in mountain communities, paired with locally made dessert wine. Yum!

6. Wandering San Niccolo

We loved this Florence neighborhood! Walking around Florence we noticed a few recurring styles of street art.

One was the work of Blub , who painted small square portraits of cultural icons like Salvadore Dali and the Mona Lisa as scuba divers.

There was also Clet , who added stick figures in interesting situations to typical street signs.

Both of their studios are in San Niccolo — along with other Florentine artists — and you can purchase a creative gift.

7. Sips & Sculptures At Belvedere Fort

Okay, so there are MANY attractions offering a view over Florence. Andy and I first visited Boboli and Borelli gardens…and were unimpressed.

Maybe in other seasons there is a lot to see, but in late August there were not many flowers, especially after paying 10 Euros each to get in.

While wandering around the gardens, we stumbled upon Fort Belvedere next door, which was just 3 Euros each to get in.

Not only were the views stupendous, but the historic fort houses an indoor art museum and outdoor sculpture garden.

It’s pretty interesting to look out over a massive 79-foot skeleton with a Duomo backdrop.

The Aperol Spritz cocktails and pizza were delicious!

While TripAdvisor said it would be expensive, we thought $55.50 USD for two meals, two cocktails, and two coffees was very affordable, especially for what we got.

8. Drinks On Ponte Santa Trinita (Bridge)

Of course, the Ponte Vecchio is a must, though expect tons of tourists eating gelato and perusing the impressive amount of jewelry shops.

Once the sun goes down, grab a bottle of wine — might I suggest some Chianti — and head to the Santa Trinita Bridge .

It’s beautiful to see the reflections of buildings at night on the Arno River , and there are many people on the bridge also sharing some wine and taking in the peace.

Montepulciano (Tuscany)

9. take a scenic bike ride.

If you’re active, I highly recommend a scenic bike ride with Cortona Wine Tours   through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val d’ Orcia.

The valley is known for inspiring Renaissance painters and being landscaped in a way that led to locals living in harmony with nature.

You’ll cycle through cypress-lined paths, olive groves, medieval towns and endless rows of sangiovese, the predominant grape in the famed Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

While challenging — it’s those steep rolling hills that make Tuscany so beautiful — it’s worth it for the views.

The 21-kilometer ride ends with a delicious farm-to-fork Podere Il Casale .

Clinking glasses of homemade wine while sharing plates of house-made pici (a local chickpea-flour pasta) and suckling pig laced with goat’s milk and ginger, the tastes and company were enhanced by a gorgeous aerial view of the valley.

If you’d prefer not to exert so much energy, Cortona Wine Tours also offers private wine tours by car, as well as Vespa tours, truffle hunting excursions and custom experiences.

Perugia (Umbria)

10. stay at an agriturismo (with pets).

While we stayed at some amazing accommodations, our favorite was Agriturismo La Fonte , a gorgeous farm stay accommodation in Perugia .

I was shocked to learn that not many Americans visit Umbria , skipping over it for the nearby Tuscany.

Which is a shame, because Umbria — known as the “green heart of Italy” — is so breathtakingly beautiful.

As soon as we drove onto the property and saw our apartment backed by endless rows of olive bushes and chestnut trees, we were in heaven.

Inside, a table showcased a spread of homemade and farm-sourced goodies:

Fresh eggs, lemon cake, tomatoes, olive oil, preserved eggplant and zucchini, jam, bread and a bottle of red wine — which quickly got poured into our glasses as we ducked out onto the patio to take in hillside views.

On property, we hiked, lounged by a pond, napped in hammocks, played with dogs and cats, swam in the pool, played ping pong and foosball, and just enjoyed the feeling of complete peace and quiet.

This is a must-stay in Italy! Also, if you’re looking for weekend getaways from Rome , Perugia is a popular option.

Amalfi Coast

11. trek the “path of the gods”.

The 5-mile “Path Of The Gods” — also known as “ Il Sentiero degli Dei” — sits beautifully embedded into the slopes of Monte Peruso .

It begins in Bomerano and ends in Positano , taking you along the hillside towns and ancient ruins.

According to The New York Times , the Path was “carved out by Greek settlers in the eighth century B.C. and was later used by those living in secluded monasteries.”

Not only are you traversing history, but the views over the sparkling Gulf of Salerno and of Naples as you wind your way up and down the terraced hillside are absolutely jaw-dropping.

What’s really neat is you have a view of chic Positano and its pastel-colored houses most of the time, so your eye is literally on the prize as you hike.

This was one of the most stunning, interesting hikes I’ve ever done.

Bonus: it’s free!

12. Have A Heavenly Island Getaway In Ischia

Just a 90-minute scenic ferry ride from Naples port sits Ischia , an island settled by the Greeks in 770 BC that’s shrouded in mythology .

In fact, it’s said that after an altercation with Zeus, a monster named Typheus was banished to live under the island, which is why it’s filled with volcanoes and thermal pools.

For the perfect itinerary stay in Ornella’s Airbnb in the island’s Campagnano neighborhood , a true slice of heaven on earth.

The accommodation has both a lush garden terrace and 360-degree rooftop, both offering gorgeous views of the medieval Aragonese Castle, the Gulf of Naples, and the adjacent islands of Procida and Vivara.

On the island also don’t miss a hike to the top of Mount Epomeo , the highest point on Ischia at 2,589 feet.

Follow the adventure with a wander through Sant’Angelo , a pastel-hued village full of artisan and clothing shops.

One favorite:

NaturIschia , where Andy and I sampled free tastings of local limoncello, locally-made liqueurs laced with melon and pistachio, and delicious chocolates filled with limoncello.

From there, walk down to the sandy Chiaia di Rose Beach , secluded Cava Grado Beach or the steamy  Le Fumarole Beach .

Deal:   Click here for $40 off your first Airbnb stay !

Travel Insurance

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan.

This is why I recommend always purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later!

Have any Italy road trip tips to add or questions to ask?

Logistics: Stay: Get $40 off your first Airbnb with this link ! Route:  Milan -> Venice -> Florence -> Montepulciano (Tuscany) -> Perugia (Umbria) -> Amalfi Coast -> Ischia -> Milan. Note: We spent very little time in Milan, but flew round-trip from there as flights to and from NYC were signficiantly cheaper than other airports. Car Rental:  We used train travel until we reached Florence. Sigh.  I’ll admit we rented from Hertz, my least favorite car rental company in the world , but they were the only ones we found who didn’t require us to go to the Florence airport to pickup an automatic car (instead we simply walked 10 minutes from our Airbnb to pickup). Of course, when we got our final receipt we’d been charged ~$75 USD for fuel — even though we’d filled up the tank before returning — and I had to spend time getting the charge removed. Can you tell I looooove Hertz? Nope! I’d recommend using Enterprise or another rental company instead. You can use Discover Cars to price compare, and save up to 70% on your rental booking ! Getting Around: We loved our Italy road trip! The only difficult area to drive on our itinerary was the Amalfi Coast (definitely scary, though not impossible if you’re comfortable with driving). Also big cities like Rome and Naples will be challenging, too (we avoided those). Additionally, train travel in Italy is phenomenal. For the few trains we did take we loved Omio’s prices and interface. Actually, we found Omio to be cheaper than booking directly with Italo and Trenitalia, the train companies we used. Safety Essentials:  I never leave home without: Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments Vigiliant Personal Alarm Currency: Euro Dining Tips: Understand that in many places there will be an extra charge for sitting at a table. Note that you do not need to tip — service is typically included — though you can leave 5-10% if you wish. While in the US if a restaurant serves a snack that was not asked for, like bread or peanuts, it’s safe to assume it’s complimentary. In Italy though we were often charged a few Euros for these. If you don’t want them, say so. Language: While many locals speak English, it’s helpful to know some Italian. At least know a few common words and phrases . Accommodation:  I found Airbnb to be really affordable with tons of great options — many with views, gardens and patios. Get $40 off your first Airbnb with this link . SIM Cards: While you can buy your SIM card from the airport, I recommend purchasing it within the city of your first stay. This way, if there’s a problem you can go back to the place you actually purchased it to get help. I sadly purchased mine from the Milan Airport, and wasn’t told you’re supposed to *not* use your phone until you receive a certain text message (which is in Italian). I used up my entire 40-Euro package — which should have lasted my entire 10-day trip — in less than an hour due to this error and had to re-purchase one, because the Vodafone representative in Venice (the first city visited on the Italy trip after landing in Milan) told me the airport wasn’t affiliated with his shop.

Road Trip Through Italy Travel Video

Check out my entire trip video above

Italy Road Trip Travel Infographic

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14 Comments

I actually have that on my bucket list: road trip in Italy! I want to go from North to South and visit Sicily as well. I only know a bit of the north, but Italy is such a beautiful country I need to know more one day! Thanks for sharing such fine article:)

Great itinerary, nice to see you included Umbria!

Great post with lots of details! Makes me want to leave now!

Your photos are brilliant they really make you want to organise a road trip through Italy. I have never heard of Bon Appetour it sounds really interesting, Is this only found in Europe?

@Sarah: I believe in other places, too!

This post got me yearning for Italy and Europe (I’m in Thailand at the moment). Going back to Finland for the summer but not sure about my finances. I’d so want to do a road trip in Italy now!

Goodness me this is a thoroughly informative post!! DEFINITELY saving this for a future return to Italy! #blogpostsaturday

Italy has so much to see! You are brave to drive there. One of the few places i felt a bit…timid. LOL

I have booked twice with Hertz here in France and they are the WORST! I’m glad I’m not the only one, haha. I love Italy and am actually planning a roadtrip in Tuscany soon! Thanks for your post.

This is my dream trip! Good to know its well worth it to book early. That’s a huge price difference!

I travelled Italy by car last year but you definitely have be jealous with everything you got up to!! We couldn’t hike the path to the gods because of wild fires Next time ❣️

This whole itinerary is awesome. Great photos, so much cool stuff. Looking forward to Italy!

the links for the AIRBNB don#t seem to work anymore. Can you please reshare

@Andreea – If they don’t work it may mean that those listings aren’t live right now. I’ll try to see if I can find new links as soon as possible!

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Our Italy Road trip Itinerary – Self drive in Italy

Table of Contents

Our Italy itinerary is what pushed us into taking a major decision that we would be doing a self-drive Road trip in Italy. Our Italy driving holiday itinerary had an equal share of big and famous cities and the less visited yet well-known places. Though Italy has a good network of trains – It would have been difficult to travel by train to all the places marked in our Italy Road trip Itinerary.

Italy Road Trip Planner:

After I wrote this post about ‘ Things to know before you self-drive in Italy ’ , I got a lot of questions about places we traveled across Italy on our road trip. So, I decided to write this post which help your road trip through Italy. Be it 1 week or 10 days, this itinerary will help you while driving around Italy. This itinerary covers most of the beautiful and famous spots in Italy making it one of the best road trips in Italy.

We didn’t always hire a car for all the days we were in Italy, but did it strategically, which we will explain in the due course of this article. While exploring cities, we used local transport like Metro, trams and bus. When feasible, we took intercity trains. We hired a car only when we felt an absolute need of doing so.

And being avid road trippers, we enjoyed taking on Italian roads – sometimes driving in between choppy cliffs and deep blue ocean, sometimes cruising along state-of-the-art highway, sometimes creeping under tunnels that don’t seem to end, sometimes stuck in weekend highway jam, sometimes slowing down in countryside roads to see the hay bales neatly rolled up, sometimes driving along the coast for hundreds of miles but never to drive for the sake of it!

With such a pleasing experience , I would recommend that everyone should go road trippin in Italy at least once in a lifetime! Assisting you in your road trip adventure is your travel buddy – Hopping Miles. So, here it is – Road trip in Italy.

Road trip preparation for self drive holiday:

Well, for a good road trip, what do we need? A reliable and cost effective car and a comfortable place to rest for the day after a long day on the road. Right? I know you are nodding your head there. Let me ease this process for you by listing a couple of websites which we always use on our travels.

We booked the car from this website which compares different vendors , so that we can select the car that matches our taste and budget. Check prices now by entering the place in the search box below.

Accomodation

With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. That is where this site comes into picture. We always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

Self drive Italy itinerary

I will list some places you can visit on your self drive holiday in Italy. And for our exact itinerary, you can check the next section.

• Amalfi coast
• Alberobello
• Cinque Terre

Our Italian Road trip Itinerary

In the first leg of the journey, we did Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Lets look at each stop and see what we did there!

We flew into Rome and flew out of Rome to Bangalore, India. We spent 3 days in Rome – roaming around the city in hop-on hop-off bus and explored the World’s smallest country – Vatican city too!

Hop-on Hop-off bus  is the absolute best way to explore Rome. We get a bus pass which we can flash to the driver and hop onto the bus and hop off at any stop and this cycle continues. We did this and loved the convenience and frequency of  buses available. We bought our tickets from this link here:  Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket. 

You can also buy a Roma Pass which covers entrance fee to major tourist attractions in Rome:  Roma Pass: 48-Hour City Card

After blissful 3 days of roaming in Rome, we hopped onto Vatican city for a day, which was just next door to Rome.

Vatican City:

Often known as the World’s smallest country, Vatican city is just a road away from Rome. There is no passport stamping required to enter and exit Vatican city. Vatican is known for its rich art collection and one whole day is needed to explore this gem. Have a look at this post to know how to ‘Explore Vatican City in a Day’

After exploring Rome and Vatican City, we picked up a pre-booked rental car, thus flagging off our Italian road trip! We got the best deal for our car rental from this website here. Our initial plan was to drive down to Pompeii and Naples before checking into our lovely room in Sorrento in Amalfi Coast. As luck would have it, we had a delay due to a situation and could start from Rome only in the second half of the day, so we changed our plan and drove to Sorrento with a small detour at Caserta.

The highlight of Caserta is definitely the ‘ Palace of Caserta ’. This UNESCO Heritage site sprawls over 60 acres with a 5 floors and 1200 rooms!!! Apart from the place itself which is impressive, vast gardens take away all the credit of being stunning with beautifully curated plants and water fountains at regular intervals. Though Palace of Caserta was under renovation at that time we had been there – it didn’t fail to amaze us!

Traffic jam on the way to Sorrento. We were stuck in jam inside the city too!

After a mesmerizing evening drive along the plunging Amalfi coastline as the sun retired for the day, we got stuck in the narrow lanes of Sorrento city. Traffic pile up due to road restrictions come into effect after sundown, this resulted in us getting struck in a traffic jam inside the city. We got lost at many places and google maps weren’t of any help but the locals were really helpful and guided us very well in spite of  having the language barrier.

Next morning, we strolled around Sorrento town and decided to hop on to Capri Island and indulge in the unique experience of Blue Grotto! So, off we were to Capri in a high-speed ferry from Sorrento!

Book a tour –  From Sorrento: Full-Day Capri and Anacapri Boat Tour

Surreal waters of Blue Grotto, Capri

Capri was a pleasant surprise. From the time the ferry approached the island, until our way back to Sorrento – Capri captivated us! Jagged cliffs rising high from the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea underneath – in this small island off Italy’s Eastern Coast. In spite of thousands of tourist inflow every day, much of Capri’s natural beauty is preserved to retain its charm. The proof of which are the narrow roads just enough to pass only 1 vehicle on either side. Nature’s bounty has been preserved and not given way to modernisation!

More on Capri and things to do here: Things to do in Capri

Amalfi Coast:

After a refreshing day in Capri, we were back on the road. How eager were we to drive in this piece of land! We took it easy while driving the Amalfi Coast by not rushing it. We rolled down the windows and breathed the fresh air of Amalfi Coast – sinking it all into the skin. The warm air rising from the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers slopped in every corner together with the scent of Citrus which grows here in abundance. Roads that snake all the way along the plunging coastline coupled with stunning views makes Amalfi Coast one of the scenic routes to drive in the world!

In case you aren’t doing a self guided driving trip and still want to experience the thrill of a road trip then try this tour or this one .

Check out my Amalfi coast video below: 

Alberobello:

After Italy surprised us with Amalfi coast drive, we had another visual treat waiting for us in Alberobello. Entire town with whitewashed houses called Trulli awaited us in Alberobello. The Trulli of Alberobello is a hut made of traditional Apulian drystone mainly consisting of hard limestone. The roof of Trullo is conical shape with stones stacked tightly on each other. If you fancy staying in a Trullo – you can as well do it. There are many BnBs and boutique Trullo stays in Alberobello. Check the prices now by entering your dates below.

We stayed in a small town called Eboli before traveling to Alberobello. Pizzas here are yumm!

The drive from Alberobello to Bari was all along Italy’s southern coastline. The main reason for us to drive to Bari was to return our rental car which we hired in Rome. That said, DON’T be fooled into thinking that our Italian road trip is over!

Rental cars which we returned in Bari. We were a family of 12. So we hired 3 cars!!

Back to Italy again for yet another road trip!

We returned the car in Bari  and took an overnight ferry to Croatia.  Read about our experience in Jadrolinija ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik in this article here . We explored Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia.  We returned to Italy through Slovenia via road and settled down in Venice for the day!

