Italy Road Trip: The Ultimate Bucket List Experience

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Your complete Italian road trip guide

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 cuisine in this sublime country. Take our bucket list Italy road trip and see it for yourself!

We explored the sweeping landscapes, historic cities, and picture-perfect coasts of Italy, slow travelling over the course of a year. We travelled by motorbike, car and motorhome, and strung this itinerary together to include all the best bits of our unforgettable trip.

In this Italy road trip guide, we’ll share the route we took, ideas for activities along the way like wine tastings, volcano trekking and exploring historic UNESCO sites, plus plenty of travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable Italian road trip itinerary.

Italy Road Trip Map

Italy Road Trip Itinerary

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

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.

Tailor Your Italy Road Trip

Milan

Milan is the best airport to fly in and out of for this Italian 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 centre 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 by delaying your car rental pick-up until the following day, then hit the road for the best road trip route in Italy!

Portofino

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

The charming Piazzetta, a small cobbled square, overlooks the harbour 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. We ate one of the best tomato salads we have ever experienced here; the tomatoes were warm from the sun, the basil fresh, and the olive oil generous, just as it should be.

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 harbour for a perfect end to your first full day in Italy.

Where to Stay in Portofino

Upmarket: The iconic Splendido Hotel offers a blend of timeless elegance and Mediterranean charm with its luxurious rooms, stunning sea views, impeccable service, and a lush, terraced garden. Savour exquisite Italian cuisine at the world-class restaurant, relax by the infinity pool or stroll into the picturesque Portofino harbour just minutes away.

Mid-Range: The Hotel Piccolo Portofino boasts a modern interior, a lively bar and restaurant, and a sunny terrace overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. Unwind on the hotel’s tiny private beach or explore the village and harbour a ten-minute (downhill/uphill) walk away. We stayed here and didn’t mind the walk to and from the town – it helped us to work off all that gelato and focaccia!

Budget: Albergo Annabella is a charming 1-star hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure, a ten-minute drive from Portofino along the coast road. The hotel offers a comfortable stay with unassuming rooms, some featuring shared bathrooms. It’s a great budget-friendly option for those seeking a convenient base to explore this beautiful area of the Italian Riviera.

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 coloured houses cling to dramatic terraced streets, harbours 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 and has incredible sea views. The 12km trail will take around 6 hours and is moderately difficult with many steps which have been smoothed by thousands of shoes and can be slippery.

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.

Going to Cinque Terre in a car can be challenging, and you should read this helpful Cinque Terre guide before you decide how to visit.

If you do decide not to stay or park in Cinque Terre, La Spezia offers an excellent alternative and you can get the express train, which stops at each of the five villages. Another option is to take the Cinque Terre ferry, which stops at all the villages apart from Corniglia, as there is no access to the sea.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre

Upmarket: The Sesta Terra Natural Resort in Framura offers a unique glamping experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre National Park. Overlooking the Ligurian Sea, this eco-friendly resort provides a comfortable and stylish stay in wooden cottages and canvas lodges, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying modern amenities.

Mid-Range: Ca’ D’Andrean offers a charming and authentic stay in the heart of Manarola, one of the five enchanting villages of Cinque Terre. This family-run hotel provides comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere, allowing guests to experience the true essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site. We stayed here and loved everything about the hotel, other than the limited breakfast, although the croissants were excellent – the traditional Italian cornetti style filled with apricot jam.

Budget: La Taverna del Metallo Rooms offers a charming and convenient base for exploring the Cinque Terre. Located in La Spezia, this family-run establishment provides comfortable accommodation within easy reach of the picturesque villages and stunning coastal scenery.

Pisa

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-coloured 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 in Pisa offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury in the heart of the city. This elegant boutique hotel, housed in a beautifully restored historic building, features stylish rooms with refined décor, ensuring a comfortable and sophisticated stay.

Mid-Range: Hotel Di Stefano is a charming and welcoming property located just a short walk from the city’s historic landmarks. Known for its friendly service and comfortable rooms, the hotel has a delightful rooftop terrace and serves an excellent breakfast, all with a touch of traditional Italian style. We stayed here and really enjoyed exploring Pisa in the evening after the day trippers had left. There are lots of small non-touristy restaurants around the hotel where you can enjoy authentic local food.

