What to see in Italy by car on your own โ route, description, reviews, map
More and more tourists are using this option โ to fly to Italy, rent a car and travel around the country. This makes it possible to independently plan the route, not to depend on the guide, to see exactly what you are interested in. Of course, there are so many attractions here that you should not even try to cover everything at once. It is best to schedule visits to several large cities, and at the same time look into small towns and picturesque villages that come across along the way. So, what to see in Italy by car on your own?
Benefits of car rental
Italy is one of those countries that are very convenient for independent travel. Renting a car here is cheap. If you go outside the peak tourist season, it is quite possible that you will have to pay a small amount per day for a car. But it gives undeniable advantages. Autobahns in Italy are excellent, travel is very convenient. You will see not only those cities that you planned to visit, but along the way you will be able to appreciate natural attractions, which are many in Italy, and small settlements.
Also, you will stay in each city or settlement for as long as you need to get to know him. For the largest cities with a large number of museums, it is better to allocate three days, for the rest, a day is enough. What do you need to rent a car? The age of the driver must be between 18-75 years old, driving experience of at least a year is desirable. You will also need a passport, driver's license, credit card and a voucher containing booking details. It is worth carefully studying the details of the lease, so that later there are no questions.
Which city should you start your trip from? Of course, this is Rome.
Rome
You need to allocate a few days to explore the capital. There are too many cultural monuments in Rome that simply cannot be missed. Housing here can be chosen for every taste and budget, but you can fully appreciate the main city of Italy.
So what you need to see is:
In addition, you should definitely visit the main museums of the capital, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Roman Forum, the Sistine Chapel, where frescoes by Michelangelo and Botticelli are presented, the ancient Palatine Hill (the construction of Rome began here), the Borghese Gallery, which is one of the best art centers. And, of course, you just need to wander the streets of Rome, go to cafes and shops, feel the spirit of the Italian capital.
Naples
Naples attracts not only tourists, but also the indigenous people of the country โ the richest cultural heritage of Italy is concentrated here.
And of course, while in Naples, you will see Vesuvius, the last eruption of which took place in the middle of the 20th century.
San Marino
The capital of the mini-state is located on the top of Mount Titano. Here you can see the ancient streets, houses and towers. One of the main attractions of San Marino are the medieval towers of Guaita, Cesta and Montale. What else deserves attention?
There are many interesting museums in San Marino. Which one to visit depends on your preferences. For example, the National Museum has a rich collection of antiquities and medieval paintings. The wax museum will interest both children and adults, etc.
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Welcome to San Marino โ visit the oldest state in the world and learn the most interesting things about it on a sightseeing tour
Rimini
Perhaps those who come to Rimini will want to stay here. Nearby is the famous Rubicon River, which Caesar crossed.
Also in Rimini it is worth visiting the Three Martyrs Square, walking around the historical center, taking pictures at the memorial pillar erected in honor of Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon. And this city is the birthplace of Federico Fellini. Later, when the famous director came here at the zenith of his fame, he always stayed at the Grand Hotel. Nearby is the Fountain of the Four Horses. It is also worth seeing the โItaly in Miniatureโ park, where models of the country's sights are presented.
Bologna
Founded by the Etruscans about 500 years before our era. And, of course, there is something to see here.
Leaning towers of the 12th-14th centuries, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Neptuno, numerous temples โ it is better to set aside a few days for sightseeing in Bologna. And it is also worth remembering that the cuisine here is amazing. Bologna is the birthplace of the famous bolognese sauce.
Venice
Everyone has heard of Venice. It is located in the north-east of the country, the historical part of it is located on the islands. Deservedly considered one of the most beautiful cultural centers in the world. From here you can bring magnificent souvenirs, jewelry, carnival masks. Gondola rides and Venetian cuisine, which is dominated by seafood, will also be remembered for a long time. It is worth visiting the area where artisans work and buy handmade creations. Venice has enough museums, theaters and picturesque squares.
Where you should definitely visit:
Also, bright holidays are held here, which is worth one Venice carnival!
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Verona
One of the most romantic cities in Europe, it is no coincidence that Shakespeare settled Romeo and Juliet here. Although Verona is associated primarily with the name of the great poet and playwright, there are many other attractions here.
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Bergamo
Here you can admire the gardens and parks, numerous attractions. Garibaldi's army fought for the independence of Italy, and many famous people of the country lived, loved, and worked here. It is worth visiting the Old and New Town Halls on the main square.
The masterpiece of Bergamo is the Colleoni Chapel, built in the 15th century.
Milan
Milan is over 2.6 thousand years old. And he is rightfully proud of his rich history. What must be seen?
We also recommend visiting the theater museum.
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Genoa
A picturesque old town, one of the largest Italian ports. There are many sights worth seeing here.
And if you look at the territory of the Old Port, then look at the places where the ships stood in the Middle Ages.
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Pisa
Although in the minds of people this city is associated primarily with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, there is something to see besides it.
The National Museum is also worth a visit โ this building was first a monastery, and later the palace of the king. Also of great interest is the Museum of Ancient Ships.
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Spice
It is located on the shore of the bay of the same name. It is mentioned in documents from the 13th century, later it becomes a major trading center. Today it is very popular with tourists because of the wonderful climate, numerous events, and, of course, beautiful old buildings.
The best way to get to this place is by car.
Florence
You should definitely come to Florence for a few days. For one, you are unlikely to see even the tip of this โicebergโ. There are no less sights here than in Rome.
And, of course, the streets of Florence are also a kind of open-air museum.
Recommended:
Arezzo
It is located just 80 km from Florence and stands on the same river Arno. It is recommended to look here:
Orvieto
A quiet beautiful city, having arrived here, you will definitely find yourself in the Middle Ages. Attractions are located compactly, they can be seen in one day.
From Orivieto it will be convenient to return to Rome. Few tourists have time to see all the listed cities of Italy during one car trip. But there is an opportunity to lay a route on your own and visit 5-6 of them, which you especially want to visit. Leave the rest for the next trip. The cultural values โโof the great country are so numerous that you can get acquainted with them for a long time. It is most convenient to hit the road in a rented car and see the sights without haste and in comfort.