Some pics of our road trip in Croatia and Slovenia.

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Lake Bled, Slovenia

You might want to read:

Heavenly Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Fairytale town – Lake Bled, Slovenia

We roamed around Venice , hopping numerous bridges in the Venice Water bus or the ‘Vaporetto’ with a day pass. Watching gondolas pass by, hearing barcaroles sung by gondoliers who sway the gondola from under one bridge to another – Venice was all about life and history in a water land. If you are in Venice, do not miss the Gondola ride!

Book now –  Venice  Gondola Ride

Also, a must visit is the next door, Burano and Murano islands. Check out this tour here, this is such a bargain for money –  Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

After spending time to our heart’s content in Venice – It was time to move on. This time around, we did not hire a car. Remember what I had told earlier, rent a car only when necessary. As we were to stay in Milan for the next couple of days – we didn’t really need a car to go around – so, we took an intercity train from Venice to Milan – Italy’s fashion destination!

We went to see the ‘Duomo di Milan’ but ended up attending a concert!

Wandering in the streets of Milan, getting in and getting out of several metro trains – I wondered about one thing – How women are dressed up so beautifully with full makeup even at 5.30 AM! 😀

You can also do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como – Details here.

This wouldn’t be any ordinary morning – this would be a special one. A morning that showed us a light of day like no other morning. Sun rays piercing through the plump mountains, gliding though Lake Como before hitting the glass window of the train from Milan to Tirano.

The day could be called a Train day. Our train journey started in Milan at 5.30AM in the morning and ended at 9PM the same day in Milan. Why do I call it the train day? That’s because we spent the major chunk of the day in train. From Tirano, we ascended the legendary Bernina express. The rest was sequences just like dream.

Tirano town

You can save the hassle we had of booking several train tickets by simply going this tour, where they take care of all the round trip transfers to and fro Milan and also the Bernina Express tickets –  Bernina Express & St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan

Bernina Express:

Was I dreaming? Maybe, Yes – but certainly, No! As the train chugged away from Tirano, we scaled altitude by slowly climbing various bridges and passing through gloomy tunnels. Scenes distinctly vary from tiny villages puddled in lush green valley down below to glaciers melting to form electric blue lake. We alighted in St.Moritz town in Switzerland – spent 2-3 hours before getting back to Bernina Express to return to our temporary home in Milan.

It was time to get back on the road. We hired a car from Milan and drove to the land of Ferrari – Maranello!

As we curved into Maranello, roaring horses welcomed us into the world of Ferrari. Rest of the day was spent in gawking at these mean machines and lusting to own one! Read more about Maranello – Ferrari land Maranello, Italy

We drove from Maranello to Pisa through Florence with vineyards for company. Driving in the Tuscany region was another dream come true.

The entire region is sprinkled with acres of vineyards brimming with grape-bearing vines. Roads rise and fall at changing intervals – giving us elated views of the landscapes filled with different coloured flowers at each interval! See the colours of views we saw from the highway – here in this post!

Standing tall , leaning for centuries is the ‘Leaning tower of Pisa’. There is something charming about Pisa. That white tall leaning structure, the green grass around it, the blue skies – everything makes it photogenic! This wonder of the world and UNESCO Heritage site had to be visited and thus was!

While in Pisa, a must thing do is to go inside the ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ and climb all the way up and get a bird’s eye view from the top! It is sure inundating but is very exciting at the same time. We were running short of time as we had to drive to Rome and return the car, but wanted to go to the top of Leaning tower too. The lines for the ticket was long and we gave it a chance and finally did it. So, its a wise thing to book tickets in advance.

Book your  Timed Entrance Ticket to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral

We drove back to ‘Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport’ in Rome and returned our rental car that showed us some surreal sights for over 2 days.

I know we have left out many other beautiful spots and cities in Italy. We knew about some but couldn’t manage to do it – Florence, Siena, Naples, Pompeii, Sicily, San Marino, Gradara . Some we regret not knowing about, during the planning stage like the ‘The Great Dolomite Road’. But, there’s always a next time!

Our Italy Road trip Map:

Italy self drive road trip – leg 1.

Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Italy Self drive road trip – Leg 2

Venice – Milan – Tirano – Milan – Maranello – Florence – Pisa – Rome

You might also want to read :

17 cities and towns not to miss in Italy!

14 things to know before you self drive in Italy

Hope you have liked our itinerary and all geared up to prepare yours!

Let us know in the comment box below if you have been to the places we have been and share your experiences about that place with our readers!

If you have liked this post, show us some love and pat us on our backs! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter  and Instagram  and subscribe to our Youtube channel !

45 comments

Beautiful photographs and interesting narration!

Great.. useful info

Nice inspiration! Thanks for a great road trip itinerary 🙂 we are planning to do one in the North of Italy soon with my husband

Nice to know that Lisa! Have a great trip!! 🙂

Hi, Great trip and great photos. I would like to ask can you plz tell hidden gems, non touristic places in italy, moreover budget living in italy. Thanks. Ss

Thanks Sumira. I shall write a post on that soon 🙂

Good one guys.. It is very helpful for planning our road trip.. Cheers and thanks for putting this up!!

Thanks Dilip! 🙂

Great info and pic! I’m planning on a roadtrip to Italy too, so wondering how long did it take for your first and second leg and Croatia?

Thanks Elly. Our trip was for 17 days in total 🙂

I really enjoyed the post you shared with us, last Year visited Bari, next holiday to visit Italy

This is a amazing article (along with the other one – things to know before self drive in Italy). Can you please share few more details (if possible) on the places (hotels/B&Bs/Lodges etc) where you stayed for the night. Thanks.

Sure Kiran. Doing that post was on my mind from a long time. Now that you asked for it, I shall write it soon 🙂 And I’m glad that you found my articles helpful 🙂

Glad to see your article, the journey & itinerary looks fantastic as well great collection of pictures.

Thank you 🙂

Hey amazing itinerary. I wanted to know if you needed international driving licence or just the indian driving licence worked? Also which company did you hire the self-drive car from?

Thanks. For Italy, International driving license is mandatory but you need to carry the original Indian driving license with you too. We booked the company which offered the best price from rentalcars.com

WOW, This is a really great post. I like your post information because I love to travel. When I read your article I get more information about Italy. Thank you for sharing a very helpful and tips post.

Hey great read..i am off to a roadtrip from venice to south italy from 19 march for over a month long..I was wondering if i should hire a care throughout? is that a good idea..venice, florence, pompeii, matera, calabria,and then sicily. IS preebooking necessary or should i just land and book one? i will fly from catania (sicily to rome) as i fly out from rome to mumbai.

Also wanted to check how expensive does it get fuel wise? we are 2 people with 2 bags.

A car isn’t required to travel inside the cities and it is best to use local transport when exploring the cities. I’d recommend self drive after you get out of cities. Maybe you can do Venice-Florence in train and hire a car from Florence and drive down to Rome and Pompeii. Do not miss the Amalfi coast drive – its heavenly 🙂 Prebooking saves last minute hassle and we get time to book the cheap and best car rental.

Hi , Awesome blog on travel. Great pics. We are traveling to Italy in April end and planning to self drive around Tuscany for two days. We will be arriving in Florence from Rome by train and will be there for three days. We hope to spend two days in Tuscany country-side and want to hire a self drive car for the same. It will be great if you can suggest some thing. Since its a Sunday when we arrive in Florence, not sure if we can find an agency open on that day.

Thanks Anmol. Renting a car and driving through Tuscany is a really good idea. I’m sure you will love it, just like we did. Check this website for comparision between different rental cars and choose the one that suits you. We too booked from this site:)

http://www.rentalcars.com/CityLandingPage.do?countryCode=it&place=florence&affiliateCode=hoppingmi&preflang=en&adcamp=Florence&adplat=Comment

This is a brilliant find ! Love the information shared here and will definitely redefine my itinerary as I plan 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience with the cool photos .

Thanks Dora 🙂

I love road trips. For me it is the best way to travel. And Italy looks more perfect by a drive-off. There is the Lake Como and Amalfi Coast is like my dream location to see. Plus these pictures looks so good. Look like you had fun in your vacation.

Yes Moumita. We did. Thanks 🙂

So glad I stumbled upon this post, very useful. If I may ask you which were your fav top 3 places that are an absolute must visits. Also, which self drive would suggest – Amalfi coast or Tuscany? Thanks in advance.

My Top 3 in Italy: Amalfi Coast, Capri and Alberobello 🙂

If given a choice between the two, I’d choose Amalfi. That said, at some stretches in Amalfi coast is narrow and winding – attempt this if the driver is confident enough 🙂 We could do it though it was our first self drive experience abroad. Choice is yours. We booked our car from this website. It has good choices and pricing options.

Thanks for the list of suggested road trips.

I’ll be traveling soon, so this is going to help me a great deal.

Thanks 🙂 Glad it helped you 🙂

Hi! Thanks for this share. What about parking in amalfi / and around? Was it pricey? I’m planning Como to Amalfi (1 day in Capri) and Milan and Naples on the way to Italy and when leaving. Debating getting a car or just train and ferry?

We drove by Amalfi and stopped by parking lay byes to soak in some lovely views. And as for choosing the mode of transport, see what works out for you the best. We are always inclined towards road trips, so it was natural for us to choose the self drive option 🙂

Realy some awesome trip in Italy, I used to live here, and my family was return after three weeks in this summer.

wow this is awesome stuff lots of value . i never visited italy bt your article eager to go there. thanks ASHWINI for sharing with us.

Hi, It is a nice explanation of the trip. I am planning as well but just planning to do a self drive in Tuscany region, but bit scared that as how easy or difficult will it be do drive left side of the care. Please do let me know if it was fine. Another query, how difficult was the parking in different places like Pisa, Florence, etc

Thanks, Sumit

Tuscany has good roads and amazing landscapes. So, self drive is safe there 🙂

We didn’t enter Florence with our rental car but Pisa was not difficult for parking.

What would be your suggestion for a main town to fly into and out of in Italy? we want to fly in hire a car do the road trip and then fly out of a different city without having to retrace any of our travels.

Start with Rome and do an anticlockwise trip and end it in Florence or vice versa

Hi! This was perfect information for us. We are planning our honeymoon and want to cruise around Italy. We are thinking to fly into Naples and self drive up through Rome, Florence and Tuscany, then to Venice and end our trip with a new nights down in Amalfi. Do you suggest we drive the whole time? Or should we drive up and fly back down to be in Amalfi? We didn’t feel we needed a car in Amalfi, so we were thinking to use public transportation there. We are looking to explore and take our time along with stay at AirBnbs along the way.

Good idea Heather. You don’t need a car in Amalfi unless you have plans to drive along without any stops. As you are staying for 2 days in Amalfi, car isn’t a good idea because towns are small and parking is a hassle.

Hey nicely described, well informed and amazing instructions!! Just one thing i wanted to know was how many days did it take you to complete leg 1 and leg 2 separately?

4 and 5 days respectively

So how many days was this entire trip? And would you recommend this type of travel with a 2 year old?

The trip was for 17 days and easily doable with a 2 year old

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Italy Road Trip – The Best Italian Road Trip Itinerary For Your Next Holiday

Table of Contents

Best Italian Road Trip Itinerary For Your Next Holiday

During my 30,000 Km . road trip through 41 European countries , I finally arrived in the beautiful country of Italy .

Making my way through the stunning Swiss Alps and racing the famous St. Gotthard pass was definitely a great warm-up for what I was about the experience on my Italy road trip. It does not matter if you are doing the road trip Milan to Venice or the road trip Venice to Rome.

When people ask: “ What is the best way to travel through Italy? “

I say 3 words: Road trip in “Italia”!!

Have fun! 😉

Italy Road Trip – Best Road to Drive in Italy

When people ask: “How long to drive around Italy and see everything?”

My answer would be: a year!

But of course I understand that it is not possible for everybody, therefore I will show you how to enjoy the famous italian roads in just 2 weeks with my Italy road trip guide.

The road trip would start at the beautiful lake Como & Como City  whilst slowly driving to the fashion capital of the world: Milan! After that I visited the famous romantic city of Venice and did I end up in one of the smallest countries in the world, called San Marino.

Of course, I could not miss  the capital Rome and the beautiful city of Naples.

On my way up back North, I drove through Tuscany and finally ended up visiting the famous tower of Pisa.

Only in Rome and Venice did I take a metro and/or bus to get to the city center. I would park the car just outside of the city as traffic can be a nightmare in these cities. Yes indeed, driving in Italy surely is a great adventure!

Driving your car in Italy

Renting a car in italy.

Renting a car in Italy is not complicated, but you need to follow a few basic steps. First of all, it is important that your driver’s license is a valid EU license. This can either be a European drivers license or an international drivers license if you are from the America’s or Canada.

At the airport you will find all  the international car rental companies . If you arrive by plane you can start your road trip adventure from almost any large city.

Click on the city you wish to start your road trip from and get the best car rental deals and prices: 

Milan ,  Florence ,  Rome  or  Venice

Traffic rules

Driving a car in Italy can be a very interesting experience. Although the traffic rules are overall the same as in the rest of Europe, there are a few exceptions that you need to follow.

In italy almost all the mayor highways are toll roads. Therefore, you will need to pay at each crossing with either your creditcard or by cash. When you want to pay with card make sure you enter the line that states “Cartasi” or “Carte” .

Another option is paying by VIA-card. This special card can be bought at all gas stations and is magnetic card that allows you the pass each toll passage quickly. You can buy them with a 25 Euro or 50 Euro credit. Each time you make a pass, the payment will be deducted automatically from your deposit. This card is not valid on Sicili

If you do not pay your toll there is a big chance you will get a fine. This will be done by mail to the address on which the license plate is registered. It has to go through the  European Municipality Outsourcing  (EMO), therefore it can take several months before you are notified of your traffic valuation.

The fine can be paid on :   emo.nivi.it

Visiting Lake Como

Lake Como is located a few kilometer next to the Swiss border. This famous lake is 46 km long from north to south and has a surface area of 142 km2. It is the third largest lake in Italy and has been used in many Hollywood movies, like: StarWars Episode 2 – Attack of the Clones (2002) , James Bond – Casino Royale (2006) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004) with George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

They also say that George Clooney owns a villa here, but unfortunate I did not run into him! If you are interested in staying the night, make sure to check out this blog post on best places to stay in Lake Como .

It takes about a full day to drive around the whole lake, but I recommend you go early as possible.

I arrived at 10 AM and the roads were full. This is a very touristic destination, therefore keep in mind that the prices or much higher in the restaurants and café.

Best Tours at Lake Como

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments at Lake Como!

A Day in Milan

I did not know much about Milan when visiting the city. I only associated the city with being the fashion capital of the world and that all the luxury fashion chains would be present here.

Thankfully, it was that and much more. Milan is a clean and trendy city and spending a few summer days was not a problem at all.

I recommend visiting the Gothic Duomo Di Milano Cathedral and if you have time “ The Last Supper ” of Leonardo da Vinci.

Parking in Milan is an absolute nightmare. I parked my Volkswagen Beetle at Borromeo Parking and it is the perfect location as it just a 10-minute walk to the city centre. Unfortunately, I paid close to 4,50 Euro per hour, which is considered cheap in Milan!

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

This famous indoor shopping mall is the number one tourist attraction in Milan. It is a display of stunning architecture, art and a lot of very expensive designer stores. A great place for photography and to max out your creditcard!

Nex to shopping you can also enjoy the finest cuisines and cafes and there is even a 7-star hotel.

How to get there?

Walking:  Piazza Duomo or Piazza della Scala By Taxi:  Piazza del Duomo or Piazza della Scala Metro:  M1 (red line) – M3 (yellow line), station “Duomo” Bus:  line 61 Tram:  line 1 & 2

Top 3 Best & Cheapest Tours in Milan

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Milan!

The busy streets of Venice

Venice.. the city of love.. the city of Casanova and its romantic little channels. This beautiful municipality is divided by 118 small islands and is definitely a must-see when you are doing a Italy road trip.

The downside? It gets so busy that it will be impossible for you to get even close to the city by car. But let’s be honest here, you should not explore the stunning architecture by car, but by boat of course!

Parking in Venice

Therefore, I recommend you either park you car by the Garage Communal AVM. Cost for parking are just 25 Euro for the whole day   and it is located about 5 minutes from the first ferry point: Pe. Le Roma.

Ferry Services in Venice

Buy a one-way ferry ticket from this point to San Marco Church (30 minutes) for just 12 Euro and you are good to go. This ferry will show you the most amazing buildings in Venice and is cheaper compared to the gondola tours.

Private Gondola tours

The private Gondola tours start at 80 Euro (daytime) to 100 Euro (nighttime) for 2 persons for 30-40 minutes. Just do not expect any romantic privacy, as the channels are absolutly flooded with them.

If you do want so privacy, make sure you pay some extra cash and for sure he will take you to more non-touristic route. I also recommend you make a reservation beforehand, because the prices are much more expensive when you buy a ticket on the spot. You can save up to 40% by ordering online!

Click Here to Order Your Gondola Tour Online With A Discount!