Budget: Hotel La Pace is a comfortable and budget-friendly hotel offering cosy rooms with modern amenities and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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 centre.

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.

Where to Stay in San Gimignano 

Upmarket: Agriturismo Mormoraia is a stunning countryside retreat surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. This former monastery-turned-charming agriturismo offers elegantly furnished rooms and apartments. There is an outdoor pool, on-site wellness facilities including a sauna and jacuzzi, and a very good restaurant serving Tuscan specialities and wines to enjoy.

Mid-Range: Hotel Bel Soggiorno is a delightfully elegant boutique hotel located within the medieval walls of this enchanting Tuscan town. With breathtaking views, the hotel combines historic charm with modern comfort.

Budget: Hotel La Cisterna is a charming and historic hotel located in the picturesque Piazza della Cisterna. Housed in a beautifully restored medieval building, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, many of which feature stunning views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside or the lively square below. We had a super stay here – you will need to park outside the city walls and walk in. There are four parking lots, with P1 being the furthest (around 800 meters) and P2 being the closest (around 300 meters).

Siena

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 also 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 in the heart of Siena is a unique and luxurious boutique hotel that combines medieval architecture with striking contemporary design. Housed in a 13th-century red brick building, this one-of-a-kind property offers stylishly decorated rooms featuring a perfect blend of historical charm and modern elegance, with high ceilings, exposed beams, and designer furnishings.

Mid-Range: Hotel Athena is a sophisticated 4-star hotel located within the city’s walls. Its spacious, elegantly designed rooms provide a relaxing retreat, many featuring views of Siena’s rooftops or the surrounding countryside. With free parking, attentive service, and a convenient location just a short walk from Siena’s main attractions, we found the hotel a great choice for exploring Siena.

Budget: Il Lavandeto, a charming farmhouse in the city, offers a unique escape that combines the rustic beauty of the Tuscan countryside with the convenience of being close to Siena’s historic centre. Set amidst fragrant lavender fields and lush gardens, this tranquil value-for-money retreat provides simple rustic rooms, modern bathrooms and a huge welcome!

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 famously elegant 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 centre of the town, so maybe pack just a small bag for your overnight stay.

Where to Stay in Montepulciano

Upmarket: Palazzo Carletti is a luxurious boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace, offering an intimate and elegant experience. This historic property combines classic architecture with modern comforts, featuring tastefully decorated rooms with antique furnishings, high ceilings, and stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. We stayed here on my birthday, and it was truly wonderful. We stayed in the double superior Leopoldo III room, which had a beautiful frescoed ceiling and a very comfy bed!

Mid-Range: Il Rondò Boutique Hotel is a stylish and intimate retreat in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa. The hotel offers a blend of classic charm and modern luxury, with elegant rooms featuring cosy furnishings, high ceilings, and scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

Budget: Albergo Duomo is a welcoming hotel located set in a historic building in the centre of Montepulciano. The hotel features rooms that blend traditional Tuscan style with modern comforts with beautiful views of the town’s medieval streets and the surrounding countryside.

Italy Road Trip Ideas

Rome

The centre 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 – and there are lots of people to watch!

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

Where to Stay in Rome

Upmarket: Palazzo Talìa is part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, known for offering unique, high-end accommodations with personalized service and an emphasis on luxury and comfort. Located in the heart of Roma, Palazzo Talìa provides a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and an intimate atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a celebratory stay or special occasion.

Mid-Range: Mario De’ Fiori 37 is a boutique hotel offering a blend of luxury, style, and intimate comfort. Just a few steps minutes walk from the Spanish Steps, the converted townhouse is welcoming and beautifully decorated. We stayed here and loved its style. We parked at Tuscalona Parking on the outskirts and caught no 80 bus from the nearby stop to the Barberini stop a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

Budget: San Anselmo is a charming boutique hotel located in the Aventine Hill area of Rome, one of the city’s most elegant and tranquil neighbourhoods. Known for its peaceful ambience, stylish decor, and a unique setting, this hotel offers a blend of classic Roman charm and modern comforts, making it a popular choice for travellers looking for a serene retreat in central Rome.

