From the mouth-watering food to the sound of Italian language, from where the water meets the land to ancient cities, mountains and lakes - Italy has it all.
It might be (most likely is) my favorite destination in Europe, but like a mother who has many kids, I can’t admit that there is one favorite
(even when one might be little sweeter and nicer than others) 😉
Two years ago I celebrated my birthday in The Dolomites and I absolutely loved it – the contrast between the mountains and the green valleys, make it a spectacular destination for a road-trip.
Get in a car and have your eyes peeled out the window!
Breath-taking!
The year before I travelled to Sicily, explored Rome and Florence, and visited Puglia region.
Last year, for my big Birthday, I wanted to have a special experience, so I planned
11 day road trip though Italy.
I personally think that one month would be sufficient time to travel across Italy and really enjoy the country – starting from North going all the way South, but I understand that very few people have the luxury of so much free time.
11 days gives you enough time to get a little taste of different regions in Italy and it won't feel rushed. A good balance between city exploring, lounging in Tuscany country-side and dipping in the simmering Tyrrhenian Sea.
Let’s go!
11-day Italy itinerary
Florence, Tuscany and Umbria region, Rome and Amalfi Coast
Day 1 Arrive to Florence, explore the city, stay in Florence
Day 2 Rent a car and head to Pisa, explore the region – stay in Volterra
Day 3 Val d’Orcia, Siena, Moltepulciano
Day 4 Drive through Tuscany & Umbria – stay in villa Cozzano
Day 5 Rest - Stay in Villa Cozzano or alternative option in the region
Day 6 Cascate del Mulino, Sorano, arrive to Rome
Day 7 Day in Rome
Day 8 Train from Rome to Naples and from Naples to Sorrento (night in Amalfi coast)
Day 9 Day in Amalfi
Day 10 Day in Positano
Day 11 Evening Sorrento to Naples (for pizza)
Day 1
Florence, the capital of Tuscany region, is a great starting point for your Italian road-trip!
It is calmer than Italy’s other equally tourist-centric spots.
If it’s your very first time in Italy, then Florence will surely leave unforgettable first impression. If (like me) you have lost count of how many times you have visited Italy, you will still be marveling at all the incredible beauty this city holds.
There is art in the museums (almost a third of the World’s art treasure reside in Florence) and the city itself is a form of artwork.
The Medici Family ruled Florence from 1434 to 1737. A wealthy family of merchants and bankers, were most famous for investing in art & culture and their support made Florence the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.
Their influence expanded to the rest of Italy and Europe.
It’s a city that will satisfy anyone’s taste in art, history and of course food.
You can spend hours getting lost in the narrow streets and discovering incredible beauty in Florence. Stop for an espresso, sit down for a lunch and of course, save space for gelato.
I remember my first time trying gelato in Florence, thinking, wow, it’s so much better than anything I have ever had, so quick google search and I discovered that gelato was actually invented in Florence – alchemist Cosimo Ruggieri created the first-ever gelato (Fior di latte) at the court of Catherine de’ Medici as part of courtly cooking contests.
My absolute favorite was Gelateria Dei Neri and Perche No
Stay in Florence – more time – more space for Gelato.
Day 2
Rent a car in Florence.
Drive to Pisa to see with your own eyes the famous Pisa tower and stay in Volterra region.
Volterra is a charming town, well known for its Etruscan origins and for the many remains belonging to this era.
You can still visit protective city walls built during the 5th to 4th centuries BC. There are also many Roman remains to visit - the Roman Theater, dating back to the end of the first century AC, built in a natural amphitheater shape area.
Enjoy a late lunch and pick up some fresh melon and good bottle of wine, to enjoy sunset at Tuscany country-side.
We stayed here and it was truly wonderful, quite place with unforgettable sunset view.
If you need recommendations and help with planning your trip - contact me.
Day 3
Continue to explore the nearby region.
When you picture Tuscany, you may imagine rolling green hills with a cypress tress on the horizon. This kind of breathtaking landscape is common in Val d’Orcia, perhaps the most picturesque area in the region.
Medieval castles, hilltop towns, charming rural farmhouses, rows of vineyards
and cypress trees.
Siena, a medieval hill-town in Tuscany recognized as the “ideal embodiment of a medieval city” by UNESCO. Siena is dark and moody, mysterious and noble.
Towering houses built on tightly packed lanes enclose streets so much that barely a ray of light reaches the cobbled stones beneath your feet.
Siena was fortunate in escaping damage during World War II, and it now survives as a provincial town of great beauty and charm.
Montepulciano is a small medieval town, perched high on a hilltop, in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany.
