Kiwi Curated
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
by Monika MarkovinovicWith its glistening coastlines, lush countryside, deep-blue lakes and snow-capped mountains, Italy is a destination made for memorable road trips. Find your driving partner, book a Fiat Cinquecento and start mapping out your perfect route. As for where to stay on the road? We’ve got you covered.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Wind your way through the dramatic cliffs, pastel-hued villages and crystal-clear waters of Italy’s most scenic (and romantic) stretch of coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Famously narrow, the roads to the Mediterranean Sea are a thrill for drivers and passengers alike. Along the way, explore the Roman ruins of Pompeii, hike the Path of God and take in the charming town of Ravello. But of all the tumbling coastal towns, stay in Amalfi and Positano. In Amalfi, kick your feet at NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi where almost all rooms look directly out to sea. In Positano, hit up one of the trendiest hangouts in the area–the rooftop pool at Villa Franca.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
With its vineyard-dotted landscapes, olive groves and quaint medieval villages, Tuscany is that quintessential Italian road trip you’ve dreamed of taking. Begin in the heart of historic Florence at Brunelleschi Hotel–so famous it was mentioned in the book, “The Da Vinci Code.” Given its reputation as a major destination for foodies, enjoy a meal before hitting the road at the lodging’s Michelin Star restaurant, Santa Elisabetta. Then, head south to picturesque Chianti wine country for unforgettable wine tastings. If wanting to get off the beaten path, drive to the small village of Montaione set deep in the Tuscan Hills. Here, stay at Hotel La Tabaccaia, a lavish property that once housed a tobacco factory.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Surrounded by Alpine mountaintops and forested hills, Italy’s Northern Lakes region is picture-perfect. Start in Milan with a stay and rooftop swim at Hotel Viu Milan. Once relaxed, begin your journey north. To experience the area in all its glory, explore a new lake each day: Garda, then Iseo, Lugano and onto Maggiore. But it’s glamorous Lake Como where you must spend the night. Como’s 31-mile shoreline, laced with enchanting villages and waterfront gardens, is a once-in-a-lifetime drive. To experience the wonders of Como, stay at the area’s newest hot spot: il Sereno Lago di Como. The waterfront escape has the most spectacular lake views which can be taken in from the show-stopping 60-foot-long freshwater heated infinity pool.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
One of the world’s most exhilarating alpine drives, the 86-mile Grande Strada della Dolomiti (or the Great Dolomites Road), south of the Alps, boasts incredible scenery and grand mountain passes. Before jumping in the car, float on the water in Venice and bed down in the historic Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione. Near St. Mark’s Square, enjoy the magic of the city just as the Venetians do. The next day, head east to Ponte Nova and take in the stunning granite peaks of the Dolomites. Drive on to the Val di Fassa and then stop off at Cortina D’Amprezzo and and indulge in skiing, golfing or hiking. The only five-star hotel in the Dolomites, Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is your retreat for the day.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Sicily is filled with natural wonder. With no shortage of sun-touched scenery and architectural gems, the land once praised by the likes of Homer and Virgil is a road-tripper’s dream. Perched high on a hill in eastern Sicily is Taormina. Boasting some of the best views on the island, the town is home to Teatro Greco, an amphitheater dating back to the 3rd century BC. Here, stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and enjoy a Limoncello as you look out onto active Mount Etna. Continue on with a stop at Cala Tonnarella in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, taking in the white sand and crystal waters. Then move on to one of the island’s top tourist sites–the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. After a day of exploring, head to a private stretch of Mediterranean coastline at the stylish Verdura Resort.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Sprinkled with sleepy villages, Romanesque churches and Renaissance castles, the countryside of Umbria is the definition of romance. Start big in Rome and check into NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento. Within walking distance of iconic sites like the Colosseum to Trevi Fountain, this luxurious hideaway is the perfect beginning to your storybook road trip. Get on the road and start your journey to Italy’s green heart. Take in the scenic hilltop town of Spoleto, the walled town of Norcia where it is best to indulge in black truffles and pasta dishes. Soak in the culture and history of Assis and Perugia, where you’ll want to stay the night. Live like royalty in the Umbrian Valley at Sina Brufani, a long-time favorite of celebrities visiting Perugia.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Ambitious drivers need challenges, and Stelvio Pass with its endless hairpin bends and altitude above 2,500 meters, delivers. Deemed the “greatest driving road in the world” by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, the alpine pass is the highest paved road in the Eastern Alps connecting the Venosta valley of the upper Adige River in the northeast with the Tellina valley of the upper Adda River in the southwest. After hundreds of gear changes at the wheel, rest at Castel Fragsburg and admire the astonishing alpine dreamscape of South Tyrol.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
A quiet area within the heart of the Roman countryside, the foothills of Sabina are the perfect place to slow things down. Experience the beauty of the Italian countryside by winding through the slopes to Terni. Drive around Lake Albano, visit Marcigliani Natural Reserve and follow the banks of the Tevere River. If looking to experience a bit of the Italian hustle and bustle along the way, finish off your road trip in Rome with a stay at Hotel de la Ville, situated atop Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps.
Italy’s Most Epic Road Trips
Just over an hour’s drive east from Rome is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets–the little region of Abruzzo. Known for its dramatic peaks, green valleys and national parks, the road to Abruzzo is bound to take road trippers by surprise. Before exploring the likes of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an abandoned village high in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and hiking in Majella National, spend the night at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. Offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, the property’s medieval majesty takes guests back in time. End your journey In Rome at Palazzo Scanderbeg, a modern residence with 15th-century roots situated near the Eternal City’s most iconic spots.
