Start your Italian road trip by exploring the beautiful city of Florence. Visit the Duomo di Firenze, a beautiful cathedral with a striking Renaissance dome. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge lined with colorful shops, to enjoy breathtaking views of the Arno River. Finally, head to Galleria dell'Accademia to admire the famous statue of David by Michelangelo.
On this day trip, you'll visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a beautiful marble bell tower that has leaned for over 800 years! Then head to the charming town of Lucca, enclosed by Renaissance walls, and stroll through its beautiful streets, squares, and gardens. Don't forget to visit Palazzo Pfanner, a magnificent 17th-century palace with lovely gardens.
Explore the stunning coastal towns of Cinque Terre. Hike along the Sentiero Azzurro trail to soak up breathtaking views of the sea and colorful villages. Stop at the five villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore to admire their charming architecture, beaches, and seafood. Try some fresh squid ink pasta and limoncello while enjoying the Mediterranean scenery.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Visit the medieval towns of San Gimignano and Siena, famous for their hilltop towers, cobbled streets, and beautiful churches. Take a wine tour of the Chianti Classico region and taste some of the best wines Italy has to offer. Finally, head to the Tower of Mangia for stunning panoramic views of Siena's Piazza del Campo.
Visit the Eternal City of Rome, home to over 2,700 years of history, culture, and art. Begin with the Colosseum, the world's largest amphitheater, to imagine the ancient gladiator shows. Then head to the Pantheon, an iconic temple dedicated to all gods, with a huge dome and a perfect oculus. Finally, visit the Vatican Museums to admire the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Drive along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most scenic and romantic destinations. Stop at the charming towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, famous for their colorful houses, lemon trees, and turquoise sea. Visit the Villa Cimbrone and its famous Terrace of Infinity to admire the stunning panorama of the coast. Finally, enjoy some limoncello and seafood while watching the sunset on the beach.
End your trip with a visit to the bustling city of Naples and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Walk through the Spaccanapoli street to enjoy the vibrant life of this city, its street food, and its museums. Then head to the Pompeii Archaeological Site, where you'll explore the ancient Roman city buried by the ash of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Admire the frescoes, mosaics, and amphitheater that still stand today, frozen in time.
Italian road trips can be challenging with their winding roads and narrow streets, so make sure to rent a small and agile car. There are many tolls on Italian highways, so bring cash or a credit card. Make sure to check the closing times of museums and ruins, as they differ seasonally. Parking can be difficult in cities, so try to find a garage or a parking lot. The estimated cost of the rental car and gas for this trip is approximately €400. Total driving time is around 12 hours.
If you have more time, consider exploring Florence in depth by visiting Uffizi Gallery, Boboli Gardens, and Pitti Palace. Add a side trip to the town of Cortona, famous for Under the Tuscan Sun. Consider spending an extra day in the Amalfi Coast to visit Sorrento and Capri. Alternatively, if you have less time, skip a day in Tuscany or Naples/Pompeii, and drive straight to Rome or the Amalfi Coast from Cinque Terre.
The main airports serving this itinerary are Florence Airport (FLR) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Florence Airport is only 15 minutes from the city center, and it provides flights to major European destinations, such as London, Paris, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. Rome Fiumicino Airport is around 30 minutes from the city center, and it provides flights to major international destinations, such as New York, Dubai, Beijing, and Toronto. Naples International Airport (NAP) is also convenient for the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii, with flights to major European cities, such as Berlin, Madrid, and Vienna.