The Ultimate Italian Road Trip | An overview

Jun 27, 2023
7 min read

Updated: Mar 15, 2024

Two weeks in Italy, from the southern coast to the northern mountains. The best way to see it all.

If you're planning a trip to Italy and want to make sure that you experience as much as possible in a short amount of time, look no further. This post will give you an overview of a tried and true, two week trip starting in the Amalfi Coast and ending in the Dolomites. With multiple stops in between, you will have the chance to experience Italy in several unique ways.

**Note that this is a general overview to give you an understanding of our recommended travel route to sightsee through Italy as much as possible in a limited amount of time. Each stop on the list has it's own separate post that will give you great information on places to stay, what to do & eat, and important tips.

Flights & Car

The most cost effective airport to fly into that is closest to the coast is Naples International Airport. At this location, there are several rental car companies to pick up your car conveniently from your arrival gate. I highly recommend choosing an SUV for travel as you will be able to use it for bigger luggage and keep extras in there, like cases of water/snacks.

To depart, Venice International Airport will be the most cost effective option and those same rental companies have a return location there. You can return the car right at the airport and it is an extremely quick process.

Do note, for dropping your rental off at a different location than pick up, there is a one time charge. It varies between companies, but, on average add around $100 to the rental cost for this.

There are smaller airports that are closer to the starting and final destinations of this itinerary. However, that wasn't worth it for us to spend the extra money. We enjoyed driving and preferred to splurge on the locations of our hotels instead. I've got all of the important details regarding driving in Italy here for you.

Stop #1: Praiano, Amalfi Coast

From the Naples Airport, you will drive around an hour and a half to arrive in Praiano. Of course, there are other municipalities that you can choose to stay in (the most popular being Positano). We chose Praiano because it is quieter and if you want to enjoy Italy without a mass of other tourists, you would appreciate it.

The majority of the length in this part of the trip is due to the winding roads of the coast. You will be surrounded by views, but keep your eyes on the road as driving through these towns is very congested.

You will spend your first three days here, which gives you the opportunity to visit the surrounding areas, relax at the beach, enjoy the local seafood, and even hike through the towns if you dare.

Stop #2: Rome

A girl in black pants and a white shirt sitting on the brick wall in front of the Rome Colosseum

To get to Rome, you are going to have about a 3.5 hour drive. Many of the drives are an average of this length and I can promise you it flies by.

Rome is a one night stay for two reasons - it's a good midway point for the next destination and unless you are truly wanting to indulge in the history of the city, one day gives you a lot.

Keep in mind, "one day" means the number of days we book our lodging, but depending on what time of the day you start your travels, you can add or subtract time from any city. We arrived in Rome around 3PM, checked into our hotel, and went to the Colosseum. The next morning we walked around Piazza di Spagna and saw the Trevi Fountain, but we left around noon.

If you want to experience Vatican City or other attractions, you can always stay a day less in Praiano or the next stop...but I don't think you'll want to.

Stop #3: Saturnia

Two girls kissing in a large natural hotspring in Italy

Quite possibly the most relaxing and serene stop on this trip is Saturnia, which is in the Tuscany region. To get here, you'll drive two hours - mainly on the interstate but once you get into the town, you'll almost wish the drive was longer. Spend two days here but this town may deserve it's own, longer trip in the future.

We stayed at the resort closest to the Hot Springs (above) because we wanted to have them to ourselves. As you can see, we succeeded. This alone was reason enough to visit here, but I can't lie...I absolutely loved our hotel. I dive into detail about that in the specific post.

Visit the Hot Springs, take a winery tour, explore the vast farmland...enjoy this part of the trip for the town's infectious energy of slowing down. This stop is the complete opposite of the previous two places. Empty roads, seldomly crowded, and not necessarily filled with the "instagrammable places" (besides the above). Don't get me wrong. You are surrounded by absolutely beautiful views, but I highly recommend using your time here to disconnect and appreciate Italy for the simplistic lifestyle that it embodies.

Stop #4: Cinque Terre

Colorful homes stacked along the rocky coast of the ocean on a sunny day

You've seen the infamous picture - the bright, colorful houses stacked along the rocky coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. This trip is the longest yet, taking around 4 hours to get here (partially due to slow driving along the coast). It's good to stay here for two days to get explore the five towns and figure out which one you like best.

It's best to find a place to stay outside of the actual city centers and shuttle down in the morning. You can easily get to each town by the train that runs through them and they each have their own charm.

