The best 8-day road trip in Italy

Want to live the Dolce Vita? 

You're at the right place! Here is the best 8-day road trip to discover Italy. 
 

Road Trip Summary

Days 1-2: Milan  

Benvenuti in Italia! 

Begin your stay in Milan, the most stylish city in Italy. Head first to Piazza del Duomo, one of Milan's most famous squares.  

Admire the Milan Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in the world. Don't miss the rooftop terrace for a stunning view of the city.  

You can also visit the Duomo Museum to learn more about the cathedral's history. 

In the afternoon, take a tour of the Brera district to discover the charm of Milan's old town. Its cobblestone streets are lined with local craft shops and art galleries.  

Enjoy many local restaurants for a tasty Italian meal! 

In the evening, treat yourself to the Scala of Milan, one of the world's most prestigious operas. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the vibrant Navigli district, named after the canals found there. 

You will find several trendy bars and restaurants with a splendid view of the canals.  
 

Start your second day in Milan by visiting the Sforza Castle, a massive fortified castle built in the 15th century that now houses several art museums. You can admire works by several renowned Italian artists, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.  

Milan being a world fashion capital, use your afternoon to discover Italian fashion.  

Stroll through the shopping streets of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, where you will find boutiques of Italian designers such as Armani, Versace, and Prada.  

If you have a great interest in fashion, the Milan Fashion and Costume Museum is a must-see. 

For dinner, savor authentic and typical Italian dishes in one of the restaurants in the Brera district.  

Then head to the Ceresio 7 rooftop terrace to enjoy a last drink and a panoramic view of the city. 

Days 3-4: Florence 

Your trip to Italy continues towards Florence, a city known for its vast collection of Renaissance art and its architectural beauty.  

Here again, you should visit the Piazza del Duomo. Admire the impressive architecture of the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, with its famous Brunelleschi dome.  

Then head to the Uffizi Gallery to admire one of the world's finest collections of Renaissance art.  

The works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and other great Italian artists will leave you speechless. 

However, make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. 

For dining, the Santo Spirito district, on the other side of the Arno, is full of restaurants offering traditional Tuscan dishes.  

End your first day with a walk along the Arno river to admire the illuminated city. 
 

Start your second day by visiting the famous Galleria dell'Accademia, home to the renowned sculpture of Michelangelo, David.  

You can also admire other Renaissance art, including marble sculptures and paintings. 

In the afternoon, head to the old city of Florence. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, discover local craft shops, and admire historic buildings such as Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio.  

You can also visit the central market of Florence to taste the local products that are renowned, such as cheeses, cured meats, and wines. 

In the evening, the lively Santa Croce district is ideal for enjoying the city's most popular bars and restaurants.  

Days 5-6: Rome 

Your destination today is arguably the most famous city in Italy, Rome.  

If you feel like it, stop in Perugia on the way.  

You can take a short visit to the Piazza IV Novembre, the city's main square, home to the famous Fontana Maggiore.  

You can also visit the Cathedral of Perugia, one of the oldest cathedrals in Italy, dating back to the 14th century.  

Once in Rome, start at Piazza di Spagna, where the famous Trevi Fountain is located.  

Join the tradition and toss a coin in it, legend says this promises you a return to Rome!  

After admiring the fountain, head to the Pantheon, an incredibly well-preserved ancient Roman temple. 

Finish your first day in Rome by strolling through the lively Trastevere district, on the other side of the Tiber River.  

You will find many bars and restaurants offering traditional Roman cuisine. 
 

A visit to the Vatican, the smallest nation in the world, is a must-see in Rome, whether you are believers or not.  

You can admire the famous St. Peter's Basilica, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture, as well as the Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescoes painted by Michelangelo. 

Spend the afternoon exploring other symbols of Rome, such as the Colosseum, the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built, which could host up to 80,000 spectators, and Circus Maximus, the largest Roman chariot racing stadium.  

You can also visit the neighboring Roman Forum, which was once the political and religious center of the city.  

The area of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, known for its narrow streets and restaurants offering traditional Jewish cuisine, is worth a visit, even though it is less well-known.  

End your stay in Rome by attending an opera or a concert in one of the city's many theatres.  

Days 7-8: Naples 

It's already your last leg of the journey!  

Today, you arrive in Naples, where pizza was invented.  

History enthusiasts won't want to miss the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Roman art.  

You can admire the frescoes, sculptures, and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, two ancient towns near Naples.  

In the afternoon, stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center of Naples, one of the largest historical centers in Europe, where you can admire the city's baroque churches, palaces, and public squares.  

Don't miss visiting San Severo Chapel, which is famous for its sculpture of the Veiled Christ.  

End this first day in Naples in the proper way, that is, by savoring a traditional Neapolitan pizza.  
 

In the morning, treat yourself to a trip to Pompeii, one of the best-preserved ancient towns in the world.  

You can visit the archaeological site of Pompeii, which was covered in volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.  

A bit eerie but definitely fascinating, you will find there ruins of houses, shops, and temples, as well as the bodies of some of the city's inhabitants.  

Return to Naples in the afternoon to climb up to the Sant'Elmo castle, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Naples.  

You can also visit the Madre contemporary art museum, which houses a collection of Italian and international contemporary art.  

Before leaving Naples and Italy, treat yourself to one last traditional drink, Neapolitan coffee, in one of the city's historic cafes, such as the famous Gambrinus cafe.  

There you go! You are ready to hit the Italian roads!

For any questions, feel free to express yourself in the comment section below. Alla Prossima!