Italy’s best itineraries

If you love the mountains, this is the road trip for you. Somewhat prohibitive in winter due to the snow (unless you are particularly experienced), it’s wonderful to do instead in spring and summer.

You’ll start from Belluno and continue along the SS50 to San Martino di Castrozza and beyond to the beautiful Carezza Lake. From here, you’ll continue along the SS42 and drive through Val Gardena, passing the picturesque villages of Ortisei and Selva. In Val Gardena, you’ll take the chance to try the local speciality, canederli served in beef broth, alongside a glass of Gewürztraminer, one of the signature white wines of South Tyrol. This valley is also renowned for its woodcarving tradition, passed down through generations of local artisans who shape linden and pine into intricate sculptures.

Then, you’ll cross the Gardena and Falzarego passes and descend to Cortina d’Ampezzo. After a stop at Lake Misurina, you’ll climb back up towards Dobbiaco along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Natural Park. After a stop in San Candido, you’ll head towards Brunico; from there, you’ll drive north to Vipiteno. Then, along the Val Passiria, you’ll reach Merano and conclude our tour in Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol.

On the way to Brunico, we suggest to make a short detour to Molini di Falzes and stop at Schöneck, a Michelin-starred restaurant run by the Baumgartner family for over 30 years, and taste their signature canederli di fegato di capretto, goat-liver dumplings served in a rich, concentrated broth.

Among the best itineraries for a tour of Italy by car, you cannot miss the one from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore, in the heart of the so-called “Lake District”, an ideal destination for contemplative tourism, where the unique charm of these beautiful places can enrapture you.

The entire area around Lake Como is a succession of villages, towns and breathtaking landscapes. From Lecco, you’ll head north via Mandello del Lario to Varenna; here, you’ll take the ferry to Bellagio. After visiting this splendid village of bygone days, again by ferry, you’ll cross the Lake to Menaggio. Here, you’ll pause to taste missoltini, sun-dried lake fish traditionally paired with polenta, a dish deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the Como shoreline. Como itself carries a centuries-old silk-weaving heritage, still visible in a handful of workshops that keep this refined craft alive. In Cernobbio, you should stop at Materia, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Davide Caranchini, and try his signature dish: red cabbage salad with smoked bone marrow, caviar, and bitter almonds.

From here, you’ll take the SS 340 to Como, stopping at Lenno and Tremezzo to visit the splendid Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. From here, you’ll head west, stopping first at the Rocca d’Angera and then continuing to Lake Orta to visit the enchanting village of Orta San Giulio. Finally, in Stresa, you’ll embark on the ferry to the jewels of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands.

One of the most evocative itineraries for a road trip in Italy is the route from Cinque Terre to Portofino, along the beautiful eastern coast of Liguria.

Starting from Riomaggiore and driving along the SP370, you’ll visit the villages of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The road crosses the Cinque Terre National Park, offering a view of lush and luxuriant nature. Leaving Cinque Terre, you’ll continue on the E80. Along this stretch of coast, you’ll savour trofie al pesto, the region’s iconic pasta dressed in fresh basil sauce, best enjoyed with a glass of crisp Vermentino.

You’ll arrive in Sestri Levante, where you will relax on one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, Baia del Silenzio. Then, you’ll take the SS1, Statale Aurelia, which brings us to the famous seaside resorts of Lavagna and Chiavari. You’ll continue along the coast to Rapallo (a short detour to San Rocco di Camogli offers a secluded coastal path away from the more frequented routes) and on to Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, from where you can embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.

On the way to Chiavari, you should stop in Cavi di Lavagna at Impronta d’Acqua, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Ivan Maniago, and try his signature dish: the “buridda,” a modern take on the traditional Ligurian fish soup.

Chianti is a vast area of Tuscany that extends between Florence, Siena and part of Arezzo. Here, among rolling hills, there are enchanting villages and vines from which the famous wine is produced.

The best way to discover this corner of Italy is along the SR222, La Chiantigiana, one of the most beautiful roads in Italy, which extends between Florence and Siena. Starting from Florence, along the SR222 you’ll arrive in Greve in Chianti where you’ll stop to taste a glass of wine. Then, you’ll continue towards Radda in Chianti and along the SP2 arrive at the imposing Brolio Castle, dating back to the 11th century. From here, you’ll descend towards Siena; on the way south, the village of Impruneta has long been known for its terracotta craftsmanship, still used today in traditional roof tiles and pottery. After a tour of Siena, you may relax at the nearby thermal baths of San Giovanni Rapolano. Then, back on the road, you’ll head north towards the lovely villages of Monteriggioni and San Gimignano. Along the way, you will come across numerous farmhouses where you can stop to enjoy all the relaxation of this part of Tuscany.