Wind your way through the dramatic cliffs, pastel-hued villages and crystal-clear waters of Italy’s most scenic (and romantic) stretch of coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Famously narrow, the roads to the Mediterranean Sea are a thrill for drivers and passengers alike. Along the way, explore the Roman ruins of Pompeii, hike the Path of God and take in the charming town of Ravello. But of all the tumbling coastal towns, stay in Amalfi and Positano. In Amalfi, kick your feet at NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi where almost all rooms look directly out to sea. In Positano, hit up one of the trendiest hangouts in the area–the rooftop pool at Villa Franca.
With its vineyard-dotted landscapes, olive groves and quaint medieval villages, Tuscany is that quintessential Italian road trip you’ve dreamed of taking. Begin in the heart of historic Florence at Brunelleschi Hotel–so famous it was mentioned in the book, “The Da Vinci Code.” Given its reputation as a major destination for foodies, enjoy a meal before hitting the road at the lodging’s Michelin Star restaurant, Santa Elisabetta. Then, head south to picturesque Chianti wine country for unforgettable wine tastings. If wanting to get off the beaten path, drive to the small village of Montaione set deep in the Tuscan Hills. Here, stay at Hotel La Tabaccaia, a lavish property that once housed a tobacco factory.
Surrounded by Alpine mountaintops and forested hills, Italy’s Northern Lakes region is picture-perfect. Start in Milan with a stay and rooftop swim at Hotel Viu Milan. Once relaxed, begin your journey north. To experience the area in all its glory, explore a new lake each day: Garda, then Iseo, Lugano and onto Maggiore. But it’s glamorous Lake Como where you must spend the night. Como’s 31-mile shoreline, laced with enchanting villages and waterfront gardens, is a once-in-a-lifetime drive. To experience the wonders of Como, stay at the area’s newest hot spot: il Sereno Lago di Como. The waterfront escape has the most spectacular lake views which can be taken in from the show-stopping 60-foot-long freshwater heated infinity pool.
One of the world’s most exhilarating alpine drives, the 86-mile Grande Strada della Dolomiti (or the Great Dolomites Road), south of the Alps, boasts incredible scenery and grand mountain passes. Before jumping in the car, float on the water in Venice and bed down in the historic Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione. Near St. Mark’s Square, enjoy the magic of the city just as the Venetians do. The next day, head east to Ponte Nova and take in the stunning granite peaks of the Dolomites. Drive on to the Val di Fassa and then stop off at Cortina D’Amprezzo and and indulge in skiing, golfing or hiking. The only five-star hotel in the Dolomites, Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is your retreat for the day.
Sicily is filled with natural wonder. With no shortage of sun-touched scenery and architectural gems, the land once praised by the likes of Homer and Virgil is a road-tripper’s dream. Perched high on a hill in eastern Sicily is Taormina. Boasting some of the best views on the island, the town is home to Teatro Greco, an amphitheater dating back to the 3rd century BC. Here, stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and enjoy a Limoncello as you look out onto active Mount Etna. Continue on with a stop at Cala Tonnarella in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, taking in the white sand and crystal waters. Then move on to one of the island’s top tourist sites–the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. After a day of exploring, head to a private stretch of Mediterranean coastline at the stylish Verdura Resort.
Sprinkled with sleepy villages, Romanesque churches and Renaissance castles, the countryside of Umbria is the definition of romance. Start big in Rome and check into NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento. Within walking distance of iconic sites like the Colosseum to Trevi Fountain, this luxurious hideaway is the perfect beginning to your storybook road trip. Get on the road and start your journey to Italy’s green heart. Take in the scenic hilltop town of Spoleto, the walled town of Norcia where it is best to indulge in black truffles and pasta dishes. Soak in the culture and history of Assis and Perugia, where you’ll want to stay the night. Live like royalty in the Umbrian Valley at Sina Brufani, a long-time favorite of celebrities visiting Perugia.
Ambitious drivers need challenges, and Stelvio Pass with its endless hairpin bends and altitude above 2,500 meters, delivers. Deemed the “greatest driving road in the world” by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear, the alpine pass is the highest paved road in the Eastern Alps connecting the Venosta valley of the upper Adige River in the northeast with the Tellina valley of the upper Adda River in the southwest. After hundreds of gear changes at the wheel, rest at Castel Fragsburg and admire the astonishing alpine dreamscape of South Tyrol.
A quiet area within the heart of the Roman countryside, the foothills of Sabina are the perfect place to slow things down. Experience the beauty of the Italian countryside by winding through the slopes to Terni. Drive around Lake Albano, visit Marcigliani Natural Reserve and follow the banks of the Tevere River. If looking to experience a bit of the Italian hustle and bustle along the way, finish off your road trip in Rome with a stay at Hotel de la Ville, situated atop Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps.
Just over an hour’s drive east from Rome is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets–the little region of Abruzzo. Known for its dramatic peaks, green valleys and national parks, the road to Abruzzo is bound to take road trippers by surprise. Before exploring the likes of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, an abandoned village high in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and hiking in Majella National, spend the night at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. Offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, the property’s medieval majesty takes guests back in time. End your journey In Rome at Palazzo Scanderbeg, a modern residence with 15th-century roots situated near the Eternal City’s most iconic spots.