How To Plan an Italy Road Trip

If you're looking to get away from it all and enjoy Italy's Dolce Vita on a 2-week Italy Road Trip, our experts have created a 2-week Italy road trip itinerary through Northern and Central Italy for you. To help you organise the Italy road trip of your dreams, you'll find all the practical information you need in this article, from journey times and hotels to bookings and must-do activities in each of the destinations on this Italy road trip.

How to Plan Your Italy Road Trip

Is Italy good for road trips?

Italy is an excellent destination for road trips, offering diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine along the way. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic coastline of the iconic Amalfi Coast, there's something for every type of road tripper to enjoy.

How many days to road trip Italy?

As with every travel plan, there's no set duration for an Italy road trip as it truly depends on your preferences and the destinations you want to hit. That being said, to really see everything worthwhile, a two-week Italy road trip itinerary allows ample time to experience the highlights of the country without feeling rushed.

What is the most scenic route in Italy?

Italy boasts numerous scenic routes, but one of the most picturesque is the Amalfi Coast road, winding along the rugged coastline with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Other notable Italy road trips include the Dolomites in the north and the Chianti wine region in Tuscany.

How difficult is driving in Italy?

Driving in Italy can be challenging, especially in major cities where traffic congestion and narrow streets are common. However, once you're out of urban areas, the roads are generally well-maintained, and driving becomes more enjoyable, allowing you to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Nonetheless, here are 5 tips for driving on Italian roads during your road trip:

1. Get to Grips with Italian Driving Laws: Make sure you understand Italian road signs, speed limits, and traffic regulations before hitting the road.
2. Brace Yourself for Aggressive Driving: Be ready for fast-paced driving, frequent lane changes, and assertive manoeuvres, particularly in busy urban areas.
3. Stay Vigilant in City Centres: Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and Vespas darting through traffic, especially in historic city centres with narrow streets.
4. Plan Your Routes Wisely: Utilise GPS navigation to anticipate traffic and choose alternative routes, particularly during peak travel times.
5. Adopt a Defensive Driving Approach: Maintain a defensive driving mindset, anticipate the actions of other road users, and stay focused to navigate safely through challenging driving conditions.

What is the best route to drive to Italy from the UK?

The most popular route from the UK to Italy is via France, either through the Euro Tunnel or by ferry from Dover to Calais. From there, you can drive through France and enter Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel or the Frejus Tunnel, depending on your final destination.

How much does it cost to drive to Italy from the UK?

The cost of driving to Italy from the UK varies depending on factors such as fuel prices, tolls, and accommodation. It's advisable to budget for expenses such as fuel, tolls, accommodation, food, and any additional activities or attractions along the way.

The Best 2 Week Italy Road Trip

Now that we've answered the most frequently asked questions about Italy road trips, here is our curated 2 week Italy road trip itinerary that covers all the top spots you're not going to want to miss.

The perfect 2-week Italy road trip itinerary for you:

1. Rome: our road trip starts in the heart of an open-air museum (3 days).
2. Pisa: to discover the charm of Tuscany and its leaning tower (2 days).
3. Cinque Terre: a little Dolce Vita by the sea (3 days).
4. Bologna: to discover the gastronomic heart of Italy (1 day).
5. Venice: a dose of romance on the Venetian canals (2 days).
6. Florence: to stroll through the cradle of the Renaissance (2 days).

A 2-Week Itinerary For Your Italy Road Trip

If you want to see the best this Mediterranean gem has to offer on your road trip to Italy, you've come to the right place. The central region of Italy, with Rome and Tuscany, is one of the top regions to see in Italy. Northern Italy, close to the border and further east with Verona and Venice, is also a region rich in culture and different influences, making it a perfect destination for a first road trip in Italy.

For your 2 week road trip in Italy, we recommend booking a flight to Rome. This way, you can enjoy 3 days without a car, as it's easy to visit the Italian capital without needing a car. Once you've completed this first stage, you can hire a car to explore the country.

1st stop of your road trip in Italy: Rome (3 days)

Rome as the first stage of your 2-week Italy road trip is surely the best way to immerse yourself in the Italian atmosphere. As mentioned above, we strongly advise you to book a flight to Rome, the main reason being that you don't need a car to visit the Italian capital.