Free Walking Tour Venice

The Venice free walking tour team will walk you through the history of Venice, from its legendary foundation on several muddy islands of the lagoon to becoming the most important trading city in Europe.

I took my tour at 4.00 PM, and it is was worth every second of it. The guide was amazing and showed us all the hidden gems of the north part of the city. I highly recommend booking a free tour and afterwards you can always leave a donation if you are happy with guide and quality of the tour.

Most popular tours in Venice

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Venice!

Relaxing in Rimini

After several busy days in the big city it was time to relax in the beach-town of Rimini . I did not stay down-town as I knew it would be busy, but the beach of Rimini stretches all the way into the suburbs.

Here I found a small little family guesthouse for just 25 Euro per night (including breakfast) and free parking. It was located just 100 meter from the beach. Ah.. Just the way I like it! And my neighbour and I had something in common. Our passion for Volkswagen!

Click Here To Find The Latest Deals & Best Prices for Hotels, Campings and Apartments in Rimini!

One of the smallest countries in the world: San Marino

After spending several days working on my tan it was time to hit the road and visit one of the smallest countries in the world: San Marino ! This little country is located nearby Rimini and it will take you less than an hour to get there.

Castle Tours in San Marino

Three towers of san marino.

San Marino is a so-called “microstate” in the middle of Italy. It inhabits 33,562 people and has the smallest population in Europe. It receives about 2 million tourists a year, which mostly visit the popular “ Three Towers of San Marino ” on top of the mountain.

This famous attraction can be visited for free, but you do pay a small fee to get in to each tower. Parking the car is very cheap and I paid 1,50 Euro per hour.

Back in time in Rome

Rome is a whole different story when it comes to driving your car. It is absolutely true that Italians drive like crazy people, but in Rome they seem to take it to whole new level. Thankfully, I was prepared and decided to park my car at a small family owned parking business called: Garage Central Rome.

This parking location is the best I have encountered. The owner and his son are very friendly and they explained all about how we should visit Rome and what tourist traps we should avoid.

Travel by Metro in Rome

The Valle Aurelia Metro Station is a 5-minute walk from the garage park. There you can buy a one-way ticket for 3 Euro per person to the city center. Take the exit “Termini” and from there start exploring the beautiful city center. From there you can walk down the busy main-street towards the “Altar of the Fatherland”. The walk is about 25 minutes.

My route: Altare della Patria, Colosseum and the metro again to the Trevi fountain and ended the day with a visit to Vatican City.

Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland)

The ‘Altar of the Fatherland’ (Altare della Patria) is the largest national monument in Italy. This stunning piece of architecture was built for King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy. It received its name, because the kind was known as Gentleman King’ and the ‘Father of the Nation’ , therefore the monument dedicated to honor his time as king.

The entrance is for free, but there are some rules you need to follow. You are not allowed to sit on the big stairs or any other section and of course it is not allowed to climb on any of the moments. Common sense really, but you would be surprised how many tourists still “ignore” these rules to get that perfect selfie.

The next stop is the famous Colosseum. There is no introduction needed for this beauty and you can literally buy your tickets at any place. Just keep in mind that you buy it from a kiosk, shop or official ticket office and not from an “African Gentleman” who offers you his “special price”!

Ticket prices range from 20 Euro for groups tours to 55 Euro for small private tours. All prices are per person and a tour takes about 3 hours.

Tip: Check out this amazing blog post:  Where to eat in Rome

Trevi Fountain

The Fontana di Trevi – or Trevi Fountain in English -is a fountain in Rome, Italy. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most beautiful in the world.

A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.

The fountain is worldwide famous but many people do not know the history and the secrets hidden behind its construction. It is time to do justice to this extraordinary masterpiece of Italian art.

What about the nightlife?

Thankfully, my colleagues at A Taste For Travel wrote a great blog post about the nightlife in Rome . Make sure to check it out!

Amazing Tours in Rome – Book Today!

(Related:  Unusual Vatican City Tours )

Eating Pizza in Naples

Naples is the second largest city of Italy and is famous for its amazing architecture. I made a short visit to the Teatro di San Carlo and even thought there was no performance I still got a sneak peek in this beautiful place. The pizza’s are amazing but there are many other delicious Italian dices that you must try! Check out this blog post on what to eat when visiting Naples !

It helps having a travel blog and one the managers was a big fan. Next stop was the  Catacombe di San Gennaro as I had my fair share of fancy buildings already in Rome.

The catacombs were built with three different types of tombs. Based on your wealth and social class you could decide in which section you would be buried.

Basically, if you were poor you would be buried at the floor tombs, whilst the middle classes were a level above that. The beautiful chambers were very the rich and important political figures.

In the evening I finally enjoyed a real pizza from Naples. It tastes really amazing, but you will have to find a good restaurant outside of the city centre.

In the centre you will notice that most restaurants are not traditional ones, but run and operated by Indian and Chinese managers. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you want a real Italian chef you need to look around a bit outside of old-town.

If you have time and want to make some extra miles, I recommend a cool Puglia road trip ! You will not regret it. 😉

Road Trip Tuscany : On the movie-set of Gladiator!

Visiting two large cities really take a lot of energy from you and it was time to enjoy the country-side of Italy. What better way to do this than a visit to the beautiful Tuscany region and stay the most luxury hotels in Italy . I wrote a separate blog post about my road trip in Tuscany as it was just too much fun.

The Tower of Pisa

My road trip in Italy had come to an end. My final stop would be at the famous leaning toward of Pisa. Thankfully, I bought my ticket beforehand as it was already so busy that I even had to wait 45 minutes in line to use the restroom!

The square itself is not very big and if you are not interested to wait for 2 hours in line, you can actually see the whole square in under an hour.

But if you are planning to go inside like I did, buy that ticket beforehand! Trust me, you do not want to wait that long outside. 🙂 I purchased the combi-ticket for the Tower & Cathedral and it was totally worth it!

It was a great sight to see and of course everybody was making their original “pushing against the tower” photo. I just kept it with at a big smile, because I was very happy I had such an amazing Italian road trip.

Final Words

After the town of Pisa, I came across Cinque Terre. I planned a hike using this amazing guide:  Hiking the Cinque Terre paths . Unfortunately, I had 3 days of very bad-weather and decided to continue my journey to Monaco, France. My Italy Road trip was an amazing experience and I highly recommend traveling through this amazing country by car!

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The 6 Best Italian Road Trips

By Kris Fordham

Amalfi Coast

Known for its dramatic bluffs, pastel-hued villages, and cliff-hugging roads, the Amalfi Coast is arguably Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline. From Salerno, drive west to the charming village of Vietri sul Mare, the starting point of the 30-mile coastal road proper (the SS163 Amalfitana). You’ll take this all the way to Sorrento, but be careful: The roads become increasingly narrow—and the views increasingly distracting—the closer you get to Amalfi.

Where to stop: Positano , for its surreal, steep geography and show-stopping views; Ravello, for the romantic gardens at Villas Cimbrone and Rufolo; and Amalfi, for its touristy-but-charming seaside village, home to the spectacular Duomo di Sant'Andrea.

Where to eat: A’ Paranza in Atrani for fresh seafood and Cumpà Cosimo in Ravello for Mama Netta’s reliably delicious homemade pasta.

Where to stay: The iconic Le Sirenuse ; the glamorous, celebrity-studded Belmond Hotel Caruso ; or the blissfully secluded, 20-room Monastero Santa Rosa —one of the world’s most beautiful clifftop hotels .

Tuscan Wine Country

Tuscany’s bucolic, vineyard-dotted landscape makes for the quintessential Italian road trip. Start in Florence and cruise south on the SS22 for 30 minutes until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region. Take your time winding through Strada and Greve towards Siena, stopping at cantine along the way (we recommend these ones ). Depending on how much time you have, spend the night in Panzano before circling back up to Florence the next day, or head further south to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the spectacular Val d’Orcia—arguably the most beautiful stretch of countryside in Tuscany.

Where to stop: Ruffino’s sprawling Poggio Casciano estate for truffle hunting and tasting ; Antinori nel Chianti Classico for its Instagram-worthy glass-and-steel winery and equally show-stopping wine; Tenuta Il Greppo , where the first Brunello di Montalcino was bottled in 1888.

Where to eat: Officina della Bistecca in Panzano-in-Chianti for the best steak in all of Tuscany; Re di Macchia in Montalcino for its classic, hearty Tuscan cuisine like white bean soup and wild boar pasta.

Where to stay: In castles, always. We like the intimate, art-filled Castello di Ama in Gaiole in Chianti and the lavish, hilltop Castello Banfi il Borgo in Montalcino, which has an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards.

The Northern Lakes

Want to mix road tripping with a little romance? Head to Italy’s postcard-perfect Lake District and spend a week cruising leisurely from east to west, stopping to explore a new lake each day: Garda first, then Iseo, Como , Lugano, and Maggiore (each is spectacular in their own way). Short on time? Como’s 31-mile shoreline—strung with beautiful villages, lavish Renaissance palazzi and ancient ruins—is worthy of a road trip all on its own.

Where to stop: Villa Melzi in Bellagio on Lake Como for its dreamy, azalea-filled gardens; the 17th-century Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo for its sculptures and equally Instagram-worthy gardens; Castello Scaligero in Sirmione for its sweeping views over Lake Garda; Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore for its Baroque Palace and lovely fishing village.

Where to eat: Market Place in Como serves up great seasonal cuisine that’s simple yet sophisticated (the current dinner menu includes squid-ink spaghetti and cod with anchovies and artichokes). Silvio, a Bellagio mainstay since 1919, is known for its terrific seafood, caught fresh from the lake daily.

Where to stay: The sleek and newly- Hot Listed Il Sereno ; the iconic and palatial Grand Hotel Tremezzo ; or the lovely, low-key RivaLago on the quieter (and significantly more cost-effective) Lake Iseo .

The Dolomites

Just south of the Alps, the Dolomite mountain range makes for one of the world’s most breathtaking alpine drives. The 86-mile Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, or the Great Dolomites Road, starts at Cortina d’Ampezzo (two hours’ drive north of Venice), climbs up to Falzarego Pass and eventually ends in Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige. Though you can do the entire drive in under four hours, we recommend taking at least two days to allow for hikes, detours and an overnight stop in the beautiful alpine villages of Canazei or Castelrotto.

Where to stop: Falzarego Pass for a ride on the Lagazuoi Cable Car (it takes you to the top of Mount Lagazuoi, where you can enjoy the best views over the Dolomites’ craggy, sawtooth peaks).

Where to eat: Aga in San Vito di Cadore, near Cortina, for its extraordinary “zero-kilometer” cuisine (nearly all ingredients are grown or foraged within miles of the kitchen); El Pael in Canazei for its traditional Trentino dishes like venison stew with polenta and salted beef with beans.

Where to stay: The ADLER Mountain Lodge , with its heated outdoor infinity pool, luxurious chalets, and magnificent alpine spa, is the swankiest hotel in Castelrotto. In Bolzano, the Vigilius Resort and Spa has a similarly sleek, modern-alpine design and roomy suites with mountain-facing terraces.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Sicilian Coast

With its dramatic and diverse coastline—powdery white sands to the north and pebbly, windswept shores to the south—the island of Sicily makes for the perfect road trip for beach lovers. Start in Palermo and drive west to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, where you’ll find a collection of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Stay the night in the nearby seaside village of San Vito Lo Capo, then head south towards Trapani the next morning, before cutting an eastbound trail along the coast until you reach Noto . Though you can knock the trip out in three days or less, take at least a week to enjoy the journey.

Where to stop: Cala Tonnarella in the Zingaro Nature Reserve for its bone-white sand and Bermuda-blue water; the walled medieval town of Erice, for its sweeping birds-eye panoramas over the island; Scala dei Turchi , for its chalk-white cliffs and fiery bronze sands; and Noto , for its breezy seaside charm and Sicilian Baroque architecture.

Where to eat: The 125-year-old Caffè Sicilia in Noto for its magnificent gelato and almond-milk granita ; Ristorante La Madia in Licata for its Michelin-starred traditional Sicilian cuisine (it’s widely regarded as the best restaurant on the island).

Where to stay: Rocco Forte’s sprawling, fruit-tree-flanked Verdura Resort houses the best spa in Italy and its own private beach; the charming and intimate 7 Rooms Villadorata has the luxury of a five-star hotel with the charm of a bed-and-breakfast.

Umbrian Countryside

They don’t call Umbria the “green heart of Italy” for nothing: its countryside—peppered with sleepy hamlets, Romanesque churches and Renaissance castles—is wild, lush, and feels magically undiscovered. Start at the scenic hilltop town of Spoleto (it’s a two-hour drive from Rome and the perfect introduction to the region) then cruise east towards the pretty walled town of Norcia. After fuelling up on Norcia’s famous black truffles and salumi , drive west to the wine region of Montefalco , where you’ll spend the night. The next few days, soak in some culture and history in Assisi and Perugia, and end your trip in Orvieto.

Where to stop: The Valnerina, an astonishingly verdant wooded valley dotted with craggy peaks; the immense, fresco-filled Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi; the 16th-century Rocca Paolina and Palazzo dei Priori in Perugia.

Where to eat: Umbria is something of a gastronomic playground and you’re guaranteed to find delicious homemade cuisine in every village you stop in (ask for the local pasta, stringozzi , often topped with fresh-shaved local truffles). Our favorites for traditional Umbrian cuisine are Il Tempio del Gusto in Spoleto, Locanda del Teatro in Montefalco and La Taverna in Perugia. On your way to Orvieto, make sure to stop in Todi for some gelato at Bar Pianegiani .

Where to stay: The elegant and historic Palazzo Seneca in Norcia, a Relais & Chateaux property built in a 16th-century palace; and the luxurious, art-filled Palazzo Bontadosi boutique hotel in Montefalco for its sweeping views and rather sexy, crystal-adorned underground hammam.

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Italy Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect Driving Trip To Italy

December 3, 2023 //  by  Follow Me Away //   6 Comments

If you are searching for the ultimate Italy road trip itinerary, you have come to the right place!

Planning a road trip in Italy should be fun and exciting, not stressful! To help, I have put together this detailed article to show you exactly how to plan your vacation and where to go! 

I have visited Italy multiple times over the years so this itinerary includes some of Italy’s most famous sites as well as some lesser-known suggestions that may not be recommended by others.

I want you to see the b est things to do in Italy on your road trip and that includes seeing the highlights as well as some mountain towns and seaside villages.

Planning your trip to Italy last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Italy in advance to ensure availability! Here are my top picks for your trip!

Tickets you MUST book in advance:

• Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel (A MUST in advance)
• Colosseum Entry Tickets (Another MUST! Book online in advance!)
• Michelangelo’s David Tickets (Often sells out in Florence)
• Skip-The-Line Uffizi Gallery Tickets (Buy online to save time!)
• Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Very busy, can sell out)
• Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Tickets (Sells out and a must-see!)

Top picks for places to stay in Italy:

• Rome: Hotel Relais Dei Papi (Amazing Vatican location)
• Florence: Relais Pizza Signoria (City center location)
• Venice: Hotel Carlton Grand Canal (Grand Canal views!)
• Dolomites: Parkhotel Laurin (Central location with pool!)
• Cinque Terre: Affittacamere Casa Dane’ (Affordable location)
• Milan: Collini Rooms (Just 10 min from Milan airport!)

This guide is not created for a specific time frame. That is for you to modify based on the amount of time you can spend road tripping in Italy.

You may only have 5 days or you may have 2 weeks in Italy. Choose the stops you want to see and modify the ones you don’t have time for.

Either way, I am confident you are going to love planning your perfect Italy road trip.!

Don’t forget to check out our detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Keep reading for my road trip guide to Italy!

Italy Road Trip Itinerary Map

If you are a visual person, don’t worry! I have included my Italy by car itinerary in a map version below.

You can see exactly where you will be going during your trip! Feel free to bookmark or screenshot during your planning stages!

All places recommended on this Italy example itinerary are very easy to find by simply plugging the name into your GPS! You can even download the maps offline if you use Google Maps!

Stop 1: Begin Your Italy Road Trip In Rome

I highly recommend you start your road trip itinerary in Rome. Rome is the center of Italy and there are affordable flights that fly in and out of the city every day.

Budget airlines like Norwegian Air and local European domestic airlines such as Ryanair also frequently fly into Rome.

Depending on your interest, I recommend spending either 2 days in Rome or 4 days in Rome and then doing some Rome day trips .

Parking In Rome

Finding parking in Rome is very difficult. It is impossible to find parking in the historic center so don’t even bother!

Free parking is a bit hard to locate as well so ensure you have budgeted money for parking as well as tolls.

There is parking near Roma Termini station where you can park and take public transportation around the city. If you are staying at a hotel, ask your hotel if they have on-site parking or recommend where to park.

Things To Do In Rome

Explore the coliseum.

The Coliseum is one of the most memorable things to do in Rome! You have read about the Coliseum in school or books and now it is your time to step back in history.

If you visit during the warmer months, make sure to drink plenty of water. I highly recommend booking your tickets online because the lines can be crazy! 

