It’s safe to say that this is the ultimate northern Italy road trip itinerary. I’ve based it on our eight-week trip, which was a little different from your average itinerary since we drove around the northwestern regions of Italy.
We visited some of the top spots but also went off the beaten path. Since there are plenty of itineraries out there that follow a very similar route, I wanted to share our experience and something a little different to give you some unique ideas.
In combination with our trip and the itinerary guides already in circulation (which focus more on Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna), I’m sure you’ll be able to plan an epic road trip that not only visits some of Italy’s favourite sites but also its hidden gems.
In this itinerary, I’m sharing my complete guide to road-tripping around Northern Italy’s western regions. We’re heading to Piedmont, Liguria, and Tuscany. You’ll find personal insights, tips, and practical information to help you plan your trip.
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About This Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Last autumn, Jack and I set off in our self-converted campervan (we call “her” BB) for the road trip of dreams.
Initially, we planned to drive around the whole of Italy, but it was a loose plan, and we ended up staying longer at each destination. We also stayed for two weeks in Frances’ Alsace region, which was not part of the plan.
The beauty of a road trip is that you can change plans, stay longer, leave earlier, or go somewhere completely unexpected. My biggest tip when planning a road trip is to stay FLEXIBLE!
Today, I’m sharing with you our eight-week northern Italy road trip itinerary in its entirety; however, it can be split into smaller sections.
This guide will include locations around Upper Piedmont, Tuscany and the Italian Riviera (Liguria). Our favourite towns and villages and which attractions we enjoyed the most.
Still, we’ve included a quick overview of the best stops in the northeastern regions of Italy to help you build the perfect itinerary.
Which Regions Encompass Northern Italy?
The beautiful Nord Italia consists of eight regions: Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Liguria, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Emilia-Romagna. Tuscany isn’t technically part of “North Italy”; however, we’ve included it in this road trip itinerary for fun.
These regions stretch across the top of upper Italy from the Ligurian Sea in the west to the Adriatic Sea in the east. They feature the Italian Alps, including the popular Dolomites, numerous mountain lakes, the famous Italian Riviera, and the Plains of the Po Valley.
At A Glance | Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Here’s a quick summary of the stops we’ll be making on this itinerary.
| PIEDMONT (2 WEEKS) | LIGURIA (2 WEEKS) | TUSCANY (2 WEEKS) | ADDITIONAL STOPS |
| LAKE MAGGIORE | SANREMO | PISA | BOLOGNA |
| LAKE ORTA | IMPERIA | MARINA BIBBONA | VENICE |
| VALSESIA VALLEY | GENOA | MONTE ARGENTARIO | LAKE GARDA |
| TURIN | CINQUE TERRE | VAL D’ORCIA | TRENTO |
| SIENA | LAKE COMO | ||
| SAN GIMIGNANO | MILAN | ||
| CHIANTI VALLEY | |||
| FLORENCE |
Planning Your Northern Italy Road Trip
Before we crack on with the itinerary and help you plan your trip, we’ve put together some practical information to build your North Italy dream.
Where to Start Your Road Trip
We entered Italy from Switzerland, so our first stop was Lake Maggiore in Piedmont. However, I’ve created this North Italy itinerary to be circular so you can start at any location.
For example, if you’re coming from southern France into Italy, I recommend starting your road trip in Sanremo, as this will connect wonderfully to a Côte d’Azur itinerary.
If you’re not driving to Italy in your own vehicle, you’ll want to start in one of the cities. Turin, Florence, Milan, and Venice have large international airports, although some of the other cities also have airports.
⭐ Pro tip >> Car rentals are readily available at all airport terminals. I recommend picking up your rental car from the airport. This will allow you to avoid navigating Italy’s busy city streets, which can be challenging at the best of times.
Best Time to Take a Road Trip in Northern Italy
The route you take will also be impacted by the time of year you visit Italy. We were there in autumn, September through November. We tried to do the most northern parts first and moved south as the season progressed into winter.
