ITALY
Road trip itinerary that combines visits to Italy's most prestigious wine regions with exploring iconic villages. The route will allow you to experience both the best of Italy’s cultural heritage and its finest wines. Each day’s drive is limited to around 420 km, and I’ve included recommendations for luxurious 5-star hotels.
The region between San Remo and Genoa, known as the Riviera di Ponente, is a stunning stretch of the Ligurian coast in northwestern Italy. This area is renowned for its picturesque coastal towns, such as San Remo, Imperia, Alassio, Finale Ligure, and Savona, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The coastline features dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea, while inland, the Maritime Alps provide a scenic backdrop with olive groves and vineyards.
San Remo, famed for its flower gardens and the Sanremo Music Festival, marks the western end of this route. As you travel east, you encounter Imperia’s dual charm of industry and medieval architecture, Alassio’s vibrant seaside life, Finale Ligure’s outdoor adventure opportunities, and Savona’s historical significance as a port city. The region’s cuisine is highlighted by fresh seafood and the iconic pesto alla genovese, complemented by wines like Vermentino, Pigato, and Rossese di Dolceacqua.
The journey concludes in Genoa, Liguria’s capital, known for its rich maritime history and UNESCO-listed old town. This region offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes.
Monteriggioni is a picturesque medieval village in Tuscany, Italy, known for its well-preserved fortifications and historical significance. Built in the 13th century by the Sienese to defend against Florentine attacks, the village is encircled by intact walls and 14 towers, which inspired Dante's description in "The Divine Comedy." Inside, Monteriggioni features cobblestone streets, a central square, and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, cultural festivals, and a serene atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.
Day 1: Bordeaux Region to Monteriggioni (Chianti)
- ~420 km to Genoa (overnight stay), then ~250 km to Monteriggioni.
- Route: Bordeaux -> Genoa -> Monteriggioni.
- Wine Region: Chianti (Tuscany)
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel is a luxurious retreat set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Housed in a restored 10th-century castle, the hotel offers an enchanting blend of history and modern elegance. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, it provides guests with breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The hotel features lavishly appointed rooms and suites, a world-class spa, and gourmet dining that highlights the flavors of Tuscany. With its rich history, stunning location, and exceptional service, Castello di Casole offers an unforgettable experience of Tuscan luxury.
The Harbour of Porto Ercole is a picturesque seaside destination on the Tuscan coast, nestled in the charming town of Porto Ercole on the Monte Argentario peninsula. This historic harbor is known for its stunning views, where colorful fishing boats and luxury yachts bob gently against a backdrop of rolling hills and ancient fortresses. Nearby, La Roqqa offers a blend of contemporary luxury and Mediterranean charm, with elegant accommodations that overlook the harbor. Guests can enjoy the serene beauty of the Tuscan coast, dine on fresh seafood, and explore the rich history of this enchanting maritime village.
Day 2: Monteriggioni to Burano (Prosecco)
- Drive Distance: ~320 km
- Route: Monteriggioni -> Burano (via Florence and Venice).
- Wine Region: Prosecco (Veneto)
- Stop in Valdobbiadene for a Prosecco tasting.
Valdobbiadene, located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, is the heart of Prosecco country and a key area within the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. This picturesque town is surrounded by rolling hills covered with vineyards that produce some of Italy’s finest sparkling wines. Known for its Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Valdobbiadene offers an exceptional wine-tasting experience where visitors can sample the region's signature crisp, refreshing Prosecco in local wineries. The landscape, dotted with charming villages and historic estates, provides a scenic backdrop for exploring the rich wine culture and the artisan craftsmanship that make Valdobbiadene a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Day 3: Burano to Calcata Vecchia (Soave)
- Drive Distance: ~420 km
- Route: Burano -> Calcata Vecchia.
- Wine Region: Soave (Veneto)
- Visit a Soave winery en route to taste elegant white wines.
Soave Winery is situated in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, renowned for producing some of the country’s finest white wines. The winery is located in the picturesque town of Soave, surrounded by rolling hills covered with ancient vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries. Soave wines are primarily made from the Garganega grape, which thrives in the region's volcanic soils, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality and crisp, fresh character.
Soave wines are celebrated for their aromatic complexity, with notes of citrus, almond, and white flowers, and they range from light and refreshing to more structured, age-worthy expressions. Visiting a Soave winery offers a deep dive into the rich winemaking traditions of the region, where you can explore historic cellars, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy tastings that highlight the unique terroir of the Soave appellation. The scenic beauty of the vineyards and the medieval charm of the surrounding area make a visit to a Soave winery an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.
Calcata Vecchia is a mystical medieval village perched on a cliff of volcanic tuff in the Lazio region of Italy, just north of Rome. Known for its dramatic setting and bohemian charm, Calcata Vecchia was once nearly abandoned but has since been revived by a community of artists, writers, and creatives who have transformed it into a vibrant, eccentric hub. The village’s narrow, winding streets are lined with artisan workshops, galleries, and cafes, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking views of the surrounding Treja Valley. Calcata Vecchia’s unique blend of ancient architecture and artistic energy makes it a captivating destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Day 4: Calcata Vecchia to Civita di Bagnoregio (Lazio )
- Drive Distance: ~90 km
- Route: Calcata Vecchia -> Civita di Bagnoregio.
