Known for its mouth-watering food, breath-taking artwork and as the birthplace of Lamborghini and Ferrari, Italy is a country packed full of things to see and do. Driving through its varied landscapes is an adventure not to be missed.

You will experience mountain passes and tunnels, superhighways and some of the world’s busiest metropolises when travelling by car. Major cities are well-connected, making this country easy to explore. The A1, known as the Autostrada del Sole, the backbone of the country’s road network, connects Milan in the north to Naples, via Rome, in the south.

Driving conditions can vary wildly across the country, particular in winter around elevated towns, cities and ski resorts. Our car hire experts can help you with snow tyres and the type of car to choose.

You could be charged for using the autostrade (Italian motorway system) as some have tolls. Speed limits vary and you can drive a maximum of 130kph on motorways, 90kph outside of built-up areas and 50kph within villages, towns and cities.

If you are travelling with children who are under the age of 12, they must be placed in the appropriate child seat, with the right child seat belt. For road rules and regulations, such as using dipped headlights in urban areas or the items you must carry with you when driving in Italy, read more online.

Home to global treasures such the statue of David by Renaissance artist Michelangelo, Italy attracts more than three million British tourists to its shores every year. With its fine art, food and fashion this is a country that captivates business travellers, holidaymakers and locals alike. Wherever your travel plans may take you within this fine country, you’ll find that there are a wide variety of cultural and culinary experiences to be enjoyed.

Verona, Venice and the Lakes

The delightful Italian Lakes of Como and Garda in the north, with their natural beaches, attractive harbours and charming waterside towns, are a popular destination. Nearby Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic Romeo and Juliet, is a gateway to the peaks of the Dolomites for snow and summer sports. It’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the focus on preserving and protecting its oldest buildings. You can get lost in the winding canals, waterside cafes and colourful ancient buildings of Venice, another listed World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most romantic getaway destinations.

Renaissance, food and wine

Florence is the world centre for Renaissance art, a time forever captured in its sculptures, buildings and literature. It is also the gateway to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you can discover some of the best regional produce such as wild boar and truffle oil. With more than 20,000 square kilometres of scenery to explore, a drive through Tuscany comes highly recommended. You can discover some of the world’s most famous vineyards at Chianti and Montepulciano, while the medieval city of Siena in mid-Tuscany, stands in stark contrast to Florence. Equally as beautiful but benefitting from the smaller tourist footprint, Siena has stood in an undeserved shadow of its cultural cousin.

Roman ruins and relics

The country has done an immaculate job of preserving its past, leaving Italy with a huge number of Roman ruins and relics that must be seen to be believed. Witness the impressive ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in Rome, which despite its classical beginnings is a bustling modern city. You can discover many other important relics outside of the capital, such as the perfectly preserved Pompeii in the Campania region, and The Valley of the Temples in Sicily – the largest island in Europe.

Fashion, football and the stock exchange

Famous for its fashion houses, Milan is a mecca for shopping and a serious destination for design. It is also home to the opera of La Scala, a grand Gothic cathedral and a lively centre. You will find a serious side to this city, one of industry and work, with the nation’s stock exchange and one of Europe’s largest exhibition spaces located here, Fiera Milano.

Italy is hugely passionate about its national sport of football, and the match day experience in beautiful stadiums such as the San Siro in Milan and the Stadio Olimpico in Rome provide fans with the confidence to sing their hearts out. Between the two venues, up to 150,000 fans are in attendance during each match, solidifying Serie A’s status as one of the world’s most popular football leagues.

Hire a car and discover Italy’s commanding coastlines, mouth-watering food and passion for life – ‘The Boot’ has much to offer the holidaymaker and the business traveller.