With this in mind, if you’re travelling in autumn, you’ll want to head north first and then south towards the Italian Rivera and Tuscany to stay ahead of the weather. If you’re visiting during springtime, I suggest heading south first and then into the northern mountains.
Read more: For a complete month-by-month guide to Italy’s weather, we’ve written a comprehensive guide here.
SPRING
Spring is a lovely time to visit Italy; April and May are good months.
April is an exciting time with both Easter celebrations and Liberation Day, although a little cooler. During early April, North Italy remains somewhat wet and cloudy, but the temperature is mild. Towards May, the days turn bright and sunny with bursts of colour throughout the country as flowers bloom.
Typically, temperatures range between 11°C and 20°C (52°F to 68°F). Although prices have started creeping up, it’s still an affordable time to visit.
⭐ Pro tip >> Evening temperatures become chilly and windy, so pack appropriate clothing for both summer and cooler evenings/mornings. That said, afternoons are warm and comfy and perfect for enjoying sunsets.
SUMMER
Summer in Italy runs from June through August, which is the peak tourist season.
Average temperatures range from 18°C-29°C (65°F-85°F). However, it is also the most crowded and expensive time of the year. June hosts various festivals, which draw larger crowds to major cities. July and August are the hottest months of the year, with occasional afternoon showers. Occasional heatwaves have been occurring, too.
Personally, I don’t recommend taking a road trip to Italy in the summer. It’s too busy, and you’ll need to book accommodations and attractions ahead of time to avoid disappointment. This goes against my number one tip for road-tripping: stay flexible.
⭐ Pro tip >> Areas of northern Italy can still feel chilly at night, so be sure to pack some warmer layers. Otherwise, with little rainfall, the north of Italy is dry, warm, and bright.
AUTUMN
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Italy. We took our road trip from September through (early) November, but September to October was best.
The weather is pleasant, with temps between 14°C and 27°C (57°F to 81°F) in September and 12°C to 21°C (53.6°F to 69.8°F) in October. As the crowds start to disperse and local tourists head home, it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities.
⭐ Pro tip >> The northern territories are perfect to explore in early September as the weather is perfect and it’s not busy. October is harvest time, and there are plenty of food and drink festivals to enjoy. However, November is typically wet and gloomy, so you’ll want to head home by then.
Choosing Your Vehicle | Campervan or Car?
We will always choose a campervan; I just love them. However, each has its benefits. The first thing to think about is what type of vehicle is best suited for your trip.
Consider these questions:
- How many people are travelling with you?
- How much luggage will you be taking?
- What type of roads will you be driving on?
- How important is comfort to you?
- Are you planning to sleep in your vehicle?
- Are you conscious of reducing your carbon footprint? Hybrid and electric vehicles can be good options if so.
- What is your budget?
Campervans are great if you like home comforts. You can make them cosy and literally take your bed with you. There’s no need to book accommodation (if you’re happy with street parking) and you can easily save money by cooking your own meals.
Renting a car is more practical. It’s easier to manoeuvre through narrow streets and find parking. Car rentals are also cheaper than campervans, but you’ll have to pay for accommodation.
Ultimately, it depends on your travel style. After all the costs are considered, there’s not much in it price-wise.
Where Will You Stay | Hotel or Campsite?
If you choose to rent a car, you’ll be staying in hotels. If you’re in a campervan, there will be campsites and street parking.
Street parking in Italy is easy, and you’re unlikely to encounter any problems. There are “official” caravan parks, which in Italian are called “Area Sosta”. In autumn, we had no issues finding spaces; however, I’ve heard that summertime can be a different story, especially in the touristy areas.
You’ll also encounter service facilities where you can empty and refill tanks. Sometimes, this is paid, but it’s often free. Italy is set up for van life, and we loved how easy it was to park, refill, and move on.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re travelling in a campervan, we recommend using the Park4night App. It’s an excellent resource for finding camping spots worldwide. The app is free, although there is a paid version, which isn’t much but makes it much more useful.
Hotel prices fluctuate depending on which regions you’re visiting and the time of year. The shoulder seasons are generally cheaper; however, June through August is more expensive.
That said, Italy has plenty of affordable accommodation options alongside luxury villas, so you’ll be able to find the right place for yourself.
BUDGETING TIPS
- Overnight stay in Area Sosta averages about €20 to €30 (prices vary depending on the season and location).
- Service facilities ranged between €2 to €10.
- I had a quick look, and car rentals average around €140 per week (small car). I recommend renting a small car. During peak season, this price doubles.
- Campervan rentals tend to cost about €70 a night. Rates also increase slightly in peak season.
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Northern Italy Road Trip Map & Route
Piedmont | Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Two weeks in Piedmont is just about right to experience the best of the region. It’s a beautiful area with mountains, lakes, and stunning scenery. Swimming, sightseeing, and hiking are the perfect activities to do here. The cuisine is hearty and filling, excellent for warming the soul, and there are plenty of national parks and hiking trails to explore.
Piedmont is for nature lovers, and nature lovers we are!
Recommended reading: We’ve written a compact 7-day road trip itinerary for visiting Piedmont. I’ve mentioned all the places below but have gone into a lot more detail on where to stay, things to do, and the best day trips to add to your itinerary.
Lake Maggiore
Our first stop is Lake Maggiore, a serene yet captivating destination to visit.
Lake Maggiore is the second-biggest lake in Italy. It’s laid-back and home to beautiful lakeside towns, most of which have Riviera vibes, with colourful buildings adorning the waterfront. Although just as stunning, it’s less touristy than its sister lakes, Como and Garda. This makes it an ideal place if your aim is to avoid crowds.
For historians and architects out there, you’ll love the grand neoclassical villas that draw your eye, as well as castles, palaces, and monasteries to explore. There are plenty of lakeside beaches, lidos and watersports, plus the surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking.
As for places to visit, head to Stresa and visit the Borromean Islands. In Verbania, add the Taranto Botanical Gardens to the itinerary. Arona and Baveno are also worth a visit, and be sure to check out the Sunday market at Cannobio.
Read next: For a complete list of attractions and things to do, we’ve written a guide to visiting Lake Maggiore.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 3 Days: Stresa, Cannobio & Arona
- 1 Day: Lido Beach Club Baveno (official website)
- 1 Day: Borromean Islands
- 1 Day: Verbania & Taranto Gardens
- Recommend parking >> Sosta Camper – Stresa
⭐ Suggested activity: Hop-on-hop-off boat ticket for the Borromean Islands.
Lake Orta
The smaller, lesser-known Lake Orta sits over the mountain from Lake Maggiore and is a treasure trove of medieval villages.
Our favourite was Orta San Giulio. It’s a charming town on the lake shore with several attractions, such as the Sacro Monte di Orta and Isola San Giulio, an island monastery. Motorboats take you to the monastery from the main square, but you can also head to Pela, a small town across the lake.
Then there’s Omegna, another picturesque town with a historic centre, plenty of shops, restaurants and home to the Alessi Factory Store. It’s a great place to visit if you’re after an authentic Italian coffee maker!
Aside from the villages, Monte Mottarone is a lovely place to visit for a hit of nature. It’s the mountain between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta and is perfect for a day of hiking. From Armeno, you can reach the top of Mottarone along the “Via Mottarone”; there is a car park at the top.
⭐ Suggested tour: Private walking tour of Orta San Giulio with a local guide.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 1 Day: Omegna
- 1 Day: Orta San Giulio
- 1 Day: Monte Mottarone (official website)
- Recommend parking >> Area Sosta Camper – Orta San Giulio
Valsesia Valley
We loved exploring Valsesia Valley. Due to the snowfall, this area of Upper Piedmont is often thought of as a winter destination; there are several ski slopes. However, visit during the warmer months, and it becomes a haven for hikers and adventure sports.