- Wine Region: Lazio
- Enjoy a tasting of Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone near Civita di Bagnoregio.
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a historic white wine from the Lazio region of Italy, particularly famous in the area around the town of Montefiascone, near Civita di Bagnoregio. This wine’s name and reputation are steeped in legend, dating back to the 12th century. According to the story, a German bishop named Johannes Defuk sent his servant ahead of him as they traveled to Rome, instructing him to write "Est!" (Latin for "It is!") on the doors of inns with excellent wine. When the servant reached Montefiascone, he was so impressed by the local wine that he wrote "Est! Est!! Est!!!" on the door, emphasizing its exceptional quality.
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is made primarily from the Trebbiano and Malvasia grape varieties, which thrive in the volcanic soils of the region. The wine is known for its light, crisp, and fruity character, with notes of citrus, apple, and a touch of almond. It pairs beautifully with local dishes, particularly those featuring seafood or white meats.
Day 5: Civita di Bagnoregio to Rocca Imperiale (Abruzzo)
- Drive Distance: ~420 km
- Route: Civita di Bagnoregio -> Rocca Imperiale.
- Wine Region: Abruzzo
- Activity: Stop for a tasting of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines.
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza is a luxurious 5-star resort located in the heart of the Puglia region, in southern Italy. Set within a beautifully restored 16th-century masseria (a traditional Apulian farmhouse), the hotel combines rustic charm with modern elegance. The resort is surrounded by ancient olive groves, rolling fields, and fragrant orchards, offering guests a serene and authentic Apulian experience.
The interiors of Masseria Torre Maizza reflect a refined blend of local craftsmanship and contemporary design, featuring spacious rooms and suites with private terraces, sumptuous furnishings, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The resort also boasts a variety of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, an indulgent spa, a golf course, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Dining at the hotel's restaurant is a highlight, where guests can savor traditional Apulian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with the region's finest wines.
Puglia, the region where Masseria Torre Maizza is located, is known for its stunning coastline, historic towns, and rich culinary traditions. The region is often referred to as the "heel" of Italy’s boot, with its long coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Puglia is famous for its trulli houses, particularly in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique, conical-roofed structures. The region is also home to charming towns like Ostuni (the "White City"), Lecce (famed for its baroque architecture), and Polignano a Mare (perched on cliffs overlooking the sea).
The region’s fertile land produces some of Italy’s best olive oil and wines, such as Primitivo di Manduria and Nero di Troia. The cuisine of Puglia is characterized by simple, rustic dishes that make the most of local ingredients, such as orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and burrata cheese.
Day 6: Rocca Imperiale to Rotondella (Calabria)
- Drive Distance: ~50 km
- Route: Rocca Imperiale -> Rotondella.
- Wine Region: Calabria
- Activity: Experience a tasting of Cirò wines.
- Hotel Recommendation: Palazzo Margherita - A luxurious 5-star hotel in Bernalda, Basilicata, owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, offering an intimate and elegant stay near Rotondella.
Day 7: Rotondella to Alberobello (Puglia)
- Drive Distance: ~160 km
- Route: Rotondella -> Alberobello.
- Wine Region: Puglia
- Activity: Visit Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro wineries.
- Hotel Recommendation: Borgo Egnazia - A 5-star luxury resort in Puglia, designed to resemble a traditional Apulian village, perfect for your stay near Alberobello.
Day 8: Alberobello to Bari (Castel del Monte)
- Drive Distance: ~60 km
- Route: Alberobello -> Bari.
- Wine Region: Castel del Monte (Puglia)
- Activity: Explore the DOCG area known for Nero di Troia wines.
- Hotel Recommendation: The Nicolaus Hotel - A 5-star hotel in Bari, offering modern luxury and easy access to the city's attractions.
Summary:
- Total Distance: ~2,200 km.
- Total Duration: ~8 days.
- Key Experiences:
- Monteriggioni: Explore the medieval towers and taste Chianti wines.
- Burano: Visit Venice and enjoy Prosecco tastings.
- Calcata Vecchia: Discover the artistic village with Soave wines.
- Civita di Bagnoregio: Marvel at the "dying city" and Lazio wines.
- Rocca Imperiale: Experience Abruzzo's Montepulciano wines.
- Rotondella: Savor Cirò wines in Calabria’s cloud village.
- Alberobello: Enjoy the trulli houses and Primitivo wines.
- Bari: Finish with Castel del Monte wines and a stay in the historic port city.
This itinerary ensures a luxurious and well-paced journey through Italy’s most picturesque villages and renowned wine regions, with stays at some of the country’s finest hotels.