Italian Highlights Road Trip Itinerary
The Italian Highlights Road Trip is an amazing journey through some of the most beautiful and historic places in Italy. Starting in Milan, the trip takes you through Verona, Bologna, and Siena, with a total distance of 999 km (621 miles). It is recommended to take 8 days to complete the trip, and the best time of year to drive is April to October.
The route passes some of the most interesting historical sites in Italy, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Verona and Siena, as well as some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The roads are in excellent condition, making the trip a safe and enjoyable experience for all drivers.
This road trip provides an unforgettable experience and is suitable for everyone, regardless of budget. With moderate budgeting, this road trip can be managed and enjoyed to the fullest, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Italy.
8
number of days
995 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Milan
Distance 995 km
Driving time 13.1 h
Pace: fast
298.5 kWh
Airports
MXP
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Milan is a vibrant city in the north of Italy and a great starting point for the “Italian Highlights Road Trip”. A car rental at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the perfect way to explore this metropolis. Start off at the Duomo di Milano, the breathtakingly beautiful gothic cathedral, and enjoy the view from its rooftop terrace. From there, head to the Sforzesco Castle, the grandiose 15th century fortress, and stroll around its courtyards. Then, take a break at the Piazza del Duomo and find the perfect souvenir at the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Don’t forget to visit the famous La Scala Opera House and the Leonardo da Vinci National Science and Technology Museum. For a more relaxed day, take a stroll around the Parco Sempione to admire its greenery, fountains and sculptures. After this, start your journey to explore the rest of Italy.
1
Milan
- Brescia
- Verona
Distance 200 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
59.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you looking for a road trip that's full of culture and history? Then start your journey in Milan and drive to Brescia and then to Verona, a 202 km drive that will take you less than two hours. Along the way, you will come across some of the most interesting places in Italy. In Brescia, you will find the Santa Giulia Museum, a UNESCO Heritage site, full of archaeological and artistic treasures. You can also explore the old city center and the majestic Castello. Verona is another must-see destination, with its Roman amphitheater, the Arena, and the Juliet's Balcony. Don't forget to visit the Castelvecchio, a medieval fortress. On your way, you can also stop at some of the historical sites, such as the Roman road and the archaeological area of Brescia. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage.
Verona - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipédia
Verona - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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2
Verona
- Padua
- Venice
Distance 122 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
36.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Verona to Venice, a 122km journey that can be completed in less than 2 hours. Start by exploring Verona, a city known for its monuments, Roman amphitheater, and the house of Juliet, the famous heroine of Shakespeare's play. Then, drive to Padua, a city of art and culture, where you can visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the Scrovegni Chapel, and the Prato della Valle. Finally, arrive in Venice, where you can discover the Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Along the way, you can also visit some UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and take the time to explore the historical sites. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites, check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Venice - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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3
Venice
- Ravenna
- Bologna
Distance 230 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: modest
59.9 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip that will take you through some of Italy's most beautiful cities? Start your journey in Venice, and drive for about 2 hours and 40 minutes to the city of Ravenna. Here, you will find some of the best-preserved monuments in Italy, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don't miss the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the Neonian Baptistery. Then, drive for another hour and a half to get to Bologna. This city is known for its architecture, especially the two leaning towers and the Piazza Maggiore. Also, don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine. This stage of your road trip is 233 km long, and it can be completed in less than four hours. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Bologna - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Bologna
- Florence
Distance 109 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
32.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for the ultimate road trip experience? Then join us on the Bologna to Florence drive! This 108km journey will take you fewer than two hours, but you'll get to experience some of the most beautiful sights in Italy.
Start your journey in Bologna, where you can marvel at the magnificent Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio. Then, as you drive through the countryside, you can admire the UNESCO Heritage sites of Dozza and Imola.
Continue your journey to Florence, where you can explore the iconic Duomo di Firenze and the Ponte Vecchio. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Boboli Gardens - it's the perfect way to end your road trip!