We only made two stops, but the drive along the Sesia River was beautiful and a splendid part of the trip.
The first place to visit is Varallo Sesia, which is often just called Varallo. It’s a large town with a historical and cultural allure. The Sacro Monte di Varallo is the biggest attraction, and a visit here is a must, even if you’re not religious. The views from here are breathtaking.
The other is the mountain village of Alagna Valsesia. It’s the last accessible village in the valley and a charming snow resort in winter. In summer, it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The best part was a hike we did into the mountains to a small Refugio with a clear view of the Monte Rosa Massif.
We both said we’d very much like to return here and complete the hike to the glacier!
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 1 Day: Varallo
- 2 Days: Alagna Valsesia
- Recommend parking >> Parcheggio Camper – Varallo
Turin
We didn’t visit Turin on this trip, as I had already done years ago; however, if it’s your first time in Piedmont, you should absolutely add a stop at its capital city. Turin is a superb place with an interesting history and architecture. It is also famous for its food and wine, especially the red wines of the Piedmont region.
Some of Turin’s popular attractions include the Mole Antonelliana, a famous landmark that houses the National Museum of Cinema, the Royal Palace of Turin, which was once the residence of the Royal House of Savoy, and the Turin Cathedral, which is known for the Shroud of Turin.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 2 Days: Turin
Liguria | Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Moving into Liguria, otherwise known as the Italian Riviera, this next part of our Northern Italy road trip itinerary was filled with coastal beauty, valley villages, and authentic Italian vibes. The southern portion of this region is well-travelled and loved (aka Cinque Terre); however, we spent most of our time in the northwestern parts.
Expect forgotten villages, ancient seaside towns, and, do I dare say, some of the best cuisine in Italy!
Recommended reading: We’ve written a detailed guide to Liguria for an in-depth road trip itinerary, helping you find the best attractions, tours, and places to stay.
Sanremo
Sanremo is one of the most popular cities in northwestern Liguria, and for good reason. It’s an exciting, happening place that retains an authentic Italian atmosphere. Although it’s not a huge favourite among overseas tourists, Italians flock here during their summer holidays.
The city has numerous attractions and fantastic historical value. One part of the city not to be missed is La Pigna, the city’s old town. Others are the Church of the Madonna, Sanremo Casino, and the Russian Orthodox Church, which has a stunning dome roof.
Recommended reading: We’ve written a more comprehensive guide to visiting Sanremo here. It highlights the best attractions and things to do and includes a practical guide to visiting the city.
Two villages in the Nervia Valley are close to Sanremo, which you absolutely must include on your road trip itinerary!
Dolceacqua is a charming village nestled over the Nervia River. It has a beautiful old town, a castle, and the famous Monet’s Stone Bridge.
Pigna is a picturesque hillside village that has almost been forgotten. It features a unique old town and scenic mountain views. Both offer fantastic hiking opportunities.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 2 Days: Sanremo
- 1 Day: Pigna
- 1 Day: Dolceacqua
- Suggested parking >> Area Camper Piani Di Poma (Google Maps) in Sanremo, and we parked in this car park for Dolceacqua (Google Maps).
Imperia
Moving east along the Italian Riviera, we reach Imperia. Now, to be honest, we only spent one day here, although I suggest two. We missed a significant portion of this city (due to lack of research), which I’m totally gutted about.
It’s a great city that gets busier in warmer months due to local tourism, but if you’re looking for a lesser-visited city spot, Imperia is a good option. The city is split into two areas, each with two distinct characteristics: Oneglia and Porto Maurizio.
We visited Oneglia. It features the Museo dell’Olvio (our main reason for stopping), the delightful Basilica of Saint Giovanni Baptist in the centre of a revivified old town, and the old port of Calata Cuneo, which is lined with restaurants and bars. Villa Grock is also worth checking out.
