Southern Italy Road Trip: 7 Days by Car
7 Days
3 Stops
Self drive
From$1,200
per personPlan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Plan now
Roman Karin will help you — free of charge, no obligation to book
Itinerary inspiration
Experience the best of Southern Italy on this 7-day road trip that blends ancient history, coastal charm, and vibrant city life. Begin in Rome, where cobblestone streets lead to awe-inspiring landmarks like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican. Stroll through the lively Trastevere district, savor handmade pasta in a traditional trattoria, and catch the golden hour at the Spanish Steps before heading south.More...
Rome
Day 1 - 2
Experience Rome, the bustling capital of Italy. This city, rich with exciting history and culture, offers an unparalled mix of ancient explorations and modern living. Immerse yourself in the past and explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. Wander through other must-see destinations like The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. Experiencing the culinary scene is a delight, from traditional pasta to world-renowned Italian gelati. You can explore daily markets such as Campo de' Fiori for local ingredients and fresh food. A stay in Rome promises great experiences all year round, but it is advisable to take seasonality into account. While spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and less crowds, summer (June–August) has a lively, spirited atmosphere — but can also be hot. No matter when you go, visiting Rome promises an unforgettable journey through the centuries. The unique combination of a rich historical past mixed into a thriving and vibrant modern community makes Italy's Eternal City one of the world's most intriguing and inspiring tourist destinations.
Hotel Diana Roof Garden
Opening its doors in 1939, Hotel Diana Roof Garden is a historic hotel situated in the heart of Umbertine Rome, just meters from the Opera House, the historical center, important museums, and famous shopping streets. The hotel boasts a selection of rooms, suites, and family apartments, all featuring elegant interiors and modern amenities including Wi-Fi, a minibar, satellite TV, and air-conditioning. Delicious meals and spectacular views await at the Roof Top restaurant, with refreshing drinks available at the Lounge Bar and a Brasserie. Additional amenities include laundry services, baggage storage, and guided tours.
Sorrento
Day 3 - 4
Set on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, Sorrento is a tiny Italian resort town perfectly situated for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, and the Naples area. However, the town itself offers plenty of attractions. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or dive in the sparkling turquoise waters, browse the maze of shops and stalls filled with local crafts, or wander along the unspoiled streets of the old town, discovering its wealth of Renaissance palazzi and Romanesque churches. At the heart of the town, Piazza Tasso perches over a magnificent gorge and is filled with bustling cafes and restaurants serving mouth-watering traditional dishes. The locals of Sorrento have mastered the art of living ‘la dolce vita,’ making it the ultimate destination for indulgence.
Hotel Del Corso Sorrento
Hotel Del Corso is located in the heart of Sorrento on the second floor of Palazzo De Gregorio, an old 18th-century mansion overlooking the main street Corso Italia and the historic alleys of Sorrento. The rooms are spacious and feature Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom. An authentic Italian breakfast buffet is served in the morning either in the dining room or on the garden terrace. You can relax in the bar. The hotel is able to organize activities for guests, such as a personalized or a group excursion for any destination in the Campania region, as well as cooking classes at the hotel.
Your activity
Full Day in Capri with Anacapri
No holiday in Naples is complete without a trip to the enchanting island of Capri. Spend an unforgettable day getting a panoramic view of Capri, reaching the island with no stress and our tour includes Blue Grotto’s visit. Capri is a famous destination. You’ll feel overwhelmed by its gorgeous sights – beautiful sea, flourishing nature, historic monuments. Capri has it all! It is said that Emperor Tiberius liked it so much that he refused to return to Rome and reigned most of the time from a villa on a cliff. Capri is also known for its many artisan shops and luxury boutiques. An absolute highlight is the Blue Grotto, a marine temple during Roman times. Nowadays swimming is forbidden here, and only small rowboats are allowed under the supervision of local experts. Inside, the view is incredible: the sunlight passing through an underwater cavity shines through the seawater and creates a brilliant blue-to-emerald reflection that illuminates the waters of the shady cavern. Such a memorable experience.
Naples
Day 5 - 7
Presided over by the mighty Mount Vesuvius and with the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii on its doorstep, the historic Mediterranean city of Naples is steeped in centuries of fascinating history. Founded long before the Italian state—or even the Roman Republic—Naples holds an unparalleled collection of Greek and Roman artifacts. There’s truly no place like it: vast, gritty, and chaotic, yet this modern-day energy plays out against a dramatic backdrop of grand historical piazzas, world-class museums, and stunning Baroque architecture. As the birthplace of pizza and a contender for the richest food scene in a country celebrated for its cuisine, Naples is a paradise for food lovers, offering a dazzling array of local dishes and gourmet experiences.
Palazzo Turchini
Palazzo Turchini is located in the heart of Naples' historic centre, close to the main harbours, Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa. Nearby attractions include Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, and the San Carlo opera house. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet, with many typical regional products. Leisure facilities include a roof terrace for relaxation.
Plan now
Roman Karin will help you — free of charge, no obligation to book
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Custom Italy trips
Tips for your Southern Italy road trip
The best time for a road trip through Southern Italy is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring ancient ruins in Rome and Pompeii, without the intense heat and heavy crowds of the summer months.
The average cost for a week-long trip to Italy, excluding flights, is about $1,700 per person. A mid-range budget of around $240 per day covers a 4-star hotel, meals at mid-range restaurants, and a rental car, while a budget trip starts at about $115 per person per day.
This road trip is a journey through ancient history and coastal beauty. Highlights include the Roman Forum and Colosseum, the ruins of Pompeii, the island of Capri, and the scenic Amalfi Coast. Popular activities include a pizza-making class in Naples and exploring the fascinating underground ruins beneath the city.
A rental car is the best way to explore Southern Italy at your own pace. While the north's train system is efficient, a car offers the flexibility to see coastal villages and scenic drives. Be sure to try local specialties like authentic pizza in Naples, and consider visiting traditional markets to experience the local culture.
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
