7-Day Italy Road Trip Itinerary: Explore the Best Routes and Attractions

The initial challenge has been overcome; you have determined that Italy will be your destination, with plans to explore it by road. Admittedly, deciding on your travel approach is only the beginning, but it is a significant first step.

Now, allow us to assist you by presenting our one-week road trip itinerary for Italy. Keep in mind that our journey was quite packed, as we intended it to be. Hence, we recommend selecting activities that appeal to you to create a more relaxed experience, allowing for ample downtime.

1. Arrival and Departure Cities

Arrive in Milan and depart from Naples. Why this choice?

Both cities boast major airports that offer a diverse array of flight options, thus providing you with greater flexibility and potentially lowering your travel expenses compared to less frequented airports.

Alternatively, you can reverse the itinerary by flying into Naples, traversing the route backward, and concluding your journey in Milan. 😊

2. Transportation Options

You have two transportation options:

• a.) You may opt for the conventional route by renting a car, or perhaps even a Vespa. This is a perfectly acceptable choice.
• b.) For a more unique experience, you could rent a rickshaw and navigate through the countryside. This option is undoubtedly slower than a car, yet offers a captivating perspective of the landscape, along with superior convenience compared to a Vespa.

3. Accommodation Recommendations

Agriturismo accommodations are the way to go! 🙂

These establishments typically consist of family-operated farms, affording you an authentic glimpse into Italian life. While brushing up on your Italian language skills may be beneficial, it is by no means a requirement.

Here are several exemplary agriturismos you might consider: this farmhouse in Cinque Terre, an eclectic Florentine villa, and this hilltop retreat in the Amalfi Coast.

4. Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

1. Fly into Milan. Collect your vehicle and take some time to explore the city.
2. Enjoy lunch in Piacenza.
3. Make a visit to Parma.
4. If time allows, consider a stop in Reggio Emilia (unfortunately, we missed this opportunity as our departure from Milan was delayed).
5. Drive to Cinque Terre for the night.

Day 2

1. Explore the five towns of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore.
2. Make a lunch stop in Pisa (called out for their outstanding pizzas).
3. Watch the sunset in San Miniato.
4. Drive into Florence for dinner at Bucca Mario (you’re welcome 😉 ).

Day 3

1. Visit all the attractions in Florence (or as many as time permits).
2. Proceed to San Gimignano (you’ll see why upon arrival).
3. Admire the breathtaking views from Civitella in Val di Chiana.
4. Have lunch in Montepulciano (Twilight fans will recognize several filming locations).
5. Spend an overnight stay in Orvieto.

Day 4

1. Relax with breakfast in Orvieto (after all, you deserve a leisurely morning).
2. Visit the ancient city of Viterbo.
3. Proceed to Rome. Designate time for exploration both before and after sunset.

Day 5

1. Explore the sights you missed in Rome the previous evening.
2. Take a trip to Frascati, a perfect location for those not behind the wheel to sample local Frascati wine. (Drivers must wait until they are off duty to enjoy the exquisite wines of this region).
3. Indulge in a beach day in Terracina.

Day 6

1. Continue exploring Naples post-breakfast.
2. Pay a visit to the ancient city of Pompeii.
3. Set out for the Amalfi Coast, with Positano being the highlight.

Day 7

1. Spend more time enjoying the Amalfi Coast. Relish the final hours here before departing for Naples (a drive of roughly 1.5 hours).
2. Return your vehicle in Naples and make your way to the airport, promising to return soon for another adventure.

Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit