If there’s one place in the world that’s ideal for a road trip it just may be Italy. The country is relatively small, and you can cover a lot of ground by car. There is, of course, the train system, but in some cases because of stops and train changes you might end up spending six hours on a trip that by private car would take only an hour or so.
That’s not to mention that fact that Italy is just so scenic. There’s hardly anywhere in Italy that isn’t beautiful. Even if you don’t have time to stop at every town that interests you, when you’re doing a road trip through the country you can get a feel for so much of the landscape just through the car window.
Consider the following tips if you’re planning a car journey through any part of Italy:
- For many people, the first question that comes up when considering an Italian road trip is whether or not they should book their accommodations ahead of time. There are two things to consider—are you the kind of person who’s adventurous, or do you prefer being regimented and having a plan. If you can fly by the seat of your pants, then you may want to book lodging as you go. You may find an amazing little inn that you would have never otherwise heard of. If you think you’re going to stick strictly to your predetermined schedule, and you don’t want to risk not having the hotel you want, go ahead and book ahead. Also, you may find that you get some pretty good upgrades and perks if you’re a walk-in guest, so don’t automatically discount that route.
- Think about what part of Italy you’d like to cover. The different regions of Italy are incredibly diverse in terms of food, culture, scenery, climate and architecture. If you want the romance of the lakeside towns surrounding Lake Como you’re likely to cover Northern Italy, which can also include the Alps, southern Switzerland and Milan. If you want hotter weather and more the Mediterranean, head south.
- If you’re road tripping in Italy, you may not want to focus too heavily on the big cities, because driving is very restrictive in these central city areas. Road trips can be best for visiting the smaller and lesser known towns in Europe because otherwise you may find yourself wracking up some heavy fines. Some cities won’t even allow cars within the city limits. One option is to fly into the larger city you’re hoping to visit, and then take a train into a smaller area where you can then pick up your rental car and continue the remainder of your trip.
- If you’re trying to narrow down your itinerary, some of the most scenic and attainable Italian road trips include Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and the Great Dolomite Road, which winds through the Dolomite Mountain The Italian Riviera can also make for another good itinerary, with stops in Cinque Terre and Portofino.