Italy Road Trip: 16 Days of Eternal City, Amalfi Dreams, Tuscan Wonders & Lakes

Today, drive to Naples (approx. 2 hours). You’ll be spending one night in this vibrant city.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Explore Naples’ historic center and lively streets.
• Visit Castel dell’Ovo and Spaccanapoli.
• Try authentic Neapolitan pizza at a renowned pizzeria.
• Optional: Take a quick trip to Pompeii, about 30 minutes away, for a glimpse of the ancient ruins.

Drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast (approx. 1.5 hours). You’ll be spending two nights along this stunning coastline.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Begin your coastal adventure with a visit to Sorrento, perched high above the Bay of Naples, known for its charming streets, sea views, and lemon-scented atmosphere.
• Continue to Positano, the jewel of the coast, with its colorful cliffside houses and boutique shops.
• Drive to Amalfi and visit the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew before enjoying a relaxing walk along the harbor.
• In the late afternoon, head to Ravello, famous for its elegant villas and gardens.
• Enjoy dinner with panoramic sea views in Positano, savoring fresh seafood and local wine.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Take a day trip to the island of Capri, easily reached by ferry from Amalfi or Sorrento.
• Explore the glamorous town of Capri, visit the Piazzetta, and stroll through elegant boutiques and cafés.
• Take a boat tour around the island to see the famous Blue Grotto and dramatic sea cliffs.
• Return to the mainland in the afternoon and spend a relaxed evening along the coast.
• Enjoy a final dinner overlooking the sea, soaking in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast at sunset.

Drive from the Amalfi Coast to Assisi (approx. 4.5 hours). You’ll spend one night in this beautiful hilltop town, known for its medieval charm and deep spiritual heritage.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Explore the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, home to Giotto’s famous frescoes and one of Italy’s most sacred sites.
• Wander through the peaceful medieval streets, discovering Piazza del Comune and Rocca Maggiore for panoramic views over the Umbrian countryside.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that makes Assisi so special.
• End the day with a traditional Umbrian dinner at a local trattoria, tasting regional specialties like truffle pasta and local wine.

Drive to Florence (approx. 2 hours). You’ll be spending two nights in the heart of Tuscany.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Walk through Florence’s historic center: Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria.
• Enjoy gelato or coffee at a piazza café.
• Dinner suggestion: try local Tuscan cuisine in a cozy trattoria.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Visit the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery to see Renaissance masterpieces.
• Walk the streets of Oltrarno, exploring artisan shops and hidden squares.
• End the day with sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Drive to Lake Maggiore (approx. 4 hours). You’ll spend two nights here.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Check in at your hotel and take some time to relax after the drive.
• Explore Stresa, the elegant lakeside town filled with cafés, boutiques, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
• Take a short boat ride to Isola Bella to visit the Borromeo Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and its beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Stroll along the Stresa lakeside promenade at sunset before enjoying dinner by the water.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Start your day with a visit to Isola Madre, known for its lush botanical gardens and exotic plants.
• Continue by boat to Isola dei Pescatori, the smallest and most authentic of the Borromean Islands, where you can enjoy lunch at a traditional fish restaurant overlooking the lake.
• In the afternoon, take the Mottarone Cable Car (weather permitting) for spectacular 360° views over Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and the Alps.
• Alternatively, drive along the scenic lake road to Verbania or Arona, stopping at viewpoints along the way.
• End your day with a peaceful lakeside dinner and a glass of local wine while admiring the evening reflections on the water.

Drive from Lake Maggiore to Turin (approx. 2.5 hours). You’ll spend two nights in Turin.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Explore Piazza Castello, Mole Antonelliana, and Palazzo Reale, taking in the historic and artistic highlights.
• Relax at historic cafés sampling gianduja chocolate, pastries, and local espresso.
• Enjoy an evening stroll along the elegant streets of Turin’s center, soaking up the sophisticated atmosphere.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Visit the Egyptian Museum or the National Cinema Museum for fascinating insights into history and culture.
• Explore Parco del Valentino and Borgo Medievale, a picturesque village within the park.
• End the day with dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Piedmont specialties and regional wines.

Drive to Portofino (approx. 2.5 hours). You’ll spend one night in this iconic and picturesque coastal village.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Walk the charming harbor and enjoy panoramic views of the Ligurian coastline.
• Hike up to Castello Brown for stunning perspectives over the sea and surrounding hills.
• Relax at a café or enjoy dinner overlooking the marina, watching the sunset light up the colorful buildings.

Drive to Pisa (approx. 2 hours). You’ll spend one night in this historic city.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli, exploring the surrounding monuments.
• Stroll through Pisa’s historic streets and along the riverside, discovering charming cafés and local shops.
• Enjoy dinner at a local trattoria and savor traditional Tuscan specialties, perhaps paired with a glass of Chianti.

Today, drive back to Rome (approx. 4 hours) for your final night in Italy.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Spend a relaxed day revisiting your favorite spots in Rome or discovering hidden corners you may have missed.
• Optional: Take a short excursion to Tivoli, visiting Villa d’Este or Hadrian’s Villa for beautiful gardens and historical ruins.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner in the city, enjoying your final night and the memories of your journey through Italy.