Driving in Italy gives you the freedom to experience the country at your own pace. You can make spontaneous stops to take pictures or to visit local vineyards that catch your eye.

Many of Italy’s most picturesque spots, like the South Tyrol countryside, are in hidden Alpine valleys and are best reached by car. While cities like Milan and Venice are well-connected by train, having a car allows you to experience the region’s breathtaking countryside and lesser-known gems with ease.

In Italy, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road with the steering wheel on the left. Roads are generally well-maintained, and while some rural routes can be winding, with some narrow streets, they offer stunning drives. Historic town centres are often best explored on foot, so planning ahead for parking can make your journey even smoother.

Using your GPS navigation system is a great help – just be sure to download your route in advance in case of limited signal in remote areas. Taking a moment to familiarise yourself with local road rules before setting off will help you feel confident behind the wheel.

There are plenty of incredible places to go on a self-drive escape in Italy. But exploring Northern Italy and beyond offers a mix of rich culture, stunning scenery, and vibrant cities.

If you’re a nature lover, get ready to be amazed by the dramatic peaks of the Alps and the Dolomites. Or take in the sweeping views of the Italian lake district, where Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore shimmer under the sun.

Italy’s towns and cities are sure to charm you as well. You could take a full day to explore Venice’s winding waterways on a gondola ride. Or spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets of Como, all while savouring some gelato.

If you love art and history, you won’t want to miss the chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan. And stroll through Verona’s historic centre, the romantic setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Then there’s the food – get ready to indulge! Italy is home to famous dishes. You can savour creamy risottos, fresh pasta, and silky polenta across the region. Not to mention a post-dinner tiramisu to round off an idyllic day.

Make time for a wine tasting on your trip. Tour the thriving vineyards of Lake Garda, savouring some of Italy’s finest vintages.

Italy's mix of culture with its Alpine neighbours makes it even more special. You’ll notice the blend of Italian charm with Swiss, Austrian, and French influences, giving you a taste of different cultures in one trip. If you want to visit more than one country on your trip, check out these multi-country driving tours in the Alps.

For more inspiration, read this round-up of the best places to visit in Northern Italy.

The best time to explore Italy on a road trip is between May and October. This is when the days are long, the weather is warm, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with blooming wildflowers in May and golden foliage in October. These seasons also bring fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy medieval towns, scenic lakes, and historic landmarks at a relaxed pace.

Summer is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, lake swimming, and dining al fresco in charming piazzas. If you plan to visit during June, July or August, we recommend booking well in advance, as this is the most popular time for travellers.

Planning a road trip involves lots of research – figuring out where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your journey. Plus, you’d need to go about renting a car from a reliable company.

But with these expertly designed self-drive tours, all the hard work is done for you. Simply take the wheel and enjoy the beauty of Italy on an itinerary that travel experts have tried and tested.

When you book with us, you'll have a dedicated regional travel consultant to arrange your trip for you. This includes sourcing top-rated accommodation and organising your rental car with a trusted partner.

To make your journey even smoother, you'll receive a hand-marked map showing you the route. Plus, you’ll get an Italy Travel Guide highlighting the must-visit attractions and scenic stops along the way. This insider knowledge ensures you get an authentic taste of Italy.

When you book an Italy self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your package includes a rental car complete with:

•  Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
•  Basic liability insurance coverage
•  Authorisation for 2 drivers
•  Hand-marked route map
•  Unlimited mileage
•  GPS navigation system

If you would like to add anything else, such as more listed drivers, your personal travel consultant will be happy to help. Meanwhile, extras like child seats and insurance upgrades can be added at your rental car pick-up point.

Yes, if you are visiting from outside the EU or EEA, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Italy. Some rental companies may not ask for it, but it’s required for compliance with local regulations. This applies to visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

You’ll also need an IDP if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script.

That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Yes! These self-drive tour packages in Italy are crafted to ensure you have the best travel experience possible. But we understand that you’ll have your own travel wish list.

Customising your tour is easy when you book online. You can extend your stay with additional nights at the beginning or end of your trip. Or, why not upgrade your accommodation or rental car, depending on your preferences? You’ll also have the option to add extra activities to your itinerary.

If you'd like to make further changes to your itinerary, reach out to your personal travel consultant. They will help design your dream Italian getaway.

Absolutely, these Italian road trips run from May to October, so you can pick whatever date works for you. Check out the online calendar of the tour that interests you to see up-to-date availability. Then, simply choose the date that suits you.

We recommend checking potential flight times and dates before booking. But it’s best to hold off on purchasing these until your tour package is confirmed. Once you’ve had a confirmation email from your travel consultant, you can go ahead and buy your flights.

Waiting for confirmation before purchasing your flights means you’ll have all the information you need to make the best possible choice on timings. If you have any questions, just ask your consultant.

Italy experiences a diverse climate, with conditions varying by season and region.

Summers – June to August – are typically warm and sometimes humid. This is a great time for sightseeing and dining al fresco, though it can get quite hot during peak summer. If you’re looking for cooler conditions, the Alps and Dolomites offer a refreshing escape with pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities.

Spring and autumn bring milder weather, making them excellent times to visit. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring cities, hiking in the countryside, and enjoying scenic drives. You’ll also find fewer visitors, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Here are the average temperatures in Venice to give you an idea of what to expect during your trip:

• May: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
• June: 18–26°C (64–79°F)
• July: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
• August: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
• September: 15–24°C (59–75°F)
• October: 11–19°C (52–67°F)

Good to know: Occasional heatwaves from June through August mean temperatures can get up to about 35°C (95°F).

What you’ll need to bring on your tour of Italy depends on when you’re travelling and the activities you’d like to try. These essentials will cover you for a range of activities during spring, summer and autumn:

• • Walking shoes or boots
• • Comfortable sandals
• • Sunglasses, sun hat and suncream
• • Short and long-sleeve shirts
• • Light trousers or shorts
• • Swimwear and travel towel
• • Waterproof jacket and trousers
• • Insulated jacket
• • Warm jumper or fleece
• • Scarf, hat and gloves
• • Day bag or rucksack
• • Reusable water bottle
• • Two-pin EU adaptor
• • Smart outfits for dining out
   

Top tip: When visiting most churches or cathedrals in Italy, it’s important to cover your shoulders and knees. We suggest keeping a lightweight scarf handy in your bag during the summer months so you’re prepared to cover up when needed.