self guided driving tours of italy

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Italy Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout Italy is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop for photo breaks whenever you want and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 10 tours are guaranteed to deliver an one-of-a-kind experience.

10 Self drive tours in Italy with reviews

Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive

Everything was well planned. Hotels were exquisite, and suggested activities were lovely. No problems with all vouchers. Gorgeous scenery, and fantastic locations. We could have used a few more specific instructions with directions/parking info, for the suggested locations. Overall, we completely loved our lake region Italian vacation! Highly recommend.

Apulia & Lecce, Self-Drive

• Christmas & New Year

Tuscany Escape, Self-Drive

Puglian Villages Tour, Self-drive

Sicily Grand Tour, Self-drive

Mini Tour of Sicily, Self-drive

• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

Adventure Sicily & Salina: Volcanic Islands of the Mediterranean

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sardinia & San Pietro Island hopping: Adventures in Europe's Caribbean

• In-depth Cultural

Puglia Spring Road Trip (from Bari)

You won't be disappointed! Traveling with Authentic Puglia Tours allows you to truly experience Pugliese culture and interact with locals. The activities allow you to see a part of Puglia the average traveler would not get to experience.

Puglia Summer Road Trip (from Bari)

Regions in italy.

• South Italy (7)

Travel Styles

• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

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Our Italy Road trip Itinerary – Self drive in Italy

Table of Contents

Our Italy itinerary is what pushed us into taking a major decision that we would be doing a self-drive Road trip in Italy. Our Italy driving holiday itinerary had an equal share of big and famous cities and the less visited yet well-known places. Though Italy has a good network of trains – It would have been difficult to travel by train to all the places marked in our Italy Road trip Itinerary.

Italy Road Trip Planner:

After I wrote this post about ‘ Things to know before you self-drive in Italy ’ , I got a lot of questions about places we traveled across Italy on our road trip. So, I decided to write this post which help your road trip through Italy. Be it 1 week or 10 days, this itinerary will help you while driving around Italy. This itinerary covers most of the beautiful and famous spots in Italy making it one of the best road trips in Italy.

We didn’t always hire a car for all the days we were in Italy, but did it strategically, which we will explain in the due course of this article. While exploring cities, we used local transport like Metro, trams and bus. When feasible, we took intercity trains. We hired a car only when we felt an absolute need of doing so.

And being avid road trippers, we enjoyed taking on Italian roads – sometimes driving in between choppy cliffs and deep blue ocean, sometimes cruising along state-of-the-art highway, sometimes creeping under tunnels that don’t seem to end, sometimes stuck in weekend highway jam, sometimes slowing down in countryside roads to see the hay bales neatly rolled up, sometimes driving along the coast for hundreds of miles but never to drive for the sake of it!

With such a pleasing experience , I would recommend that everyone should go road trippin in Italy at least once in a lifetime! Assisting you in your road trip adventure is your travel buddy – Hopping Miles. So, here it is – Road trip in Italy.

Road trip preparation for self drive holiday:

Well, for a good road trip, what do we need? A reliable and cost effective car and a comfortable place to rest for the day after a long day on the road. Right? I know you are nodding your head there. Let me ease this process for you by listing a couple of websites which we always use on our travels.

We booked the car from this website which compares different vendors , so that we can select the car that matches our taste and budget. Check prices now by entering the place in the search box below.

Accomodation

With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. That is where this site comes into picture. We always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

Self drive Italy itinerary

I will list some places you can visit on your self drive holiday in Italy. And for our exact itinerary, you can check the next section.

• Amalfi coast
• Alberobello
• Cinque Terre

Our Italian Road trip Itinerary

In the first leg of the journey, we did Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Lets look at each stop and see what we did there!

We flew into Rome and flew out of Rome to Bangalore, India. We spent 3 days in Rome – roaming around the city in hop-on hop-off bus and explored the World’s smallest country – Vatican city too!

Hop-on Hop-off bus  is the absolute best way to explore Rome. We get a bus pass which we can flash to the driver and hop onto the bus and hop off at any stop and this cycle continues. We did this and loved the convenience and frequency of  buses available. We bought our tickets from this link here:  Rome Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket. 

You can also buy a Roma Pass which covers entrance fee to major tourist attractions in Rome:  Roma Pass: 48-Hour City Card

After blissful 3 days of roaming in Rome, we hopped onto Vatican city for a day, which was just next door to Rome.

Vatican City:

Often known as the World’s smallest country, Vatican city is just a road away from Rome. There is no passport stamping required to enter and exit Vatican city. Vatican is known for its rich art collection and one whole day is needed to explore this gem. Have a look at this post to know how to ‘Explore Vatican City in a Day’

After exploring Rome and Vatican City, we picked up a pre-booked rental car, thus flagging off our Italian road trip! We got the best deal for our car rental from this website here. Our initial plan was to drive down to Pompeii and Naples before checking into our lovely room in Sorrento in Amalfi Coast. As luck would have it, we had a delay due to a situation and could start from Rome only in the second half of the day, so we changed our plan and drove to Sorrento with a small detour at Caserta.

The highlight of Caserta is definitely the ‘ Palace of Caserta ’. This UNESCO Heritage site sprawls over 60 acres with a 5 floors and 1200 rooms!!! Apart from the place itself which is impressive, vast gardens take away all the credit of being stunning with beautifully curated plants and water fountains at regular intervals. Though Palace of Caserta was under renovation at that time we had been there – it didn’t fail to amaze us!

Traffic jam on the way to Sorrento. We were stuck in jam inside the city too!

After a mesmerizing evening drive along the plunging Amalfi coastline as the sun retired for the day, we got stuck in the narrow lanes of Sorrento city. Traffic pile up due to road restrictions come into effect after sundown, this resulted in us getting struck in a traffic jam inside the city. We got lost at many places and google maps weren’t of any help but the locals were really helpful and guided us very well in spite of  having the language barrier.

Next morning, we strolled around Sorrento town and decided to hop on to Capri Island and indulge in the unique experience of Blue Grotto! So, off we were to Capri in a high-speed ferry from Sorrento!

Book a tour –  From Sorrento: Full-Day Capri and Anacapri Boat Tour

Surreal waters of Blue Grotto, Capri

Capri was a pleasant surprise. From the time the ferry approached the island, until our way back to Sorrento – Capri captivated us! Jagged cliffs rising high from the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea underneath – in this small island off Italy’s Eastern Coast. In spite of thousands of tourist inflow every day, much of Capri’s natural beauty is preserved to retain its charm. The proof of which are the narrow roads just enough to pass only 1 vehicle on either side. Nature’s bounty has been preserved and not given way to modernisation!

More on Capri and things to do here: Things to do in Capri

Amalfi Coast:

After a refreshing day in Capri, we were back on the road. How eager were we to drive in this piece of land! We took it easy while driving the Amalfi Coast by not rushing it. We rolled down the windows and breathed the fresh air of Amalfi Coast – sinking it all into the skin. The warm air rising from the sea blends with the fragrance of flowers slopped in every corner together with the scent of Citrus which grows here in abundance. Roads that snake all the way along the plunging coastline coupled with stunning views makes Amalfi Coast one of the scenic routes to drive in the world!

In case you aren’t doing a self guided driving trip and still want to experience the thrill of a road trip then try this tour or this one .

Check out my Amalfi coast video below: 

Alberobello:

After Italy surprised us with Amalfi coast drive, we had another visual treat waiting for us in Alberobello. Entire town with whitewashed houses called Trulli awaited us in Alberobello. The Trulli of Alberobello is a hut made of traditional Apulian drystone mainly consisting of hard limestone. The roof of Trullo is conical shape with stones stacked tightly on each other. If you fancy staying in a Trullo – you can as well do it. There are many BnBs and boutique Trullo stays in Alberobello. Check the prices now by entering your dates below.

We stayed in a small town called Eboli before traveling to Alberobello. Pizzas here are yumm!