Over the river westward is Porto Maurizio; it’s considered the prettier part of Imperia. Although we didn’t visit, the old town here is its biggest attraction, with breathtaking views of the Riveria. There is another Basilica and Convent to visit.
Recommended reading: If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a complete guide to Imperia that includes all the best attractions, things to do and places to eat. Plus, tips from our visit.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 2 Days: Imperia (1 day for Ongelia and 1 day for Porto Maurizio)
- Suggested parking >> This is where we parked for the night (Google Maps).
Genoa
Genoa is the capital of Liguria, and as expected, it’s a bustling, colourful city. It oozes culture, history, and grandeur. The historical centre is UNESCO-listed, and with countless attractions to see, you could easily spend a long weekend in Genoa.
It’s one of the best stops on this northern Italy road trip itinerary if you’re a fan of architecture and maritime history and interested in witnessing Christopher Columbus’s birthplace. It’s also renowned for its pesto sauce!
⭐ Suggested activity: Pesto-making class.
Not far from Genoa is the Portofino Peninsula. A treasure in itself, the peninsula is most known for the small medieval town of Portofino. This affluent area has superyachts moored in the bay and designer shops lining narrow streets.
As lovely as Portofino is, there are other locations on the Peninsula that deserve your time. These include Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. Camogli is an excellent option if you’re after a less touristy spot on the peninsula.
There are plenty of activities. The area is best explored on boat or foot, and hiking trails lead to famous sites such as Castello Brown, Faro di Portofino, and the Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 2 Days: Genoa
- 2 Days: Portofino Peninsula
- Suggested parking >> Area Sosta Camper Genoa (Google Maps) or Camping Miraflores (Google Maps).
Cinque Terre
Oh, how everyone loves Cinque Terre! But if I’m honest, it was my least favourite place in Liguria. Not because it wasn’t beautiful but because it was too crowded. Still, I think it deserves a spot on your northern Italy road trip itinerary; just don’t visit during peak season.
The cliffside villages are stunning, and visually, the 5 Terre are picture-perfect. You’ll find plenty of activities to do, from wine tastings to boat trips. My favourite villages were Monterosso Al Mare, Corniglia and Manarola, and I don’t think it’s necessary to visit all five.
⭐ Suggested tour: Kayak trip from Monterosso al Mare.
One of the best things to do in Cinque Terre is hiking, and the high mountain path from Riomaggiore to Portovenere is panoramically breathtaking. With this in mind, if you’re not a fan of hiking, consider skipping Cinque Terre since the hikes make it incredible.
Interestingly, both of us enjoyed Portovenere more than we expected. It surprised us in a good way and makes a great addition to any Cinque Terre itinerary. Be sure to visit the Church di San Pietro, Grotta di Lord Byron, and Castle Doria and stroll around the Porta del Borgo (old town).
Recommended reading: I detail our experience visiting Cinque Terre and the reasons for and against visiting the UNESCO site in our Cinque Terre Guide.
How I recommend splitting your time:
- 2 Days: 5 Terre Villages
- 1 Day: High Path & Portovenere
- Parking suggestion >> Area Camper La Spezia (Google Maps)
Tuscany | Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
Although technically not part of Northern Italy, Tuscany can’t be missed from your road trip itinerary. The region is one of the best-known in Italy and is loved for its scenic beauty, bold wines, and quaint hilltop villages. I was so excited to visit Tuscany, and when we got there, it didn’t let us down.
We had a magical time driving in Tuscany through the Chianti Valley and down the coast. Sometimes, it’s forgotten that Tuscany isn’t just rolling hills and olive groves—it’s also got a fantastic coastline!
Read next: For your road trip to Tuscany, we’ve put together a detailed 10-day road trip itinerary to help you plan the details!
Pisa
I really enjoyed Pisa. There’s a lot more to do in this city than it’s given credit for, and you could easily spend more than a day there. However, for this itinerary, I’ve allocated one day to explore the best of Pisa, aka the Square of Miracles.
