The Ultimate Italian Road Trip
Introducing 'The Ultimate Italian Road Trip': Your definitive guide to an inspiring Northern Italy adventure.
84 Rooms Founder Sebastian Schoellgen shares his favorite places to eat and stay, and how to make navigating this area with a breeze.
1. Stop: Lake Como
Fly into Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate. We recommend renting a car directly at the airport for convenience. Expect a 45-minute drive from Malpensa, or approximately 1.5 hours from Linate.
Stay at the super picturesque Relais Villa Vittoria in the little village of Laglio, which is also the home to George Clooney. The hotel is remarkable for its elegance and attention to every single detail. There is a pool, a large garden on the lake, a beauty spa, a bar and a wine-bar bistro, and a panoramic terrace where breakfast is served. Don’t miss a visit to Villa La Cassinella, a stunning lakeside property on the western shores of the lake with an impressive garden.
Book here
Read our complete Lake Como Insider Guide.
2. Stop: Santa Margherita Ligure & Portofino
A scenic 2.5-hour drive brings you to our next destination: Santa Margherita Ligure. This gem of Northern Italy's coast offers authentic charm, perfectly positioned next to the glamorous Portofino. Stay at the elegant Grand Hotel Miramare, where a beautiful poolside and luxurious rooms await. From here, it’s just a 5-minute drive to stunning beaches like Paraggi and to iconic Portofino. The hotel also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Cinque Terre.
Book here
For more tips, read our Italian Riviera Guide here.
3. Stop: Pietrasanta & Forte dei Marmi
A beautiful 1.25-hour drive along the Ligurian Coast brings you to Pietrasanta, a charming art village conveniently close to the famous beaches of Forte dei Marmi.
In the village centre of Pietrasanta, the venerable Albergo Pietrasanta stands as a true institution. Across the street, you'll find our top dining pick, Enoteca celebrated for a wine list that is second to none. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
If you prefer to stay in Forte dei Marmi, check out the newly opened Pensione America, which has a private beach club with iconic white cabins, unchanged for generations.
4. Stop: Montepulciano, Tuscany
Our journey continues into the heart of Tuscany, a picturesque 2.5-hour drive through rolling landscapes.
For your stay, we highly recommend Lupaia, our favorite Tuscany country estate. Lupaia is an ancient Italian estate that boasts its own delightful restaurant, 12 charming rooms, a beautiful poolside, and a remarkable attention to detail. Don't miss their signature Negroni tasting – a true Tuscan indulgence. Lupaia is perfectly situated for exploring authentic Tuscan villages like Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.
For more tips, read our Val d'Orcia Guide.
5. Stop: Giglio Island
Leave the rolling Tuscan countryside behind and journey towards the coast. A 2-hour drive brings you to Porto Santo Stefano, where a 1-hour ferry awaits to transport you to the enchanting island of Giglio. (Ferries operate daily, with the last departure at 6 PM during summer months.)
On Giglio, the only place to stay is the incredibly unique Pardini's Hermitage. This island property consistently impresses even the most seasoned travelers, promising an experience truly unlike any other.
Book here
After 33 Spritzes, 44 Vermentinos, 22 Chianti Classicos, 55 Pastas, 19 Limoncellos, 20 Tiramisu and 98 Gelatos - The End
84 Rooms recommends: The Secret Stretch Of The Italian Riviera To Visit This Summer, and Three New Stylish Hotel Openings In Italy .