The drive from Alberobello to Bari was all along Italy’s southern coastline. The main reason for us to drive to Bari was to return our rental car which we hired in Rome. That said, DON’T be fooled into thinking that our Italian road trip is over!

Rental cars which we returned in Bari. We were a family of 12. So we hired 3 cars!!

Back to Italy again for yet another road trip!

We returned the car in Bari  and took an overnight ferry to Croatia.  Read about our experience in Jadrolinija ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik in this article here . We explored Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia.  We returned to Italy through Slovenia via road and settled down in Venice for the day!

Some pics of our road trip in Croatia and Slovenia.

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Lake Bled, Slovenia

You might want to read:

Heavenly Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Fairytale town – Lake Bled, Slovenia

We roamed around Venice , hopping numerous bridges in the Venice Water bus or the ‘Vaporetto’ with a day pass. Watching gondolas pass by, hearing barcaroles sung by gondoliers who sway the gondola from under one bridge to another – Venice was all about life and history in a water land. If you are in Venice, do not miss the Gondola ride!

Book now –  Venice  Gondola Ride

Also, a must visit is the next door, Burano and Murano islands. Check out this tour here, this is such a bargain for money –  Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

After spending time to our heart’s content in Venice – It was time to move on. This time around, we did not hire a car. Remember what I had told earlier, rent a car only when necessary. As we were to stay in Milan for the next couple of days – we didn’t really need a car to go around – so, we took an intercity train from Venice to Milan – Italy’s fashion destination!

We went to see the ‘Duomo di Milan’ but ended up attending a concert!

Wandering in the streets of Milan, getting in and getting out of several metro trains – I wondered about one thing – How women are dressed up so beautifully with full makeup even at 5.30 AM! 😀

You can also do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como – Details here.

This wouldn’t be any ordinary morning – this would be a special one. A morning that showed us a light of day like no other morning. Sun rays piercing through the plump mountains, gliding though Lake Como before hitting the glass window of the train from Milan to Tirano.

The day could be called a Train day. Our train journey started in Milan at 5.30AM in the morning and ended at 9PM the same day in Milan. Why do I call it the train day? That’s because we spent the major chunk of the day in train. From Tirano, we ascended the legendary Bernina express. The rest was sequences just like dream.

Tirano town

You can save the hassle we had of booking several train tickets by simply going this tour, where they take care of all the round trip transfers to and fro Milan and also the Bernina Express tickets –  Bernina Express & St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan

Bernina Express:

Was I dreaming? Maybe, Yes – but certainly, No! As the train chugged away from Tirano, we scaled altitude by slowly climbing various bridges and passing through gloomy tunnels. Scenes distinctly vary from tiny villages puddled in lush green valley down below to glaciers melting to form electric blue lake. We alighted in St.Moritz town in Switzerland – spent 2-3 hours before getting back to Bernina Express to return to our temporary home in Milan.

It was time to get back on the road. We hired a car from Milan and drove to the land of Ferrari – Maranello!

As we curved into Maranello, roaring horses welcomed us into the world of Ferrari. Rest of the day was spent in gawking at these mean machines and lusting to own one! Read more about Maranello – Ferrari land Maranello, Italy

We drove from Maranello to Pisa through Florence with vineyards for company. Driving in the Tuscany region was another dream come true.

The entire region is sprinkled with acres of vineyards brimming with grape-bearing vines. Roads rise and fall at changing intervals – giving us elated views of the landscapes filled with different coloured flowers at each interval! See the colours of views we saw from the highway – here in this post!

Standing tall , leaning for centuries is the ‘Leaning tower of Pisa’. There is something charming about Pisa. That white tall leaning structure, the green grass around it, the blue skies – everything makes it photogenic! This wonder of the world and UNESCO Heritage site had to be visited and thus was!

While in Pisa, a must thing do is to go inside the ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ and climb all the way up and get a bird’s eye view from the top! It is sure inundating but is very exciting at the same time. We were running short of time as we had to drive to Rome and return the car, but wanted to go to the top of Leaning tower too. The lines for the ticket was long and we gave it a chance and finally did it. So, its a wise thing to book tickets in advance.

Book your  Timed Entrance Ticket to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral

We drove back to ‘Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport’ in Rome and returned our rental car that showed us some surreal sights for over 2 days.

I know we have left out many other beautiful spots and cities in Italy. We knew about some but couldn’t manage to do it – Florence, Siena, Naples, Pompeii, Sicily, San Marino, Gradara . Some we regret not knowing about, during the planning stage like the ‘The Great Dolomite Road’. But, there’s always a next time!

Our Italy Road trip Map:

Italy self drive road trip – leg 1.

Rome – Vatican City – Caserta – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi Coast – Alberobello – Bari

Italy Self drive road trip – Leg 2

Venice – Milan – Tirano – Milan – Maranello – Florence – Pisa – Rome

You might also want to read :

17 cities and towns not to miss in Italy!

14 things to know before you self drive in Italy

Hope you have liked our itinerary and all geared up to prepare yours!

Let us know in the comment box below if you have been to the places we have been and share your experiences about that place with our readers!

If you have liked this post, show us some love and pat us on our backs! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter  and Instagram  and subscribe to our Youtube channel !

45 comments

Beautiful photographs and interesting narration!

Great.. useful info

Nice inspiration! Thanks for a great road trip itinerary 🙂 we are planning to do one in the North of Italy soon with my husband

Nice to know that Lisa! Have a great trip!! 🙂

Hi, Great trip and great photos. I would like to ask can you plz tell hidden gems, non touristic places in italy, moreover budget living in italy. Thanks. Ss

Thanks Sumira. I shall write a post on that soon 🙂

Good one guys.. It is very helpful for planning our road trip.. Cheers and thanks for putting this up!!

Thanks Dilip! 🙂

Great info and pic! I’m planning on a roadtrip to Italy too, so wondering how long did it take for your first and second leg and Croatia?

Thanks Elly. Our trip was for 17 days in total 🙂

I really enjoyed the post you shared with us, last Year visited Bari, next holiday to visit Italy

This is a amazing article (along with the other one – things to know before self drive in Italy). Can you please share few more details (if possible) on the places (hotels/B&Bs/Lodges etc) where you stayed for the night. Thanks.

Sure Kiran. Doing that post was on my mind from a long time. Now that you asked for it, I shall write it soon 🙂 And I’m glad that you found my articles helpful 🙂

Glad to see your article, the journey & itinerary looks fantastic as well great collection of pictures.

Thank you 🙂

Hey amazing itinerary. I wanted to know if you needed international driving licence or just the indian driving licence worked? Also which company did you hire the self-drive car from?

Thanks. For Italy, International driving license is mandatory but you need to carry the original Indian driving license with you too. We booked the company which offered the best price from rentalcars.com

WOW, This is a really great post. I like your post information because I love to travel. When I read your article I get more information about Italy. Thank you for sharing a very helpful and tips post.

Hey great read..i am off to a roadtrip from venice to south italy from 19 march for over a month long..I was wondering if i should hire a care throughout? is that a good idea..venice, florence, pompeii, matera, calabria,and then sicily. IS preebooking necessary or should i just land and book one? i will fly from catania (sicily to rome) as i fly out from rome to mumbai.

Also wanted to check how expensive does it get fuel wise? we are 2 people with 2 bags.

A car isn’t required to travel inside the cities and it is best to use local transport when exploring the cities. I’d recommend self drive after you get out of cities. Maybe you can do Venice-Florence in train and hire a car from Florence and drive down to Rome and Pompeii. Do not miss the Amalfi coast drive – its heavenly 🙂 Prebooking saves last minute hassle and we get time to book the cheap and best car rental.

Hi , Awesome blog on travel. Great pics. We are traveling to Italy in April end and planning to self drive around Tuscany for two days. We will be arriving in Florence from Rome by train and will be there for three days. We hope to spend two days in Tuscany country-side and want to hire a self drive car for the same. It will be great if you can suggest some thing. Since its a Sunday when we arrive in Florence, not sure if we can find an agency open on that day.

