Tuscan Sun & Amalfi Coast Drive
Italy is best seen with a steering wheel in your hand and no rush in your heart. We're hitting the heavy hitters from Rome up to Florence, then down to the coast.
Rome → Florence → Pisa → Lucca → San Gimignano → Siena → Pompeii → Sorrento → Positano → Amalfi → Ravello → Naples
Rome Arrival & Ancient Echoes
Grab your rental car and head toward the city. Driving in Rome is a bit of a sport, so take it slow and watch for those zippy scooters.
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Grab your rental car and head toward the city. Driving in Rome is a bit of a sport, so take it slow and watch for those zippy scooters.
Colosseum
You’ve seen it in movies, but standing in the shadow of this massive stone amphitheater is different. Book your tickets weeks in advance to skip the three-hour line; it’s the only way to do it without losing your mind.
Pantheon
It’s the best-preserved building from ancient Rome. Look up at the oculus (the hole in the roof)—if it rains, the floor is slightly slanted to drain the water. It's a marvel of engineering that's still standing after 2,000 years.
The Renaissance Heart
We're heading north into the rolling hills of Tuscany. The drive on the A1 is easy, but keep some coins ready for the tolls.
Depart Rome
We're heading north into the rolling hills of Tuscany. The drive on the A1 is easy, but keep some coins ready for the tolls.
Galleria dell'Accademia
You’re here for one man: David. Michelangelo’s masterpiece is way bigger in person than you expect. It’s worth the detour just to see the detail in the marble veins of his hands.
Ponte Vecchio
Walk across the "Old Bridge" lined with jewelry shops. Instead of buying gold, head to the nearby Oltrarno side for a gelato and watch the sunset reflect off the Arno River.
Tuscan Hills & Leaning Towers
We're looping through the classic postcard landscapes today.
Depart Florence
We're looping through the classic postcard landscapes today.
Piazza dei Miracoli
Yes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is touristy, but you have to see it once. The cathedral right next to it is actually more impressive inside. Pro tip: Don't just take the "holding up the tower" photo; walk around the grassy perimeter for a quieter view.
Lucca
This is my favorite "secret" spot. It's a walled city where you can rent a bike and ride along the top of the wide Renaissance walls. It's incredibly peaceful compared to Florence.
The Medieval Skyline
We're heading south through the heart of the Val d'Orcia region—this is the Italy you see on wine labels.
Depart Lucca
We're heading south through the heart of the Val d'Orcia region—this is the Italy you see on wine labels.
San Gimignano
Known as the "Medieval Manhattan" because of its tall stone towers. Climb the Torre Grossa for a view of the vineyards, then hit Dondoli in the main square—they've won "World's Best Gelato" multiple times.
Siena
The Piazza del Campo is shaped like a shell and is arguably the most beautiful square in Europe. Sit on the warm bricks with a slice of panforte (local fruitcake) and just people-watch.
The Long Drive South
This is our longest driving day, heading down the "spine" of Italy toward the Mediterranean. The views change from cypress trees to lemon groves.
Depart Siena
This is our longest driving day, heading down the "spine" of Italy toward the Mediterranean. The views change from cypress trees to lemon groves.
Pompeii
You’re driving right past it, so you have to stop. It’s a haunting, massive city frozen in time by Vesuvius. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking on original Roman stones that are very uneven.
Sorrento
Arrive at the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The smell of lemons here is everywhere. It’s the perfect base because it’s easier to park here than in the tiny cliffside towns.
The Vertical City
We're driving the "Road of a Thousand Bends." It’s narrow and thrilling—let the local buses take the lead and just follow their rhythm.
Depart Sorrento
We're driving the "Road of a Thousand Bends." It’s narrow and thrilling—let the local buses take the lead and just follow their rhythm.
Positano
The most photogenic town in Italy. Park in a garage (it’s pricey but worth it) and walk down to the Spiaggia Grande. The town is built vertically, so prepare for a lot of stairs, but every level has a better view than the last.
Amalfi Town
Visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew with its stunning striped facade. Grab a "lemon sorbet inside a giant lemon" and walk out onto the pier for the best view of the town clinging to the cliffs.
The Mountaintop Finale
Drive up the mountain away from the coast. Visit Villa Cimbrone and walk to the "Terrace of Infinity." It’s a cliffside garden that looks out over the entire Gulf of Salerno—it feels like you're standing on the edge of the world.
Ravello
Drive up the mountain away from the coast. Visit Villa Cimbrone and walk to the "Terrace of Infinity." It’s a cliffside garden that looks out over the entire Gulf of Salerno—it feels like you're standing on the edge of the world.
Salerno
A great spot for a final authentic Neapolitan-style pizza before heading toward your final drop-off point. It’s less chaotic than Naples but just as delicious.
Naples
Drop off the car or head to your final accommodation. The city is loud, messy, and wonderful. End your trip with a stroll along the Lungomare (waterfront).
- Most Italian city centers have "ZTL" zones (Limited Traffic Zones). If you drive past the sign, you get a hefty fine. Always park in a designated "Parcheggio" outside the historic walls and walk in.