Which of the best road trips in Italy are you looking for?

With its snow-capped peaks, rugged coastlines, hilly and green landscapes, Italy offers the ideal setting for exploration by rental car. A road trip in Italy is much more than a means to an end, as the beautiful landscapes make the journey itself the destination.

Plan your road trip in Italy through Tuscany

Cities like Florence and Siena are best explored on foot, but if you want to experience the “real” Tuscany beyond these cities, a rental car is essential.

The winding and well-maintained Via Chiantigiana offers one of the most beautiful journeys through Italy and provides a comfortable and easy ride. The region attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes, castles, and fortified towns. You could easily complete the route in a single day, but that would be a shame as you’ll surely want to take your time to enjoy the magnificent vineyards of this area. An overnight stay is a must! Head south of Florence along the smooth and straight Via Senese to reach the Via Chiantigiana, where your first stop is Greve in Chianti, the gateway to the region. After a stroll through the market square, take a detour west to the charming, walled town of Montefioralle perched on a hilltop—don’t forget your camera! From here, continue along the main route through the town of Panzano, perfect for a culinary stop, and the historic Castellina. Finally, your path winds through dense forests as you travel westward to the ancient wine-producing town of Gaiole. Enjoy the fermented fruits of the region at the nearby Castello di Brolio, which features its own wine shop. Cheers!

All roads lead to Rome

What could be more fitting for a road trip in Italy than following the tracks of the ancient Romans along a historic road? The Via Cassia runs from Florence to Rome, lined with cypress and pine trees, featuring more curves and twists than its Roman origins might suggest.

On your six-hour drive from Florence, you’ll encounter many highlights and worthwhile detours that provide welcome diversions. From Siena, it’s a mere 50 kilometers on a good road heading south to the Etruscan town of San Quirico D’Orcia, where medieval ruins, breathtaking hilltop views, and the serene retreats of the Leonini Botanic Gardens await you. Further south, pass through the municipality of Abbadia San Salvatore and follow the signs to another historic town, the Via Francigena, once the main pilgrimage route from Canterbury to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul. For a breath of fresh air, stop at Lake Bolsena or continue southward to the historic town of Sutri, located on the outskirts of Bracciano National Park. All these sights and more await you on your way to Rome.

Enjoy your tour of Italy along the Neapolitan coast

The sun-kissed towns and villages scattered along the Neapolitan coast provide the perfect excuse for a relaxing trip with plenty of stops to enjoy a seafood platter or authentic Italian gelato.

Discover Naples, the cultural capital of southern Italy, before jumping back in the car to explore more of this picturesque coastline. The fastest route from Naples to Pompeii is via the A3 Naples-Reggio Calabria highway. If time allows, the coastal roads offer scenic views of the Bay of Naples. Explore the excellent restaurants on the Via Litoranea with options for every taste. Whatever you choose, you’ll pass by the impressive Mount Vesuvius. Fully immerse yourself in the vast and carefully preserved archaeological ruins of Pompeii by staying overnight. Many hotels in the area offer free parking, making your stay more convenient. From Pompeii, it’s just under an hour’s drive along the coast to Sorrento, a maze of shops and cafes. The seaside terrace at the Foreigners’ Club is the perfect spot for a hearty lunch with unparalleled views. Feeling adventurous? Continue your journey around the headland to Amalfi, where a narrow coastal road hugging the cliffs will get your adrenaline pumping. These dramatic twists and turns along the steep rock face make for a thrilling conclusion to your Italian road trip—one to remember for a lifetime.

A unique rental car experience in Sicily

Sicily may seem small, but it’s brimming with opportunities. With a rental car, you can explore all the main attractions at your own pace.

Two days in bustling Palermo are more than enough to get a feel for the city before heading east along the charming coastal road. The regular route through central Sicily via the A-19 is currently closed and unlikely to reopen soon. Fortunately, the alternative route is beautiful, albeit slower. The SS120 is a national road that winds through the island’s rugged rocks and green valleys. Stop for lunch in Cerda, where the simple cuisine of Trattoria Nasca 2 stands out, particularly for its variety of artichoke dishes. Before reaching Tremonzelli, you’ll rejoin the highway for a quiet drive to Catania. Park at the harbor and take a shuttle into the city center to leisurely stroll around Piazza del Duomo. From there, it’s just a 40-minute drive along one of Sicily’s most spectacular roads to the southern side of Mount Etna. At Rifugio Sapienza, switch from car to cable car to complete the rest of this sensational journey to the summit. The breathtaking volcanic crater is a highlight—an explosive end to your trip in Italy!

Discover the lakes on your ultimate road trip

What do you get when you combine a landscape full of lakes, mountains, and forests with excellent highways and a speed limit of 120 km/h?

The recipe for a fantastic drive along Italy’s lake district! The local roads around the lakes can be winding and narrow, but the main roads in between are a dream for any road trip enthusiast. Milan is the ideal starting point for road trips in northern Italy. From here, it’s an easy one-hour drive via Statale 36 to Lecco and then on to Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como, right on the lakefront. With its colorful houses and views of the lake and mountains, Bellagio is perfect for an overnight stay. The brand-new A36 highway south to Lake Maggiore saves you a detour back to Milan, bringing you straight to the fabulous A8, known as the lake road. It leads to the elegant town of Stresa. Take the time to enjoy a boat ride to Isola Bella, almost entirely occupied by the luxurious Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens. Via the A8, continue west to the colorful woodlands of Val Grande National Park—a fitting finale to your road trip around Italy’s lakes.