Spoleto

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

Set 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, visiting the Roman Theatre and taking the travelator (an experience in itself) up to the mighty fortress of La Rocca Albornoz, which dominates the skyline before you wander around the many beautiful churches and religious buildings in the town. 

Where to Stay in Spoleto

Upmarket: Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca is a historic boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored 13th-century palazzo. Located in the heart of Spoleto’s medieval old town, this charming residence offers a unique combination of classic architecture, antique furnishings, and modern amenities.

Mid-Range: Hotel dei Duchi is a charming 4-star hotel located just a short distance from the historic centre, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and the medieval town. Set in a beautiful building with a blend of traditional and modern design, the hotel features comfortable, spacious rooms with elegant furnishings, a pretty garden and an outdoor pool. We stayed here and after Rome, really appreciate the on-site parking and its location, surrouned by greenery.

Budget: Hotel Vecchio Forno is a cosy and inviting 3-star hotel in the centre of town. Set in a charming building that once housed an old bakery, the hotel is full of rustic character. It offers comfortable rooms with warm decor, a delicious breakfast and excellent personalized service.

Assisi

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, and 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 is a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Assisi, offering a unique blend of history, elegance, and modern comforts. Set in a beautifully restored former monastery, the hotel seamlessly integrates its rich historical surroundings with contemporary design and state-of-the-art amenities, an underground Roman spa and roof-top restaurant, Benedikto. Another splurge stay stay saw us lounging in the spa and lavender-fileld gardens, and enjoying the best pork we’ve ever eaten with an amazing view of Assisi’s skyline.

Mid-Range: Le Silve di Armenzano is a tranquil countryside retreat located just outside Assisi, in the heart of the Umbrian hills. Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery, the property offers stylishly rustic rooms filled with antique furniture. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, using fresh, regional ingredients to create traditional dishes.

Budget: Hotel Cladan is a comfortable, family-friendly hotel offering a welcoming atmosphere in a convenient location with easy access to the town’s major attractions. The hotel features simple yet cosy rooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure a relaxing and affordable stay.

Florence

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 – and we are in our Florence in a day itinerary!

However, if you can, it’s better to spend two days in Florence 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. In two days, you can see it all, meandering from attraction to attraction, without feeling rushed.

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

Where to Stay in Florence

Upmarket: Our favourite place to stay in Florence, the Hotel Spadai, is a minute’s walk from the Duomo and even has a view of the famous dome from the top-floor breakfast room. The rooms are quirky and original, all beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable. They are great at giving upgrades too, especially if you’re travelling outside of the hight season.

Mid-Range: The Soprano Suites is a chic boutique hotel close to the Ponte Vecchio. The hotel features elegantly designed suites that combine contemporary decor with classic Florentine touches, including original frescoed ceilings and roll-top baths. The vibe is cozy with personalized service, making this a great choice to explore Florence.

Budget: Located in a very central location, the 3-star Hotel Perseo is known for its excellent central location, welcoming staff, comfortable rooms and excellent breakfast!

Bologna

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, enjoy an amazing do-it-yourself lunch at the oldest pub in Italy, and marvel at the medieval architecture the city has to offer. 

In Bologna, you’ll find colourful food markets, amazing delicatessens, pasta makers, wine bars and gelato parlours to tempt your tastebuds. Vendors here are proud of their produce and will help you choose ingredients. When we visited Le Sfogline to buy pasta, the owner kindly shared a recipe with us so we could cook it in the best way.

If you have time, pop across to Modena to sample the famous Balsamic vinegar made there, and then Parma for Prosciutto di Parma, the delicious dry-cured ham only made in the area. Also in Modena is the Enzo Ferrari Museum, which Phil loved!

Where to Stay in Bologna

Upmarket: For a touch of luxury, book the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni. The century-old legacy of Bologna’s finest hotel shines through in its opulent interiors adorned with antique furnishings and priceless artworks. Superbly located in the heart of the city and with a welcoming ambience, this is the top spot to stay in Bologna.

Mid-Range: The Casa Conoscenti Suites is a stylish and modern boutique hotel offering within walking distance of Bologna’s historic centre. The hotel features elegant suites with contemporary design, each thoughtfully decorated with high-end furnishings and amenities.

