Self-drive tours in Italy

See a hilltop village? Stop and explore. Spot a family-run trattoria? Pull over for lunch. Want to spend an extra hour by Lake Como? Nobody's rushing you.

Many of Italy's gems – think tiny towns in Tuscany, secluded beaches near Sorrento, Alpine valleys in South Tyrol – are best reached by car. While trains connect some towns and cities, your rental car unlocks the Italy that tour buses miss.

Scenic roads through wine country and coastal drives for photo opportunities – that's where a lot of the magic happens.

You'll drive on the right-hand side, with the steering wheel on the left – same as North America and most of Europe.

Italian roads are generally in good condition, though historic city centres can have narrow streets and limited parking. After all, these roads were built before cars were even invented. Our tip is to park outside old towns and explore on foot.

Mountain passes wind beautifully, but take your time. On these roads, an hour drive can become two when you stop for photos (worth it).

Your GPS will be your best friend (download offline maps for remote areas). Take some time to read our guide to driving in Italy and familiarise yourself with local road rules before setting off. You'll soon feel confident behind the wheel.

Every corner of Italy offers something special for your road trip. Here are some spots we recommend for your self-drive adventure:

Cities for your wish list:
•  Rome
•  Florence
•  Venice
•  Naples
•  Verona
•  Milan
•  Pisa

Lakes and mountains to discover:
•  Lake Como
•  Lake Garda
•  Lake Maggiore
•  South Tyrol
•  Aosta Valley

Coast and countryside to relax in:
•  Amalfi Coast
•  Tuscany
•  Umbria
•  Cinque Terre

Want to go beyond Italy? We'll connect your trip with Austria, Germany, or Switzerland for an epic multi-country Alpine tour.

For more inspiration, read this round-up of the best places to explore in Northern Italy.

Visit between April and October for the classic Italian experience. Warm weather ideal for wandering ancient streets, dining al fresco, and swimming in crystal-clear lakes.

Spring and autumn (April, May, September and October) are best for dodging the summer bustle, enjoying comfortable temperatures, and experiencing Italy at its most relaxed. Autumn also brings harvest season in Tuscany – need we say more?

Summer (June to August) buzzes with festivals and life. Yes, it's a more popular time to visit, but there's something magical about a summer evening in Rome or a sunset aperitivo by Lake Como. Book early if these months call to you.

Want help deciding? This guide breaks down the best times to visit Italy.

You could spend weeks researching routes, comparing hotels, finding reliable car rental, checking distances, reading reviews, and understanding Italian insurance. Or, you could let us handle it.

Our Italy experts have driven the routes, stayed in the hotels, and know exactly where to stop for that perfect view.

Book with us and your personal travel consultant will arrange everything. Quality accommodation with Italian flair. Car rental from a trusted partner. Plus a handy Italy travel guide complete with insider tips.

We sort it all – you simply take the wheel.

Everything you need for worry-free driving:
•  Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
•  Third-party liability insurance
•  Unlimited mileage (explore to your heart's content)
•  GPS
•  24/7 roadside assistance
•  Authorisation for 2 drivers

If you want to add anything else, like more listed drivers, your personal travel consultant will be happy to help. You can add other extras like child seats and insurance upgrades when you collect your rental car.

If you're visiting from outside the EU/EEA, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). That includes the USA, Canada, Australia, and most other non-European countries. You'll also need an IDP if your current licence doesn't mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script.

Some rental companies might not ask, but Italian police can request it. EU/EEA licence holders? You're good to go with your regular licence.

Check official government websites for the latest requirements – rules occasionally change.

Yes! These self-drive tours hit Italy's best spots, but there's plenty of room to make them yours.

Customising online couldn't be easier. Add another night in Rome for extra time to explore Trastevere. Upgrade your car for those coastal drives. Book that pasta-making class in Bologna. Whatever catches your eye, just add it to your booking.

Want to go further? Chat with your consultant. They'll help you build exactly the trip you're after.

Absolutely, these self-drive tours run from April to October – pick any date that works for you.

Check out the online calendar for the tour you're interested in to see up-to-date availability. Choose the date that suits you, and your local expert will start planning a trip to remember.

Check flight options ahead of time to get a sense of availability and prices, but wait to book until after your tour is confirmed.

Once you get the go-ahead email from your travel consultant, you'll know your exact travel dates. Then you can book the best flights for your trip.

Need help? Just ask your travel consultant. They'll guide you every step of the way.

Italy's weather shifts by region and season, but here's what to expect.

Summer (June–August): Sunny, and perfect for lakes and coastal days. Rome and Florence can get quite hot – that's why Italians embrace the afternoon siesta. Occasional heatwaves push temperatures toward 30–35°C (86–95°F).

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October): Warm days, cool evenings. Perfect for everything – cities, countryside, coast. Tuscany in October? Chef's kiss.

Here are the average temperatures in Venice to give you an idea of what it will be like during your trip:
•  April: 9–17°C (48–62°F)
•  May: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
•  June: 18–26°C (64–79°F)
•  July: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
•  August: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
•  September: 15–24°C (59–75°F)
•  October: 11–19°C (52–67°F)

Think layers, comfort, and a touch of Italian style. Here's an idea of what to bring.

Essentials for your road trip:
•  Comfortable shoes for exploring
•  Driving shoes
•  Sunglasses
•  Swimwear and a travel towel (if you plan on taking a dip)
•  Warm layers (for visiting mountainous areas)
•  A smart outfit or two (Italians dress up for dinner)
•  Waterproof jacket or umbrella
•  EU plug adaptor
•  Reusable water bottle
•  Day bag
•  Phone holder for the car
•  Downloaded offline maps

Seasonal extras:

•  Spring and autumn: Warm jumpers and a jacket for cool evenings
•  Summer: Sunscreen, sunhat, sandals and light layers

One small but important note: when visiting churches and cathedrals, your shoulders and knees need to be covered. A scarf in your day bag is an easy fix.