Thanks Anmol. Renting a car and driving through Tuscany is a really good idea. I’m sure you will love it, just like we did. Check this website for comparision between different rental cars and choose the one that suits you. We too booked from this site:)

http://www.rentalcars.com/CityLandingPage.do?countryCode=it&place=florence&affiliateCode=hoppingmi&preflang=en&adcamp=Florence&adplat=Comment

This is a brilliant find ! Love the information shared here and will definitely redefine my itinerary as I plan 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience with the cool photos .

Thanks Dora 🙂

I love road trips. For me it is the best way to travel. And Italy looks more perfect by a drive-off. There is the Lake Como and Amalfi Coast is like my dream location to see. Plus these pictures looks so good. Look like you had fun in your vacation.

Yes Moumita. We did. Thanks 🙂

So glad I stumbled upon this post, very useful. If I may ask you which were your fav top 3 places that are an absolute must visits. Also, which self drive would suggest – Amalfi coast or Tuscany? Thanks in advance.

My Top 3 in Italy: Amalfi Coast, Capri and Alberobello 🙂

If given a choice between the two, I’d choose Amalfi. That said, at some stretches in Amalfi coast is narrow and winding – attempt this if the driver is confident enough 🙂 We could do it though it was our first self drive experience abroad. Choice is yours. We booked our car from this website. It has good choices and pricing options.

Thanks for the list of suggested road trips.

I’ll be traveling soon, so this is going to help me a great deal.

Thanks 🙂 Glad it helped you 🙂

Hi! Thanks for this share. What about parking in amalfi / and around? Was it pricey? I’m planning Como to Amalfi (1 day in Capri) and Milan and Naples on the way to Italy and when leaving. Debating getting a car or just train and ferry?

We drove by Amalfi and stopped by parking lay byes to soak in some lovely views. And as for choosing the mode of transport, see what works out for you the best. We are always inclined towards road trips, so it was natural for us to choose the self drive option 🙂

Realy some awesome trip in Italy, I used to live here, and my family was return after three weeks in this summer.

wow this is awesome stuff lots of value . i never visited italy bt your article eager to go there. thanks ASHWINI for sharing with us.

Hi, It is a nice explanation of the trip. I am planning as well but just planning to do a self drive in Tuscany region, but bit scared that as how easy or difficult will it be do drive left side of the care. Please do let me know if it was fine. Another query, how difficult was the parking in different places like Pisa, Florence, etc

Thanks, Sumit

Tuscany has good roads and amazing landscapes. So, self drive is safe there 🙂

We didn’t enter Florence with our rental car but Pisa was not difficult for parking.

What would be your suggestion for a main town to fly into and out of in Italy? we want to fly in hire a car do the road trip and then fly out of a different city without having to retrace any of our travels.

Start with Rome and do an anticlockwise trip and end it in Florence or vice versa

Hi! This was perfect information for us. We are planning our honeymoon and want to cruise around Italy. We are thinking to fly into Naples and self drive up through Rome, Florence and Tuscany, then to Venice and end our trip with a new nights down in Amalfi. Do you suggest we drive the whole time? Or should we drive up and fly back down to be in Amalfi? We didn’t feel we needed a car in Amalfi, so we were thinking to use public transportation there. We are looking to explore and take our time along with stay at AirBnbs along the way.

Good idea Heather. You don’t need a car in Amalfi unless you have plans to drive along without any stops. As you are staying for 2 days in Amalfi, car isn’t a good idea because towns are small and parking is a hassle.

Hey nicely described, well informed and amazing instructions!! Just one thing i wanted to know was how many days did it take you to complete leg 1 and leg 2 separately?

4 and 5 days respectively

So how many days was this entire trip? And would you recommend this type of travel with a 2 year old?

The trip was for 17 days and easily doable with a 2 year old

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THE 10 BEST Italy Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours & rentals in italy.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Amalfitan coast boat rent no license or with skipper

2. Amalfi Coast Day Trip with our Amalfi Boat Rental

3. Self driving boats on Lake Como

4. 2 Hours Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

5. 1 Hour Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

6. Self Drive Boat Hire

7. Naples Data eSIM 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days

8. Truffle Hunting Experience in Assisi

9. Private and Guided Half-Day Boat Tour in Palermo

10. Scooter Rental to Visit Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Positano and more

11. Doge's Palace: Skip the line Ticket, Audio Guide & VR Experience

12. Private Boat Excursion from Sorrento to Capri and Faraglioni

13. Capri Boat Day Tour from Sorrento

14. 2-Hours Excursion to the Blue Grotto of Taormina in Isola Bella

15. Full-Day Boat Rental in Sorrento

16. Rome Tiber cycle path: Electric & Muscle Rental Bike

17. One-day boat tour in the La Maddalena Archipelago

18. Rimini Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

19. Capelli Tempest 600 rental on the Baunei coast (max. 9 pax)

20. Florence Vespa Rental

21. boat tour on lake Como

22. Dinghy rental on the Amalfi Coast without a license

23. 4 Hours Boat Rental Without License 40hp Engine on Lake Como

24. Vespa Rental in Rome 24 hours

25. Rental Capelli Tempest 530 max. 6 people 40hp

26. 2 hours Boat Rental Lake Como

27. One-day dinghy rental on the beautiful coast of Baunei

28. Boat rental in Salerno

29. Leuca: Adriatic and Ionian Tour 3 h

30. Rome City Bike & E-Bike Daily Rental

What travelers are saying.

• Tiffany L 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles You won’t regret it! It was incredible to be able to explore Almafi Coast at your own pace, driving your own boat! No prior boating experience required. The staff showed us how to drive it and we were able to pick it up right away. They also provided us with a map and recommended route to take, as well as restaurants that will help you park your boat while you get lunch. We had an amazing day and so glad we decided to do it! Read more Review of: Amalfi Coast Day Trip with our Amalfi Boat Rental Written May 13, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

European Itineraries: 3 week self-drive tour of Italy

Ask anyone that’s heading to Europe which countries they are visiting and chances are, Italy will be amongst them.  This three week Italian itinerary is perfect for those who enjoy a road trip as it takes in many of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. 

I planned this self-drive tour itinerary for a family of four who wanted longer stays wherever possible in order to not feel too rushed.  You could adapt this Italian self drive itinerary to suit your own needs and timeframe.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

ROME – TUSCANY – CINQUE TERRE – VENICE – SAN MARINO – NAPLES – AMALFI – ROME

3 week self-drive itinerary, day 1 – rome to greve, tuscany.

After collecting your hire car*, enjoy the views of the Italian countryside on your road trip as you head north to Tuscany.  Greve is situated in the Chianti region in northern Tuscany with easy access to Siena, San Gimignano and Florence. 

There is plenty to do in the area so you’ll have no trouble filling your days. These road trip tips for Tuscany could be helpful.

*I always recommend collecting your hire car from the airport.  Read why here .

TIP: If you plan on visiting Rome in winter, these tips will be really useful.

Day 6 – Greve to Monterosso, Cinque Terre

A four night stay in the Cinque Terre will give you three full days to explore the five stunning villages and admire the beautiful Ligurian coastline.

Park your car for the duration of your stay and use the local train service to reach each of the villages – or go on foot by hiking one or more of the well maintained hiking trails.

My Cinque Terre Travel Guide provides lots of useful information to help you plan your visit.

For a list of basic Italian phrases which will be handy throughout your travels, click here .

Day 10 – Monterosso to Venice

No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to Venice.  This unique city certainly leaves an impression with its architecture, art and busy canals. 

As well as all the usual attractions (St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, The Doge’s Palaces, Bridge of Sighs, etc), why not visit the nearby islands of Burano and Murano? 

The islands are famous for glass making and lace making, whilst Burano is also home to row upon row of brightly coloured houses.