In our opinion, Rome is one of the most magical cities in the world. Between the warmth of its people, the beauty of its monuments and the local gastronomy that will transcend your senses, Rome will turn you upside down during your stay. 3 days in this city is a good compromise for discovering the best the city has to offer before continuing your road trip to the rest of the country. To make sure you don't miss out on any of the must-see sights in the city, we think the perfect itinerary for your 3 days in Rome is as follows:

• Day 1: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese.
• Day 2: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, Trastevere.
• Day 3: Palatine Hill, Colosseum, Via dei Fori Imperiali.

What to do in Rome

If you want to make your 3 days in Rome an unusual holiday made up of unusual experiences, we recommend adding the following must-do activities in Rome to your itinerary:

• A private tour of Rome by night: your guide will show you Rome from a whole new angle. With his professional photographer's eye, he'll help you take the best shots of this European capital.
• Learn to cook real pasta alongside a Roman chef: discover all the Italian art alongside a chef who, in a unique experience, will teach you to cook like a real local.

Where to stay in Rome on your Italy road trip?

For this first stage of your road trip in Italy, the best thing to do is book a hotel close to the centre to make the most of your stay in Rome. Among our favourite hotels, we recommend you book one of the following:

• Apollo Boutique Hotel - (4 stars): close to the Vatican and just a 13-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo this charming hotel is a perfect oasis of calm once your day of exploring is over. With only 14 rooms, the hotel's staff will take great care of you during your stay.
• Hotel Principe Torlonia - (4 stars): 5 minutes by metro from the city centre, Hotel Principe Torlonia is set in the heart of an Italian villa with just 27 rooms. The luxurious atmosphere is perfect for starting your road trip in the best possible conditions.

2nd Stop of Your Italy Road Trip: Pisa and Tuscany (2 days)

Travel time: Rome - Pisa 4h (328km).

After your first 3 days on the road, it's time to hit the road. Once you've collected your car, head for Pisa. Take the E80 along the Italian coast and through Tuscany to admire some magnificent Italian scenery on this first drive of your 2-week road trip in Italy. We advise you not to leave too late, so you can enjoy lunch on an Italian terrace for the midday break.

Once you've finished your meal, head to the Campo dei Miracoli, a stunning architectural ensemble and the must-visit place in Pisa. Not only is it home to the very famous Tower of Pisa, but also other treasures such as the Duomo (Pisa Cathedral) and the Baptisterio and Camposanto Monumentale, a gigantic cemetery full of Roman frescoes and sarcophagi. The day will be well advanced once you've visited all these places. To round off your day in Pisa, there's nothing like a stroll along the Arno River. You can admire the bridges and ancient facades far from the hustle and bustle of the Tower of Pisa before making your way to the Piazza dei Cavalieri via the Borgo Stretto district, where you can sample a number of local specialities.

What to do in Pisa

Pisa is a relatively small city compared with Rome, but it is a must for a first trip to Italy. To sum up, among the must-do activities in Pisa, we recommend that you do the following:

• A visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Campo dei Miracoli: discover this emblematic area of the city that is still incredibly well preserved.
• Stroll through Pisa city centre: admire Keith Haring's magnificent mural and discover the emblematic squares of this historic city.

Where to stay in Pisa on your road trip in Italy?

For your overnight stay in Pisa during your road trip in Italy, we recommend you book one of the following hotels:

• Grand Hotel Duomo (stars): this hotel is located in the heart of Pisa and features a rooftop café restaurant with breathtaking views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo. Add to this comfortable rooms and impeccable quality of service for a perfect stay in Pisa.
• Palazzo Feroci : this small boutique hotel with just 10 rooms is located in the centre of Pisa. When you walk through the door of this establishment, you will be charmed by the décor and the perfect blend of modernity and renaissance style.

3rd stop of your road trip in Italy: Cinq Terres (3 days)

Travel time: Pisa - Cinque Terre 1h40 (70 miles).

Day five of your Italy road trip itinerary and after enjoying breakfast in the Italian alleyways of Pisa, head for the Italian coast and The Cinque Terre. In the north of Italy, close to Genoa, the Cinque Terre is made up of 5 small fishing villages with colourful hillside houses that stand out against the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. This part of your 2-week road trip itinerary in Italy is all about relaxation. Here you can wander around the small fishing ports while marvelling at the beauty of the villages and vineyards along the coast. The beach at Monterosso is surely one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Wedged between colourful houses, turquoise water and the rocks of the Italian cliffs.