We mainly explored Manarola and Monterosso, although we stayed near Vernazza. If you want the iconic picture, you'll be at Manarola and you can read all about our amazing pesto experience there in the Cinque Terre post. Monterosso is where you'll get the best beach, by far. Two days is plenty as this area is very congested...mainly with tourists. Still, it's an iconic spot to see!

Stop #5: Verona

A female in jean shorts and a khaki top walking down a cobblestone road surrounded by colorful historic homes in the downtown city of Verona Italy

Verona is a one night stay and another one of the stops added along the trip as it is a good midway town. It's another 3.5 hour drive to get here, but I promise the stop after this is worth it. Frankly, Verona was worth it. Verona was another stop that I would dedicate a solo and longer trip to. I'd say add a day, but only if you can add to the total number because you can not take away from the next stops.

I fell in love with this city for two reasons - the textured, beautiful buildings...I mean, every single street is stunning. And also, because we felt like the only tourists there. This city isn't well known for being a tourist destination and that made it even more incredible. Verona felt authentic and that was something I heavily desired with traveling to Italy.

Stop #6: The Dolomites - Braies

a female wearing a black tank top and white pants looks toward the mountains and crystal blue water of Lago di Braies while in a wooden row boat

After a 3 hour drive to get here, you'll need two days here to see part 1 of the Dolomites stops. If you have the option, I recommend staying where we did - the only hotel located on Lago di Braies. They are an amazing establishment situated right on the lake, with delicious dinners, and the cutest dog. I go over this hotel in detail on the specific blog.

You will need one day to go to Lago di Braies. Pay the 50 Euro to go on the wooden boat, hike the surrounding trail, and enjoy the most beautiful view. There are tons of hiking trails nearby and plenty of green farmland to fall in love with. Surrounding, smaller, lakes are all around and you wouldn't be shocked to know that they are also radiantly blue.

a female wearing black leggings and a gray tank top stand on top of a mountain peak in the dolomites, italy

A short drive away is Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These are probably my favorite mountain peaks of the trip. Every hike has a different, breathtaking view and if I was in better shape, I would have done more.

Keep in mind if you go during the winter, you will not be able to be wearing a tank top.

Stop #7: The Dolomites - Alpe di Suisi

From Lago di Braies to the next hotel, you'll drive about an hour and a half. This will be the finale of your trip, for good reason. I hope that you got your relaxation in from the first half of the trip because this is no longer the time for that.

a large green field of grass at sunset with small wooden houses and large evergreen trees — Alpe di Suisi

large wooden hotel with the balconies facing toward the camera overlooking an infinity pool with a backdrop of farmland — Sonus Alpis, our hotel

One of my favorite hotels of the trip is from this stop and it's another town I fell madly in love with. You will spend the last two days here before you return to reality. You will need an entire day for Seceda alone. For the view, sure, but because whether you hike the whole thing or even only after the cable car...it's exhausting. But worth it, I promise.

You will want to spend one of the days exploring Alpe di Suisi and the town of Kastelruth. You are surrounded by scenes that have only been previously experienced through paintings and pictures.

Departure

I am sorry to say that the final trip to the Venice Airport is going to take 3 hours. On paper, it seems like a lot of long distance drives. I remember thinking that when my wife planned this entire thing. But, looking back and being the one to drive the whole time...it wasn't bad at all. The drives flew by and Italy is so beautiful that it's weirdly enjoyable. You (sort of) feel like a local and I would be lying to myself to say I didn't love that.

There's not much fun detail about getting back. Use your common knowledge - leave with enough time to be a few hours early for your flight. Add a little extra on there for gas/returning the car/anything else. That might not be standard practice to get there that early, but it's certainly my philosophy. Our personal experience returning the car was great. It was extremely quick and relatively easy. I certainly can not say that if it is always that wonderful.

A lot of international airports have a few different regulations when going through TSA than you might be used to. One being that your toiletries need to be in a clear bag, which was news to me, as my toiletry bag was a solid color. I now have one specifically for travel to avoid that moving forward and have a few other favorite travel essentials that I recommend to be best prepared. You can check them out here.

Modifications

I realize that budget, time, and preference can modify many things when it comes to travel. While I have tried my best to recommend places to stay and eat that can work with many different budgets, I realize some may be looking for more or less.

If you are looking for a personalized itinerary for your trip, please book a consultation on the site. We can schedule a 30 minute call to go over details and I can give you a quote for providing you with a fully customized plan and more.

If you are just looking for a recommendation on maybe a stop to cut out, cut short, or make longer, I'd be happy to give my opinion & advice for free.