- 4.9/5 336 Latest reviews
- Destination: Italy
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Self-Drive
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the best of Northern Italy on this immersive Italian Riviera self-drive journey, perfectly designed for travelers who value freedom, scenery, and authentic local encounters. Over 8 unforgettable days, this road trip blends Italy’s glamorous coastline with its most enchanting lakes, historic cities, and vineyard-covered hills. Starting in romantic Venice and ending in timeless Rome, you’ll drive through iconic destinations including Milan, Turin, Genoa, La Spezia, Perugia, and the legendary villages of Cinque Terre.
This Italian Riviera adventure showcases the natural beauty of Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, paired with cultural highlights such as Verona’s Romeo and Juliet sites, Milan’s magnificent Duomo, and the wine-rich Langhe region. Enjoy scenic boat cruises, coastal train rides, charming medieval towns like Lucca, and leisurely drives through the Umbrian Valley. With carefully selected hotels, a flexible self-drive itinerary, and unforgettable coastal and lake views, this trip offers the perfect balance of independence, comfort, and classic Italian charm.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Venice - Milan
Pick Up Your Rental Car, Verona, Boat Cruise on Lake Garda
2
Milan - Lake Como - Milan
Duomo of Milan, Lake Como, Sforzesco Castle, Villa Carlotta
3
Milan - Turin
Boat Cruise on Lake Maggiore, Stresa
4
Turin
Langhe Vineyards, Barolo's Wimu Wine Museum
5
Turin - La Spezia
Rickshaw Tour in Genoa
6
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, Coastal Villages
7
La Spezia - Perugia
Lucca, Umbrian Valley
8
Perugia - Rome
Explore the Perugia, Return the Rental Car
Itinerary
- Day 1: Venice - Verona - Sirmione - Milan (310 km)
Pick up your rental car in Venice and start your Italian Riviera self-drive tour heading to Verona, the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet. Explore the historic center, including the famous Juliet Balcony, and enjoy a coffee in Piazza delle Erbe. Continue to Sirmione, the jewel of Lake Garda, for a reserved boat cruise along the Italian Riviera shoreline. Take in panoramic lake views, medieval architecture, and lush gardens before driving to Milan for an overnight stay and evening exploration.
Highlights: Italian Riviera road trip, Venice, Verona, Juliet Balcony, Lake Garda boat cruise, Sirmione, Milan evening stroll
- Milan
- Day 2: Milan - Tremezzina - Milan (220 km)
Morning exploration of Milan’s landmarks, including the Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the afternoon, drive along Lake Como, part of the scenic Italian Riviera & Lakes region. Visit Villa Carlotta and its stunning gardens, then enjoy panoramic views of Bellagio across the lake. Return to Milan for dinner in a classic Italian trattoria.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Milan Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforzesco Castle, Lake Como, Villa Carlotta, Bellagio viewpoint
- B
- Milan
- Day 3: Milan - Stresa - Turin (232 km)
Drive to Stresa along Lake Maggiore, an essential stop on your Italian Riviera self-drive tour. Take a boat to the Borromean Islands and explore the Baroque splendor of Isola Bella and the English-style gardens of Isola Madre. Stroll along Stresa promenade and enjoy lakeside lunch. Continue to Turin, the elegant Piedmont city, for an overnight stay.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Lake Maggiore, Borromean Islands, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Stresa promenade, Turin historic center
- B
- Turin
- Day 4: Turin - Barolo - Alba - Asti - Turin (172 km)
Discover the Langhe wine region, part of Northern Italy’s renowned Italian Riviera & Lakes experience. Visit Barolo’s WiMu Wine Museum to explore the history of Italian wine. Stop in Alba for tasting local truffle delicacies and continue to Asti for sparkling wines. Return to Turin for an evening at leisure, enjoying Piedmontese cuisine.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Langhe vineyards, Barolo Wine Museum (WiMu), wine tasting, Alba truffles, Asti sparkling wines
- B
- Turin
- Day 5: Turin - Genoa - La Spezia (130 km)
Drive to Genoa, a vital city along the Italian Riviera coastline, and explore its narrow streets via a private rickshaw tour. Visit Porto Antico, the historic old port, and enjoy fresh Ligurian seafood. Continue to La Spezia, the perfect base for discovering the famous Cinque Terre villages. Check in at your hotel and relax with sunset views over the Ligurian Sea.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Genoa rickshaw tour, Porto Antico, seafood tasting, La Spezia, gateway to Cinque Terre
- B
- La Spezia
- Day 6: La Spezia, Venture to Cinque Terre
Spend the day exploring Cinque Terre, a jewel of the Italian Riviera. A one-day train card provides unlimited travel between villages and access to coastal hiking trails. Wander Monterosso’s beaches, Vernazza’s colorful harbor, Corniglia’s hilltop lanes, Manarola’s cliffside streets, and Riomaggiore’s charming alleys. Taste local specialties including fresh seafood, pesto, and Ligurian wines. Optional: sunset wine tasting overlooking the Mediterranean coast.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre villages, coastal hiking trails, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, local Ligurian cuisine, wine tasting
- B
- La Spezia
- Day 7: La Spezia - Lucca - Perugia (298 km)
Drive inland from the Italian Riviera coast to Perugia, stopping in Lucca to explore its medieval city walls and charming historic center. Visit Torre Guinigi and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, then continue through the scenic Umbrian Valley to Perugia. Experience the city’s artisan workshops and enjoy an authentic Umbrian dinner in the historic center.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Lucca medieval city walls, Torre Guinigi, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Perugia historic center, Umbrian Valley, artisan workshops
- B , D
- Perugia
- Day 8: Perugia - Rome, Departure
Spend the morning in Perugia exploring its historic streets or take a private artisan chocolate-making lesson. Depart for Rome along the scenic routes of Northern Italy, completing your Italian Riviera & Lakes self-drive tour. Return your rental car at Rome Fiumicino Airport and board your departure flight.
Highlights: Italian Riviera, Perugia historic center, artisan chocolate lesson, scenic drive, Rome Fiumicino Airport, rental car return
- B
Quick Question
CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT
1-to-1 Service | Reply within 24hrs | Expert's Advice