The celebrated Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the Square of Miracles alongside the Pisa Cathedral, Cemetery, and Baptistery. The plaza’s grounds are lovely to walk around, and there are tons of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a meal.
Recommended reading: If you want to know more about Pisa, we’ve written the ultimate guide highlighting all the reasons we feel Pisa is worth visiting, including other attractions outside the Square of Miracles.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: Pisa
- Parking suggestion >> Parcheggio Via di Pratale
⭐ Suggested activity: Best of Pisa small group tour with admission tickets.
Livorno
Livorno has a lot of appeal due to its historic charm, beautiful seafront and delicious seafood. The city is well known for its historic canals and fortresses, which were built to protect it from pirate attacks. While you’re there, head to the seafront promenade and visit the colourful Mercato Centrale for fresh produce, and grab a meal at one of the seafood stands.
A bit further south is Marina Bibbona, a popular spot with local tourists during the summer months. Visit anytime before or after, and you’ll encounter a beautiful, peaceful beach with only a handful of people. The beach is perfect for lounging on soft black sand. I liked to call this place the never-ending beach because it just goes on for miles.
Marina Bibbona is a lovely place to spend the night and soak up the sun’s rays. It’s one of Tuscany’s most natural beaches, backed by pine forests and gentle sand dunes. This beach is a treat for nature enthusiasts.
Both locations offer an authentic Italian escape, and you’re unlikely to encounter many overseas tourists.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: Livorno
- 1 Day: Marina Bibbona
- Parking suggestion >> Area Sosta Camper Barsotti – Via dei Cipressi, 11, 57020 Bibbona LI, Italy
Monte Argentario
Another superb part of our northern Italy road trip itinerary was beach hopping around Monte Argentario. We arrived in early October and spent as much time as possible driving around the island peninsula. The temperatures were still hot and perfect for beach days!
Monte Argentario is a circular peninsula in the south of Tuscany near the Lazio border. It’s a dry and arid part of the region with wild hiking trails and rugged beaches. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
The main town on the island is Porto Santo Stefano. In the summer, it’s a busy little town, usually occupied by super yachts docked in the marina, but in October, it’s a tranquil, laid-back town with pastel-coloured buildings gently tumbling into the sea. Again, it has Riviera vibes, and if you enjoy the Portofino Peninsula but want somewhere a little less pompous, you’re going to love Monte Argentario.
Good to know >> A few of our favourite beaches include Cala del Gesso, Feniglia Beach and L’Acqua Dolce. In town, head to the top of the hill and visit the Spanish Fort.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: Porto Santo Stefano
- 2 Days: Beach Hopping
- Parking suggestion >> Camping Feniglia – Localita’ Feniglia, 58019 Porto Ercole GR, Italy
Val d’Orcia
Have you ever watched the Gladiator film with Russel Crowe? One famous filming location is along the Campi Elisi hiking route in the Val d’Orcia, just outside the town of Pienza. It’s a gorgeous part of Tuscany with sensational views across the countryside.
Pienza is wonderful too and somewhere you’ll want to spend an entire day. The historic centre is charming, with many little artesian shops, restaurants, and enotecas (wine shops). If you love cheese, the best Pecroni cheese is from this area, and you’ll find it for sale everywhere. The views from Via S. Caterina are a must; we witnessed a spectacular sunset here.
Also, visit the Palazzo Piccolomini, a decorated Renaissance palace with a terraced garden and Pienza Cathedral, built in the 15th century with Gothic & Renaissance elements.