Book Here: Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum Guided Tour

Visit The Vatican

Make sure to visit Vatican City! It is incredibly impressive and well worth the visit. It is still one of my favorite things I have seen in the entire world!

There are two main things to do in the Vatican: Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. If you only have time to do one, I recommend visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica. 

The Vatican Museums are where you will find lots of art and history as well as the famous Sistine Chapel.

You are going to want to  buy tickets in advance !

Book Here: Vatican: Museums & Sistine Chapel Entrance Ticket

Throw A Coin In the Fontana di Trevi

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks! Stop here and throw a coin into the fountain. This means that one day you will return to Rome!

If you are looking to visit the Fontana di Trevi without other tourists, go early in the morning or late at night!

Climb The Spanish Steps

You have probably seen the Spanish Steps in a movie or two! They are another famous landmark in Rome you should see during your car trip in Italy. There are 135 steps so bring your walking shoes!

Take A Cooking Class

For many people, taking a cooking class in Rome is the highlight of their first time to Italy itinerary!

You can work with a traditional Italian cook to learn how to create some fantastic Roman-Italian dishes! This is also a great thing to do if you are visiting Rome in winter .

Book Here: Rome: 3-in-1 Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisu Cooking Class

Where To Stay In Rome

I have an entire guide about where to stay in Rome! This breaks down my favorite neighborhoods in the city so you can choose where to stay based on your wants and needs.

Near Vatican: Relais Piazza Signoria . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Roma Central Guest House . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: The Westin Excelsior Rome . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: See Rolling Hills In Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia is a region of Tuscany that is the most beautiful and famous! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you will see the stunning rolling green hills that you see in Tuscany photos.

This is one of the best Italy road trip ideas because the entire point of visiting Val d’Orcia is to drive around and see the cute villages and fantastic sites.

You must visit this area during a Tuscany road trip !

Parking in Val d’Orcia

Luckily, parking in Val d’Orcia is easy to come by since the villages are smaller and less crowded than Rome.

Some towns may charge for parking so ensure you look into that before you leave your vehicle. 

Things To Do In Val d’Orcia

Val d’orcia drive.

The circular Val d’Orcia drive is the highlight of any road trip across Italy. You can complete it in a day although you may want to come back for more.

The scenic road runs through the small villages of San Quirico d’Orcia to Rocca d’Orcia and Castiglione d’Orcia south to Vivo d’Orcia and Campiglia d’Orcia. Simply put these towns in your GPS for easy navigation. 

Le Crete Senesi Drive

The Le Crete Senesi drive has a different feeling than the above option. Here you will see houses on top of hills and olives galore. It is unique and very popular route in Italy.

You will drive on the SS438 to Asciano and the SP451 to Monte Oliveto Maggiore. If you are planning your honeymoon in Tuscany , this is one of the best road trips in Italy! 

Soak In Hot Springs

This region of Tuscany is filled with many incredible hot springs that you won’t want to miss. Many people don’t even know that Italy is home to hot springs!

Check out the best hot springs in Tuscany so you can soak during your new favorite road trip! Even if a hot spring is out of the Val d’Orcia proper, you can still take a slight detour to visit.

I promise it is worth it! 

Where To Stay In Val d’Orcia

I have put together a full guide on where to stay in Tuscany to help you better choose which area and type of accommodation you are interested in!

I also have a list of the best Tuscany villas which are honestly way more affordable than you may think! 

15th Century Convent: Relais Il Chiostro Di Pienza . Check Rates: Booking.com

Local Feel: Pacifico . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Explore Florence

Florence is the cradle of civilization and one of the best stops on your Italy road trip itinerary. It is less busy than Rome and allows for a more local feel while still having plenty to see and do.

If you want to explore Florence in more detail, you can check out our one-day in Florence itinerary for more detailed information.

When visiting Florence, make sure to stop for gelato as there are many famous shops!

You can also take a day trip from Florence , like to Pisa, if you have extra time.

Parking In Florence

It is very difficult to find free parking in Florence! The closest parking to the city center is Piazzale Michelangelo but if you are visiting in summer, it is often used for events and isn’t a parking lot at all.

The best way to park in Florence is to stay at a downtown hotel that will authorize you to park and drive in the city center.

Driving in the ZTL-zone is authorized to permit holders only and this specific zone is controlled by video cameras so you must follow the law.

If you stay in a hotel in the ZTL, ask your hotel to register the license plate number of your car. This is the easiest way to park in Florence. 

Things To Do In Florence

Visit the duomo.

When visiting Florence, it is hard to miss the stunning Duomo. This Catholic Church soars over Florence and is the centerpiece of the whole town.

There is a dress code for entering the Duomo and ladies and men must cover their knees and shoulders. Complete silence is necessary when visiting the Duomo in Florence .

Book Here: Florence: Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour

Walk Across The Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is a picture-perfect bridge in Florence. Spend some time watching the sunset with a cone of gelato.

Make sure to bring your camera! It is one of the top things to do in Florence and shouldn’t be missed!

See David At Galleria dell’Accademia

Looking to see Michaelangelo’s greatest works? Check out the Galleria dell’Accademia! If you want to visit the famous David statue, this is the place to see him with your own eyes!

The Galleria dell’Accademia gets very busy so if you don’t want to waste time, book a timed entrance ticket before you arrive or book a guided tour.

Book Here: Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket For Michaelangelo

Explore Boboli Gardens

Boboli Gardens is a 16th-century garden overlooking the city of Florence! They are up a steep hill so if you are walking, come prepared with some sturdy shoes!

Boboli Gardens cover quite a large expanse and are full of Italian sculptures, beautiful plants, and flowers.

Book Here: Boboli Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour

Where To Stay In Florence

Florence is much smaller than Rome so if you are staying in the city center there really are no bad places to stay!

I also have a guide to where to stay in Florence . Consider staying in one of the cute boutique hotels in Florence !

Hotels in Florence range from affordable to luxury options. You can get a nice hotel in the city center for a very reasonable price. This is why Florence is one of my favorite places to stay in Italy!

Affordable: Hotel Bavaria. Check Rates: Booking.com  

Mid-Range: Globus Urban Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hotel Garibaldi Blu . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Visit Venice

Venice is iconic, but there is no driving in Venice! However, I am still including it on this road trip through Italy itinerary.

Here is a post on exactly how to get from Florence to Venice which explains all the transport options! 

If you show up to Venice thinking you just get to drive around at will, you will be in for a rude awakening. Venice is a short drive away from Florence and is a necessary addition to any Italy trip.

Read my one-day in Venice itinerary if you are looking for more detailed information. 

Looking to spend a little longer? I also have a 2-day itinerary for Venice you can utilize! 

Parking in Venice

There are tons of parking lots at the entrance of Venice. They cost roughly $30 to $35 USD per day. Once you park your car, you will then take public boat transport to your hotel or accommodation.

If you want to visit Venice there is no way to get around the parking fee. Just make sure to know this going in!

Things To Do In Venice

Explore piazza san marco.

Piazza San Marco, also known as Saint Mark’s Square, is the most popular square in Venice. This iconic square was built in the 12th century and the centerpiece is Saint Mark’s Basilica which you can also tour.

Book Here: Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide

The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower that stands tall over Saint Mark’s Square. You have seen it in many photos, and a replica is even at Walt Disney World!

Climb the Campanile di San Marco for one of the best views in all of Venice! This is a wonderful spot for photography.

Book Here: Classical Venice: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour

Go On A Gondola Ride

What trip to Venice is complete without going on a gondola ride? This is one of the most popular things to do in Venice ! I highly recommend splurging on this!

These are some of the best tours of Italy, providing a unique view of Venice that you wouldn’t get walking the streets or from other boat tours! The Venetian Canals are a world of their own!

Book Here: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Marvel At Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace is an ornate Gothic place right on the canals of Venice! It is a museum and showroom and one of the most impressive palaces you will see during your trip!

If you are visiting Venice in winter , indoor experiences such as this one are perfect to keep you warm and dry.

Doge’s Palace holds lacework, paintings, sculptures, and more. It is a real treat for architecture lovers!

Book Here: Venice: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Ticket

Take A Tour Of The Venetian Islands

Another great way to see Venice is to get out of the canals and explore the Venetian lagoon! You will visit the small towns of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, depending on what tour you take.

The best way to see these islands and the lagoon is to take a guided tour. You will also learn lots of great information about Venice!

Book Here: Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Walk Over The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge in Venice is the most iconic bridge you will see! While walking across this 16th-century, stone footbridge is an experience, it is even better to stand back and marvel at its beauty from afar!

If you are a photographer , the Rialto Bridge in Venice will be a real treat when visiting Italy!

Where To Stay In Venice

When staying in Venice, I highly recommend staying in the city center!

Please don’t forget to check out my VERY detailed guide on exactly where to stay in Venice, Italy! This includes beautiful boutique hotels in Venice .

I recommend staying near Saint Mark’s Basilica or the Rialto Bridge. No matter where you decide to stay, you are in Venice and that is something to celebrate!

City Center: Hotel Casanova . Check Rates: Booking.com

4-Star: Royal San Marco Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Explore The Dolomites

The Dolomites aren’t that far away from Venice! After you walk around on foot or by boat for a few days, you will be ready to continue your Italy road trip north.

This is truly the most breathtaking scenery in the world and you will not be disappointed! The Dolomites span a large region in Northern Italy. I recommend trying to see as much as possible.

Make Bolzano your base if you want to be within an hour of all the action, but don’t be afraid to stay in more remote villages for a local feel. 

The Dolomites is one of the best road trip destinations. If there is one part of Italy not to skip, this is truly it. You will not be disappointed!

Keep in mind that the best part about visiting the Dolomites is simply getting in your car and driving around and exploring the stunning nature. 

I have a full Northern Italy itinerary if you are interested in exploring this region in more detail.

This is the bet spot for traveling off the beaten path in Italy!

Parking in the Dolomites

Luckily, finding parking in the Dolomites region of Italy is quite easy. This is more of a countryside feel and there aren’t as many crazy restrictions as there are in Florence or Rome.

It is easy to get around and there are wide stretches of the open road. As always, make sure to pay attention to local signs and laws in the event you are in a “locals only” parking zone.

If you are staying in a hotel or local homestay, finding parking should be easy.

Things To See In The Dolomites

See the blue water at lago di braies.

Lago di Braies is a stunningly blue, alpine lake located in the Dolomites. It is one of the prettiest lakes in Italy and shouldn’t be missed!

The drive there is lovely and it should top the list of things to see on a Italy road trip.

It is very popular on Instagram and with photographers, but it is famous for a reason.

Hike The Seceda Ridgeline

The Seceda ridgeline is easily one of the prettiest views in the Dolomites. The best part? You can take a cable car up to the view so you don’t have to walk!

Simply park your car at the cable car station and then ride up. Then you can walk or hike along the ridge of the mountain for as long as you want.

If you are visiting in winter or spring, the cable cars will not be open and the only option is hiking up from the town. 

Photograph San Giovanni in Ranui

San Giovanni in Ranui is one of the most photogenic churches in Italy. It is located in Santa Maddelena, which happens to be one of the prettiest towns in Italy .

The Seceda Ridgeline actually forms the background for the tiny church which makes for an iconic shot.

Even if you aren’t a photographer, I highly recommend stopping at San Giovanni in Ranui during your Italy road trip as the views are quite impressive. 

Pretend You Are Royalty At Castel Roncolo

Castel Roncolo is an impressive castle fortress located just a bit outside of Bolzano!

If you love castles and mountain scenes, make sure this stop goes on your Italy itinerary! The castle is a sight to behold and the mountain vistas don’t disappoint.

It is located right outside of Bolzano and is an easy drive during a Northern Italy road trip.

Where To Stay In The Dolomites

I recommend staying in the city center of Bolzano.

Affordable: Residence Fink. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Gardenhotel Premstaller . Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Parkhotel Laurin. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Hit The Coast In Cinque Terre

The drive from the Dolomites to Cinque Terre is about 4 hours and is the longest drive on this Italy road trip itinerary. This region of Italy is a great alternative to the Amalfi Coast.

The drive to Cinque Terre is filled with tons of fantastic things to see and do. If you want to make stops along the way, stop along Lake Garda, Parma, and Verona. They are some of the best cities and places in Italy to see. 

Cinque Terre is kind of a difficult place to visit on a coastal road trip because parking is very hard to come across.

I recommend staying out of the Cinque Terre proper in La Spezia or in Montessero Al Mare which is a more easily accessible Cinque Terre village.

Parking In Cinque Terre

Parking is difficult to find in Cinque Terre. In some villages, you are not allowed to drive at all and you must park about 1-2 km outside of the city and take a shuttle in.

For me, this isn’t worth the time and struggle as I like to have the car nearby.

If you are like me, you will want to consider staying in La Spezia where parking is free or very cheap. Then you can take the train to Cinque Terre.

From La Spezia train station to the first Cinque Terre village, it is less than a 5-minute train ride.

Things To Do In Cinque Terre

Hike the monterosso footpath.

The Monterosso footpath connects the towns of Monterosso and Vernazza, providing stunning views of the towns!

This hike is a bit challenging as you are going up the coastal cliffs. Budget at least one to two hours to complete it.

The views are worth the effort, but bring plenty of water, especially if you visit during the summer! This is the perfect hike during your Italy road trip. 

Visit Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre

This National Park is one of the smallest in Italy at only 15 square miles but one of the most popular and most beautiful!

Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is one of the most heavily inhabited national parks in Italy and it is easy to see why!

A one-day pass costs only a few euros per person. Parco Nazionale Cinque Terre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Relax On The Cinque Terre Beaches

During your time in Cinque Terre, ditch your car and head to the beach! Check out the best Cinque Terre beaches and relax.

They are all easily accessible via train and walking. Some beaches are sandy and some are rocky. They are all awesome and unique. It will be nice to relax after a long Italy road trip driving around the country. 

Take A Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre 

If you are short on time during your Italy itinerary, consider taking a boat tour of the Cinque Terre villages.

A boat tour will allow you to see all of the towns with ease and speed. You won’t feel like you missed a thing!

A boat tour is an easy and affordable way to add Cinque Terre to Italian driving tours because you can see everything by water!

Book Here: From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Speedboat Tour

Where To Stay In Cinque Terre

Choosing where to stay in Cinque Terre can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of choices of accommodations.

Beach Location:  Locanda Il Maestrale.  Check Rates:  Booking.com

Affordable: Locanda Ca Da Iride . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Mid-Range: Arbanella . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Upscale:  The First – Manarola 5 Terre.  Check rates:  Booking.com

Stop 7: End Your Italy Road Trip In Milan

When you leave Cinque Terre, drive to Milan to end your Italy road trip.

I have driven in Milan a few times and it is quite hectic during rush hour. Try to plan your arrival out of these busy times. As usual, if you stay away from the city center, finding parking is easier.

Milan is a very affordable place to rent your car and fly in or out. If you don’t want to do a one-way rental, then enjoy your time in Milan and drive the four hours back to Rome to drop off your car and fly out.

Milan is a very underrated Italian city. It is a great way to cap off your wonderful Italy vacation. Don’t forget to check out our one day in Milan itinerary . 

Parking In Milan

Parking for non-residents in Milan can be quite expensive when trying to park near the city center.

There are public parking lots in downtown Milan priced at around $3 to $5 an hour. The further you go out of the city center the more affordable the rates get.

Driving in Milan isn’t that difficult, but you must understand it is a large city with a lot of people. It is a good place to end Italy road trip routes!

Things To Do In Milan

Visit the milan cathedral.

The Milan Cathedral is an architectural wonder and a breathtaking masterpiece!

It is so much bigger in real life than it looks in photos. Interestingly, it took nearly six centuries to complete. Construction began in 1386 and finished in 1965!

Book Here: Milan Cathedral And Rooftop Ticket

Shop At Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall and a hallmark thing to do in Milan!

It is housed in a 19th-century, glass-covered arcade and is quite the site to behold! If you haven’t had time to do much shopping during your Italy road trip, now is the time to take advantage.

Even if you don’t want to shop, you must stop by to see the glass-covered passageways. 

Explore Milan By Bus

If you are short on time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a perfect way to quickly see the city! Even if you aren’t into doing super touristy things, you will still enjoy this bus tour.

It will provide insider information about some of the most famous sites, and you can easily be able to get off the bus should you want to explore more! This is perfect if you only have one day to tour Milan.

Book Here: Milan: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Eat Dinner In The Navigli District

This picturesque district is named after the Navigli Canal and is famed for its authentic Milanese cuisine.

This is a wonderful part of Milan to cap off a wonderful Italy vacation because the food is just splendid.

After you are done eating, make sure to walk around and enjoy the shops too. There can never be enough shopping in Italy, right? 

Where To Stay In Milan

Milan is one of the larger cities in Italy and it pays to know where to stay! This is why we put together this detailed post on where to stay in Milan to help you choose.

There are plenty of great boutique hotels in Milan too!

Mid-Range: Sheraton Milan Airport Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Affordable: First Hotel Malpensa. Check Rates: Booking.com

Tips for Renting A Car In Italy

Before setting off on the best road trip in Italy, the first order of business is renting a car!

