Drive the Italian Job Road Trip from Rome to Turin with Hertz
From a holiday in Rome steeped in history to the automotive energy of a holiday in Turin, the Italian Job is one of the most ambitious and rewarding road trips on the continent. This epic journey winds through Tuscany's hilltop towns, the Adriatic coast, the food towns of the north and the shores of Lake Garda, covering the very best Italy has to offer. Use the Hertz Road Trip Planner to map out your route for the adventure ahead.
THE ITALIAN JOB, TUSCAN DRIVES AND ITALY ROAD TRIP INSPIRATION
From a stay in Rome to the foot of the Alps, explore hilltop towns, lakeside cities and iconic landmarks on the ultimate Italian road trip with your favourite rental car
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The Italian Job
Rome - Turin
Embark on the trip of a lifetime and set your sights on the wonders of Italy. Discover ancient history, lavish architecture and divine food around every corner on this inspirational Italian road trip. Kickstart your journey in the capital city of Rome, then cruise through charming towns and bustling cities on your way through the marvellous north of Italy.
Stops on this Route:
The Italian Job
Stop 1: Rome 1/15
Rome is teeming with stunning architecture, from the majesty of the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built, to the legendary Trevi fountain. Explore the streets of Rome and discover the leftover relics of the empire sitting side by side with centuries of art and architectural flair. Pay homage at the Vatican City, the spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic faith or explore classic architecture, fascinating museums and beautiful gardens. Spend some time just soaking up the breathtaking beauty of St. Peter’s Square – a truly stunning setting lined with awe-inspiring buildings.
The Italian Job
Stop 2: Bracciano 2/15
Just a short distance from Rome but worlds apart, the quaint town of Bracciano offers stunning views out across its volcanic lake and medieval castle. Delve into the rich history and architecture of the area and step back through the centuries with a tour around Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. Wander through lavish rooms and revel in 600 years of Italian finery. If the weather is good, take a scenic walk around the beautiful Lake Bracciano and try your hand at the watersports offered here, ranging from canoeing to scuba diving.
The Italian Job
Stop 3: Porto Santo Stefano 3/15
Located in the Tuscany region, the seaport town of Porto Santo Stefano is the ideal stop-off, giving you the chance to get out of the bustling historical hotspots and onto the beach. Take a stroll down the seaside promenade and watch the sunset over the Italian shores, then sample delicious seafood at one of the many tempting restaurants. For something more adventurous, explore the history of Fortezza Spagnola, a Spanish fortress offering stunning views of the coast.
The Italian Job
Stop 4: Perugia 4/15
Widely regarded as one of Umbria’s most enchanting locations, Perugia is a resplendent sight to behold. Perched on top of a hill, it’s a town peppered with everything from opulently carved medieval marble fountains to Renaissance frescos. Wind your way up the hillside through stone arches and past blooming flowerpots to the centre. Once inside the historic walls, explore cathedrals unspoilt by the passage of time, shop in charming boutiques and follow the evolution of art through the centuries in the town’s alluring galleries.
The Italian Job
Stop 5: Siena Cathedral 5/15
A visit to central Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the medieval wonder that is Siena. Explore the Piazza del Campo, a UNESCO world heritage site and the historic heart of the city. Here, you can immerse yourself in one of the many festivals held here throughout the year. The most anticipated of these is the Palio, a traditional horse race around the square that provides a thrilling spectacle, all in the shadow of the city’s towering and ornately decorated cathedral.
The Italian Job
Stop 6: San Gimignano 6/15
Set a course for Florence and you’ll first come across the quaint hill town of San Gimignano. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, enjoy a tour of its narrow network of streets. Look up as you meander through the alleyways and you’ll spot the iconic medieval towers that loom above the town’s trademark terracotta roofs. To get a feel for how the city has evolved with time, head to the San Gimignano 1300 museum where you’ll find an intricate reimagining of the town as it was over 700 years ago.