Day 13 – Venice to Arezzo

The drive south from Venice to Naples is a long one so I suggest an overnight stop at Arezzo.  This medieval town houses one of Tuscany’s most famous frescoes depicting the story of the cross used to crucify Christ. 

You’ll find the fresco in the church of San Francesco.  Alternatively, you could head for the east coast and spend the night at San Marino or nearby.

Day 14 – Arezzo to Naples

Naples doesn’t have the best of reputations so it’s not going to be on every traveller’s bucket list, however it does make a convenient stop for those heading to the Amalfi Coast. 

Naples is also a handy departure point for ferries to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, and for visits to Pompeii or Herculaneum.  Be sure to try a pizza – after all, Naples is the birthplace of pizza.

Day 16 – Naples to Amalfi

After escaping the hustle and bustle of Naples, you’ll be ready for a few days of R&R and what better place to enjoy that than on the Amalfi Coast?

Amalfi, Sorrento and Positano are the most popular places to stay but don’t rule out Ravello, situated higher up the cliffside, which also offers stunning views.

My guide to visiting the Amalfi Coast includes must-see sights in many of the coast’s towns as well as tips for driving in this scenic part of Italy.

Day 20 – Amalfi to Rome

Conclude your self-drive holiday in Italy when you return to Rome today for your flight back home or to continue your European vacation.

Tip: Parking in Venice and the towns of the Cinque Terre can be problematic. Check well in advance with your accommodation provider for details on where to park.

Browse accommodation in Italy and check current prices here

If you’d love to visit Italy but would prefer not to do a self-drive tour, my 19 day Italy by rail itinerary could be just what you’re looking for.

Top image © FedevPhoto / Dollar Photo Club

PIN FOR LATER

Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

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Italy Self-guided tours and trips 2024/2025

The best self-guided and independent tours in Italy. We currently offer 94 Italy tours and trips that are self-guided with varying trip durations from 3 to 50 days. Self-guided and independent tours can be a great way to discover Italy although potential risks associated with not having a guide always needs to be considered. See our guided tours to Italy if you’ve decided the risks were too high.

94 self-guided tours in Italy

• Starts Lecce, Italy
• Ends Matera, Italy

Walking in Puglia

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus & Taxi
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 19 10+ seats left
• May 20 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Amalfi Coast & Campania, Italy
• Ends Naples, Italy

Classic Amalfi Coast - 8 Days

• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Bus, Ferry, Train & Taxi
• May 18 10+ seats left

• Starts Siena, Italy
• Ends Lazio, Italy

Via Francigena: Southern Tuscany from Siena

• Activities Trekking and Hiking

• Starts Dobbiaco, Italy
• Ends Dobbiaco, Italy

Walks in the Italian Dolomites

• Transport Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Jun 01 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 08 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy
• Ends Campitello Di Fassa, Italy

Walking in the Dolomites

• Accommodation Hotel, Resort, Hut & Camping
• Transport Bus
• Jun 15 10+ seats left
• Jun 16 10+ seats left

• Starts Naples, Italy

Amalfi Explorer

• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Villa
• Transport Train, Boat & Bus

• Starts Lake Como, Italy
• Ends Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como Rambling

• Accommodation Hotel, Villa, Hut & Resort
• Transport Boat, Train, Ferry, Bus & Taxi

• Starts Orvieto, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy

Via Francigena: Orvieto to Rome

• Starts Sardinia, Italy
• Ends Cabras, Italy

A Saunter in Sardinia

• Starts Genoa, Italy
• Ends Cinque Terre And Liguria, Italy

Portofino and the Cinque Terre

• Transport Boat, Ferry, Train & Bus

• Starts Assisi, Italy
• Ends Spoleto, Italy

St Francis Way: Assisi to Spoleto

• Transport Private Vehicle & Taxi

• Starts Tuscany, Italy
• Ends Lucca, Italy

Walking in the Apuane Alps

• Transport Train & Bus

• Starts Rome, Italy

The Tuscan Dream

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Activities City sightseeing
• Transport Private Vehicle, Boat, Bus, Coach & Train
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 30 10+ seats left
• Jun 06 10+ seats left

• Ends Sorrento, Italy

The Amalfi Coast Walk

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa & Resort
• Transport Bus, Boat & Train
• Age Range 13-95 yrs
• May 18 Only 8 seats left
• May 19 Only 8 seats left

Going to Italy? Chat with a local travel expert in Italy who can help design a self-guided trip to Italy.

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Roads Less Traveled Italy

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Authentic Experiences

  natural wonders in italy,   cultural tourism travel to italy, with our customized, self-guided tours of italy, you can….

     Travel to Italy on a budget or treat yourself to some luxury

     Save huge amounts of time and effort (and worry) without spending a fortune

     Have the option of a fully customized itinerary, trip plan, or trip consultation

     Experience slow travel to Italy while  traveling sustainably

     Create a self-guided tour completely customized to your travel style 

      Roads Less Traveled Italy offers t hree distinct service levels, making travel to                   Italy  accessible  to travelers on all budgets… Click below to learn more 

Giving Back    

I believe that tourism should benefit destinations as well as the traveler. 

To this end, I donate 15% of my fees to Planeterra , a non-profit organization that supports community tourism enterprises. 

The bottom line is Roads Less Traveled Italy’s mission is to help people enjoy a new way of traveling to one of the most beloved countries in the world. 

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Cities to visit in italy,   travel inquiry form, customized, self-guided tours of italy .

Off the beaten path & classic destinations

by  car, rail, bike or foot

Think about what it would be like to create a customized, self-guided tour of italy….

Are you interested in authentic, slow travel in Italy? Have you always wanted to travel off the beaten path independently, but been unsure about where to go or what to do? Maybe you want to start out in Rome…or Florence, or Venice, but then rent a car or hop a train and explore the heart of the surrounding area. Or, head to one of the lesser touristed regions such as Le Marche or Abruzzo for a relaxed adventure filled with the perfect mix of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Whether by car, rail, cycle, or foot, you can travel authentically and independently. I work directly with you to determine your priorities and match these with the best of what Italy has to offer, creating the customized, self-guided tour of Italy you have always dreamed of.

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Self-drive tour Tuscany & Umbria

12 days from $8,375pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Italy trip ideas

Tour highlights

Cycle through the vineyards and hill towns of Chianti on a guided E-bike tour.

Learn how to make cheese on a visit to a local pecorino producer’s farm.

Sample Tuscan wines and cuisine at a Michelin starred restaurant in a 12th century abbey complex.

Stay in a medieval borgo located close to the Umbrian capital of Perugia.

Visit the city of Assisi, where St Francis and the Franciscan order were born.

Price includes:

• Fully insured vehicle rental
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Private customized tour. Ask us about booking your international flights at our preferred rates.

Upon arrival in Florence, you’ll be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. After settling in, you’ll have a panoramic introduction tour of the city to see the highlights and get your bearings.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a privately guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery's art collections, where you will see some of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance. The afternoon is free to explore Florence as you please.

You’ll have a private transfer to Florence Airport to collect your car before departing for Chianti. Before heading to your hotel, you’ll stop at a 12th-century abbey complex for lunch and wine tasting in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Drive to Greve in Chianti today to set off by bicycle into the hills of Chianti. You’ll pass vineyards and hill towns before ending back in the town, and the remainder of the day is yours to visit other hill towns of Chianti or relax.

Today, you’ll continue south to the Val d’Orcia. Set your own pace, visiting some of the region's towns and enjoying the stunning scenery at your leisure before reaching your next hotel just outside Montepulciano.

Learn how to make cheese today on a visit to a family-owned cheese maker’s farm where you’ll have a demonstration of how to make cheese, a tour of the facilities and lunch complete with the cheese you’ve made.

Explore the countryside south of Pienza today on a guided hike through the spectacular scenery in this area of the Val d’Orcia. The afternoon is free to visit the town or Pienza or return to your hotel.

Today, you’ll drive into Umbria and to the town of Perugia, where you’ll stay in a medieval borgo. You can set your own pace along the drive and explore as you like.

You’ll have a privately guided tour of Perugia today, learning about the history of the city and visiting some of the highlights, including the Carducci Gardens and the Piazza 4th of November.

Drive to Assisi for the day today, where you’ll meet your guide for a private tour of the town, including the Basilica of St Francis, among other important landmarks.

You’ll drive to Orvieto today. After checking into your hotel, you’ll meet your guide for an E-bike excursion through the countryside to the charming hill town of Bagnoregio enjoying lunch at a local agriturismo along the way.

You’ll make the drive south to Rome airport today to return your car and depart for your flight home.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1

Hotel Degli Orafi

Hotel Bernini Palace

View more accommodations in Florence

Villa Il Poggiale

Villa Cicolina

Borgo dei Conti Resort

Locanda Palazzone

• Tuscany region
• Val d'Orcia

The specialist who designs your trip to Italy will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

Watch our tailor-made process

Other tours you may be interested in.

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9 days from $6,895pp

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8 days from $7,555pp

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Self Drive Tour of Italy

Rome – Florence – Cinque Terre – Venice – Verona – Lake Como

Welcome to Italy

Embark on an unforgettable Self-Drive tour of Italy , exploring the wonders of this captivating country. Hit the open road and let the timeless charm of Italy guide you to extraordinary experiences.

Most importantly, consult with your Destination Specialist to craft a personalized itinerary. We will ensure that the must-see attractions and hidden gems are booked in advance, so you can make the most of your Italian adventure without any hassles! This tour allows ample leisure time, granting you the freedom to explore Italy at your own pace, uncovering its beauty and charm as you go. Let the journey lead you to the heart of Italy’s soul-stirring landscapes and immerse yourself in the magic of this remarkable country.

Make it Yours

• Accommodation – Italy offers a wide range of accommodation styles, from charming boutique hotels to rustic agriturismos and luxurious villas. Juniper will carefully select where you stay based on your preferences, ensuring a comfortable and authentic Italian experience.
• Transportation – All the logistics will be taken care of based on your preferences and budget. From airport transfers to car rentals or train passes, we’ll arrange everything to make your journey in Italy smooth and stress-free. You can even opt for a private chauffeur for a touch of luxury.
• Day tours and entrance tickets – Pre-scheduled tours and experiences for a seamless and enriching travel experience in Italy!

Self Drive Tour of Italy Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in rome.

Arrive in Rome, the eternal city that blends ancient wonders with modern vibrancy. Explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City. Savor authentic Italian cuisine at a local trattoria and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Rome.

Overnight in Rome

Day 2: Rome to Florence

Drive north to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Stroll through the charming streets, visit the Uffizi Gallery, and marvel at Michelangelo’s David. Indulge in Tuscan delights and witness the breathtaking sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Overnight in Florence

Day 3: florence.

Venture into the enchanting Chianti region, known for its rolling vineyards and picturesque villages. Sip on world-class wines, visit medieval castles, and relish a leisurely drive through the captivating Tuscan countryside.

Day 4: Florence to Cinque Terre

Head to the stunning Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the colorful cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Hike scenic trails or relax on picturesque beaches.

Overnight in Cinque Terre

Day 5: cinque terre to venice.

Drive northeast to Venice, the floating city of canals and romance. Wander through the narrow alleys, visit St. Mark’s Square, and enjoy a gondola ride along the enchanting waterways.

Overnight in Venice

Day 6: venice to verona.

Drive to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Explore the ancient amphitheater, Juliet’s balcony, and experience the romantic ambiance that inspired Shakespeare’s timeless tale.

Overnight in Verona

Day 7: verona to lake como.

Embark on a scenic drive to Lake Como, surrounded by the majestic Alps. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake, take a boat trip, and visit charming lakeside villages.

Overnight in Lake Como

Day 8: depart for home.

Drive back to Rome, returning your rental car before departure. Bid farewell to Italy, taking home cherished memories of a self-drive adventure like no other. Safe travels and have a wonderful journey home!

Get Ready to Travel!

Your self drive tour of italy at a glance:, self drive tour of italy highlights:.

• 7 nights accommodation, 4-star or higher
• Breakfast daily, except on arrival day
• Arrival and Departure airport transfers
• Compact, automatic transmission car rental
• Optional travel protection
• Select activities based on your interests

Selected activities based on your interests:

• Tuscan Wine Tasting Experience
• Cooking Class in Florence
• Venetian Gondola Ride
• Verona's Romeo and Juliet Experience
• Cinque Terre Hiking Adventure
• Lake Como Boat Cruise
• Roman History Tour in Rome
• Florence's Artistic Treasures
• Guided Museum Tours

Explore More Italy Itineraries

Amalfi coast, best of italy, best of rome, milan & the italian lakes.

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April through October (Enquire for Dates)

Italian Self-Drive Tour: Tuscany and Lazio

Florence ▸ Chianti ▸ Siena

Have you always dreamed of cruising the Tuscan hills in a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Or perhaps you can picture yourself turning heads as you pull up to beautiful Italian hotels and secluded luxury villas?

Dream no more, as this luxury self-drive tour of Tuscany covers all bases. Choose a stunning car from our incredible fleet and enjoy an unforgettable self-guided journey of Italy’s revered food and wine region.

This getaway accentuates the best of Tuscany — fantastic driving roads, breathtaking scenery and an epicurean journey of fine dining and wine tasting. You are sure to love every aspect of this gourmet luxury escape. It truly is a slice of Italian life at its most enchanting.

Our self-guided driving tours come complete with a planned route, boutique accommodation, and the supercar of your choice, whether that’s a renowned local marque such as Ferrari or Lamborghini, or the latest offerings from the likes of Audi, Mercedes, McLaren, Porsche, and more.

* Enquire about dates for 2024 and beyond

Your five-star driving tour of Tuscany

• Couple/Pair
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Driving: 3 days / 675 km
• Tour Start: Florence, Italy
• Tour End: Florence, Italy

Traverse the Tuscan Countryside

Spend from five days exploring the picturesque backroads of Tuscany, enjoying three or more days in the supercar, sports car or grand tourer of your choice.

Explore the Region’s Best Roads

Drive a selection of the best roads in Tuscany — if not the whole of Italy — enjoying a scenic backdrop of lush vineyards, charming historic villages and iconic cypress trees.

Feel Safe with Full Support Along the Way

You can rest assured with a managed drive experience including car rental, insurance, delivery and pick-up, a detailed walkthrough, and on-call support.

Enjoy an Expertly Curated Route

Enjoy the certainty of a fantastic driving route curated by our expert team, coupled with a programmed GPS and detailed routebook.

Luxuriate in Bespoke Accommodation

Enjoy overnight stays in exceptional and experiential five-star accommodation each evening, including breakfast and parking, plus thoughtful suggestions for indulgent lunches and dinner — or choose to discover your own local gems.

Enhance Your Tuscan Journey

Opt to extend your Tuscan getaway and take part in special experiences such as a guided city tour of Florence, exclusive truffle hunting in the countryside, or a day of shopping in the Old Town or nearby designer outlets.

*based on two guests per vehicle and in a shared room

A sample of your Tuscany self-drive holiday

Arrival and Welcome

Arrive into Florence. Following transfers to your first hotel, a five-star villa perched above the city, spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel and enjoying its amenities, or venture into the Old Town. In the afternoon you will meet our representative for a detailed handover of your chosen vehicle for your self-guided driving holiday through Tuscany.

First Drive Day

The drive begins with the beautiful tarmac of a Strade Statali road that will take you out of Florence and into the Chianti countryside. In the afternoon, trace the vine-covered hillsides around San Gimignano before arriving into a medieval village turned five-star property. Spend the rest of the day sipping cocktails by the pool, then enjoy dinner at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant

Second Drive Day

The second day of the drive delivers an enjoyable morning loop on some technical roads to the south of Siena. We will traverse postcard-worthy rolling hills, painted with wheat fields and cypress trees that create the most perfect Tuscan landscape.

Third Drive Day

Your third and final driving day takes you back to Florence via the stunning backroads that criss-cross the countryside north of the city. Upon your return to Florence, trade car keys for a glass of champagne and celebrate an unforgettable getaway experiencing the best of Tuscany.

Optional Local Experience | Departures

On the final morning of your self-guided driving holiday through Italy, you can enjoy a well-earned sleep-in and leisurely start to the day before onward travel plans. Alternatively, should your travel plans permit, spend the day in Florence and explore the local ateliers and boutiques, or wander through the beautiful and historic Old Town.

Choose your supercar for your self-drive holiday in Italy

If you’re hungry for a gorgeous, driver-friendly supercar that’s quick-as-lightning, the new release update to the incredible R8 delivers, and then some. Consider your wish granted.

With a dauntingly low driving position, way back over the rear axle, the devastatingly handsome GT R draws heavily on the lauded SLS. An agile yet comfortable grand tourer.

Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the finest 911s of the modern era, the 991 GT3 features the legendary 4.0L flat-six capable of singing far beyond 8,000 rpm for a truly exceptional driving experience.

The successor to the adored 458 sees the eager-revving and naturally aspirated V8 retired in favour of a turbocharged powerplant. This supercar will propel you from 0 - 100 in just three seconds.

The Huracan is a fantastic combination of fast, loud, and sharp. With an ingenious 4WD system, the Performante offers impressive technical specs and performance to boot.

Be warned: while there are many fast cars out there, few have the performance capabilities that require drivers to up their game so profoundly. Are you ready for this beast?

View your self-drive tour through Tuscany, Italy

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Customise your Tuscany self-drive tour package

Our tours are designed to be end-to-end luxury travel experiences that consider every detail from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart.

Your final tour investment comprises your Tour Package (as outlined above) and any Optional Add-Ons you choose to include. Please view the tour brochure for a full list of inclusions.

Choose your preferred currency

• Add additional days/nights POA
• Upgrade your supercar for the drive POA
• Add optional lifestyle experiences POA
• Deposit $ 2000 $ 1500 £ 1000 per person

Hear from past guests

Probably the most fun you could ever have; it's beyond first class, it's a class of its own.

The tours are fantastic – the cars, the people, the hotels and restaurants, and the comradery.

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If you’d like to speak with a member of our friendly team, tap the button below to book a call back.

Our team is standing by to ensure you experience your dream luxury motoring holiday. Touch base today and get ready for an extraordinary supercar tour, self-guided drive, motorsport package or track experience.

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PUGLIA SELF-DRIVE TOUR

9 days self-drive and self-guided walking tour.

Discover charming Mediterranean small villages, from the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello, the Sassi cave houses in Matera, to the "white city" of Ostuni. This independent self-drive and self-guided walking tour of Puglia allows you to enjoy at your own relaxed pace, the beauty of this part of Southern Italy and its food and wine culture.

• PRICES & INCLUSIONS

Itineraries designed by our local travel experts We are born and we live in Puglia, so we use our local knowledge to design tours where you can experience this Italian region away from the mass tourism.  Our travel suggestions will let you easily drive through the unspoiled Apulian countryside and coastline, visiting typical small villages and enjoying a selection of food and wine activities.

The Arrivederci Puglia Travel APP will guide you during your trip Booking our self-drive tour package, you will receive the detailed itinerary and a personalized code to use the Arrivederci Puglia Travel App. In the App you will find the day by day itinerary, roads information, recommended points of interest to visit, suggestions about traditional food and wine to taste and local restaurant where to eat the authentic Apulian cuisine, away from touristic places.

Tailor-made self-drive and self-guided walking tours in Puglia You can choose to follow our pre-arranged and recommended itinerary driving through Puglia's most beautiful places or to modify and personalized the tour according to your wishes, dates and budget. We can customize your tour including personalized services:   - Car hire  - Hotels booking  - Food and wine activities   - Private guided walking tours with expert local guide  - Cooking classes  - Boat tours  - Bike tours  

This 9 days and 8 nights tour is a travel idea that we suggest you to experience Puglia region by yourself. You can choose to book this specific tour or to customize it. Please, let us know your plans and we will create for you a personalized tailor-made tour according to your wishes, dates and budget.  

Day 1   Arrival – Puglia central area Once you have landed at Bari airport, you can get your rental car and start you self-drive tour of Puglia.  We suggest staying for the first 5 nights in one of the charming villages in Bari area.  In the APP you will find more details and suggestions about Hotels and their location.  Upon request we will book Hotels for you. 

Day 2  Ostuini – Polignano a Mare Today you will visit Ostuni, best known as “the white city”, for its historical downtown houses completely white painted. During your trip you will admire thousands of centuries old olive trees , because this part of Puglia is famous for extra virgin olive oil produced with olives from very old trees. Continue your trip going to Polignano a Mare, a characteristic Mediterranean fishing village that stands on a rocky cliff. Polignano is famous for hand-made gelato, so we recommend stopping in a local gelateria for a delicious gelato tasting ! Please, see the APP to find details about local restaurants, gelaterie and places to explore. 

Day 3  Alberobello Unesco site and the Itria Valley – lunch in Trullo restaurant This morning you will drive through the beautiful Itria Valley, located between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. It is characterized by charming villages located on the top of different hills, wooded slopes, vineyards, mile after mile of olive groves and the fascinating Trulli houses. Enjoy the visit of Alberobello “the capital of Trulli houses”, a UNESCO Site. Trulli are ancient stone houses unique in the world with a round shape and a conical roof. Upon request we can arrange for you a private guided visit and tasting in a local farm specialized in organic mozzarella and Apulian cheeses . In Alberobello we will arrange your lunch in a charming Trullo restaurant . You will experience a traditional Apulian-style meal from antipasti (appetizer) to dessert, based on authentic local dishes. Wine is included.  Continue your trip driving through the hills of the Itria Valley, explore the other most famous villages of this area and taste some of the food specialties that you can’t miss!

Meal included: 3 courses lunch with wine

Day 4  Caste del Monte Unesco site – Trani – Bari Explore the North part of Puglia until to reach the superb and mysterious Castel del Monte a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 13th century by the great emperor Frederick II. Its particular octagonal shape is the reason that's make it mysterious and unique in the world. Continue your trip with the visit of Trani and its lovely picturesque fishing seaport. Visiting this Mediterranean city you can enjoy the beautiful harbor, take a walk along the seafront until to the stunning white cathedral. See the App to find restaurants where to taste lovely seafood! Then continue your trip going to Bari, Puglia's capital city. Walking through the old city you can see local old ladies that continue the tradition in making handmade pasta just outside their houses. Don’t forget to stop in one of our suggested local focacceria (bakery) to taste the original and delicious focaccia barese , the most loved street food in Puglia!

Day 5  Matera Unesco site                     Today you'll be visiting Matera city. You will drive through the central part of Puglia until to arrive in Basilicata region. Matera is a UNESCO site best known for the Sassi di Matera , an ancient city with houses that have been excavated into the rocks and inhabited since the Stone Age.  Following our itinerary and enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the unique and ancient Sassi di Matera. You will be fascinated by the beauty of Matera old city that looks like a living nativity. Food is also a great experience in this city, let us inspire you with our recommendations about cave restaurants and food specialties.

Day 6   Lecce “the Florence of the Southern Italy”      From this day your tour will be focalized on Puglia South area, so we suggest staying in Lecce city for your last 3 nights. Please, find Hotels suggestions and road information on the App. Drive to the South part following the Adriatic Coast, until to reach Lecce. This beautiful city is known as the capital of the Baroque art in the South of Italy and for this reason is called “the Florence of the Southern Italy”.  Follow our itinerary and enjoy a relaxing walking tour where you will admire ancient churches and noble houses that represent beautiful examples of Italian Baroque art.  Lecce has a lot to offer for foodies! One of the local specialties that you can’t miss is the typical Pasticciotto Leccese (a sweet pastry filled with delicious cream and cooked in the oven). On our App you can discover more about Lecce typical food and places to taste it. 

Day 7   Otranto and the Adriatic East Coast – Apulian wine experience in local winery      This morning we suggest visiting the city of Otranto, the highest point in eastern Italy.  It is full of interesting sights to visit while wandering through the town’s maze of narrow streets and passages. Otranto is a typical small town with a nice historical downtown built on the Adriatic Coast.  After your city tour continue your trip driving along the Adriatic East Coast. Following our itinerary you'll be charmed by a wonderful emerald green lake set amidst the coral-colored hills of the bauxite quarry. Then take your time to stop at the panoramic view of Otranto lighthouse. It is the eastern tip of Italy where if the sky is completely clear it's possible to see the other side of Adriatic Sea with Albania and the North of Greece. Leaving the coastline you will continue driving by the flourishing vineyards and olive groves of the unique Apulian countryside.  We will arrange for you the visit of a local winery . Your wine expert guide will show you the vineyards and the cellar where you will learn about grape varieties and wine production in this region. Finally enjoy your tasting of different Apulian wines: white, rosè and red! Food experience included: wine tasting in local winery

Day 8  Gallipoli and the Ionian West Coast Today you will travel to the West Coast of Puglia and visit Gallipoli, a nice fishing village on the Ionian Sea. This part of the region is a trendy destination loved for its beautiful sandy beaches.  The old town, perched on a limestone island, is connected to the new part of the town, on the mainland, by an arched bridge built in the 1900s.  Follow our itinerary and take a relaxing walking tour through the old city until to visit the local fish market where you can also taste the daily fresh fish cooked directly from fishermen. 

Day 9   Departure  Today you leave from Lecce city. Drop off your car at the airport before your departure flight.  Please, remember that if your flight departs from Brindisi airport, you need approximately 45 minutes drive distance from Lecce city.  Otherwise if your flight departs from Bari airport, you need approximately 2 hours drive distance from Lecce city.

The price for this 9 days self-drive tour is Euro 390 per person. WHAT IS INCLUDED

Arrivederci Puglia Travel App Booking this self-drive tour, you will receive our App where you will find all details about the tour:  - drive directions  - our selection of suggested Hotels  - detailed itinerary day by day with places to visit, cultural and historical information - suggestions about typical food and wine to taste and places where to taste them - names and details about local restaurants where to eat the authentic local cuisine - extra activities to add to your tour upon request - the App includes also an instant chat service, so it is very easy to communicate with us for free. Lunch in charming Trullo restaurant in Alberobello. 3 courses menu based on Apulian traditional dishes with wine included.

English guided tour of a local winery with different Apulian wines tasting. Local support available 24/7

Vat tax included

EXTRA SERVICES TO ADD UPON REQUEST Car Rental We can book your hire car for the duration of your trip and you can choose which type of vehicle you prefer, from economy to luxury type. Accommodation Booking Accommodation is part of your experience in Puglia. You can choose to stay in a charming Trullo house, in a relaxing farmhouse or in a cave hotel! We will suggest you a carefully selection of Hotels where you can appreciate the Italian and Mediterranean lifestyle. Boutique B&B in the city center, 4 star Hotels, farmhouses in the countryside, 5 star and luxury Hotels. We can book for you the accommodation you prefer and you can choose haw many Hotels you want to change during your vacation. Personalized experiences :  - Guided walking tours with expert local guide  - Visit of local farm with organic Mozzarella and Apulian cheeses tasting  - Visit of local oil mill with Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting  - Visit of local wineries with Apulian wines tasting  - Apulian cooking class  - Boat tours  - Bike tours  - Lunches and dinners in selected restaurants Customized tours Upon request we can design your personalized self-drive tour in Puglia according to your wishes, dates and budget.

Tour highlights

• Self-drive tour experience created by a local expert
• Detailed itinerary and driving direction easily to follow on our travel APP 
• Complete Apulian lunch with wine included per two persons in a charming Trullo restaurant
• Apulian wine experience in local winery
• Selection of local restaurants where to taste the authentic Apulian cuisine, away from touristic places: from the typical trattorie where to taste the “ cucina della nonna ” to gourmet and exclusive restaurants
• Extra activities and services to personalized your holiday

Puglia self-drive tours

Our Puglia self-drive tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Puglia region with freedom and flexibility, following a detailed itinerary created by a local expert.

Best Experience! We wanted to see the Puglia region and booked this 8 day, seven night tour at the recommendation of one of our friends. We usually travel on our own and book private tours of certain cities that interest us. This tour was just outstanding and we are glad that we used them to visit Puglia. They are very easy to work with and can and will customize your experience. They are very knowledgeable of the area and gave us some very unique experiences that we just wouldn't have been able to do without them. They handled all of the transportation, accomodations and actually location tours. All 1st class!

Beautiful Puglia....an Italian treasure! We are leaving Puglia with an understanding of the history and an appreciation for the beauty and culture of this part of Italy. Our trip was busy but with a pace so we never felt rushed. The care taken to be sure each lunch experience was true to the region visiting was appreciated by the 5 of us. We loved this trip and encourage anyone visiting Puglia to use Arrivederci Puglia Travel. They are a joy to spend time with and become family. Our enthusiasm for this part of Italy was so strong, we returned for a second visit with Arrivederci Puglia.

DIANNE & LOU Boston, USA

We spent a wonderful week with Antonella and Sandro, exploring their delightful home province.  They shared with us their in depth knowledge and love of Puglia, they were always professional, thoughtful and courteous. Can’t recommend Arrivederci Puglia highly enough. It’s a wonderful part of Italy, previously unknown to us, we are so happy to have visited!

FEDERICO & KAY Sydney, AUS

Nothing but the BEST!! We had an absolutely wonderful time in the Puglia region with our wonderful tour guides Sandro and Antonella. They have put together a great balance of places to see and learn about. Sandro and Antonella are highly educated and knowledgeable about their country. The professionalism and attention to detail was fantastic. We would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn, taste and explore the Puglia region!

SUZY Oregon, USA

Arrivederci Puglia Travel was born from our love for our Region, a land rich in family values and traditions. We want to put our passion and experience at the service of our guests, to offer them an unforgettable vacation in Italy, while experiencing the fantastic Italian Mediterranean lifestyle.

For us, our clients are not simply customers. We like to consider them special friends or a part of our family. We are pleased to facilitate your experience living as a true Italian! Take advantage of our knowledge of Puglia, the land where we live, to gain preferred entrance to most famous sites.

Puglia, the heel of Italy…is located in the Southern Italy and it is fast becoming Italy’s new hot destination. Nature, art, history, ancient traditions, beautiful beaches, excellent food and wine, as well as the proverbial hospitality of its people, are the qualities of Puglia!

Introduction to Northern Italy Self Drive Tour

• July 26, 2023
• Travel to Italy

If you’ve been yearning for a travel experience that’s both thrilling and immersive, a Self Drive Northern Italy Tour is exactly what you need. The opportunity to navigate through cobblestone streets, panoramic landscapes, and breathtaking coastlines at your own pace provides a sense of freedom that’s one of a kind. This personal voyage of discovery is not just about the destination, it’s about the journey.

The concept of a self-drive tour with Italy Trails is simple . After planning your trip with Italy Trails travel designers, you will be in control of your trip, with the flexibility to choose your route, where you want to stop, and how long you wish to stay. The beauty of this type of tour is that it gives you the space to soak in the cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty of the region, unbounded by strict schedules.

Italy Trails is one of the most important Italian tour operators focused on self-drive travel in Italy , booking a trip with Italy Trails will allow you to be completely independent in your Italian experience, but also best advised on your trip. With a self-drive tour, you will be free to explore Northern Italy, but this does not mean you are on your own . Upon your arrival you will receive a smartphone from Italy trails with all the necessary information about your itinerary for your trip and through this smartphone, you will be able to chat for assistance with any doubt or eventuality. So although you won’t have a guide physically present, you have the necessary tools and support to navigate your way through Northern Italy.

The Beauty and Allure of Northern Italy

Northern Italy is a treasure trove of mesmerizing landscapes, historic cities, and enchanting traditions. Its allure lies in its diversity, from the romantic canals of Venice and the fashion capital Milan, to the scenic vineyards of Piedmont and the majestic peaks of the Dolomites . But the beauty of Northern Italy is not just in its breathtaking sights. It’s in the warmth of its people, the richness of its culture, and the delectable cuisine. Every town, every city, every winding road tells a story, and these are the stories that make a Self-Drive Northern Italy Tour an unforgettable journey.

Planning your Self-Drive Northern Italy Tour

Before planning your  Northern Italy Tour with the Italy Trails team, there are a few key elements you need to discuss. First of all , determine the duration of your tour. This depends on how many places you wish to visit and how much time you want to spend at each location. Italy Trails team will give you all the suggestions about time, roads, and all waypoints so you can travel on the best roads and enjoy the best panoramas of the region you are visiting.

There are numerous routes in Northern Italy that offer an exhilarating driving experience. One of them is the Great Dolomite Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Another recommended route is the Romantic Road, which takes you through picturesque towns and historic cities.

A Northern Italy Tour would be incomplete without visiting some of the region’s iconic landmarks. These include the historic city of Venice with its canals and gondolas, the fashion capital Milan, the romantic city of Verona, and the scenic vineyards of Piedmont, the iconic Dolomiti mountains, and many other little gems.

Tips for Driving in Northern Italy

Driving in Northern Italy can be a unique experience. To make this experience smooth and enjoyable, remember to always have at hand your driving license and passport, however, the Italy Trails team will provide you with all the necessary information about the local driving rules , such as the speed limit and parking regulations.

What to Pack for a Self-Drive Northern Italy Tour

When packing for a Self Drive Northern Italy Tour, consider the weather conditions, the duration of your tour, and the activities you plan to do. Essentials include comfortable clothes and a good pair of walking shoes.

Advantages of a Self-Drive Northern Italy Tour

A Self Drive Northern Italy Tour with Italy Trails offers numerous advantages. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, the flexibility to choose your route and stops, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. It’s an experience that’s as enriching as it is exhilarating.

A Self Drive Northern Italy Tour with Italy Trails is more than just a journey, it’s an adventure. It’s about immersing yourself in the beauty, culture, and history of Northern Italy. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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• Walking Holidays
• Tours and Multi-Centre Holidays
• Holiday Types
• Italy Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours in Italy

For travellers who want to explore at their own pace, we have carefully created self-guided itineraries that include the highlights of Italy’s regions, taking away the hassle of having to plan things for yourself. On a self-guided tour with Inghams you’ll have everything you need to get the most out of your holiday.

If you fancy taking a road trip through the beautiful landscapes of Italy , why not try one of our self-drive itineraries? Fly to your destination where you’ll collect your hire car and begin your adventure. We’ll give you detailed maps and itineraries so you’ll be fully ready to explore and make the most of your holiday without having to think about planning a route, because we’ve done that for you.

We have created self-guided tours that will help you create unforgettable memories as you travel through Italy seeing the most famous sights, as well as visiting places that are not on the well-trodden tourist trail, making for unique experiences.

Take a look at our complete range of Italy Self-Guided Tours below

Lake garda highlights italy.

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Maggiore & Como Medley Italy

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7-Day Tuscany Self-Drive Wine and Food Tour

We offer 24 hr free cancellation on most of our tours, winery visits and hotels. For more detail please see the individual cancellation policies on the tour, winery or hotel page.

Tour Overview

Explore Tuscany, a region of sprawling vineyards, charming old cities, masterpieces of art and mouth-watering gastronomy with this 7-day self-drive wine tour. Visit the magnificent cities of Florence and Siena. Discover the prestigious wines of Chianti area, Montepulciano and Montalcino and San Gimignano with its tall towers.

Day 1: Arrival

Arriving to the hotel, near Florence, settle in and get ready for a delicious welcome dinner there.  

Day 2: Florence

In the morning depart for Florence for a private guided sightseeing tour. Walk through the historical centre of this amazing city and visit the Santa Croce church, where many illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli are buried. The visit also takes you to other religious buildings (the Baptistry, the Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower) and the houses of power in the old city (the Piazza della Signoria). Enjoy a nice lunch at a typical restaurant. The afternoon is free to stroll along Florence's elegant streets. You can take a break at one of Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!”. 

Day 3: Siena and San Gimignano

In the morning you can visit Siena, famous for its stunning architecture and the Palio horse race. Sample some delicious traditional desserts like the Panforte in one of the most famous pastry shops in town, followed by some free time for shopping. On the way to San Gimignano along the ancient Via Francigena, stop for lunch consisting of traditional local produce at Il Castagnolino, a little family-run farmhouse where you'll also learn about the techniques used in producing the San Gimignano organic olive oil. In the afternoon you can visit the famous towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum: storyboards, multi-media exhibits, street scenes and a ceramic recreation of the city as it was back in 1300.

Day 4: Radda in Chianti and Greve in Chianti

This entire day is dedicated to discovering the Chianti hills along the Via Chiantigena, an ancient road connecting Siena with Florence crossing over the Chianti hills. Visit a winery in Radda in Chianti where you will meet the wine producer and visit to the cellars, at the end enjoy a wine tasting. Proceed to Greve in Chianti where you can visit the little historical town centre. Stop at the historical butchers "Faloni" where, since 1729 they have produced the specialties of the local norcineria, including Prosciutto Saporito di Greve, cured pork products from the surrounding Senese hills, and wild boar from the well known Finocchiona. Enjoy a tasting of salami. In the afternoon visit a winery in Greve in Chianti for a wine and oil tasting.

Day 5: Montepulciano and Pienza

Travel to Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy which from a height of 605 metres above sea level offers amazing views over the surrounding hillsides. Visit the Enoteca Contucci winery for a free tasting, then explore the wonderful town centre of Montepulciano. For lunch, you can choose the old Osteria dell’Acquacheta, with its rustic and familial atmosphere. Here, you may sample some of Tuscany’s best recipes (such as the Pici all’Aglione). In the afternoon, head for Pienza, the perfect example of a Renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese. Visit Pianporcino Farm, learn about the cheese-making process and sample the produce.

Day 6: Montalcino

In the morning depart for Montalcino, famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world. Montalcino is a beautiful art city which dominates 3,000 hectares of vineyards (1,500 for Brunello alone). Enjoy a visit to the Mastio della Rocca which is home to the Enoteca La Fortezza where it will be possible to buy some local products and the exceptional honey, a local specialty, and sample some wine. Enjoy some free time before returning to Florence area for a cooking class dedicated to the Tuscany tradition, followed by dinner.

Day 7: Departure

Check out at the hotel after breakfast.

What’s included

• 6-nights accommodation in 4-star charming hotels and/or historical residences
• Lunch at “Osterie d’Italia” typical Slow Food restaurants
• Slow Food welcome dinner at the hotel
• Half-day sightseeing tour of Firenze
• Cooking lesson
• Buffet breakfast daily
• 3 guided tastings of foods and/or wines from the Tuscany region
• Light lunch
• Dinner after the cooking lesson
• Entrance tickets for monuments and museums
• Transportation

Meeting point

Your accommodation in Rignano Sull’Arno.

Cancellation Policy

• More than 8 working days prior to client’s arrival: full refund
• 7 – 4 working days prior to client’s arrival:50%
• 72 hours (3 working days) prior to client’s arrival and for No-show: 100%

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