I rent from Auto Europe and have had good luck. The site allows you to compare rates across a variety of popular car rental websites including Hertz, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, and more.

You can see different prices without skipping around through a bunch of different websites.

Also, check out my detailed guide on renting a car in Italy before you book. 

A Note About One-Way Car Rentals

For the sake of this itinerary, you will rent a one-way car in Italy. There is usually an added fee because you aren’t dropping the car off at the same location you got it from.

The added fee will usually be around $50 to $100 depending on how long you will be staying in Italy.

If you really do not want to pay the added fee or want to fly round trip, that is okay too.

This driving itinerary for Italy begins in Rome and ends in Milan. Instead of flying in and out from separate cities, you can fly round trip from either.

Simply drive back to where you started. From Rome to Milan the drive is only around 4 hours so it really is not bad!

Where To Rent a Car

In Italy, I recommend renting your car from the airport whenever possible. This will be the cheapest and best way to complete your Italy road trip on a budget.

This is why I like Auto Europe because it allows you to compare prices based on location across many companies.

If you rent at the airport you can pick up your car and begin immediately. Otherwise, you will have to navigate into the center of town and the rentals are usually more expensive! 

Driving In Italy

Most car rentals are manual transmission, and they are the cheapest. If you do NOT drive a manual car, now is not the time to learn.

Also, do not choose a large SUV! Italy travel by car means narrow streets, and it is essential to pick a compact car.

When driving, you drive on the right side of the road and the steering wheel is on the left side of the car.

There are many toll roads in Italy so make sure to budget extra money to pay for tolls. Tolls range from a few euros to up to 20 euros apiece depending on the place.

Keep in mind that driving in Italian cities can become quite hectic and congested. I HIGHLY recommend travel insurance, especially if you have never driven in Italy.

Do NOT Forgo Car Insurance

You don’t HAVE to get car insurance during your Italy road trip, but I HIGHLY recommend it!

The streets in Italy are very narrow and the traffic is bad. One ding or dent can set you back hundreds of dollars.

I recommend putting the car rental on a travel credit card with insurance. Please keep in mind that many credit cards do NOT cover car insurance in Italy.

I suggest the Chase Sapphire Reserve when renting a car. As long as you put your Italy car rental on a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will be covered for collision and theft up to $75,000.

All you must do is put the car on your Chase Sapphire Reserve and decline car rental coverage offered through the agency. 

You can also purchase car insurance through the rental company. There is often more than one option so be sure to compare coverage and cost.

I hope you enjoyed this Italian road trip itinerary. Feel free to modify based on your time and interests.

Driving through Italy is easy and the trip of a lifetime! My itinerary does not cover Southern Italy, so you will have to come back!

If you could choose only a few places to visit, I recommend driving through Tuscany and the Dolomites for sure. The views shouldn’t be missed!

Whether you visit Italy for the first time or the hundredth, there is more to see!

Please let me know if you have any questions about planning a road trip in Italy! I am more than happy to help in the comments! 

Reader Interactions

April 15, 2022 at 4:50 pm

Hi!! My fiance and I are looking to do a 2 week road trip like this at the end of Oct, beginning of Nov, for our honeymoon. Did you use a travel agent or were y’all able to do this all yourself? Also what would you recommend as a decent budget for this kind of endeavor? We are pretty pretty savvy with traveling on a budget but we also want to keep it realistic.

Thank you for your incredibly helpful article!!!! 🙂

April 16, 2022 at 2:33 pm

Hello Jenna!! Yay!!!! I do not use travel agents, I plan it all myself and I actually have a 2 week italy itinerary here if you want! https://www.followmeaway.com/2-weeks-in-italy/

I also have suggested a budget broken down as well 😀 https://www.followmeaway.com/trip-to-italy-cost/

I hope you have an amazing time! I think you can plan it all yourself especially in lower season which is when you will be!

August 18, 2022 at 10:06 am

Hey there! Do you feel like this road trip would work at the end of May- weather wise? Just thinking of the northern areas. Also, how many days total would we need? Is 4 adults doable in a small car w/ luggage or would we need 2 cars? Thanks in advance!! Love your website and all the info.!

August 19, 2022 at 1:21 pm

Hello!!!!! For the Northern Areas, a lot of the ski lifts will be closed due to snow. That doesn’t mean you still can’t go and explore, I’ve done northern Italy in April and it was still fine. Make sure that the lift for places such as Seceda is open, it may not be until Mid June! Check the cubic area of the back/trunk of the car and get a larger SUV. but not in a small car with luggage, no, probably barely in a larger car. If its anything more than 3 people, I have to get another car typically =/ Enjoy!

August 26, 2022 at 4:47 pm

Thank you! Currently breaking this itinerary down and trying to get a simple list of how many days in each location to make this a 10 day road trip. Do you have list by chance? This website is very helpful!! There will be 4 of us so I guess we need an SUV but is that feasible with the roads there?

August 28, 2022 at 3:33 pm

Hello Melissa!! Yes! We have a 10 days in italy itinerary that can also be driven too! just take a look and see what you think! https://www.followmeaway.com/10-days-in-italy-itinerary/

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5 Spectacular Italy Road Trips You Need To Steal

There is something pretty special about Italian road trips. If you are brave enough to tackle the crazy hot-headed local drivers and the tight twists and turns and narrow laneways, then you are in for a treat.

Yes, Italy road trips are not for the faint-hearted or the newbie drivers, but you cannot deny that road trips in Italy are pretty spectacular. With the perfect blend of sophisticated culture, mind-blowing scenery and delicious food and drink.

Yep, those close calls with a reckless scooter and that time you took 30 minutes to manoeuvre yourself out of a tiny alley your sat nav somehow led you down, will be worth it! Trust me!

The hardest thing will be choosing your Italy road trip as there are so many beautiful driving routes through this stunning country. I’m currently visiting Italy for the 4th time during which time I will be taking two more Italian road trips (I just can’t get enough…)

So based on my experience with Italian road trips , I decided to create 5 perfect Italy road trips which you can easily take in your annual leave ranging between 3 days and 2 weeks.

Here are 5 of the best Italy Road Trips you need to steal to add to your Italy bucket list ..!

What you can expect from this article...

• 1 Overview of the best Italy road trips
• 2.1 Italy Road Trip #One – Sicily
• 2.2 Italy Road Trip #Two: Italy Icons
• 2.3 Italy Road Trip #Three : Northern Italian Gems
• 2.4 Italian Road Trip #Four: Florence and Rural Tuscany
• 2.5 Italian Road Trip #Five: The Amalfi Coast
• 3.1 Tips for renting a car in Italy
• 3.2 Tips for driving in Italy
• 3.3 Tips for booking attractions on your Italian road trip
• 3.4 Packing for an Italian road trip
• 4 Read Next…

Overview of the best Italy road trips

• #1 Sicily – 10-14 days – old towns, beautiful beaches, history, islands and active volcanoes
• # 2 Italy icons – 10-12 days – Rome, Pisa, Milan, Venice – ancient ruins, history, culture, shopping, romance and buzzing nightlife.
• #3 Northern Italy – 12-14 days – Cinque de Terre, Lake Garda, Dolomites, Venice – cute coastal towns, beautiful lakes, spectacular mountains and finished off with some romance in Venice.
• #4 Tuscany – 4-7 days – Florence, Chianti wine region, Sienna and Val’ D’ Orcia Tuscan countryside – beautiful cities, cute villages, rolling hills, stunning scenery and wineries.
• #5 The Amalfi Coast – 3-5 days – Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Capri – postcard-perfect beach towns, sophisticated boutique hotels and restaurants, designer shopping and beach time.

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

No time to read it now?! No worries! Pin it for later!

Now let’s look at those Italy road trips in a little more detail…

The 5 Best Italy Road Trips

Italy road trip #one – sicily.

Sicily is famous for its beautiful cities, stunning beaches and most of all for being the best place in Italy for foodies. You will also find Mt Etna here, an active volcano you can see gently smoking away, and plenty of historical archaeological ruins. For one island, it packs a lot of punch!

Top attractions on a Sicily road trip…

• Zingaroo National Park
• Valley of the Temples
• Baroque cities

An overview of your Sicily road trip itinerary

Fly into Catalina and begin your Italy road trip by heading to Taormina, a seriously beautiful old town with cobbled alleys and shed loads of character. Take the cable car to visit Isola Isabella beach or visit the ancient and well-preserved amphitheatre overlooking Mt Etna!

Your next stop is to visit the iconic Mt Etna. You can choose between a variety of day trips, some of which visit various villages and markets on the way and show you a snapshot of Mt Etna where you can admire the lava trails. Others where you can actually hike up Mt Etna . Either way, you cannot miss iconic Mt Etna off your 10 day Sicily itinerary !

From Mt Etna, head toward Cefalu. This was possibly my favourite town in Sicily with charming cobbled alleys and a beautiful beach with the most perfect aquamarine water.

From Cefalu, make your way to Zingaroo National Park and enjoy a hike to one of the many beautiful beaches before winding up in Trapani on the west coast of Sicily.

Trapani is a great springboard for visiting Favignana island , a tiny place which you can easily explore by bike in one day. Spend a relaxing day cycling between beaches before catching the ferry back to the mainland. Alternatively, you could book a sailing trip and visit a few islands in one day.

Wind your way towards the Valley of the Temples where you can spend a day exploring these giant ancient monuments.

For your last few days in Sicily, spend them exploring the Baroque towns in the Southeast of Sicily, Ragusa being my favourite. I’d also recommend spending a few hours at Marzamemmi, a gorgeous little fishing town with some incredible restaurants and spending your last afternoon in Syracuse exploring the old part of the town, Ortigia.

Italy Road Trip #Two: Italy Icons

If you are a city girl (or guy) then this is the Italian road trip for you! This Italy Icon road trip ticks off some of the most popular cities in Italy allowing you to soak up the history, culture and traditions of this beautiful country.

Top Attractions on this Italy Icon road trip

• Visit the Vatican City
• Visit the many ancient archaeological sites in Rome such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Take a Selfie at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Hit the shops in Milan or see a football game
• Check out Al Duomo in Milan
• Take a gondola ride in Venice and get lost in the canals
• Visit colourful Burano

An overview of this Italy Icon road trip

Spend your first 4 days in Rome , soaking up the atmosphere in this beautiful hectic city. Explore the many archaeological monuments, amphitheatres, fountains and piazzas. Make sure you take some time just to sit outside a cafe enjoying an aperitif and watching life go by. You must also allow one day for enjoying the Vatican museums and Sistine chapel – make sure you get a queue jump ticket really early – the queues can be insane!

Read more about Rome:

• Rome in Winter – a local’s guide
• A 4 day Rome itinerary
• Things to do in Rome in the rain .

After you’ve had your fix of Rome, spend a day or two in Pisa. Pisa is famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa where you must visit for that iconic photo! But it’s also a really lovely city which is not quite as busy as Rome so you can spend time just soaking up the atmosphere. From Pisa, you can also take several day trips up to Cinque de Terre , to Elba island or into Tuscany where you can enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious wine!

Next, spend at least one day in Milan . Milan is famous for both football and shopping so try to make time to browse the shops or enjoy a game in the famous stadium . Football’s not really my thing so you’d be much more likely to find me exploring the boutiques! You should also make time to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, also known as Al Duomo, which is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Italy! Again it’s definitely worth getting a skip-the-queue-ticket well in advance.

Spend your final 3-4 days in Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world. You should plan to get lost in Venice. Spend hours wandering the tiny cobbled alleys with no direction and stumble across little at galleries, shops, delicious eateries and enjoying the beautiful Canal system which makes Venice so famous. You can’t leave without enjoying a gondola boat trip up the canals (though don’t expect it to be cheap!) A day trip to colourful Burano would also be a great way to end your trip.

Italy Road Trip #Three : Northern Italian Gems

This is the perfect Italy road trip for any country bumpkins amongst you. This route will take you through colourful seaside towns, into the stunning snow-capped mountains and lakes of Northern Italy and will end in charming Venice.

Top attractions on this Northern Italy road trip

• Hike the beautiful Cinque de Terre trail
• Take a boat trip along the coast of Cinque de Terre to see it from another angle
• Visit the charming towns and villages around Lake Garda
• Enjoy the spa at Sirmione where you can watch the sunset over Lake Garda
• Visit the lovely town of Trento which has somehow escaped mass tourism which affects other parts of Italy.
• Take hikes amongst the lakes and mountains in the Dolomites region.
• Enjoy wine tasting in Trentino
• Enjoy the canals and colourful streets in Venice and Burano.

An overview of this Northern gems Italian road trip

Start in the Cinque De Terre with a few days in the picture-perfect colourful villages which rise steeply from the dramatic coastline, accessible only by train and boat. A public footpath connects the 5 villages which make up the Cinque de Terre and hiking between the villages is a great way to explore.

Make sure you stop for plenty of pizza, prosecco and gelato along the way and savour your time, people watching from restaurants lining the coast. It’s also worth taking the ferry at least once so you can see it from another perspective!

Spend one night in Sirmione found at the most southern tip of Lake Garda. This beautiful old town is home to a castle directly on the water and the most incredible spa whee you can sit in a jacuzzi until midnight watching the sunset over Lake Garda and then the stars come out. Bliss.

Spend your next day traversing Lake Garda, stopping at little villages and viewpoints along the way, winding your way north to Trentino .

Trentino will be your base for exploring the lakes, vineyards and Dolomites mountains. I would recommend staying in the capital city of the region, Trento, where you’ll find a laid back old town with cobbled alleys, a charming castle and a cable car with views over the whole valley. Spend a few days in Trentino , visiting wineries, castles, lakes and taking short hikes to enjoy the spectacular scenery in Northern Italy.

Learn more: How to plan a perfect weekend in Trentino

Your final stop on this northern Italy road trip is Venice. Spend a few days exploring the canals, laneways, churches and restaurant scene in this romantic city. Make time for a day trip to colourful Burano.

Italian Road Trip #Four: Florence and Rural Tuscany

Tuscany is possibly one of the most beautiful places in Italy and therefore makes for a great place to road trip in Italy! Expect to see rolling hills, tiny ancient walled villages sitting on hilltops, fields of colourful poppies and pretty vineyards where you can sample the wine or take a wine tour. Try not to plan too much as the beauty of a Tuscany road trip , is stopping wherever you fancy.

Top attractions on this Tuscany road trip in Italy

• Visiting the Duomo in Florence
• The birds-eye views from one of the many towers in Florence
• Wine tasting in the chianti region
• Pienza – possibly the cutest village in Italy!
• Driving the scenic Val D’Orcia route where there are instagram – perfect views in every direction!

Overview of this Tuscany road trip

Start this road trip in Tuscany, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Visiting the Duomo is a must but definitely get queue jump tickets as the queues were insane! I’d recommend spending two days in Florence in order to see most of the highlights.

Your next stop is the Chianti wine region where you should stay in an agriturismo and spend your days’ wine tasting and visiting the cutest of hilltop villages.

From there, you should spend a few days driving the Val D’Orcia – one of the prettiest driving routes in Italy. You will recognise many viewpoints which appear on postcards across Italy here and if you’re a photographer, you should definitely factor in a few early mornings for sunrise photoshoots.

Make time to visit Pienza – this is my favourite town in all of Italy. Never have I seen such a colourful town brimming with flower arrangements ad overlooking the beautiful Tuscan hills.

Read more | A 5 day Tuscany itinerary

Italian Road Trip #Five: The Amalfi Coast

Road tripping along the Amalfi Coast isn’t without its challenges – narrow roads, hairpin bends, expensive and scarce parking and congested roads! But it’s also one of the prettiest road trips you can take in Italy and remains one of the most popular p[laces to visit in Italy, or for that matter, Europe!

The colourful houses are framed by dramatic cliffs overlooking pretty beaches and a turquoise ocean. It is like something straight out of a movie! So hectic as it may be, a road trip along the Amalfi Coast is worth it every time!

Top attractions on an Amalfi coast road trip

• Beautiful Capri Island
• Positano beach
• The view from Ravello
• The beach at Amalfi town
• The viewpoints all along the beautiful coastline.

Overview of this Amalfi Coast Italian road trip

Spend 3-5 days winding along the coast road from Sorrento to Amalfi stopping off at postcard-perfect villages and towns and viewpoints along the way. Visit Ravello for the most stunning view from its gardens, visit the charming pebbled beach at Amalfi. Enjoy shopping in Positano and visit the local beach (Fornillo Beach) for some rest and relaxation.

Make time to take a boat trip to Capri, the island of the rich and famous. Take a boat trip around the island and visit the Blue grotto where the water glows the brightest blue colour. Then take the chairlift to the town of Capri and visit the Gardens of Augustus where you will find some of the most spectacular viewpoints.

If you have just 3 days in the Amalfi Coast then base yourself in Positano. If you 4 days or more, I would suggest you stay for 2 nights near Sorrento then have 2 nights in Positano.

Top Tips for Enjoying an Italy road trip

Italian road trips are a brilliant way to see the country and you will have no shortage of things to do or places to see. The scenery will be stunning and well worth the effort of hiring a car. However, driving in Italy isn’t always easy. With narrow roads, hairpin bends, limited parking and many erratic fiery Italian drivers on the roads lane hogging and getting worked up at roundabouts!

