Morning: Arrive in Rome, collect your rental car and enjoy a quick espresso before hitting the road. The drive to Naples takes about 2‑3 hours along the scenic A1.
Afternoon: After checking into a budget‑friendly agritourism stay just outside the city, wander the historic centre, admiring the Naples Cathedral and the bustling Spaccanapoli.
Evening: Savor an authentic Margherita pizza at a local pizzeria and stroll along the waterfront promenade before settling in for the night.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the vibrant Naples Historic Center, visiting the underground streets of Napoli Sotterranea.
Afternoon: Drive 30 minutes to the Pompeii Archaeological Park and spend a few hours walking among the remarkably preserved ruins.
Evening: Continue south to the medieval hill‑town of Savignano Irpino and check into a cozy agritourism farmhouse for a home‑cooked dinner.
Book a HotelMorning: Stroll through the narrow alleys of Savignano Irpino, visiting its castle and local market.
Afternoon: Hike the scenic trails of Irpinia Regional Park, enjoying panoramic views of the Apennine valleys.
Evening: Return to the agriturismo for a wine tasting featuring regional Aglianico and a hearty dinner.
Book a HotelMorning: Depart early and drive the stunning coastal route to Positano, parking in the lower town and wandering its pastel‑colored streets.
Afternoon: Continue to Amalfi, explore the impressive Amalfi Cathedral and enjoy a leisurely lunch with sea views.
Evening: Check into a family‑run agritourism in the Valle di Amalfi, where you can relax on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a short drive up to Ravello and visit the enchanting Villa Rufolo gardens.
Afternoon: Continue south along the coastal highway, crossing into Calabria and arriving in Tropea for its famous white‑sand beach.
Evening: Stay at a countryside agriturismo near Tropea, enjoying fresh seafood and a sunset walk on the beach.
Book a HotelMorning: Drive to the fishing village of Scilla, strolling through the charming Chianalea district and the legendary Castello Ruffo.
Afternoon: Head to Reggio Calabria to visit the National Museum of Magna Grecia, home to the iconic Riace Bronzes.
Evening: Begin the northward journey, stopping at a rustic agriturismo in the Catanzaro province for a final night of regional cuisine.
Book a HotelMorning: Depart early and drive back to Rome, taking occasional stops in small towns for coffee and local pastries.
Afternoon: Arrive in Rome; if time permits, visit the Vatican Museums or simply relax in a park before your departure.
Evening: Return the rental car and conclude your budget‑friendly Italian road adventure.
Book a HotelIf you’d like to shorten the trip, skip the Calabria leg and spend an extra day relaxing on the Amalfi Coast; you’ll save on fuel, accommodation, and entry fees, bringing the budget down to roughly €950. To extend the adventure, add a day in the historic town of Matera (the “City of Stones”) on the way back to Rome, and consider a night in a traditional trullo in Puglia for a unique cultural experience, which would add about €150‑€200 to the total cost.