Take advantage of your second day in Cinque Terre to visit Vernazza in the early hours to avoid the crowds. Continue on the hiking trail between Vernazza to Corniglia, to take in the breathtaking views of the coast. If you don't necessarily fancy hiking between the various villages of Cinque Terre, you can take a train, which will take you from village to village in less than 10 minutes. The train is also much more practical than the car, as you won't have to worry about finding a parking space, which are extremely popular. The train ticket varies between each city between €5 and €10 per adult.

Here's a table summarising the time between each village (from Levanto to La Spezia):

What activities can you do in Cinque Terre?

On this leg of your Road Trip in Italy to Cinque Terre, we recommend booking one of the following activities so you can enjoy the idyllic setting of this Italian coastal region:

• A Riomaggiore vineyard tour and wine tasting: discover the cliffside vineyards and taste its characterful Italian wines during an incredible wine experience in Cinque Terre.
• Discover Cinque Terre from the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean: discover these small Italian villages from a completely different perspective.

Where to stay in Cinque Terre during your road trip in Italy?

For this stage of your 2-week road trip in Italy, the ideal place to stay is a hotel with a view of the sea and the colourful houses. Our favourite establishments offering one of the best views in this region are the following:

• Le Giare Rooms (guest house): ideally located for exploring the village of Riomaggiore and with incredible sea views, this intimate guest house with just 4 rooms is perfect for your stay in Cinque Terre.

4th stop of your Italy road trip: Bologna (1 day)

Travel time: Cinque Terre - Bologna 3h10 (249km) .

For your 4th leg of this 2-week Italy road trip, you'll head for Bologna, the perfect midway stop to reach the country's Adriatic coast. This historic city in the heart of Tuscany is bursting with architectural treasures and, above all, boasts a delicious gastronomic scene, perfect for all fans of traditional Italian cuisine. Once you've put your suitcase down at your hotel, take a stroll around the Piazza Maggiore, considered the heart of Bologna. This square is surrounded by remarkable buildings such as the Palazzo d'Accursio, the Palazzo dei Notai and the magnificent Basilica of San Petronio. This basilica is by far the must-see site in Bologna.

Also nicknamed the red city, Bologna is full of little alleys, each more incredible than the last, where you can get lost to discover secret places. Our favourite alleyway? Via Piella, at number 18, where you can simply push open the little shutter (la finestrella) to enjoy one of the most photogenic views of the streets of Bologna.

Then set off to climb the Two Towers of Bologna. The highest, the Asinelli Tower, offers a panoramic view of the whole city. Once you've come down, it'll surely be time for dinner. Head to the old amrché district of Quadrilatero, is the ideal place to savour local specialities.

What to do in Bologna

Bologna is one of those Italian cities that has so much to offer. To make the most of this short stopover in Bologna during your road trip in Italy, here is a list of our favourite activities:

• Discover Bologna's city centre: accompanied by a guide who will reveal all the secrets of the red city, you will set off from the Piazza del Nettuno and visit Bologna's most beautiful sites.
• At the wheel of a vintage Fiat 500 discover Tuscany in an original way: between lush nature, vineyards and characterful villages, Tuscany has a lot to offer.
• Enjoy an unusual tour of Bologna on a Food Tour: discover the capital of Italy's gastronomic valley in a whole new light on a private gastronomic tour of Bologna city centre.

Where to stay in Bologna on your road trip in Italy?

Bologna is a midway stop on your 2-week road trip in Italy, but it's still a city with a charm you can't afford to miss. For your overnight stay in Bologna, we recommend you book one of the following establishments:

• Hotel Centrale (3 stars): less than 10 minutes' walk from the Piazza Maggiore, Hotel Centrale is perfectly located to enjoy the historic heart of the city and the many iconic restaurants in the centre. The spacious rooms will invite you to relax once your day of exploring is over.
• Hotel Corona d'Oro (4 stars): if you have to be transported to the heart of Italy, Hotel Corona d'Oro in Bologna is the perfect establishment. This hotel has an eye for detail, between its refined furnishings, welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking views over the medieval streets of Bologna, you'll be immediately charmed.