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Florence - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - PxHere
Florence - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Pikist
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5
Florence
- Siena
Distance 76 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
22.7 kWh
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Are you looking for an unforgettable road trip experience? Then the Florence to Siena route is perfect for you! This scenic drive is only 76 km long and will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning Tuscan countryside, as well as some UNESCO Heritage sites. You can also visit the historical cities of Florence and Siena, both of which are filled with ancient monuments, churches, and other attractions. Don't forget to take a few pictures of the beautiful landscapes! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Siena - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipédia
Siena - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
Siena - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Siena
- Rome
Distance 259 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
77.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Siena to Rome! This route is 259 km long and takes less than 3 hours of driving time. Along the way, you will come across some of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy. You can start your journey in Siena, a city known for its medieval architecture and beautiful piazzas. Don’t miss the Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, and Torre del Mangia. After you’ve explored the city, you can drive to the city of Viterbo, where you can visit the Papal Palace, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the Church of San Francesco. From Viterbo, you can continue your journey to the city of Orvieto, where you can marvel at the Duomo, the San Brizio Chapel, and the Torre del Moro. Finally, you can end your journey in the beautiful city of Rome, where you can visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to rest and refuel. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Bon voyage!
Rome - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Flickr
Rome - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - – Vikipedija
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Rome
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The Italian Highlights Road Trip is an experience like no other, and the perfect way to end your journey is in the iconic and vibrant city of Rome. Located in the Lazio region of Italy, Rome is the capital of the country, and is home to some of the most impressive monuments and artwork in the world.
Rome is the perfect place to explore, as there are plenty of world-famous attractions to visit. Start with the Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater that was built in the 1st century AD and is the largest amphitheater in the world. Then, head to the Pantheon, the temple to the gods of Ancient Rome that was built in 126 AD. Other must-see attractions include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican Museums.
In addition to its historical landmarks, Rome is also home to a vibrant nightlife and a bustling food scene. The Trastevere neighborhood is the perfect place to find some of the best restaurants in the city.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). However, it is best to take a car to Rome, as it is the end of the Italian Highlights Road Trip. This way, you can take in the stunning views of the Italian countryside and make stops along the way to visit some of the other beautiful cities in the country.
Rome - Italy - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Italian Highlights Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Milan
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End:
Rome
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Distance:
995 km
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Stay:
8 days
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Getting there:
Malpensa International Airport (MXP)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a mesmerizing 999 km (621 miles) Italian Highlights Road Trip, starting from the fashion capital of Milan and meandering through the rich tapestry of Italy's historical and picturesque cities, including Verona, Bologna, and Siena. Perfect for an immersive 8-day journey, this route is best enjoyed from April to October, showcasing a fusion of Italy's cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the vibrant atmosphere of its storied towns and cities.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Milan: Not only the global hub of fashion and design, but also home to the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and Leonardo da Vinci's famed mural, 'The Last Supper.'
- Verona: Step into the romance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at Juliet's Balcony, or experience the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire at the Verona Arena, an ancient amphitheater that still hosts concerts and operas.
- Bologna: Explore the intellectual heart of Italy at the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, savor the rich flavors of traditional Bolognese cuisine, and wander through a labyrinth of medieval streets and towers.
- Siena: Dive into the medieval charm of Siena's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and feel the excitement of the Palio di Siena, the historic horse race held twice a year in the city's main square, Piazza del Campo.
Best Time to Go:
The Road Trip is most rewarding from April to October, when Italy basks in mild temperatures and the countryside blooms, allowing for comfortable exploration and ample opportunity to experience the country's outdoor splendor and festive events.
Potential Risks:
The journey is generally safe with well-maintained Roads. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons, and exercise vigilance against pickpocketing in busy locales.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- In Italy, driving is on the right-hand side of the Road.
- Be prepared to pay tolls on the autostrade, Italy's extensive network of motorways, which are known for their quality and efficiency.
- Avoid fines by understanding and respecting the Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs), which restrict vehicle access in many historical city centers.
A good choice for:
The Italian Highlights Road Trip is an invitation to discover the rich tapestry of Italy's art, history, gastronomy, and dramatic landscapes. It is a journey that caters to diverse interests and budgets, ensuring that every traveler collects a treasure trove of memories to last a lifetime.