But the tips below should help you have a successful road trip in this stunning country. For more of an insight into what it’s like to drive in Italy, you can read my article about driving in Sicily .

Tips for renting a car in Italy

• I’ve rented several cars in Italy and it hasn’t always been a stress-free experience! My best experience so far was with Europcar and I highly recommend organising your car hire through them. It was very straightforward and they even offered me a free upgrade.
• Do not buy your insurance through the car hire company, it will always work out more expensive. Instead, use icarhireinsurance.com . For a fixed fee (which is a fraction of the car hire insurance costs,) you can get Europe wide cover for an entire year meaning that you can take more than one road trip for less than one trip would cost you if you bought it directly!
• Don’t hire a GPS – they’re expensive. Use your phone in a phone vent holder and download the relevant map on maps.me app which works without the internet.

Tips for driving in Italy

• Always keep some loose change and a few small notes ready for road tolls – there are a lot of them!
• Rent the smallest car you can as roads in Italy are often narrow and there are plenty of lane hoggers – especially on the Amalfi coast.
• For road trips on the Amalfi coast, always allow longer than google maps thinks you will need! You can’t drive these roads quickly!
• Don’t forget to check that your accommodation offers free parking before you book! Booking.com allows you to filter out hotels without parking.
• Leave a local newspaper in your car to look less like a tourist and be less likely to get your car broken into!

Tips for booking attractions on your Italian road trip

• Since you’ll only have a few days in each place, it’s best to book your tours in advance, especially your skip-the-queue tickets as these sell out quickly for popular attractions and will save you a lot of time and stress.
• I use ‘ Get Your Guide ‘ to book day trips, tickets and tours for the sheer variety of options available in almost every city in Europe.

Packing for an Italian road trip

• Pack light as you will be taking your belongings into each hotel and moving every few nights
• Pack a vent phone holder s you can use your phone handsfree as a sat-nav .
• Suitcases are easier to travel with in Italy as you’ll be packing and unpacking frequently.
• Italians dress stylishly. If you don’t want to stand out as a tourist, now is your opportunity to wear pretty sundresses, floaty skirts and smart sandals. However, I also carry some leggings and hiking boots for the occasional hike.
• Make sure your shoes are really comfy as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on all of these 5 Italian road trips!

If you want to explore Italy but don’t fancy taking a solo road trip, you could consider joining a G Adventures tour and leave the driving and organisation to someone else! It’s also a great way to meet people…

Read Next…

Articles about Italy…

• A 10 Day Sicily road trip itinerary
• The perfect 3 day Amalfi Coast itinerary
• Planning the perfect weekend in Trentino
• A 4 days Rome itinerary
• Visiting Rome in winter
• Driving in Sicily

Articles about Europe…

• 13 of the best road trips in Europe
• The ultimate Europe bucket list
• 15 of the best city breaks for couples in Europe

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Hopefully you’ve found an Italian road trip to inspire you amongst this list and have a better idea about how to plan your road trip in Italy!

Which of these Italy road trips do you fancy taking? Tell me in the comments below and feel free to ask questions!

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Amazing Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary (With Map)

Planning the ultimate northern Italy road trip, and have no idea yet where to go? Then I got you covered!

My husband and I have taken the perfect 10-day Italy road trip and I can tell you – the planning was a hassle! Since the trip turned out to be so perfect, I would say it was worth it!

So you can skip all the tedious planning, I will share all the details about our road trip in this post.

This includes an amazing 10-day Italy road trip itinerary and a two-week Italy trip itinerary, hotel recommendations, and the best things to do in each town.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Important information for your italy road trip, how to get around northern italy, the best time to go on a northern italy road trip, 10 day northern italy road trip itinerary at a glance, 2 week italy road trip itinerary, milan things to do, milan food lovers tour, historic milan tour with skip-the-line last supper ticket, milan duomo, archaeological area & rooftops private fast-track guided tour, treasures of milan: fashion and design private tour, where to stay in milan, lago di garda, things to do in verona, best tours in verona, where to stay in verona, where to stay in venice with a car, things to do in venice – northern italy road trip edition, best day tours in venice, things to do in florence, where to stay in florence, best tours and excursions in florence, where to stay in pisa, best tours in pisa, cinque terre, last stop on our northern italy road trip: milan, making it a two week northern italy road trip, conclusion: northern italy road trip itinerary, faq: 10 day northern italy road trip itinerary, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

🚗 Plan your route and destinations. I suggest picking the hotels below because they have great on-site parking and are very centrally located. This saves a lot of stress

🚗 Pack essential supplies for the drive, including water and snacks. Make sure your car has a first-aid kit and an extra wheel.

🚗 Get your vehicle serviced before hitting the road. If you have a rental car, you don’t need to worry about that one. The company will take care of it. I suggest booking with DiscoverCars, we had great experiences with them always.

🚗 Bring a physical map or have offline navigation options. Sometimes there is no phone reception, so unless you have GPS in your car, I suggest bringing a travel guide with a map.

🚗 Carry emergency supplies like a first aid kit.

🚗 Enjoy the journey and embrace unexpected detours. Don’t get worked up about detours, they can be fun!

🚗 Italy requires you to pay tolls on the road, keep that in mind while budgeting! Usually, they take credit cards but make sure to bring some cash.

🚗 In case of an emergency, for immediate medical attention or to call an ambulance dial 112  from any telephone in Italy.

🚗 Make sure you have an international driving permit.

🚗 Make sure to inform about the country in detail, there are a lot of useful things you need to know about Italy before you go.

🚗 Check out this list of 20 Italy travel apps to download from my friend Jade.

We booked a rental car with DiscoverCars and picked it up in Milan. This is a great way to get around Northern Italy for your road trip.

DiscoverCars offers amazing deals and is super reliable. Make sure to check it out for your road trip.

Do you need travel insurance in Italy? Yes, travel insurance in Italy is highly recommended. Avoid nasty surprises and travel worry-free with EKTA.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

The best time to go on this road trip is definitely off-season. All of the cities on this trip are quite busy, so it is best to avoid peak travel times.

We went during the Christmas holidays and over New Year’s Eve – which made the trip extra special! If you have the chance to go in winter, I can highly recommend it! Everything is beautifully decorated and it is not too cold to explore.

However, it can also be great to go during different times of the year. I have made a small breakdown of the seasons in Northern Italy and the weather!

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to explore Northern Italy as the weather gradually becomes warmer. The landscapes come to life with blooming flowers and it is an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the intense summer crowds. It might be too cold for swimming, so if you want to jump in the ocean, go at the end of May.
• Summer (June to August): Summer in Northern Italy is the peak tourist season, I would avoid that if possible. The weather is generally hot and sunny, especially in July and August. This can be quite uncomfortable. However, if you don’t mind the crowds, summer offers longer days and the opportunity to enjoy festivals, outdoor markets, and outdoor dining.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another excellent time for a road trip in Northern Italy. The temperatures start to cool down, and the landscapes show stunning fall foliage. September and October are particularly pleasant, with mild weather and fewer tourists. It’s a great time to explore vineyards, taste local wines, and visit picturesque towns. It is too cold for swimming after September, so keep that in mind.
• Winter (December to February): Northern Italy experiences colder temperatures and occasional snowfall during winter. Cities like Milan and Venice, have a quieter atmosphere. Winter can be a good time to experience the holiday season and enjoy attractions without the usual crowds. I prefer winter for the Northern Italy road trip.
• 2 nights in Milan
• Quick stop in Lago di Garda
• 1 night in Verona
• 3 nights in Venice
• 1 night in Florence
• 1 night in Pisa
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• 1 night in Milan

For the 10-day Northern Italy road trip itinerary, I definitely suggest visiting famous cities such as Milan, Venice, and Florence. But also the smaller cities, such as Verona and Pisa are worth visiting.

As for beautiful scenery, we have added Lago di Garda as well as Cinque Terre to the itinerary. Both destinations are extremely beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

We have started and ended our road trip in Milan. Milan has the best airport connection in the area. Also, rental cars are cheaper if you return them to their original destination, so we planned this as a round-trip.

• 1 night in Lago di Garda
• 2 nights in Venice
• 2 nights in Florence
• 1 night in Cinque Terre
• 1 night in Genoa

10 days is a good time for this road trip itinerary. However, we felt like we could have used some additional days at some of the stops.

I don’t recommend adding more stops to the already busy itinerary, but I would add some more nights to Florence, Lago di Garda, and Cinque Terre.

Milan – Begin of the Northern Italy Road Trip

We chose Milan as a starting point for our ultimate Northern Italy road trip. The city is easy to reach by plane and we could easily find a rental car there. We decided to sleep in Milan for two nights, so we would have enough time to explore the city.

Milan is a vibrant city in Northern Italy and it is known for fashion, design, and finance. The city is a shopper’s paradise, there are many high-end fashion boutiques and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Milan is also renowned for its culture and arts scene. The city has also a rich historical and cultural heritage, so there are many beautiful sights you can visit. Stunning Gothic churches and castles are awaiting you!

Milan hosts major international events, like Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair. If you are interested in these, make sure to check out the dates before you plan your road trip.

Food enthusiasts will absolutely love the traditional Italian cuisine. Make sure to check out risotto alla Milanese and panettone.

The city’s also has a great nightlife scene. There are lots of trendy bars, clubs, and rooftop terraces. Make sure to not stay out too long – otherwise driving is not safe the next day!

Milan is a beautiful city and has many great things for you to see. First and foremost, I suggest a nice walk through the city to pass by some famous landmarks. My three favorite things to see in Milan were the Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, and the Sforzesco castle.

If you are planning this stay ahead of time, you might want to reserve a spot to see the famous Last Supper painting.

Football fans will be drawn to the San Siro Stadium, which is the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The famous La Scala opera house is the place to be for lovers of the theater. You should also explore world-class museums such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology.

The Santa Maria Delle Grazie is an amazing place to visit as well, this is where Leonardo Da Vinci painted The Last Supper.

If you are not sure where to go, I have a couple of great suggestions for tours and day trips in Milan you that you can choose from. Booking some day trips or tours ahead of time can save a lot of hassle and is a convenient way of exploring a city.

Guided Day Trips and Tours in Milan

My favorite tour in Milan is the food-lovers tour. You will tour Milan for two hours and be tasting local delicacies along the way. The tour is private and guided by a local, so this is a great way for Slow Travelers, that are more interested in learning about the culture.

The historic Milan tour is a great way to experience the city and its most important historical landmarks in three hours. Additionally, you will get to see the famous Last Supper painting without having to wait. This tour is definitely worth it – as you will see so much!

This private Milan tour is everything you need if you want to see some stunning archaeological sites as well as hang out on some impressive rooftops. I always recommend booking private or small-group tours for a more in-depth experience. This is definitely one of my favorite tours in Milan.

Fashionistas will absolutely love this private Treasures of Milan tour. Y ou will explore the Navigli district and see its canals as well as discover a few hidden fashion gems – and of course major international brands. Your informative guide will tell you everything you need to know about fashion in Milan.

We stayed in the AC Hotel by Mariott in Milan . The location is great and the service is amazing. Also it has a downstairs parking garage, so it was very convenient for our rental car.

We mainly chose to stay in the Mariott hotel chain on this trip, because they all have car garages and we could book them one day in advance without paying extra.

After leaving Milan early in the morning we headed towards Verona. On the way, we stopped at the Lago di Garda for lunch and to explore a bit. We loved this small pit stop because everything was lovingly decorated and very quiet at the time.

Lago di Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It offers stunning natural beauty with crystal-clear waters. I absolutely loved the picturesque landscapes. Garda’s shoreline is dotted with beaches, promenades, and waterfront restaurants, perfect for a lunchtime snack on the water.

Lago di Garda is surrounded by charming towns and villages, such as Sirmione and Malcesine. Both of them are great places for a lunch stop.

In summer, the lake is ideal for water activities like swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Historical sites like the Scaliger Castle and Roman ruins should definitely be on your list!

If you are wine enthusiasts, like us, you can explore the nearby vineyards and taste the local wines, such as Bardolino and Lugana. I also suggest bringing some wine home with you, it is usually cheaper when buying directly at the vineyard.

We only stayed there for a couple of hours, but if you have the time, make sure to book a full-day Lake Garda tour.

We did not stay overnight on this Northern Italy road trip. If you have time available, I suggest staying at least one night at the Lefay Resort and Spa – the view from their terrace is to die for!

Verona – Home of Romeo and Juliet

Our second (actual) stop on our 10-day northern Italy road trip was Verona. The small city of Verona is famous for being the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. We arrived late in the afternoon in Verona and strolled around the city. There were beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere.

• Visit the iconic Verona Arena! It is an ancient Roman amphitheater that hosts opera performances and concerts. It looks also super stunning from the outside
• Explore Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) and its famous balcony! It is a popular spot for lovers and fans of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” It was my favorite thing to do in Verona.
• Wander through Piazza delle Erbe. This is a vibrant square surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and a lively market. A great spot for an Aperol Spritz!
• Take a stroll along the Adige River and enjoy the picturesque views of Verona’s bridges and historic architecture.
• Visit the stunning Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore. This is an impressive Romanesque church with beautiful frescoes and a beautiful courtyard.

If you are not comfortable with exploring by yourself or would rather have a guide, I suggest taking a guided tour. I love small-group or private guided tours, so I can learn a lot about the history and culture of a place.

Take a food tour or cooking class to learn about the culinary customs of the city!

I have hand-picked a couple of great guided tours in Verona for you:

• Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See Sites with Local Guide
• Verona Highlights Walking Tour in Small-group
• Verona Gelato Making Class
• The Verona Food, Wine & History, Lunch/sunset aperitif & skip the line cable car
• Fascinating Verona: in the Footprints of Romeo and Juliet

We stayed for one night at the Hotel Leon d’Oro in Verona. The hotel was within walking distance of all major sights, we got free breakfast and the rooms were very nice and spacious.

The Due Torri Hotel in Verona is also a great option.

From Verona, we headed on straight to Venice. Including Venice in the road trip was slightly difficult, because you can not bring cars into the city. However, we still desperately wanted to spend New Year’s Eve in Venice, so we made it happen! And it was much better than I could have imagined.

Venice is a unique and enchanting city in northeastern Italy. Venice is commonly known as the “Floating City.” It is built on 118 small islands, and they are connected by a network of canals and bridges.

Venice is especially famous for its picturesque canals, gondolas, and beautiful architecture. You can find many charming streets in Venice, and see hidden gems, cute little shops, and local restaurants.

The city is also renowned for its art and culture. Every year, Venice hosts the Venice Biennale art exhibition. Venice is above all famous for its annual Carnival. There is an impressive parade with colorful masks and stunning costumes.

Sadly, Venice is also facing some challenges. Rising water levels and over-tourism impact the island. They are trying to fight both, sadly to not much avail. However, it is still one of my favorite cities in the world – one you absolutely need to see.

The best option to stay in Venice with a car is on the Lido di Venezia. That’s a small island just off the coast of Venice city. You can reach it by ferry, which is super easy and cheap. We stayed at Hotel Villa Laguna and it was in my opinion the best stay on this trip.

The small boutique hotel is designed like a luxurious little Inn, with just a few suites. From our suite, you could see right over to the famous San Marco Square.

We watched the New Year’s Eve fireworks right from our bed and it was amazing!

The hotel offered free parking and a big breakfast buffet. I can totally recommend New Year’s Eve in Venice.

We spent our first day in Venice exploring the famous sights of the old city center. Strolling alongside the canals, walking over the Rialto bridge, and eating a pizza to go.

We checked out the bridge of sighs, took a gondola ride , and marveled at the Campanile and the San Marco Square. We visited the Doge’s palace and had a coffee in one of the oldest cafes in the world, Caffe Florian.

Venice is pretty easy to explore on foot. You can just dive right in and walk around the little island. The charm of Venice lies definitely in the picturesque little alleys with a mystical feel to them.

On the last day of the old year, we spent touring the small islands of Murano and Burano. They are famous for their colorful houses and their arts and crafts, such as glass blowing.

You can take a water taxi or a guided tour to the islands, or simply catch a ferry! This is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Venice and on this 10-day northern Italy road trip!

Taking a guided tour or a day trip is always a good idea. I have taken many tours and trips in Venice in the past, and I can recommend the experience. I have selected a couple of my favorite day tours in Venice for you here:

• L egendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge’s Palace
• Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
• Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour

Our next stop on the 10-day northern Italy road trip was Florence. After a bit of a drive, we arrived in the beautiful city and checked into our hotel. There are many amazing things to do in Florence .

Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany. The city is renowned for its rich history, art, and architecture. It is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Florence’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with stunning architecture, charming streets, and lively piazzas. It is an amazing place to sit outside and enjoy a glass of Italian wine.

The city is also known for its culinary delights, including traditional Tuscan cuisine, world-class wines, and gelato.

