Imagine cruising along winding coastal roads, with the sun shining overhead and the scent of olive groves in the air. Welcome to Italy, where every turn reveals a new postcard-perfect scene, and each stop offers a taste of the country’s rich history, culture, and cuisine.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, an Italy road trip is the ultimate adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in la dolce vita—the sweet life. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this journey has something for everyone.
I think road trip is a perfect way to explore this beautiful country. Get ready for an epic trip that will leave you with memories as rich as Italy’s heritage and as timeless as its landscapes.
Costs
- Road tolls ~200e
- Hotels: ~1500e
- Food: ~40e a day per person
- Activities: ~200e per person
- Total Per 2 Persons ~3800e
- * gas will depend on the car
Travel Tips
Planning a road trip is an exiting adventure and it helps a lot to know some tips.
- Be aware of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in some cities where only authorized vehicles are allowed. This is probably most important one.
- Make sure that your hotel has parking and it is not in ZTL zone. Some hotels can arrange authorization, but it could be only for the particular area and you will be stuck driving for hours trying to find a non ZTL road.
- Always have some cash for toll booths. Never throw away toll ticket.
- Parking can be challenging, especially in small cities and city centers.
- If you are traveling in summer for the love of God bring a bug spray, they are brutal there!
- It is always polite to learn some basic phrases in local language.
- Note that in almost all restaurants a bill will have a Cover charge or “coperto“, varying form 3-4 euros. This is not a tip, but rather a small per head cover charge that is included in some restaurants for servings of bread, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper at the beginning of the meal.
- Have cash for tourist tax at your hotel or Airbnb’s ( this won’t be included in your bookings.com or Airbnb charge and have to be paid separately).
12 Day Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1-3 : Lake Como
Nestled in the shadow of the Alps, Lake Como is a gem of northern Italy, where pristine waters meet lush mountains with charming villages scattered along the shoreline. Known for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and tranquil atmosphere, Lake Como has long been a favorite retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and inspiration.
Where to Stay
Choosing a place to use as a base can be a tough decision, but there is several options suitable for all budgets.
Como
Located at the southwestern end of the lake, this is the largest town in the region and the main hub for visitors, it also helps that the hotel prices are significantly lower then those in Varrena or Bellagio. Como offers something for everyone – plenty of dining options, a lively nightlife scene, and excellent shopping. Unfortunately our apartment was a bit further from main street, but Como has good local bus transport system. Make sure to have cash for tickets ( 3e per ticket.) or look for tabaccheria shops to by in advance.
Varrena
With its colorful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the lake, Varenna is the perfect escape for those seeking beauty and serenity away from the busier tourist spots. Unlike Bellagio or Como, Varenna offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Villa Monastero is one of Varrena’s most enchanting treasures. Originally a 12th-century monastery, this historic villa has been transformed into a stunning museum and botanical garden, offering visitors a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
Bellagio
Often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” perfectly positioned at the intersection of the lake’s three branches, most famous town in Lake Como offers panoramic views, charming cobblestone streets, and a timeless atmosphere that has drawn visitors for centuries. Keep in mind that is has more visitors than any of the other towns, so be prepared for some crowds.
Day 4-5 : Cinque Terre
4 hour drive from Como to Monterosso all Mare. Cinque Terre literally means five villages. All five villages are worth a visit and every single one is unique in their own way. We chose Monterosso all Mare for our stay, since it has easiest access to the beach.
Even tough we spent only one night there, we enjoyed this little coastal town. The stunning hiking trails that connect the five towns provide unparalleled views of terraced vineyards, lush hillsides, and crystal-clear waters. It is pretty easy to travel by train between towns as well.
Day 5-8 Florence
3 hour drive from Monterosso all Mare. Florence is the place where you have to make sure that your hotel is not in ZTL zone and has a parking. It’s quite expensive to park on the street ( ~25e per day). We stayed at Hotel Jane, which is just outside ZTL zone, 30 min to oldtown by foot. https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/hoteljaneflorence.html
Often called the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is the birthplace of some of the world’s most iconic art and architecture, form Botticelli’s ” Birth of Venus” to Michelangelo’s David.
Some of the must-see spots in Florence include:
- Uffizi Gallery ( be sure to buy ticket in advanced)
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as the Duomo) ( be prepared for extremely long queue)
- Ponte Vecchio Bridge
- Boboli Gardens
- Galleria dell’Accademia ( only if you really want to see statue of David, as beside it there is nothing else there. Literally nothing, aside from couple paintings.)
- Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella- perfumery and herbalist shop, sometimes called “oldest pharmacy in the world”. Oldest and probably most beautiful one.
- Piazza della Signoria
Day 8-10 Amalfi Coast
Almost 6 hours drive from Florence. We have stayed in Sorrento, often praised as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and with much more reasonable prices. Our bed & breakfast had a stunning view and owners were so lovely and accommodating that we felt like we were at home. Free shuttle to downtown was a great addition https://www.booking.com/Share-X3qhfR .
Amalfi Coast is one of those places that I heard so much about before visiting. I had really high expectations and wanted to love it. That being said, I did like it but it didn’t live up to expectations. It was crowded, overpriced and too be honest a bit overrated.
Positano, has become a bucket-list destination for travelers from around the world. But behind its picture-perfect façade, there are some challenges and drawbacks that can catch visitors off guard.
From the steep and crowded streets to the high prices that come with its popularity, it can be a tough place to navigate, especially during peak tourist season. The town’s narrow alleys and endless staircases, while charming in photos, can be exhausting in reality, making it difficult to fully enjoy your visit if you’re not prepared. Additionally, the influx of tourists has driven up costs, from accommodation to dining, often making Positano one of the most expensive spots along the Amalfi Coast. For example 2 sunbeds without umbrella will cost you 80 euros… Yes 80…
While Positano undoubtedly has its charms, it’s important to be aware of these challenges so you can plan your trip with realistic expectations.
Day 10-12 Tuscany
Drive back from Amalfi coast ~6 hours. Tuscany is definitely a must do while you are road tripping in Italy. There are tons of things to see in Tuscany – mostly awesome wineries. We have chosen Chianti region, more specifically Castellina in Chianti.
Castellina in Chianti is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Italy’s rural charm. With its medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and sweeping vineyards, this enchanting village offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We have stayed in Collelungo, medieval farmhouse transformed into a villa in the middle of a vineyard. https://www.collelungo.com/en/
They helped us to organize a winery tour at Agriturismo Rocca, which was one of the highlights of our trip and definitely recommended activity. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g194720-d17288110-Reviews-Agriturismo_Rocca-Castellina_In_Chianti_Tuscany.html
Castellina in Chianti provides a truly authentic Tuscan experience.
An Italy road trip is the adventure of a lifetime, offering the chance to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rugged coastline of the Amalfi Coast. This road trip isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about enjoying the journey, savoring every moment, and discovering the beauty that makes Italy so enchanting. And would definitely come back to Tuscany.