The Italian Job
Stop 7: Pisa 7/15
When in Italy, stopping off to see one of its most famous icons – the Leaning Tower of Pisa – is a must. An accidental architectural feat, the tower’s very creation was a medieval miracle. Even more miraculous is how it has kept the trademark lean in the centuries since. While you’re paying a visit, be sure to wander further around the Square of Miracles, which incorporates the tower, gazing in awe at the no less impressive Piazza del Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto Monumentale – the walled cemetery.
The Italian Job
Stop 8: Florence 8/15
The capital of Tuscany has long been the home of renaissance art and no visit to Florence would be complete without taking the chance to catch a glimpse of some of the most famous pieces ever created. Explore the Uffizi Gallery and discover Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, or head to the Galleria dell’Accademia to stare in wonder at Michelangelo’s David, perhaps the most famous sculpture of all time. Meanwhile, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum showcases the genius of his visionary inventions.
The Italian Job
Stop 9: Bologna 9/15
Visit bustling Bologna and witness the seamless marriage of old and new that gives the city its unique charm. Visit the central square of Piazza Maggiore day or night to explore a collection of cafes and historical sites, or head to the nearby Piazza del Nettuno to take in the elaborate Fountain of Neptune. For a tranquil escape from this busy city, visit the Park of Montagnola, particularly stunning during the autumn months, when the fallen leaves transform the park’s floor into a vibrant carpet of red and orange.
The Italian Job
Stop 10: Modena 10/15
Arguably the home of the supercar, Modena is the birthplace of Ferrari, with rivals Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani all Bolognese neighbours. After you’ve toured the motoring museums, head to one dedicated to another of Modena’s most famous sons: the late opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. Discover a unique blend of innovation and tradition as you explore Modena’s art, music and cultural heritage. While here, be sure to sample the city’s speciality Balsamic vinegar in one of the many sumptuous restaurants.
The Italian Job
Stop 11: Parma 11/15
Famous across the gastronomical world for the cheese and ham it lends its name to, the cultural cacophony that is Parma is a great place to grab a bite to eat. By day, wander down its colourful, narrow streets and browse independent boutiques, historical marvels and scenic nature reserves. Later, indulge your taste buds in one of the many traditional restaurants before heading to the grand Teatro Regio for a once-in-a-lifetime night at the opera.
The Italian Job
Stop 12: Verona 12/15
One of the most iconic and romantic cities in the world, Verona was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But the history of the city stretches back much further than that. Formerly a Roman settlement with incredibly preserved relics still visible to this day – including Verona Arena – the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its streets and spot the traces of the world’s most famous empire that were left behind.
The Italian Job
Stop 13: Lake Garda 13/15
Escape the busy city lights and experience the crystal-clear waters of the stunning Lake Garda. Visit the resort town of Sirmione and explore Scaligero Castle, a medieval marvel which offers stunning views overlooking the water, as well as the nearby Roman villa at Grotte di Catullo. For something more action-packed, visit Gardaland, an immersive amusement park featuring wild rides, an impressive aquarium and plenty of seasonal events.
The Italian Job
Stop 14: Milan 14/15
For a sample of Milan’s rich history, visit the impressive Duomo, Milan’s iconic cathedral. As the fifth-largest Christian church in the world, this majestic structure also hosts the highest number of gothic statues in one place, as well as an array of cultural, historical and artistic charms to gaze in awe at. The capital of both fashion and design, Milan is also the perfect place to shop. Enjoy designer boutiques, vintage treasures and independent delights inside stunning architectural buildings and on grand shopping streets.
The Italian Job
Stop 15: Turin 15/15
Turin is a place of automotive pilgrimage. In the 1969 film The Italian Job, Londoner Charlie Croker and his criminal gang roll into town in three Mini Coopers to steal gold bullion. After their cunning heist, they escape by driving down Palazzo Madama’s staircases, through Via Roma’s porticoes and down some more steps outside the church of Gran Madre di Dio. Next, they scoot across the Palavela’s sail-shaped roof and up on to the Fiat factory’s rooftop test track – now the Lingotto shopping centre. Explore it all at a more sedate pace – and try not to blow the doors off.
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