⭐ Suggested tour: Cities, Cheese and Wine Tour in Pienza & Montepulciano
Then there are Montalcino and Montepulciano, both on either side of Pienza and well-known for their wines. The towns feature captivating historic centres with winding streets, gorgeous ancient buildings, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
While you’re in the Val d’Orcia, you can enjoy wine-tasting tours, explore the region’s historic landmarks, and take an authentic cooking class to learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: Montepulciano
- 1 Day: Pienza
- 1 Day: Montalcino
- Parking suggestion >> Area Sosta Camper – Pienza
Siena
We also enjoyed Siena (we actually enjoyed it everywhere; it was a fab trip!) and spent a day wandering around the city, browsing through art shops and galleries, and admiring the Gothic architecture. It’s a fairly big city, but not too big, so you can’t fit the main attractions into a day trip.
⭐ Suggested tour: Siena Duomo and City Walking Tour
Siena’s history is fascinating. During the Middle Ages, it rivalled Florence in wealth and power as a major centre of trade. This led to a period of artistic and architectural growth, which resulted in the construction of several magnificent buildings and works of art that still exist today.
Keep in mind that if you’re walking from where we parked, it’s a long uphill trek to reach the centre, but it’s worth it. There are some incredible sights to explore, including Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main square, often considered the most beautiful piazza in Tuscany, Siena Cathedral, and Torre del Mangia. Also, visit Palazzo Pubblico and the Medici Fortress.
⭐ Pro tip >> Don’t miss the annual horse race, Palio di Siena, a popular bi-annual event taking place on 2 July and 16 August in the Piazza del Campo. It celebrates the victory of the Battle of Montaperti over the Florentines in 1260.
P.S. We had the worst pasta dish ever here at Du Versi. Omg, it was so bad, like so bland. I never thought I’d say I had the worst pasta of my life in Italy! Haha.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: Siena
- Parking suggestion >> Viale Pietro Toselli
San Gimignano
San Gimignano was probably my favourite place in Tuscany, alongside Pienza, but there are slightly more activities to do here. Nevertheless, the highlights can be done in a day, and if you’re there on a Thursday, it’s market day. The market is small and in the town centre, but it’s still a great place to pick up materials, accessories, cheese, and some hot food.
The market is quaint, but there is a caveat: it can ruin your views of the Cathedral Square and Piazza della Cisterna.
Besides market day, other attractions you must visit in San Gimignano include climbing to the top of Torre Grossa and visiting the San Gimignano Cathedral. Other fun activities were visiting the torture museum and admiring the views from Putno Panaramico.
Outside of the city, you’ll find numerous walking trails leading to viewpoints looking back towards San Gimignano. It is, after all, most famous for its stone towers, and it’s important to appreciate them from afar.
⭐ Suggested tour: Private Tour in San Gimignano
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Days: San Gimignano
- Parking suggestion >> Area di Sosta camper S. Lucia
Chianti Valley
There are many picturesque locations in the Chianti Valley, but unless you’re dedicating an entire road trip to this area, you won’t see it all. Don’t worry, though, as we have visited many places, and I’ve got a list of my favourites.
There is the undeniably adorable San Gusmè, which is like a miniature toy town. Its historic centre is tiny, and all you’ll need is half an hour and a quick coffee break to admire the views. Afterwards, visit Castello di Brolio for a castle tour and wine tasting in the renowned Ricasoli winery.
I enjoyed Gaiole in Chianti. We spent the day hiking to the hilltop hamlet of Vertine, passing vineyards and olive groves. We then bar-hopped along the (small) high street and tried all the region’s wine varieties.
Panzano is another destination that is not to be missed if you can reach it on a Sunday. Market day in Panzano was one of our favourites from the entire road trip (and we visited many markets). Since the town is small, the market’s ambience is more intimate; local vendors sell produce from fresh veg to fashion, and it’s easy to enjoy a glass of wine amidst the welcomed chaos.