In Lucarelli, between Radda in Chianti and Panzano, at Osteria Le Panzanelle, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, you may try one of the best bistecca alla fiorentina, the iconic T-bone steak of Tuscany, grilled rare over hot coals and served simply with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon

Those who love historic villages will be fascinated by Umbria, a small region in Central Italy, a favourite destination for car trips.

The green heart of Italy, famous for its medieval towns, unspoiled nature and fairytale forests, is a region that can enchant every type of visitor. It’s a road trip through history, culture, and good food, crossing enchanting scenery and evocative places. Among the stops to be planned are Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, Passignano and Lake Trasimeno, as well as Foligno and Spello, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Also, you should not miss Deruta, where local masters have been shaping and painting ceramics since the Middle Ages, a craft still practised by local workshops.

Along the way, you will savour the traditional Umbrian cuisine, from artisanal butchery to the renowned wines of Sagrantino and Orvieto. Near Todi, we suggest stopping at Locanda Petreja, a gourmet restaurant in the hamlet of Borgo Petroro led by chef Oliver Glowig, and try bottoni ripieni di ortica e ricotta con lumache, stuffed pasta filled with nettle and ricotta, served with snails and a sauce made from Grechetto di Todi, the local white wine.

A self-drive tour is the best way to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Abruzzo in total comfort. In this way, it is possible to enter the numerous protected areas of the region, such as the Abruzzo National Park, which is recognised as a natural oasis.

The same applies to the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, the Monte Velino Park, and the Maiella Reserve. On the other hand, the towns of Chieti, Sulmona, Celano, Civitella Alfedena and Scanno, also considered among the most beautiful in Italy, are not to be missed. In the mountain villages, you’ll discover arrosticini, skewers of grilled mutton that are a cornerstone of Abruzzese tradition, often accompanied by a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. You may also take a diversion to Guardiagrele, near Chieti, and stop at Villa Maiella, a Michelin-starred restaurant run by the Tinari family since 1966, where you may try L’Originale dell’81, their signature dish paying tribute to French chef Michel Bras, made with the restaurant’s own free-range black Maiella pork.

The tour will end in Ortona, a beautiful town on the so-called “Trabocchi Coast,” named after its famous restaurants on the water.

The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, situated between the lush green of the Lattari Mountains and the azure blue of the sea, are among the most renowned areas in the world for their breathtaking views and the warmth of the local hospitality. At every turn, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of a crystal-clear sea, sheer cliffs, and enchanting villages set like precious stones in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Starting from Pompeii, after visiting the archaeological excavations, you’ll proceed to Castellamare di Stabia, located at the beginning of the Sorrento Peninsula. After a dive, you’ll get back on the road, following the SS145. The winding road will take you to Vico Equense, a beautiful medieval village with its Gothic Cathedral.

Then, you’ll continue towards Sorrento, framed by the lush green hills and the blue sea. Here, we should visit the city centre, which includes the Duomo, the Basilica, and the famous square. Sorrento is famous for its intarsio, the traditional wood-inlay technique still practiced by skilled local artisans. Then you’ll drive on to Massa Lubrense, which legend has it is where Ulysses spotted the sirens, and to Sant’Agata dei Due Golfi, a town straddling the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Sorrento. From the Monastery of Sant’Agata, you can enjoy a fantastic view.

Back behind the wheel, you drive along the SS163. Your first stop will be Positano, then Praiano with its beautiful beaches, Amalfi with its Cathedral and breathtaking views, the nearby Atrani, Cetara with the Viceregal Tower (here you will not miss a gourmet speciality of the village, Spaghetti with Colatura di Alici) and finally Vietri sul Mare with its famous majolica.

Along the way, we will admire the villages perched on the rocky coast, savour the food and wine of Campania, and take suggestive photographs at sunset.

In Nerano, near Massa Lubrense, we suggest stopping at Taverna del Capitano, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Alfonso Caputo, and try Spaghetti alla Nerano, the iconic pasta with fried zucchini, provolone del Monaco cheese, and basil that originated right on this stretch of coast.

