Italy is the perfect destination for a great road trip, with diverse landscapes, wonderful cuisine, culture, art and a big dose of the Dolce Vita. A road trip in Italy is an exciting experience and a great way to explore the country, although the urban areas are busy, once you get into the countryside you can expect to travel at ease on lovely scenic roads and through medieval villages full of character and charm. Hiring a car is easily done from all major cities and a road trip means that you can tailor your trip to your own personal needs and interests. What better way to explore the Bel Paese?

Italy: the ideal destination for a road trip

Here we have selected some of the best options for a fun road trip through Italy. From scenic routes through the Tuscan countryside to unmissable stops while driving through the Amalfi coast, this guide offers all the information you need for an unforgettable road trip. A two week road trip in Italy is a great amount of time to explore some of the areas mentioned, however, you can still enjoy a fantastic time even with fewer days.

Driving the Amalfi coast

The Amalfi Drive is a 50k stretch of road that hugs the rugged cliffsides looking over the Tyrrhenian sea and the entire road is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting in Sorrento and ending in Salerno the Amalfi coast road trip passes through beautiful pastel hued villages, and dramatic Mediterranean shrubland. Driving the Amalfi coast or the Costiera Amalfitana is on many people’s bucket lists when on a road trip through Italy. Expect exhilarating hairpin bends, as the road twists and turns along the coastline and stop off in towns such as the picturesque Positano, Vietri Sul Mare, Atrani or Furore. 

A Tuscan Road trip

A road trip through Tuscany is the picture-perfect holiday as you make your way through historic villages, green rolling hills, and spectacular natural scenery. Whether you are a foodie traveller, a history buff, or a wine connoisseur, a road trip through Tuscany can tick all the boxes. With iconic cities like Florence and Siena to quaint villages such as Montepulciano, there are fun filled stops all over the region. One of the most picturesque routes is the ‘Via Chaintigiana’ that starts in Siena and ends in Florence passing through beautiful countryside and wonderful towns in Chianti.

Sardinia

Sparkling coastline, islands, rugged mountains, lush valleys and wonderful crystal clear bays to stop off and have a picnic is what you can expect on a road trip on Sardinia.  Explore the bronze age Nuragic sites and Roman ruins along the way before stopping off at one of the many trattorias to try the delicious local cuisine.  A two-week road trip allows you enough time to explore off-the-beaten-track beaches, archaeological sites and the island’s best hidden treasures at your leisure.

Sicily

A road trip through Sicily is the best way to explore the island, from the dramatic Mount Etna, beautiful historic seaside towns to hidden beaches. Starting a road trip from the wonderful city of Palermo is a great way to kick things off, then head to Catania along scenic inland roads heading south to Syracuse and north to San Vito di Capo. One of the most scenic routes goes from Palermo to Cefalù, a rugged coastal road with spectacular views and interesting stops that will entice even the most discerning visitor.

Transport from Fiumicino airport

Fiumicino airport offers seamless connections via the Leonardo Express train, providing a direct service to the centre of Rome. So, depending on where you would like to start your road trip this makes onward travel simple and efficient.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport

As you prepare for your exciting road trip through Italy remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop & Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

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