Luxury Driving in Italy: Milan, Turin, Florence, Viterbo & Naples - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, Explore the City

Benvenuti in Milano! Arrive at one of Milan's two international airports, then transfer to the city center and check in to your luxury hotel. Famous as the epicenter of Italy's sophisticated fashion and the north's industrial and commercial hub, the city is known as the non-official capital of Italy, the place where everything happens. Milan is also a curious mix of old and new; many of the city's old buildings and monuments were destroyed during World War II, and the more recent modern architecture gives Milan a sophisticated vibe.

You'll get to see this for yourself on a self-guided tour this afternoon. Your first stop should be the Piazza del Duomo, where the 14th-century Gothic Duomo is an arresting sight. Built over six centuries, it's Italy's second-biggest cathedral and one of the largest in the world. Other notable sights close by include La Scala Opera House, the Pirelli Tower, and the medieval Castello Sforzesco. Don't miss an opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at the Santa Maria della Grazie monastery, where you'll need to book your slot well ahead of time. 

Day 3: Drive to Turin via Lake Como

Your Italian road trip starts today! Pick up your rental car in Milan, and you have a couple of options. Your destination for the next two nights is Turin. It's a two-hour drive to the city, and you can either head straight there or opt for a detour to Lake Como, a two-hour drive north of Milan. One of the three main lakes in Italy's Lake District, it's shores are scattered with villas belonging to the rich and famous, including George Clooney and Madonna. Make the most of the scenic lakeside location with a leisurely lunch and a waterfront stroll.

Afterward, hop back in the car, and it's a 2.5-hour drive through the Piedmont region to Turin. Known for its elaborate architecture, culture, and elegant wide boulevards, this historic university town remains one of Italy's most fascinating cities. Settle into your hotel and when you're ready, head out to explore.

The central squares of Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello are excellent starting points where you can pause for a caffé and savor one of Turin's famous cioccolato di Giandiutto. Afterward, cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge over the river to the Chiesa Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappucini. It's an uphill walk to the church, but it's worth it for the panoramic views. In the evening, find a cozy trattoria near the Piazza Vittoria Veneto and enjoy dishes such as brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine).

Day 4: Explore the Towns of the Langhe Region

Just 37 miles (60 km) south of Turin lies the Langhe region, notable for its extraordinary wine area, rich in noble vineyards, gorgeous scenery, and ancient castles. Some of Italy's greatest wines are produced here including Barolo, Barbaresco, and nebbiolo. 

Pause for lunch in the town of Bra, famous as the birthplace of Italy's Slow Food Movement. Started by Carlo Petrini in the 1980s, the movement aimed to defend local culinary traditions and a slower pace of life. You'll find wonderful local specialties here, such as agnolotti (egg pasta stuffed with roast meat) and tajarin (homemade pasta noodles).

If you can tear yourself away from your indulgent lunch stop, get back in the car and visit Castello Falletti in nearby Barolo. You'll find a large selection of Barolo wines here to taste and purchase, as well as a small wine museum. Continue to the village of Monforte d'Alba, home to an ancient amphitheater and the 17th-century Church of Sant'Agostino and San Bonifacio. Make the most of the afternoon's golden light to visit La Morra, where you can enjoy superb views of the surrounding vineyards from the village's main square, Piazza Castello. As the sun sets over the hills, head back to Turin for the evening. 

Day 5: Drive to Florence via Parma, Explore Tuscany's Renaissance Capital

Today, you'll start your drive south, and your first stop is Florence, a Renaissance gem in the heart of Tuscany. It's a 4.5-hour drive, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop en route; your best bet is Parma, a city famous for its ornate medieval architecture, 10th-century University of Parma, and, of course, its coveted DOP origin cured ham prosciutto di Parma. 

Eventually, you'll arrive in Florence, a sprawling city famed for its world-leading art collections and Renaissance architecture. Check into your luxury hotel and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the city. You'll see some of the main sights on a guided walking tour tomorrow, so for now, familiarize yourself with the city's main squares. Piazza della Republica has marked the city center since Roman times, and Piazza della Signoria has been the city's political center, home to ceremonial events, rallies, and festivals since the Middle Ages. 

At the latter square, you'll find two iconic Florentine landmarks: Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Don't miss a walk over the city's famous bridge—Ponte Vecchio, a covered medieval bridge that's been a symbol of Florence's power for over seven centuries. As the sun starts to dip, end your day with dinner at a neighborhood trattoria and dine on traditional Tuscan fare accompanied by a glass of something special. 

Day 6: Half-Day Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Today, you'll spend the morning exploring Florence's top sights on a half-day private walking tour of the city. Start in the Piazza del Duomo, where you'll see and learn the history behind the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo), whose mighty terracotta dome attracts visitors worldwide. Continue to the Galleria dell'Accademia, which displays Michelangelo's "David" sculpture. Created between 1501 and 1504, the 14-foot-high (4 m) marble sculpture symbolized the Florentine republic's strength during a time of great political upheaval. 

After your tour, continue exploring on your own. Consider taking a short walk over to the Mercato Centrale on the second floor of the Mercado di San Lorenzo, where you'll be able to meander through the stalls of local goods. If you're up for an uphill climb, cross over the River Arno to visit Piazzale Michelangelo (or take a taxi). This spectacular viewpoint offers an incredible view of all of Florence and is the perfect place to watch the sunset before you head over to Piazza Santo Spirito for predinner aperitivo.

Day 7: Drive to Viterbo via the Hilltop Town of Orvieto

Leave Tuscany behind this morning as you continue your drive south into Italy's Lazio region. It's a scenic 2.5-hour drive, and your destination is Viterbo, a town in the north of the region that's home to the largest medieval historical center in Europe. Break up the journey with a lunch stop in Orvieto. This famous walled hilltop town is perched on a plateau overlooking local vineyards and offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills of Umbria. 

From Orvieto, it's a one-hour drive to Viterbo through a landscape characterized by the area's volcanic origins; the nearby lakes of Bolsena and Vico were both formed from ancient extinct craters. Arrive in Viterbo and check into your accommodation. Although the town was heavily bombed in World War II, much of its historic core survived, and its attractive tangle of grey-stone buildings remains in remarkably good shape.

Day 8: Drive to Naples, Self-Guided City Tour

Bid Viterbo farewell this morning and hit the road for a 3.5-hour drive to Naples. Set on the picturesque Bay of Naples near the still-active Mount Vesuvius, Naples has been continually settled for millennia and is renowned for its art, architecture, exuberant atmosphere, and delicious Neapolitan cuisine.

After dropping off your rental car, today is yours to explore the city at your own pace and discover the city's churches, museums, and historical highlights. The splendid Duomo di Napoli, a 10-minute walk from Piazza Cavour, dates back to the 13th century and incorporates a range of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles, while the San Lorenzo Maggiore Basilica is one of the city's oldest and most interesting churches—it even hides the remains of an underground Greco-Roman market.

Follow the main street, Via Toledo, toward the waterfront, and you'll find the Royal Palace, San Carlo Theater, and Castle Nuovo, all worth a visit, including the castle's two museums, which house an array of medieval and 19th-century paintings, sculpture and objects. Don't miss the Fontana dell Gigante, a beautiful 17th-century fountain featuring a trio of arches adorned with heraldic symbols and marine animals. Standing on the waterfront near Castel dell'Ovo, it's a great place to catch a breather and soak up your Neapolitan experience.

Day 10: Depart Naples

Say goodbye, or ciao, to Italy for now. Take advantage of any extra time with one last morning stroll before your driver drops you at the airport in Naples. Safe travels!

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