Salento is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, thanks to its numerous seaside resorts, crystal-clear waters, lush natural scenery, authentic products, and vibrant nightlife in some towns, such as Gallipoli. But Salento also offers relaxed rhythms and quiet beaches; then there are the farms, ancient farms now transformed into B&Bs or farmhouses, which provide peace and tranquility.

Your driving itinerary begins in Lecce, famous for its Baroque architecture and nicknamed the “Florence of the South”. Lecce is also known for its cartapesta, a papier-mâché craft tradition dating back centuries, still practiced by local artisans in the old town. Then, you’ll reach San Foca, a hamlet of Melendugno; here, visit the spectacular Grotta della Poesia in Roca Vecchia and immerse ourselves in its crystal-clear waters. Further on, to Otranto with its characteristic white houses and its magnificent Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back on the road, you’ll head south to Porto Badisco, with its beautiful beaches, and continue towards Santa Cesarea Terme, stopping along the way at the caves of Zinzulusa and the beaches of Castro Marina. The southernmost location on your tour will be Santa Maria di Leuca, at the confluence of the Ionian and Aegean Seas. From here, you’ll head north to Gallipoli, making a stop at Torre Vado and Torre San Giovanni. Finally, further north to Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo with their beautiful beaches.

In Gallipoli, stop at Gaio Ristorante and try its celebrated cacio e pepe di mare, the classic Roman pasta reimagined with fresh local seafood.

One of the most exciting regions for a road trip in Italy is Basilicata, a once-forgotten land that is becoming increasingly popular for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural traditions and extraordinary food.

From Bari, you’ll head towards Matera with a stop in Altamura, the city famous for its bread, and  Alberobello, the Capital of Trulli. Matera was made famous by the films The Passion and No Time to Die; here, you may explore the alleys of the Sassi to immerse ourselves in a unique atmosphere. Then, you’ll set off to discover unique and fascinating places: the Pollino National Park, the largest protected area in Italy, the natural beaches of Metaponto, and the beautiful Maratea, with its sea caves and clear waters. Along our itinerary, you should not miss Tursi and Craco, two almost abandoned villages that serve as guardians of extraordinary scenic beauty.

In Matera, make sure to stop at Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante, set inside a scenic cave in the Sasso Barisano, and try “Pizza in Black“, the chef’s signature dish paying tribute to Davide Scabin’s iconic “Black is Black.”

Welcome to the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasting a rich history and culture spanning millennia.

Your Sicilian tour begins on the eastern shore, starting from Catania, with its treasures of Baroque architecture, most notably the Cathedral of Sant’Agata. From here, along the coastal road, you’ll drive to Taormina, the Pearl of the Mediterranean. You may venture on, to Mt. Etna, starting from Nicolosi and following the road to the Sapienza Refuge. Then, you’ll head south again and reach Syracuse, with the splendid Duomo and the famous Ancient Theater, a UNESCO heritage site. From here, you can explore the Val di Noto, with its wonderful villages rebuilt in the Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake: Noto, Ibla, Modica, and Scicli. In this part of the island, you’ll enjoy granita with brioche, the traditional Sicilian breakfast, and later, along the coast, fresh swordfish prepared alla ghiotta, a dish shaped by the island’s Mediterranean roots.

From Syracuse, you’ll drive inland and stop in Piazza Armerina, the site of the famous Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman-era villa. From here, you’ll drive towards Agrigento, with the incredible Scala dei Turchi and the Valley of the Temples, one of the best preserved archaeological sites of ancient Greece in the entire Mediterranean. Skirting the west coast of the island, you may stop in Trapani, which preserves a centuries-old coral-crafting tradition, still visible in a handful of artisan workshops. Then, Marsala, home to the famous fortified wine, Erice, San Vito lo Capo with its famous white marble cliff, and finally Palermo, the capital, with its multi-ethnic atmosphere.

In Modica, stop at Accursio Radici, the restaurant led by chef Accursio Craparo, and try Busiate al pesto alla trapanese e pesce spada (Busiate pasta with trapanese pesto and swordfish) and Trancio di pesce all’acqua pazza con tenerumi, cucuzza fritta e capperi (Fish fillet with tenerumi, fried courgette and capers)