Italy Inland Road Trip Itinerary: 9 Amazing Stops!
In the summer of 2022, we took a road trip through the heart of Italy. Starting from Sardinia (stops 1-9), we crossed over to the mainland (Naples), where our journey through the inland began (stops 10-18). In this article, we’ll share our itinerary and highlight the best of Italy’s inland regions. Find also our free Google Maps travel guide Italy for this inland road trip itinerary.
Naples (3 days)
Activities: Pompeii (10), Amalfi Coast, Naples city, Mount Vesuvius (11)
Distance: 200 km
Pompeii
If you’re arriving from Sardinia and have spent a night on the ferry, it’s best to take it easy on your first day. We visited Pompeii, the ancient city which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city remained buried under volcanic ash for centuries before being rediscovered. It’s a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for pushy street vendors trying to sell you items. Fun fact: Pompeii is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities, offering a unique snapshot of life in Roman times.
Amalfi coastline
It is said to be one of the most beautiful roads to drive in the country. And at least from our Italy inland road trip itinerary this drive is spectacular. As a result, traffic jams on the narrow streets are quite common, so start early before the crowds! It’s unclear when exactly you’re allowed to drive along the Amalfi Coast. It has something to do with your license plate. The first number (either odd or even) determines your allowed days to drive in the peak season. We asked the local campsite owners, but they couldn’t give us a definitive answer. We decided to leave early (the rules are usually enforced after 10 am). Driving along this stunning coastline, we can understand why restrictions are in place to manage the crowds. The narrow streets are challenging, and scooters weave in and out of traffic!
Naples
After visiting the Amalfi Coast, you’ll have time in the afternoon to explore Naples. We wandered through its narrow streets but didn’t focus on specific landmarks.
Mount Vesuvius
No trip to Naples would be complete without a visit to Mount Vesuvius. We booked our tickets online three days in advance, which is mandatory, as no one is allowed on the mountain without a ticket. Don’t forget to download your ticket as there’s no or very limited phone signal at the top!
After a remarkable morning at Vesuvius, we headed inland to the village of Barrea. The moment we left the highway, the peaceful atmosphere was noticeable, and we could enjoy the quiet after the busyness of the ferry ride and our days in Naples.
National Park D’Abruzzo (1 day)
Activities: National Park D’Abruzzo scenic drive (12)
Distance (Naples to Barrea): 150 km
The Barrea area and the National Park D’Abruzzo offer a perfect setting for a scenic drive. We drove through the mountains hoping to spot a bear, as this park is home to the brown bear and other wildlife. Sadly, we didn’t see any, but the drive was still beautiful, with charming villages perched high on the mountains.
Central Apennines (2 days)
Activities: L’Aquila, Corno Grande (13)
Distance (Barrea to Assergi): 150 km
We stayed two days in the Central Apennines because we wanted to hike to the top of Corno Grande. It’s best to start early, as the hike is challenging, and you don’t want to be caught in the midday heat. On the first day, we visited L’Aquila, a small town still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
The Corno Grande hike is fantastic! The trail offers stunning views on the way up. The first part is a steady climb, but the final section involves scrambling over loose stones. The summit is 2,912 meters high and offers breathtaking views. Unfortunately, we had some bad luck with the weather, but it was still an unforgettable experience.
Rome (2 days)
Activities: Rome city (14)
Distance: 150 km
The drive from the Central Apennines to Rome is short enough to be done in the morning, leaving the afternoon and the next day to explore the city. Be sure to visit Rome’s most famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Fun Fact: Rome is home to the Vatican, the smallest country in the world, located entirely within the city.
Elba (2 days)
Activities: Elba (15)
Distance: 300 km
The drive from Rome to Elba takes most of the day, especially when you include the ferry ride. We rented a car on the island because it was cheaper than bringing our own vehicle on the ferry. Elba is a great place to unwind, with beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery. You can easily spend a whole day hopping between its many lovely beaches.
Firenze (1 day)
Activities: Florence city
Distance: 200 km
After Elba, we headed to Florence. We only needed one afternoon here since we had visited the city before, but it’s a city worth spending more than one afternoon, with its stunning art and architecture.
Venice (2 days)
Activities: Venice city (16)
Distance: 250 km
You could easily spend days wandering through Venice, but we found a full day enough to explore. After our drive from Florence, we were ready to dive into the canals, bridges, and squares. The crowds can be overwhelming, and in the future, Venice is likely to implement regulations to control tourism.
Dolomites (3 days)
Activities: Trento, Sella Ronda (17), Stelvio (18)
Distance: 200 km
After exploring the cities, we continued our Italy inland road trip itinerary back into nature. The Dolomites are truly unique and offer some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. We drove the famous Sella Ronda route, known for being a popular cycling route, and then made our way to the Stelvio Pass, a thrilling drive and a perfect spot for cycling enthusiasts. The Dolomites are even an UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for their dramatic peaks and rich biodiversity, making them a must-visit for nature lovers.
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