Is a road trip a good idea for a honeymoon in Italy?
It can be, if you choose the right areas. Driving gives you freedom in places that trains do not serve well, such as Tuscan hill towns, the Dolomites, Umbria and much of the south. It also lets you stop for a view, a winery or a village lunch on the way.
It is a poor fit for the big cities. For the lagoon city on its own, see our guide to romantic Venice. Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan are easier by train, and driving and parking in historic centers is stressful and, because of traffic rules, can be costly. Many couples combine both: trains between the big cities, then a rental car for a few days in the countryside. Our step-by-step guide to planning a honeymoon to Italy covers that mix.
Before you drive: key things to know
ZTL zones
Many Italian towns restrict traffic in their historic centers (zona a traffico limitato, or ZTL). Entering without authorization can lead to a fine, often mailed to you months later through the rental company. Signs and cameras mark the boundaries. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask them before arrival whether and how they can register your plate, and where to park.
Licenses and rules
Check current requirements for your license, including whether an International Driving Permit is needed, with official sources and your rental company. Rules around insurance, tolls and fuel also change, so confirm them before you travel.
Cars and parking
- Choose a small car. Roads in old towns and on the coast are narrow.
- Consider an automatic if you do not drive a manual regularly, and reserve it early since automatics can be limited.
- Expect to park outside hill towns and walk in.
- Highways (autostrade) generally have tolls.
Route ideas
These are starting points. Adjust the distances to how much driving you enjoy.
Tuscany and Umbria (about 7 to 10 days)
Fly into Florence or Rome and pick up the car when you leave the city. Possible stops include Siena, San Gimignano, the Val d’Orcia (Pienza and Montepulciano), Montalcino for wine and Orvieto or Assisi in Umbria. Staying a few nights on a farm estate (agriturismo) or villa gives you a base for day drives.
Rome to the Amalfi Coast and Puglia
Heading south from Rome you can reach the Amalfi Coast, and continue on to Puglia, known for trulli houses, whitewashed towns and beaches. Be careful with the Amalfi Coast road in summer, when traffic can be heavy. Some couples drop the car there and use ferries instead.
Dolomites and the northern lakes
Combine Lake Garda or Lake Como with the mountain roads and alpine villages of the Dolomites. This route suits couples who like hiking and mountain views, best from late spring to early autumn.
Sicily
An island loop might include Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina and the Baroque towns in the southeast. Driving styles can be assertive in some cities, so many couples take the car only for the countryside.
Pacing your drive
- Aim for no more than two to three hours of driving on most days.
- Stay at least two or three nights in each place.
- Plan a relaxed lunch, since many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service.
- Fill the tank before long rural stretches and on Sundays, when some stations are unattended.
Romantic stops that suit a road trip
- Vineyard tastings and cellar visits in Chianti, Montalcino or the Langhe.
- Sunset viewpoints in hill towns.
- Thermal springs in Tuscany, such as around Saturnia.
- Cooking classes on rural estates.
Budget notes
The main costs are the rental car (plus any one-way fee), fuel, tolls, parking and insurance. Cars can be significantly more expensive in peak summer. Compare prices and read what the rental insurance does and does not cover.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are comfortable for driving and sightseeing. Our Italy honeymoon packing list covers what to bring. In July and August, interior regions can be very hot and coastal roads busy.
If you are still comparing destinations, see our overview of a honeymoon through Europe.