We explored the beautiful city center on foot and checked out the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore , the famous Ponte Vecchio , and the Galleria Uffici. Uffizi Gallery is home to an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces. You can see Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

Another great thing to explore in Florence is the famous David statue from Michelangelo. Make sure to book a tour for this part of the trip, so you can skip the endless lines and see the statue with a guide.

Explore the Pitti Palace and its Boboli Gardens. They are a stunning oasis of beautiful lawns, fountains, and sculptures.

Also make sure to discover the beauty of the Basilica of Santa Croce, the final resting place of renowned figures such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Florence is only a short trip away from Rome, in case you are looking for day tours from Rome.

Our hotel experience in Florence was somewhat of a surprise. We booked the AC Hotel Firenze by Marriott and we got upgraded to their best suite because of our Marriott Members Status.

Our suite had a private sauna and hammam, a rooftop terrace as well as a super fancy bathroom. We will never forget that stay. If you feel like treating yourself – make sure to book that suite!

Even without the upgrade, it is an amazing hotel and something I can recommend. It is within walking distance of all major sights and has a great parking space.

• David & Accademia Gallery Tour – Florence 
• Skip the line: Uffizi and Accademia Small Group Hidden Highlights Walking Tour
• Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

We continued our 10-day northern Italy road trip towards Pisa. This is also great for any Tuscany Road Trip.

Pisa is a historic city in Tuscany. It is mostly famous for its iconic Leaning Tower but there is a lot of other cultural heritage to see as well.

Aside from the Leaning Tower, the Piazza dei Miracoli is also home to the magnificent Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery. Both are extremely impressive to see.

The city’s historical center is also a great spot to check out. It features medieval architecture, including the well-preserved Piazza dei Cavalieri. This used to be the political center of Pisa.

Make sure to stroll along the Arno River and enjoy the atmosphere of the Lungarni, the picturesque waterfront promenades. Try some typical Tuscan dishes, such as Cecina (chickpea flatbread) and Cacciucco (a seafood stew).

This is a relaxing stop on the road trip itinerary, but one we enjoyed immensely.

We opted for the AC Hotel Pisa by Marriott again because of its great location and parking spaces.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable and we enjoyed some Gin & Tonics in their amazing bar downstairs.

The hotel is only a short walk away from the city center and all of the attractions, which makes it a great place to stay for a road trip.

Pisa Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience

Private Pisa Discovery Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Access

A dream of mine was visiting the famous five villages of Cinque Terre. So we added the stop at the last minute to the itinerary.

Cinque Terre , the five towns, is a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria. The towns are called Riomaggiore , Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso .

We did not stay overnight, but we had a full day to explore since the drive from Pisa is very short.

During the summer months, these villages are incredibly touristy and impossible to explore. We were grateful to have them almost to ourselves. Make sure to bring good shoes, there is a lot of walking down steps involved.

I have also visited Cinque Terre on my Western Mediterranean Cruise, in case you feel like exploring the area on the water.

After visiting Cinque Terre, we drove back to Milan. Because the drive was quite long, we stopped for dinner in Genoa. I

In Milan, we stayed one last night at the AC hotel, before heading to the airport on the next day.

This brought our amazing 10-day northern Italy road trip to an end.

If you have a bit more time on your hands, then I suggest making this a two-week northern Italy road trip. We felt slightly rushed with our itinerary, and we would have loved to spend an extra night in Cinque Terre, Florence, or Genoa.

In my opinion, two weeks is a great amount of time for this northern Italy road trip and if I had to do it all over again, I would stay even longer!

Not ready to end your time in Italy just yet? After Northern Italy, you should check out the beautiful Puglia region .

I really hope that this Northern Italy road trip itinerary will help you have the trip of a lifetime. All of the stops on this itinerary are incredibly interesting and beautiful.

The typical Italian cuisine, stunning architecture, and history make Northern Italy a great place for a road trip. The streets are in great condition and driving is luckily very easy. This Northern Italy itinerary covers all the highlights you need to see!

If you love Italy, speak Italian, and are looking for employment opportunities, check out such job listings on  Jooble .

If you don’t have enough of the road trips just yet, make sure to check out my Austria Road Trip Itinerary

Yes, driving in Italy is generally safe. However, it is important to be aware of certain factors. Italian drivers can be assertive and the traffic can be hectic, particularly in larger cities. It is advisable to follow traffic rules, be cautious while navigating narrow streets, and be prepared for parking challenges. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local driving laws and consider purchasing insurance coverage for your trip.

No, Italy does not drive on the opposite side of the road. Like most of mainland Europe, Italy follows right-hand traffic, where vehicles drive on the right side of the road.

If you are looking for a Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary, I suggest starting in Milan. Go from there to Verona, Lake Garda, Venice, and Florence. You can also visit Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Genoa on the way back to Milan.

Driving in Italy can be challenging, particularly in busy cities with narrow streets and aggressive drivers. However, if you are an experienced and confident driver, it can be manageable. Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, be prepared for heavy traffic, and exercise caution while driving. Consider using GPS navigation and allow extra time for parking, as it can be difficult to find parking spaces in some areas.

I suggest taking at least 10 days to explore Northern Italy. Two weeks is the perfect time to explore Northern Italy and see the most famous cities, such as Venice, Milan, and Florence. This also gives enough time to see Lake Garda, Tuscany, and other beautiful spots

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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18-step Italy Adriatic Coast Road Trip Itinerary

This Italy Adriatic coast road trip itinerary was created to invite avid travelers to discover many Italian destinations that are still off the tourist radar.

The East Coast of Italy has always been there, yet you have always overlooked it, dazzled by snapshots of the West Coast. 

Nevertheless, the Italian Adriatic Coast is extraordinary and will also allow you to travel in Italy while saving a lot of money.

In this itinerary, I propose the 18 most interesting places on Italy’s Adriatic Coast that will make you explore Eastern Italy off the beaten path.

You will discover the east coast from north to south, starting from the city of Trieste and ending at the southern tip of Italy’s heel in Puglia.

I’ve included seaside towns, cities, and of course incredible beaches in Puglia and the other regions you’ll pass through: Marche , Abruzzo , Emilia Romagna , and Veneto .

If you’d rather travel the Adriatic Coast of Italy by train, know that most of the towns and cities I’ve listed are well connected by public transportation.

18-step Italy Adriatic Coast road trip itinerary

The city of Trieste is located almost at the extreme eastern edge of the Italian Adriatic Coast, very close to the border with Slovenia.

This border location, so close also to Austria and Eastern Europe, makes Trieste a unique city in Italy . 

Summer is the best time to visit Trieste. In winter, is always threatened by the dreaded “Bora” wind, which picked as its favorite destination this part of the eastern coast of Italy.

Instead, in the warmer months, many Italians choose to vacation in Trieste to enjoy the pleasant evening breeze, while in other Italian cities, one hardly leaves home because of the heat.

The city, which overlooks the Gulf of Trieste, is people-friendly and… pet-friendly ! You will be surprised to find so many walk-only areas in the historic center, so you will be comfortable walking around even with small children.

Four-legged friends are welcome in most supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation, which is also quite rare in Italy!

Another attraction of Trieste is the historic cafes , which were born in the period of great cultural ferment between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

These include Antico Caffè San Marco and Caffè Tommaseo . These venues are large and have historic furnishings, and are far from typical Italian cafes and more like Austrian and Central European ones.

Trieste is the birthplace of Umberto Saba, one of the greatest Italian poets that there founded the bookshop Libreria Antiquaria Umberto Saba .

If you are looking for nice beaches near Trieste , just very close there are none. To take a dip and cool off in the summer months, travel along the coast for about 5 km and go to the area known as Pineta di Barcola .

There is no real beach, but it is here that locals go for a swim.

2 Lignano Sabbiadoro

Driving along Eastern Italy’s coast from Trieste in the direction of Venice, you will come across a beach that is very popular among locals, namely Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach.

It is named for the golden color of the sand ( sabbiadoro means golden sand ).

This well-maintained 7-km-long beach is a favorite place for locals to spend a weekend or the entire summer.

Beach clubs, children’s playgrounds ( Pirates Island ), places to have a drink, and seafood restaurants abound along the beach.

3 Lido di Jesolo

Moving slightly further south we enter the Veneto Region and reach the beaches of Venice : Lido di Jesolo and Cavallino.

If you wonder which are the most beautiful beaches near Venice, you can find them here. 

The sea is not as clean as in southern Italy, but still, it is safe for swimming.

This beach is long, sandy, and spacious, as well as equipped with all facilities.

If you travel with a dog you will surely know how to enjoy these 24 km of beach at the gates of Venice.

Lignano Sabbiadoro is also a pleasant place to use as a base for visiting nearby Venice , avoiding crowded hotels and the dizzying prices of the city on the water.

One of the most famous cities in the world you can visit just by taking a road trip on the Italian east coast.

If you are traveling in Eastern Italy with little money and a private car, it is best to stay outside Venice.

If you don’t want to stay in one of the small towns along the beaches near Venice we just mentioned, then consider the village of Mira .

Mira is located 20 km west of Venice and runs along the Naviglio del Brenta River, which then flows into the Venice Lagoon.

Near Mira, there are airbnbs, hotels, and a campground. From here you can reach Venice by bus in about 40 minutes.

You can then visit all the architectural wonders of Venice, such as Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, and back to the small off-the-tourist-track village.

The city of Padua stands 40 km from the Adriatic coast, and it would be a shame not to visit during your trip in search of Eastern Italy’s hidden gems .

From Padua, you can easily reach Venice by train in half an hour, and vice versa.

This small city in northern Italy has a historic center that you can get around on foot within 3-4 hours.

What will win you over about Padua is its architecture and youthful atmosphere (in fact, one of Europe’s first universities was founded here, in the Palazzo Bo building).

Along the alleys and small streets of Padua, you will see porticoes , which add charm to the houses and protect passersby from the rain, as in the better-known city of Bologna.

Padua is famous in Italy for its medieval frescoes , especially those by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel , but it also has other noteworthy historical landmarks, such as:

• Ragione Palace
• Piazza delle Erbe
• Basilica of San’Antonio
• Jewish Ghetto
• Prato della Valle Square
• Padua is also noted for its many pretty cafes and the monumental historic café “ Caffè Pedrocchi .”

Chioggia is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Venice, located about 30 km south of Venice.

It is also called “Little Venice ” precisely because of its characteristic and picturesque canals.

The historic center of Chioggia stands on a group of small islands connected by bridges.

The major points of interest in Chioggia are:

• The 17th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
• The Clock Tower or Tower of Sant’ Andrea, a 14-century bell tower 30 meters high that houses one of the oldest clocks in the world.
• Piazzetta Vigo, is the social heart of the city, with many bars and restaurants.
• The fish market, where 30 exhibitors display their catch under the shelter of a red marquee.

If you visit Chioggia in the summer, you should also drop by the Island of Sottomarina , where a large equipped beach will be the perfect place to spend a relaxing day, always far away from tourists.

The east coast of Italy is home to a city with an incredible historical heritage; it is Ravenna, one of northern Italy’s most stunning cities .

Ravenna, throughout its history, has been the capital of 3 empires:

• Western Roman Empire,
• Empire of the Goths
• Byzantine Empire

Eight of the city’s monuments are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Neonian Baptistery
• Baptistery of the Arians
• Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
• Archiepiscopal Chapel of St. Andrew
• Mausoleum of Theodoric
• Basilica of San Vitale
• Basilica of Sant Apollinare in Classe

The mosaics of Ravenna represent the richest heritage of mosaics in the world , dating from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Ravenna is therefore a highly recommended stop for all art lovers who are reading this itinerary for a road trip to the Adriatic coast in Italy.

If you are on a diet, it may be best to avoid visiting Ravenna. In fact, the cuisine of Romagna is irresistible.

You may have heard of the flatbread piadina , to be filled with cold cuts and cheese. You can try it at “La Piadina del Melarancio.” And then there are cappelletti and tagliatelle with meat sauce. You can try them at the Ca de Ven restaurant.

If you are traveling with children, you have the opportunity to make them happy by taking them to Mirabilandia amusement park , located about 15 km south of Ravenna.

8 Lido di Dante

The most beautiful beach near Ravenna is named after Dante, the famous poet who is buried in the city.

You get to this beach by driving along a dusty road bordered by fields.

Then you are faced first with a pine forest and then with a quiet free beach.

This beach is frequented by the locals, those who like peace and quiet and do not need beach clubs. An off-the-beaten-path beach. 

Take water, a sun umbrella, and something to eat with you, and you will feel in paradise for a day.

If you say the name of this city in front of an Italian friend, what he will immediately think of is wide beaches, the sea, and nightclubs.

It is for the summer recreation and vacation offerings that this city has made its name over the past 60 years.

But Rimini is much more than that. Rimini is home to some of the most interesting historical landmarks in Italy . Here are some of them:

• Surgeon’s Domus – An archaeological site that includes a villa where a surgeon probably lived, as suggested by the many instruments found and the theme of a beautiful mosaic that has been restored and can be admired.
• Tiberius Bridge – Emperor Augustus commissioned the bridge’s construction, beginning in 14 B.C. Emperor Tiberius completed it. The beautiful and functional Istrian stone bridge can be admired from the Piazza on the water at the foot of the arches, where there is also a trail telling the history of the bridge.
• 15th-century Rimini Cathedral -the facade is inspired by the Roman triumphal arch. The interior preserves masterpieces such as a crucifix by Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca.
• Arch of Augustus – the oldest arch in northern Italy dates back to 27 BC. This is where those arriving in Rimini from the Flaminian Consular Way used to arrive.

Another jewel of Rimini is the Borgo San Giuliano district , which runs from one end of the Tiberius Bridge toward the sea. This area, an ancient fishing village, was chosen by the great director Federico Fellini for some of his films, such as Amarcord.

Here you will find murals inspired by Fellini’s films . The neighborhood is also a destination for fans of quiet aperitifs and candlelight dinners in restaurants with few tables.

The most buzzing nightlife in fact happens on the other side of town.

10 San Marino 

If you pass through Rimini, you can’t help but make a detour and visit the famous San Marino , the oldest republic in the world and also one of the smallest, with just over 30,000 inhabitants. 

Once you arrive, enter through the only gateway to the country , defended by guards in blue and orange uniforms, and you will feel like you have gone back in time.

Legend has it that San Marino was founded in 301 AD by Marino, a stone cutter escaping Christian persecution in Dalmatia. 

Marino gathered a small Christian community on Mount Titan, the highest of the 7 hills that make up San Marino.

The republic has maintained its independence ever since. Since 1992 it has been part of the United Nations.

San Marino is a picturesque destination with winding alleys filled with artisan workshops where you can buy beautiful souvenirs .

The heart of San Marino is Piazza della Libertà , where (if you pass through in the summer) you can watch the evocative changing of the guard that takes place every 30 minutes.

A must-do in San Marino is to walk along the “ witches’ pass .” This scenic route starts from the Castle at the highest point of the town and connects the three medieval towers (the ones featured on the republic’s coat of arms).

How to get to San Marino

The most fun part of the trip to San Marino begins after you park your car. In fact, there are two ways to get to San Marino by public transportation.

• The cable car , which leaves from Borgo Maggiore, will take your gaze over 200 kilometers of Adriatic Coast.
• There is also an electric train that connects Rimini and San Marino.

11 Cattolica 

Bet you’ve never heard of Cattolica, a beloved beach destination in Italy.

Beaches on Italy’s Adriatic coast stand out for the services offered to families with children, and Cattolica is at the top of the list.

This Italian coastal town repopulates from May to September when hotels and beach clubs begin to welcome back many local travelers in search of relaxation and vacation.

The food market is one of the liveliest spots in town, and here you will find local produce useful if you want to try to imitate the excellent cuisine of Romagna.

You could also head to Cattolica’s port in the early morning hours and buy fish directly from the fishermen.

Instead, if you prefer to eat out, sit down at the Osteria del Murè on Via Lungo Tavollo 2, near the port, it specializes in freshly caught fish dishes.

Children, in addition to the beach, will love visiting the Cattolica Aquarium and watching the spectacle of the fountains that are colored with different lights starting at sunset.

The hinterland also deserves attention. Five kilometers southwest of Cattolica is Gradara , one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy .

The village spreads within the perfectly preserved walls of the fortified castle, also known as Rocca Malatestiana.

Noble and powerful Italian families such as the Malatesta, Sforza, and Della Rovere families lived here.

The castle is accessed via a drawbridge that will take you back to the Middle Ages.

Of the castle you can visit rooms steeped in history:

• Torture Room
• Passion Room
• Lucrezia Borgia Room.

The absolute protagonists of this village’s past are Paolo and Francesca, whose tragic love story is recounted in Dante’s Inferno .

The city of Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region, is much underrated. One should pass through here if only because it overlooks the sea. 

And the sea is also clean despite the fact that it hosts a port from which ferries also depart for Croatia.

