When travellers dream of an Italian road trip, Tuscany’s rolling hills and golden sunsets often come to mind. But Italy’s most breathtaking drives lie beyond the well-trodden paths—in coastal roads carved into cliffs, mediaeval villages frozen in time, and countryside routes where tradition thrives.
The Wild Wonders of Sardinia: A Coastal Escape
While the Amalfi Coast draws crowds, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda offers equally stunning yet quieter seaside drives. Starting in Olbia, follow the coastline south, where turquoise waters meet towering cliffs, and discover Cala Goloritzé, a secluded beach accessible only by boat or hike. Inland, Barbagia reveals an Italy untouched by mass tourism, where mountain roads wind through ancient villages and shepherds still share stories over glasses of Cannonau wine. End your journey in Cagliari, where mediaeval alleyways meet lively piazzas, and seafood feasts stretch long into the night. The holidays in Tuscany are incomplete without touching these places.
For those seeking unforgettable Tuscany holidays, exploring Italy’s hidden roads offers a journey unlike any other. There are many travel agencies which help plan your ultimate and immersive experience with carefully curated itineraries but the ones provided by Travelodeal stand out among the rest. Whether you’re craving a scenic road trip or all-inclusive holiday deals, Italy’s hidden gems are waiting to be explored.
Puglia & Basilicata: The Soul of Southern Italy
Begin in Bari, where whitewashed buildings glow under the southern sun, and set off towards Alberobello, home to the iconic trulli houses—fairy-tale-like stone dwellings with conical roofs. The route southward weaves through olive groves, sun-drenched vineyards, and quiet coastal roads, leading to the salty breeze of the Ionian Sea.
A must-stop is Matera, a city carved from stone, where ancient cave dwellings (the Sassi) whisper secrets of civilisations past. As the sun sets over this UNESCO treasure, the honey-coloured stones glow in a golden light—a moment that feels like stepping back in time.
Finally, cruise to Gallipoli, where Baroque palaces line the sea and fishermen mend their nets by the docks. This isn’t just a road trip; it’s a journey through Italy’s untouched past, rich in flavours, history, and soul.
Emilia-Romagna & Le Marche: A Feast for the Senses
Italy’s best food isn’t found in Michelin-starred restaurants—it’s discovered in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, along roads lined with Parmesan dairies, balsamic vinegar lofts, and rolling vineyards producing the finest Lambrusco. Holidays to Italy will start in Bologna, the country’s food capital, where tortellini are handmade with devotion.
Venture north to Modena, the home of Ferrari and balsamic vinegar aged for decades. Take a detour to Parma, where prosciutto is cured to perfection. From here, steer eastward into Le Marche, a region often overlooked but bursting with charm.
Drive through Urbino, a Renaissance gem, and follow winding roads to the Monti Sibillini, a dramatic mountain range where tiny villages cling to the slopes. End in Sirolo, a seaside town where Italy’s secret beaches meet the deep blue Adriatic—a perfect ending to a journey of indulgence.
Piedmont & Aosta Valley: The Road to the Alps
For those who crave winding mountain passes, mediaeval castles, and vineyards kissed by the morning mist, a road trip through Piedmont and the Aosta Valley is pure magic. Begin in Turin, a city of royal palaces and decadent chocolate, before heading into the Langhe region, where Nebbiolo grapes produce the world-famous Barolo wine.
Continue north into the Aosta Valley, where Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn dominate the skyline. Stop at Fénis Castle, a mediaeval fortress straight out of a fantasy novel, and then take the Great St. Bernard Pass, a route travelled by emperors and explorers for centuries.
This is Italy at its most dramatic, where roads weave through glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and storybook villages. Every turn reveals a new post-card-perfect moment.
Drive Into the Heart of the Real Italy
Italy’s greatest treasures aren’t found in the pages of guidebooks—they’re hidden along its winding roads, secret coastlines, and mountain trails where tourists rarely venture. A road trip through these untamed landscapes isn’t just a journey; it’s an invitation to slow down, taste, discover, and connect with the soul of Italy.