5th stop of your Italy road trip: Venice (2 days)

Travel time: Bologna - Venice 1h50 (96 miles).

The fifth stop on your 2-week Italy road trip, Venice, one of Italy's most romantic cities. The city of the Doges, with its Venetian palaces and its Bridge of Sighs, is the perfect backdrop for 2 days of absolute romance during your trip to Italy. Venice is a relatively small city made up of around a hundred islands, all linked together by over 400 bridges. As a result, it's the perfect place to lose yourself in the cobbled streets and admire this fascinating city. The San Marco Quarter, the historic heart of Venice, concentrates the majority of monuments to visit in Venice.

In the San Marco district of Venice, you absolutely must start your visit with the Piazza San Marco, the largest square in Venice. Head into the heart of Saint Mark's Basilica to admire its golden mosaics. Don't forget to stop and admire the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's most beautiful monuments. Then visit the Doge's Palace with its unmissable Scala d'Oro.

Once the tour is over, take advantage of lunch to sample sumptuous Italian dishes at a restaurant in the city centre. The Ristorante Do Forni is a stone's throw from Piazza San Marco and will give you a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine. After your lunch, stroll along the canals of the San Polo district and marvel at the colourful gondolas. Make a stop in front of the Rialto Bridge a must-see in this district. To round off your first day in Venice in style, there's nothing like a gondola ride to admire the city as it takes on a magnificent golden hue with the last rays of the sun. An experience not to be missed on your road trip through Italy.

For your second day, we recommend exploring the Island of Burano, known for its colourful houses. It's easily accessible thanks to the vaporetto line, a boat-bus that will take you through the small islands of the Venetian region. The small island of Torcello is also worth a visit, with its Basilica Santa Maria dell'Assunta.

What to do in Venice

If you want to make this part of your Italian road trip really special, we recommend that you organise one of the following activities during your stay in Venice:

• Board a Venetian galleon for a sunset dinner: enjoy a candlelit dinner as you sail along the coast of Mazzorbo, Burano and Murano.
• Make your own Venetian mask with a local artisan: enjoy a privileged experience with a local designer to take home a unique souvenir of your road trip in Italy.
• Discover Venice by kayak: forget the gondola, and explore Venice in a whole new way. This unusual means of transport will allow you to discover the city's secrets through its canals.

Where to stay in Venice on your road trip in Italy?

Unfortunately, staying in Venice's city centre can be relatively expensive, even if it is one of the most romantic places to stay during this stage of your road trip in Italy. If you're on a budget, we advise you to book accommodation in the town of Mestre. It will be easier for you to park your car in this small town than in Venice.

Among our favourite accommodations in this region, we recommend you book one of the following hotels:

• Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre - Mestre (4 stars): not far from the port of Mestre allowing you to easily reach Venice, this charming hotel is the perfect base once your day of exploring is over.
• Elite Hotel & Spa - Mestre (4 stars): this hotel is the perfect oasis of calm once your day of sightseeing in Venice is over. Take advantage of the incredible comfort of your room and the hotel's modern spa to relax after exploring the narrow streets of Venice.
• Salute Palace powered by Sonder - Venice (4 stars): if you want to enjoy a prime location and the comfort of a 4-star hotel in the heart of Venice, the Salute Palace is the ideal hotel for you. The harmony of its decor, with wood, gilding and shades of beige, invites you to relax.

Last stop of your Italy road trip: Florence (2 days)

Travel time: Venise - Florence 3h10 (162 miles).

Last stop on your 2-week Italy road trip, Florence. Like many Italian cities, the capital of Tuscany is a veritable open-air museum. Although two days may seem like a short time to visit Florence, you'll still be able to enjoy the beauty of Italian Renaissance architecture.

On your first day of sightseeing after making the drive from Venice, we recommend heading to the Piazza del Duomo. This is the beating heart of Florence with the incredible cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and its white and green marble facade as well as its famous dome by Brunelleschi. Measuring 46 metres in diameter and 114 metres high, the beauty of this work of art depicting the Last Judgement will leave you speechless.

Then continue your tour of the city to the gates of the Baptistery, with its 3 bronze doors depicting various scenes from the lives of St John the Baptist, Jesus and the Old Testament.

The next day, book a tête-à-tête with Michelangelo's David in the Galleria dell'Accademia. You can admire the creations of other Renaissance geniuses such as Botticelli and Orcagna. We recommend that you spend the morning in this gallery, as the works on display are truly masterpieces. In the afternoon, after admiring the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most romantic bridge, we urge you to visit the Palazzo Vecchio. Looking like a medieval castle from the outside, this palace has a spectacular interior that will leave you speechless.

What to do in Florence

If you want to be sure of seeing the best that Florence has to offer, we recommend that you book one of the following activities during your road trip in Italy:

• Take a stroll through the stalls of Tuscany's largest market: discover Tuscan specialities and taste delicious Italian wines in the heart of Florence's market on a Food Tour.
• Discover the vineyards of the famous Chanti region: head to the outskirts of Florence and taste the best Chanti wines in the heart of the most beautiful Tuscan vineyards.

Where to stay in Florence on your Italy road trip

For this last leg of your road trip in Italy, and to take full advantage of the beauty of Florence, we recommend that you book a stay at one of the following hotels:

• Starhotels Tuscany (4 stars): this incredible value-for-money 4-star hotel is located in Florence's Novoli district. Its modern and comfortable rooms will allow you to recharge your batteries before exploring the city centre.
• Hotel Calimala (4 stars): if you want to enjoy a luxurious getaway in the heart of Florence's vibrant centre, the Calimala is the perfect hotel. With its decor inspired by the city's Renaissance architecture, you'll fall under the spell of the hotel's atmosphere. Our favourite room: the restaurant with its rooftop and 360° view over the rooftops of Florence.

Once your two days of sightseeing are over, it will be time to head to Rome to end your 2-week Italy road trip and catch a flight home with memories flooding your head.

You now have the ultimate 2-week Italy road trip itinerary. Not only will you enjoy visits to the most beautiful cities in Northern and Central Italy, but you'll also be able to take in the sumptuous Tuscan and coastal landscapes on your road trips.

Additional Information For Your Italy Road Trip

If you still have a few questions about organising your 2-week road trip in Italy, this section is for you. Our travel experts have answered the most frequently asked questions about preparing for a road trip to Italy, so you can travel with a clear head.

Where to go on a road trip in Italy?

Italy is an incredible country with many road trip possibilities. Among our favourite itineraries, we recommend the following where to take a road trip in Italy:

• North and Central Italy (14days): Rome, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Bologna, Venice, Florence.
• Southern Italy (14 days): Naples, Amalfi Coast, Reggio Calbria, Sicily, Matera, Lecce.
• Sardinia (days): Cagliari, Costa Smeralda, Alghero, Castelsardo, San Pietro Island, Oristano.
• Northern Italy (days): Milan, Lake Como, Verona, Dolomites, Venice, Trieste.

What to see on a 1 week road trip in Italy

If you only have one week to organise your trip, we recommend that you choose 3 cities so that you can make the most of 2 days in each of them.
Itinerary of road trip in Italy 1 week

1. Rome
2. Bologna
3. Pisa
4. Florence

This is the perfect itinerary for a first trip to Italy.

When to take a road trip in Italy?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the two best seasons to organise an Italy road trip. Not only will you be able to enjoy the major cities in good weather conditions, but you'll also be able to avoid the tourist crowds of the summer months.

Gift your loved ones a magical experience in Italy with Experiencegift

Are you currently gift shopping for your favourite traveller? Perhaps it's their birthday, anniversary or wedding. Or maybe you'd like to express sympathy or thanks? Whatever the occasion, our experience gifts are the best solution. At Experiencegift, we truly are your one-stop-shop for incredible (and flexible) travel gifts.

Whether you want to gift them:

• A hotel in Italy with Hotelgift
• A flight to experience the Dolce Vita with Flightgift
• A fun activity to try to get closer to Italian culture with Activitygift

All of our experience vouchers provide limitless choice, 2 years to redeem and 24/7 customer service. Whatever Experiencegift brand you choose, all of our experience gifts are available in three convenient formats eGift, PDF and physical experience vouchers and can be personalised by adding your own photo and message. So go on and open up your loved one's world with our exceptional experience gifts.