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There are few more sought-after travel locations than Italy. With cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence with such an incredible wealth of history, there is much to explore. It is hard to pick just one destination on the Italian peninsula to travel to, so why not take a road trip.
This two-week road trip will take travelers from Rome northeast through Florence and Venice and then down south along the east coast before turning back north towards Rome. This is a can-miss two-week Bucket List Road-Trip in Italy.
Day 1 - Rome
After landing in Rome, Travelers need to first acquire their rental, but after that, they shouldn’t definitely explore a bit of Rome. The City is so full of both historical and modern culture that there is a bit for everyone to discover in this city.
- Care Rentals - Link
- Must-Visit - Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and The Roman Food tour in Trastevere
Il Goccetto
It's hard to get enough of the delicious food served at II Goccetto. Well known for both its wines and cuisine, this is a must-visit location for travelers to Rome.
- Address - Via Dei Banchi Vecchi 14, 00186 Rome Italy
- Contact - +39 06 9944 8583
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - cheese and cold cuts
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Day 2 - Orbetello and Porto Ercole
Located in the Province of Grosseto, travelers can find both Orbetello and Porto Ercole. Orbetello is located just 35 kilometers south of Grosseto, on the eponymous lagoon. Porto Ercole is a prominent port city that travelers can also explore.
- Must-Visit - La Feniglia, Laguna di Orbetello, and Spiaggia Lunga
- Today’s Route
Day 3 and 4 - Florence
A Bastion for art and culture, Florence is a go-to destination for many traveling to Italy. With so much for travelers to discover, it is recommended that they spend two nights here. Whether travelers prefer to spend their time with food, art, or shopping, they will have plenty to do here.
- Must-Visit - Ponte Vecchio, Tuscany Cycle, and Piazzale Michelangelo
- Today’s Route
Trattoria Mario
This small restaurant in Florence offers some incredible and authentic Tuscan cuisine to its guests. Seating may be difficult to find here, so try to book in advance.
- Address - Via Rosina 2r, 50123, Florence Italy
- Contact - +39 055 218550
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Tuscan pot roast
- Menu
Day 5 - Bologna
Though it sits right in the middle of Florence and Venice, Bologna doesn’t get nearly the same recognition. Travelers will find that despite not being on everyone's go-to list, Bologna offers much for visitors to discover.
- Must-Visit - Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell, Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, and Basilica di San Petronio
- The Day’s Route
Mò Mortadella Lab
For some incredible and quickly prepared meals, Mò Mortadella Lab is an excellent choice. Its sandwiches are incredible and at a very fair cost.
- Address - Via de’ Monari 1/C, 40121, Bologna Italy
- Contact - +39 051 086 3992
- Cost - $
- Must-Try - Mortadella Sandwiches
- Menu
Day 6 and 7 - Venice
Travelers are easily enchanted by the city of Venice, and it is easy to understand why. This city is magnificent in more than just its architecture and canals; it has tremendous history and fabulous restaurants to discover.
- Must-Visit - Canal Grande, Doge's Palace, and Piazza San Marco
- The Day’s Route
The Glam Restaurant
This Michelin star restaurant offers a selection that shows a deep appreciation for local cuisine. Travelers should not miss an opportunity to dine here.
- Address - Santa Croce 1961 Palazzo Venart, 30135 Venice Italy
- Contact - +39 041 523 5676
- Cost - $$$$
- Must-Try - Cuttlefish
- Menu
Day 8 - Ravenna
This incredible city was once the Byzantine Empire’s capital in Italy. There is much left from that time including incredible mosaics and Dante’s tomb.
- Must-Visit - Basilica di San Vitale, Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi), and Basilica di San Francesco
- The Day’s Route
Day 9 - Arcona
Arcona is found along Italy’s Adriatic coast. It is known for its beaches and its Fontana de Calamo, a fountain with bronze masks of mythic figures. Travelers can take a moment and enjoy this stunning seaside town.
Day 10 - Pescara
Though full of concrete postwar architecture, Pescara is a functional port. Travels enjoy flocking to its lively and prominent waterfront promenades and some of the longest urban beaches on the Adriatic.
- Must-Visit - Ponte del Mare, Trabocchi, and Museo Casa Natale di Gabriele d'Annunzio
- The Day’s Route
Day 11 - Foggia and Parco Nazionale del Gargano
This southern Italian city is referred to as the “granary of Italy.” Parco Nazionale is the stunning coastal park found close by. With the stunning divides between mountains and coast, this is an incredibly beautiful location to visit.
- Must-Visit - Parco Nazionale del Gargano, Santuario Madre di Dio Incoronata, and Chiesa delle Croci
- The Day’s Route
Day 12 - Taranto
Lying between Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo is the southern Italian city of Taranto. Bridges link the mainland with the old city, which is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade.
- Must-Visit - Jonian Dolphin Conservation, Castello Aragonese, and Taranto Catherdral - Duomo of San Cataldo
- The Day’s Route
Day 13 - Naples
The largest city in southern Italy, Naples offers an intoxicating mix of Old World charm and modern toughness. As one of the oldest cities in Italy, Naples is full of pieces of the past that travelers can discover. The city is also quite famous for its wood-fired pizza.
- Must-Visit - Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Lungomare Caracciolo, and Via San Gregorio Armeno
- The Day’s Route
Trattoria Pizzeria La Lazzara
Travelers looking for a taste of real Neapolitan pizza should visit Trattoria Pizzeria La Lazzara. Their prices are reasonable, and the quality is incredible.
- Address - Piazza Francese 9/10, 80133, Naples Italy
- Contact - +39 081 551 7854
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Margherita al Salame
- Menu
Day 14 - Back to Rome
Travelers will now make their way back to Rome. However, it isn’t a terribly long drive, so travelers will still have plenty of time to enjoy Rome before it is time to mark the end of this road trip.