Budget: Casa Isolani is a B&B with three charming apartments designed for self-reliant travellers who value a cosy setting over round-the-clock service. Its unbeatable location ensures easy exploration of Bologna on foot, especially after a long day of tasting!

Venice

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 is possible but will not do it justice, leaving 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 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) and grab a water taxi or water bus to your hotel.

Where to Stay in Venice

Upmarket: Sina Centurian Palace is a luxurious 5-star hotel located on the Grand Canal. The hotel is housed in a historic Venetian building dating back to the 19th century and offers a blend of ancient architecture and modern luxury alongside exceptional service.

Mid-Range: 4-star Hotel Moresco is a little off the beaten path in the Dorsoduro district. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and is packed with Venetian elegance and tastefully decorated rooms. We stayed here and really enjoyed strolling from the hotel to Venice’s landmarks and getting off the tourist path – check out La Lanterna, an excellent restaurant on the route to St Mark’s Square. Don’t miss the complimentary pre-dinner nibbles with drinks at the hotel every evening!

Budget: In the Santa Croce district, Hotel Arlecchino is a charming 3-star hotel known for its convenient location and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It offers an affordable and comfortable stay, making it a popular choice for visitors who want easy access to Venice’s key sites without the higher price tag of luxury hotels.

Lake Garda

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. We took the road north on our touring bike to Bormio and the incredible Stelvio Pass.

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 or continue your adventure into the mighty Alps.

Where to Stay in Lake Garda

Upmarket: Color Hotel Style, Design & Gourmet is a contemporary 4-star hotel offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and gourmet experiences, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Garda. The hotel features vibrant and modern design throughout its rooms, exceptional dining, a beautiful outdoor pool and wellness facilities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a touch of luxury in Bardolino.

Mid-Range: Palace Hotel San Pietro is an elegant hotel offering a peaceful setting amid lush gardens in a prime location. The hotel boasts spacious rooms and suites, many offering stunning lake views. There is an outdoor pool, wellness centre, and a restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine with regional specialities to enjoy.

Budget: Bardoliners is a quirky guesthouse in the centre of town. The level of service is exceptional, and we found the staff to be incredibly attentive and helpful during our stay. The beds are comfortabl,e and the breakfast is delicious. What more can you ask for?

Italy Trip Planning Resources

Getting to Italy

Flying

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 the United Kingdom, 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 that 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 UK, 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.

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 honour not to give way. Isn’t that the same in most big cities nowadays, though?

Don’t let your fears about travelling to Italy by car put you off taking an Italian road trip. 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.

Toll Roads in Italy

Italy’s motorways are called autostrada, and you’ll notice that the Italian road signs for motorways are green and not blue. Not all autostradas have tolls or only have them on some sections.

Toll roads in Italy are much cheaper than they are in France, and as a general rule, it is far cheaper, easier, and quicker to take the toll roads in Italy. This is because of the sometimes poor construction of country roads, although we did see potholes on toll roads on occasion!

Italian toll roads are pay-as-you-go at toll booths. Use the correct money or your credit card as often there is no change at the machine.

Low Emission Zones in Italy

Italy has many different low-emission zones with differing standards, time periods, and enforcement methods. You’ll find these mainly in northern Italy but also in mid-Italy and Sicily. In Milan and Palermo, these schemes combine LEZ and urban road tolling schemes. Check here what the requirements are if you’re planning to visit a city centre or ask your car hire company.

In parts of Italy, the historical centres of large cities and major towns restrict traffic from entering areas known as ‘Zone a Traffico Limitato’ or ZTLs. You can expect to receive a fine by post if you drive your car into a signed ZTL, as only residents are permitted to use these old town roads, so don’t go there!  

In Cinque Terre, along the Amalfi Coast, and in many of the small villages of Tuscany and Umbria, cars are banned altogether from entering towns and villages. The good news is that the municipality usually provides free parking, and if the historic centre is not within walking distance, a shuttle bus.

Parking in Italy

It is important to note the different coloured spaces when parking in Italy. Yellow lines are for disabled parking, white lines mean the parking space is for residents, and blue lines indicate paid street parking.

If you intend to park your car overnight, check local signs which indicate when street cleaning is done. Cars left in a street where cleaning is scheduled will be towed away!

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