In Montepulciano you will find family-owned shops and restaurants, and some of Italy’s best red wines. This region is known for Vino Nobile, which has long been the preferred wine of kings, nobility, and religious leaders in Italy. By law, this wine can only be produced in Montepulciano, must contain at least 70 percent sangiovese,
and is aged for a minimum of two years.
Day 4 and Day 5
Continue your journey South, where the Tuscany region meets Umbria.
After 3 days of roaming cities, it is a good time to slow down and take in the calm and beauty of this unique region. Sit back with a glass of wine and gaze in the far distance of rolling fields, vineyards and hill-towns.
Enjoy the freedom of having your rental car and visit nearby towns for late lunches, or spend hours by the pool, listening to he sound of cypresses.
You will find many great hotel options, however, if you prefer to cook your own meals, or travel in bigger groups, you might want to opt for an Airbnb.
We stayed at Villa Cozzano and it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Dating back to the first half of the 16th century, Villa Cozzano has been home to numerous people and activities over the course of time.
"Cozzano is an ideal oasis of tranquility and wellbeing, where you can leave the worries of modern living and rediscover the beauty of simple things."
Day 6
As you start your journey South, towards the capital of Italy, consider stopping at
Cascate del Mulino, thermal spring baths.
You have probably seen this very popular place on Instagram, so don’t be surprised or disappointed if you won’t be the only one there ;)
Another stop worth making (if you prefer to split-up your journey) is Sorano - an ancient medieval hill town.
Depending on how you choose to spend your day, you will be arriving to Rome early or late afternoon.
Drop off your car here and get your most comfortable shoes out.
Rome is city for walking.
I will write a separate blog-post on Rome. It’s a city that deserves more than just a mention.
Day 7
Explore Rome
"A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome"
Day 8
Catch a train from Rome to Naples and from Naples to Sorrento.
From there get a taxi to Amalfi coast.
We made the mistake of renting a car – it is absolutely unnecessary. Even for a good driver, maneuvering the Amalfi coast traffic in summer months and trying to find parking,
will cause so much unnecessary stress.
Once you get to Amalfi, rent a scooter, or one of those small vintage Fiats!
Super easy and convenient, and embraces the true spirit of Italian living!
Day 9 and Day 10
There are so many wonderful things to see in Amalfi coast, but arm yourself with patience – it is an incredibly busy part of Italy!
The summer season is short, and tourists from all over the World are eager to enjoy this very special and small slice of heaven.
The sheer cliffs and rugged shoreline makes for a truly unique and breathtaking views.
One might think – what is there about Amalfi coast that makes it so popular?
It’s one of those places that leave you speechless. It makes you feel something!
Especially Positano!
American Author John Steinbeck famously said
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone”
In order to avoid the stress of moving and unpacking, I would recommend booking a hotel in Amalfi town, and plan your days from there.
Positano is a quick boat ride away – a much smaller, and much more luxurious town, it doesn’t “serve for budget options”. It’s a place to see and to be seen.
Start your day early at the famous La Scogliera beach. Sun-bed costs 30€ (ideally book it day before or come early for the best seat). It’s reserved until the end of the day, and it makes it easy and convenient to explore Positano, as you nip in and out for a stroll through the Positano town, or a light lunch in one of the nearby restaurants.
As you dip in the water that’s reflecting the simmering summer sun, take in the surroundings - this is a truly unique place in the World!
You don’t have to break a bank to enjoy some really nice views of Positano from one of the nice hotel bars (I will share a separate blog post on that).
There are variety of café and restaurant options in Amalfi town, as well as range of hotels that cater different budgets – just make sure to book early!
We stayed at Miramalfi – just a few minute walking distance from Amalfi town, and I highly recommend this place!
If you need any recommendations or help planning your trip to Amalfi coast - contact me
Day 11
Depending on your departure time, you can either plan to go from Amalfi straight to Naples airport, or have a night in Naples.
Naples is a very hectic city, but one has to experience it to feel the full spectrum
of what Italy has to offer.
If, like myself, you appreciate good pizza, then you must stop in Naples,
even if it’s only for the pizza.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele become popular after it was featured in Eat Pray Love movie, but it has always been favored amongst the locals. Considered the best pizza in Naples (that’s a very loud statement from the capital of ‘the best pizza’) -it is surprisingly simple and fuss-free establishment.
Despite their extra fame gained by the Hollywood movie, they have stayed true to what they do – offering only 3 types of pizzas and keeping the price as low as 5 eur (for a Margherita).
The only problem with having this pizza is that it will elevate your pizza standards to a whole next level.
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