Afterwards, stop by the charming hilltop village of Montefioralle, which offers stunning views of the Tuscan hills. Then head to Greve in Chianti to end the day at Antica Macelleria Falorni, where you can enjoy a fantastic charcuterie board and a bottle of Chianti Classico.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 1 Day: San Gusmè and Castello di Brolio,
- 1 Day: Gaiole in Chianti
- 1 Day: Panzano, Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle
- Parking suggestion >> Area Sosta Camper di Greve and Parcheggio Pubblico Panzano
Florence
Florence is one of the most well-known cities in Italy. It’s renowned for its history, cultural heritage, and stunning Renaissance architecture. Did you know that the Romans founded the city in the 1st century BC? That’s old! It became a significant centre of trade and commerce during the Middle Ages. This led to enormous economic growth and allowed the city to flourish.
We enjoyed Florence and always recommend visiting if you love architecture, art, culture and history. It’s full of captivating attractions, including many historic landmarks and museums, such as the famous Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo di Firenze.
⭐ Suggested tour: Florence also has a delicious food scene, with traditional dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina and ribollita soup. I highly suggest this food tour, which is the same one we did, which was excellent.
How I recommend splitting your time
- 2 Days: Florence
- Parking suggestion>> SCAF – Area Sosta Camper Gelsomino.
Additional Stops | Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
You could add these additional stops to your itinerary for the perfect circular route. Although we didn’t make it to northeastern Italy, these destinations are must-visits and will complete a Northern Italy road trip itinerary!
Bologna: 2 Days
Bologna is a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It’s a popular destination for its delicious cuisine and historical landmarks, including the famous Two Towers, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Palazzo dei Banchi. Be sure to enjoy the city’s food scene, with traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella sausage.
Venice: 3 Days
Did you know Venice is viewed as one of the most romantic cities in the world? And in truth, we’ve yet to visit, imagine! I hope to get there one day.
Venice’s famous winding canals, stunning architecture, and historic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs, have made it appear on all Italy Bucket Lists, so don’t miss it.
Lake Garda: 2 Days
The beautiful Lake Garda is the largest in Italy. It’s loved for its breathtaking natural beauty and scenery. Interestingly, it sits over the three regions of Lombardia, Veneto, and Trentino, where you’ll find crystal-clear waters, beautiful green hills, and charming lakeside towns. There are also a variety of outdoor activities, including scenic hiking trails and water sports.
Trento: 2 Days
Trento is a small city in the Trentino-Alto Adige region above Lake Garda. The city is old, having been founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. There are lots of attractions to fill your time, including the Castello del Buonconsiglio, the Cathedral of San Vigilio, and the Torre dell’Aquila. There are also a number of museums, art galleries, and cultural festivals.
Lake Como: 2 Days
Lake Como is another beautiful lake in the Lombardy region of Italy. It’s very popular with tourists and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, scenic views, and charming towns. Like most lakes, it offers tons of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports.
Milan: 2 Days
Milan is the capital of Lombardy and is known as a global centre of fashion and culture. There’s a lot to do, including visiting the famous Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There’s is also the Castello Sforzesco. The city is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, with traditional dishes like risotto alla Milanese and panettone.
Resources For Italy
Is it your first time visiting Italy? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Italy Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Read this post for our hand-picked selection of the best day trips from Stresa.
- For a list of the most charming towns on the Italian Riviera, head here.
- Find out what we thought of the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.
The End | A Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
As always, I’ll finish this northern Italy road trip itinerary with a few final thoughts. Overall, a road trip around Italy will be incredible. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed experiencing the different regions, learning about the culture, tasting wines, and eating our body weight (and then some) in food.
I did have a few favourites, but I enjoyed all the stops we made. For those that you can’t miss, I loved Pienza and San Gimignano in Tuscany, plus a market day in Panzano. In Liguria, I loved the authenticity of the destinations in the Imperia province; Dolceacqua was my favourite, but Liguria was my favourite region overall. As for Piedmont, I couldn’t get enough of the mountain scenery, but the hike we did from Alagna Valsesia was genuinely captivating.
However you decide to plan your northern Italy road trip, I hope this itinerary has been helpful, and I’m sure you’re going to have a blast!
Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories and articles on my blog homepage here. Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my upcoming trips are.