The city also features masterpieces of art and architecture, including contemporary ones. Mark these places:

• Cathedral of St. Cyriac – In the 4th century B.C., the Doric Greeks chose the top of a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea to build a temple to Venus Euplea, protector of sailors. Centuries later the temple became an early Christian basilica and, in the 14th century, was transformed into a beautiful cathedral that combines Romanesque and Byzantine styles.
• Mole Vanvitelliana – In the first half of the 18th century, architect Vanvitelli (creator of the Reggia di Caserta), built at the behest of the Pope an artificial island with a pentagonal structure. This fortified structure functioned as a cargo warehouse and quarantine for those landing at the port. Today it hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, and the Omero Tactile Museum , the only example of its kind in Italy.
• Piazza del Plebiscito – Also known as Piazza del Papa, it is the social heart of Ancona. The square is overlooked by the Government Palace, the Clock Tower, cafes, and restaurants.
• Street art neighborhood – the Capodimonte neighborhood in Ancona has become famous for its murals. You can find them in the underpass that connects Via Cialdini to Via Astagno.

13 Conero Coast – better than the Amalfi Coast

From beautiful Ancona, driving south, you will come to a point where the coast has a promontory-it is the Conero Regional Park . This stop just cannot miss on your Adriatic Coast itinerary.

Conero is one of the most beautiful places to see in Le Marche. The main attraction of this region is the beaches surrounded by woods and washed by the turquoise sea .

Pin the most beautiful beaches in Le Marche from which to enjoy a spectacular sunrise:

• Mezzavalle Beach
• Due Sorelle Beach
• Urbani Beach
• Spiaggia del Frate

These are just some of the gems of the Conero region, but you will see that they are also among the most beautiful beaches on the Italian Adriatic Coast!

In addition to the beaches, it is worth visiting the small villages that have extraordinary sea views, such as Sirolo and Numana .

14 Trabocchi Coast Abruzzo 

The beauties of the east coast of Italy continue and multiply by heading even further south and entering the Abruzzo Region . 

We are officially in southern Italy.

Abruzzo is famous for genuine, flavorful food . Certainly, this quality combines well with relaxation on one of the region’s many blue-flag beaches . 

In fact, the Costa dei Trabocchi , which stretches 60 km from the town of Ortona to Vasto, boasts 100 percent blue flag beaches.

Here are my favorite ones:

• San Vito Chietino beach
• Fossacesia Marina beach
• Punta Aderci Beach (Nature Reserve).

Most of these are pebble beaches, and the sea is crystal clear.

The Costa dei Trabocchi is named for the presence of old wooden pilings on the sea from which fishermen lowered nets into the water. 

Today the trabocchi house mouthwatering seafood restaurants , such as Trabocco Punta Fornace.

The town of Ortona is also worth a visit, especially during a summer evening. Stroll along Corso Garibaldi, which has a beautiful view of the sea, and enjoy the best gelato in town , that of Giogoloso.

15 Gargano: best Beaches on the Italian Adriatic Coast

Now we have arrived in Puglia, world-famous for its beaches and picturesque villages built with white stone .

It is the white color of the cliffs overlooking the sea that will attract your attention as you travel along the Adriatic coast of Italy.

The Gargano is a promontory that is home to a national park . The greatest treasure here is the beaches, among the most beautiful in southern Italy.

I recommend that you first stop in Vieste , a picturesque coastal town, and explore the beaches to the north and south of the town. Your eyes will be filled with white and blue.

The most beautiful Gargano beaches are:

• Spiaggia del Castello in Vieste, home to the so-called Pizzomunno, a distinctive 25-meter-high limestone monolith
• Crovatico beach
• Baia dei colombi (Pigeon Bay)
• Baia delle Zagare
• Beach of the Arch of San Felice
• Baia della Pergola

The towns that line the Apulian coast are built on flat limestone boulders that plunge into the clear blue sea. Consider visiting, in addition to Vieste:

• Manfredonia

For lovers of nature walks, the Umbra Forest , a natural wonder home to monumental trees, would be worth adding to the itinerary. 

This forest is included in the UNESCO heritage site “Primordial beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe.”

The forest, which is rich in animal and plant biodiversity, is the perfect place to shelter from the scorching sun in July and August.

16 Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is the most famous coastal town in Puglia . 

Like those you have just passed through on your road trip itinerary on Italy’s Adriatic coast, it spreads out on a limestone rock that dominates the coast.

This rock hides fascinating caves bathed by the sea that becomes increasingly crystal clear as we travel south.

Polignano is known in Italy as the “ town of poems .” In fact, in every nook and cranny of the houses in the historic center, a guy named “Guido il Flaneur” has transcribed original poetic verses or those of great authors, in agreement with the owners of the houses (and therefore the walls eh!)

The town is not very small. The part towards the hinterland has been inhabited since the 18th century.

The oldest part, the part founded by the Greeks, overlooks the sea, a maze of narrow streets to explore.

Historical landmarks to see in Polignano include:

• Aldo Moro Square, the social hub of the town
• 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Polignano Cathedral)
• Clock Tower
• 19th-century Bourbon Bridge (from which to admire the narrow, long beach “Lama di Polignano,” a symbol of the town
• 10th-century Benedictine Abbey of San Vito.

Polignano is also a foodie destination. Try the special “ tiella barese ” with rice potatoes and mussels and the special coffee with cream, amaretto, and lemon zest.

Besides being the gateway to the most beautiful part of the Apulian coast, Lecce is in every way the most beautiful city in Puglia .

In Italy, Lecce is characterized as the “ capital of Baroque ,” as this style and period of Italian art, produced unique and unparalleled masterpieces here. 

So if you love architecture and open-air museums, this city is for you.

Enter through Porta Napoli , a 16th-century portal, and head to Via Umberto 1, where you will find two of the city’s iconic Baroque buildings:

• Palazzo Adorno
• Basilica di Santa Croce
• Other monuments you will enjoy photographing include:
• The Roman amphitheater and theater
• Castle of Charles 5
• Cathedral of Lecce

The typical food of Lecce is very tempting and very spiced with herbs.

• Rustici leccesi are small puff pastry buns filled with tomato, mozzarella cheese, and béchamel.
• Puccia is a typical soft bread to be filled with toppings as desired.
• Desserts include pasticciotto leccese , to be eaten hot, filled with lemon cream, ricotta, or chocolate.

The town is full of places to enjoy great food, such as Osteria da Angiulino for meat dishes and Osteria 203 for fish dishes.

The Salento Coast is said to have the most enchanting beaches in peninsular Italy, and it probably does.

This part of the East coast of Italy begins at Lecce and continues south to the point where the Adriatic Sea merges with the Ionian Sea.

Salento is taken by storm during the summer months, particularly by young people in their 20s and 30s, eager for the sea and sun and to dance to taranta and reggae music, which are widespread in this region.

It is believed that the hospitality of the locals is due to the fact that Salento has been a crossroads of different cultures. So, if you wish to learn about the character and culture of southern Italians , this is a very welcoming place to do so.

This is certainly reflected in the architecture of the villages and towns . They are well worth a visit:

• Marina di Castro

As for the sea in Salento, it is crystal clear. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy can be found in Salento. 

Some stretches of the coast are rocky and host striking caves .

Swimming and snorkeling here will be a blast. Remember to visit:

• Torre Specchia Beach
• Bay of the Turks
• Torre dell’ Orso
• Caves of Terrarico
• Cipolliane Caves

For this Adriatic Coast Italy road trip itinerary, I have chosen 18 of the stops that I feel are a must to get passionate about this wonderful part of the Mediterranean.

There are other towns and villages worth visiting, but I wanted to make a selection, partly because it will be difficult to see everything in one trip to the Italian east coast.

The best time to travel is between May and October .

In July and August you will meet many more local travelers, but never as many as the crowds that flock to the west coast and islands (except around Rimini and Salento).

During this road trip, you will make a true immersion in local Italian culture , amplified because, in many of these destinations, you don’t see as many foreign travelers, for example in Le Marche and Abruzzo. 

Always remember to explore the hinterland as well, for an even more off-the-beaten-path experience of the east side of Italy.

Let me know which destinations you have chosen to add to your itinerary on the Italian Adriatic coast Italy.

Related Articles from the Blog

If you liked this ItalyEast Coast road trip, I suggest you read some of my other travel articles.

• Top places to visit in Italy in the summer
• Best natural wonders in Italy
• A guide to visiting the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo
• The top undiscovered Italian beach town
• 22 Best Weekend Trips from Rome Italy in 2023

I’m Lisa, an Italian from Rome who one day discovered she finds incredible joy in traveling to new places. With this blog, I help you discover Italy (especially Rome and its surroundings) as a local would. Find out more about me here .

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10 Best Road Trips in Europe [2024 Europe Road Trips Guide]

F act: road trip destinations don’t get much better than Europe. From the winding alpine roads of Switzerland and France to the spectacular coastal routes in Italy and Ireland, there are more incredible road trips in Europe than you can shake a stick at!

Furthermore, there are road trips for all occasions and interests. The best road trips in Europe take you through wine country, around lakes, into ancient towns, and up sweeping mountain passes. Truly, whether you have an afternoon or an entire month available, if you’re looking for an epic adventure, a cultural experience, or a simple break from the city, there’s a European road trip that’s up to the task.

The tricky part’s deciding which one to do first! To help, we’re going to reveal 10 of the best Europe road trips available – whether you go in a car, a campervan , or on a motorbike. Let’s dive in.

The Best Road Trips in Europe

Wild atlantic way in ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic road trip that runs 1600 miles (2600km) along the west coast of Ireland. One of the world’s longest-defined coastal routes, it starts from Derry in the north and ends at the pretty town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Wild in both name and nature, driving the entire distance will reveal the very best of Ireland’s rugged, ancient, and weather-beaten coastline. You’ll pass through stunning countryside and picturesque villages, bearing witness to historic monuments, towering cliffs, and legendary landscapes at every turn.

A few highlights of the route include:

• The magical Cliffs of Moher
• Slieve League (a mountain in Country Donegal whose name in Irish means “mountain of stone pillars”)
• The lively and historic town of Galway, and
• The Ring of Kerry (another famous European road trip)

North Coast 500 in Scotland

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Widely regarded as the best road trip in Scotland, it brings together 500+ miles of the country’s most impressive scenery, sights, and attractions.

Passing through the notorious Highlands, your mind will boggle at the remote and unblemished beauty on display. Quaint fishing villages, sugar-soft white sand beaches, age-old lochs, rugged mountains, and sites of historical significance are just a few of the hidden gems you can expect to encounter.

Starting and finishing in Inverness – the UK’s northernmost city – you hug the coast of Scotland along a series of existing roads that form a loop around the top of the country. This road trip was actually only established in 2014 but quickly became popular among locals and visitors alike. A few highlights of the route include:

• The huge Smoo Cave, which was formed by both sea and rainwater (making it unique in the UK)
• The ruins of Ardvreck Castle at Loch Assynt
• The wildlife (especially the infamous highland deer!)
• The mile-long Corrieshallock Gorge, complete with a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses it

Check out our guide to things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland .

Atlantic Road in Norway

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet, the Atlantic Road in Norway is a real sight to behold. A unique route and remarkable feat of engineering, the road connects Averoy with the mainland, snaking out over the ocean in a series of small islands and bridges.

Proof that the best road trips in Europe aren’t always the longest, the Atlantic Road itself is only 5 miles (8km) long. Officially, it runs from Karvag to Vevang. However, it forms one section of a longer National Tourist Route between Bud and Kristiansund – the entirety of which is worth driving.

A phenomenal road trip, it’ll be a struggle to keep your eyes on the road as you gaze at the coastal scenery – views that chop and change depending on the weather conditions you happen to experience at the time.

Explore more of Norway! Here are the best things to do in Oslo , family-friendly things to do in Bergen , and our guide to exploring Norway’s fjords .

Almafi Coast in Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular travel destinations. And for a good reason! This 30-mile (50km) stretch of coastline is unlike any other on the planet.

Colorful old villages sit atop sheer cliffs, with cerulean waters below reflecting the blue skies and blazing sun above . Beautiful beaches and hikes litter the area, matched only by the mass of restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities…and tourists!

Trust us, a road trip along this inimitable coastline is hard to beat. Driving down the Amalfi Coast road, otherwise known as the SS163, will leave you speechless.

A staggering stretch of tarmac, it hugs the cliffs and winds through pristine, pastel-colored towns – starting in Sorrento and heading south past Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Vietri sul Mare. Take it slow, stop to explore each town, and fall in love with the aptly-named Divina Costiera (AKA the Divine Coast).

Arctic Coast Way in Iceland

You’ll find another of the best road trips in Europe in Iceland. One of the most picturesque countries on earth, it’s full of incredible sights and natural wonders – as well as infamous driving routes that take you past some of its most iconic attractions.

Chief among Iceland’s famous road trips is the Arctic Coast Way. This epic, 560-mile (900km) journey runs along the country’s northern coast, encompassing six peninsulas and just as many islands. The whole route takes anywhere from 3 to 12 days to drive, and a 4×4 is recommended for the trip.

This is nature at its finest, and you’ll pass a huge array of unforgettable attractions. Indeed, it’d require an entire article to provide a complete list of Arctic Coast highlights! To keep things short, here are a select few items to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary:

• The Hofsos swimming pool, with its mindblowing views over the ocean
• The Hofsos basalt columns that rival the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
• Humpback whale watching
• The geothermal sea baths at Husavik
• The Arctic Henge in Raufarhofn

Transfagarasan Highway in Romania

Welcome to what’s arguably Romania’s best-known road – not to mention one of its most popular tourist attractions.

Over 93 miles (150km) in length and with countless twists and turns, the Transfagarasan Highway looks like it was built solely to please road trippers! Expect switchback after switchback through a stunning landscape , leading up to an impressive high point of 6500 feet and exceptional views over the surrounding area.

The road cuts a striking sight – especially from above. Another amazing feat of engineering, it winds back and forth up a beautiful natural gorge, passes through tunnels, and crosses the Vidraru Dam (offering a fantastic look at the eponymous lake in the process).

Be sure to take your time and stop at the viewing points as you go. This is partly to stay safe on the ascent! But, with so much beauty on display, it’s mainly so you can make the most of the Transfagarasan Highway’s unbelievable scenery.

Ready to explore the Romanian capitol? Here are 10 great activities in Bucharest, Romania to enjoy with kids .

Route Napoleon in France

Route Napoleon isn’t just one of the best road trips in Europe. It’s also one of the most famous.

Following an escape route that Napoleon Bonaparte took in the early 19 th Century, the journey takes you 200 miles (325km) from the coastal town of Golfe-Juan, in the French Riviera, all the way north to the city of Grenoble.

The route’s as scenic as it is historic, too, passing a wide range and ever-changing landscapes from sweet-smelling lavender fields and pine forests to rolling hills, rocky outcrops, gorges, and mountains. Get ready for stunning vistas and equally impressive roads at every turn.

Trekaroo Tip: You can stick with tradition and attempt this Europe road trip in the same direction as Napoleon (from south to north). Yet many people choose to do it from north to south instead. That way, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea when you approach the French Riviera at the end.

Romantic Road in Germany

Romantic in both name and nature, this wonderful road trip is one of the very best in Germany. The Romantische Straße , as it’s called there, is 285 miles (460km) long and takes you through a slew of charming towns and jaw-dropping countryside, complete with ancient castles that look like something straight out of a Disney movie!

As for how long this road trip takes, consider giving yourself between three and four days to go from the start, in Wurzburg, until the end in Fussen. To prolong your German adventure, we recommend spending another couple of days in Munich afterward. Located just over 1.5 hours away from Fussen, the Capital of Bavaria is a popular travel destination in its own right.

Oberalp Pass in Switzerland

Searching for another iconic European road to drive down? Look no further than Oberalp Pass (AKA Route 19) in Switzerland.

Located at over 6,719 feet (2,048m) above sea level, this high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connects the Graubunden and Uri cantons. However, all you really need to know is that it’s utterly phenomenal! Just under 20 miles long, the pass runs from Disentis to Andermatt and provides unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains at every twist and turn in the road.

Steep and riddled with switchbacks, the pass is magnificent. Take note, though: Oberalp Pass is usually impassable between the end of October through April (although the final dates depend on how much snow and meltwater are present).

Read our full guide to visiting Switzerland with kids .

Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Last but not least on this list of the best road trips in Europe is the Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria – the highest paved mountain road in the country.

Popular with cyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike, this memorable toll route climbs up to an almighty 8215 feet (2504m) above sea level in a mere 30 miles (48km), with no fewer than 36 hairpin bends along the way. It runs from Fusch-Furleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, taking you into the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park in the process.

Once again, this European road trip isn’t available all year round. It’s usually open from the start of May until the end of October, although inclement weather conditions can restrict access to the road at any time of year.

As you can tell, thanks to its countless scenic roads and awe-inspiring landscapes, this diverse continent across the pond is a haven for anyone with a penchant for road trips. In fact, there are so many routes available that picking one can feel impossible!

With any luck, the options in this post will have given you some useful inspiration for which European road trip to do first. From the stunning Swiss Alps to the rugged coastline of Ireland, any of them is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Danny Newman is a digital nomad and freelance writer with a deep passion for travel. He’s also mad about #vanlife and offers fellow enthusiasts wide-ranging advice and inspiration on the topic over at campervantips.com .