14-Day Italy Road Trip: From Milan to Rome mbark on an unforgettable journey through Italy, exploring its diverse landscapes, historic cities, and charming countryside. This 14-day itinerary will take you from the fashion capital, Milan, down to the Eternal City, Rome, with stops in some of Italy's most iconic destinations along the way.  

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14-Days Italy On The Road Trip

To fully enjoy Milan, it’s best to stay in the city center. Here are some recommended areas and hotels:

Brera District: Charming and centrally located, Brera offers a mix of culture, art, and great dining options. Stay at Hotel Milano Scala or Palazzo Segreti.

Duomo Area: For close proximity to major attractions, choose a hotel near the Duomo, such as Rosa Grand Milano or NH Collection

Milano President. Porta Garibaldi: For a modern, lively area with great dining and nightlife options, stay near Porta Garibaldi. Hotels like AC Hotel Milano or Room Mate Giulia are excellent choices.

What to do: start your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo di Milano. Climb to the rooftop for stunning views of Milan and its intricate spires.

How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 (Red) or Line 3 (Yellow) to Duomo Station.

2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Time: Open 24 hours (shops generally open around 10:00 AM) Cost: Free to enter)

What to do: stroll through one of the world’s oldest shopping galleries. Admire the stunning architecture, luxury shops, and beautiful mosaics on the floor. Nearby tip: Take a coffee break at the historic Caffè Camparino, a true Milanese institution.

What to do: explore this historic fortress, home to multiple museums, including the Museo d'Arte Antica and the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo. 

How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 (Red) to Cairoli Castello station or walk 15 minutes from the Duomo.

2. Parco Sempione (Time: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Cost: Free)

What to do: after visiting the Sforza Castle, take a stroll through Parco Sempione, a beautiful park perfect for relaxation and photo opportunities. Walk to the Arco della Pace for another scenic spot. 

Open 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM; Closed on Mondays. Ticket Price: €15 (full price)What to do: Visit this world-renowned art gallery in the Brera district, home to masterpieces by Italian artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.How to get there: Take Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Montenapoleone station, then walk 10 minutes.

Time: Open 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Ticket Price: €9 for museum entry.What to do: Visit the museum to learn about the history of this iconic opera house and view its opulent interior. If you're interested, check for performance availability in advance.How to get there: Walk 5 minutes from the Duomo or take Metro Line 1 (Red) to Duomo station.

Risoelatte (Via Camperio 6, near Castello Sforzesco)

1. Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District)

2. Fondazione Prada (Optional for Art Lovers)

1. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia (Two Michelin Stars)

Metro: Milan’s metro system is fast, efficient, and easy to navigate. The main lines you'll use are: Line 1 (Red): Connects Duomo, Cairoli (for Sforza Castle), and Porta Venezia. Line 3 (Yellow): Connects Duomo, Montenapoleone (Fashion District), and Central Station.Metro Hours: Runs from 6:00 AM to midnight. Trains come every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and every 7-10 minutes during off-peak times.Tickets: A single metro ticket costs €2 and is valid for 90 minutes. A 24-hour ticket costs €7, and a 48-hour ticket is €12.50, ideal for your stay.

In Milan you can also use the suburban trains which connect few districts of the area. There are also bus and typical tram which are incluted in the daily tickets.

Day 3: Pick Up Your Car and Head to Lake Como

Car Rental: after spending two days exploring Milan, it's time to embark on your road trip. You can rent a car at Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale Station, both offering convenient car rental services from well-known companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, or Sixt.

Rental tips. Reservation: Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Cost: Prices typically range from €40-€80 per day, depending on the car type. Insurance: Make sure to add comprehensive insurance if you're driving through the countryside and mountainous roads.

1. Trattoria San Giacomo: A cozy, traditional trattoria in Bellagio, offering classic Italian dishes like risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto), a local specialty. Cost: €20-30 per person.

2. Bar Gelateria Pasticceria Rossi: Stop for a refreshing gelato along Bellagio’s lakefront or enjoy a quick panini for a light lunch.

1 . La Vista: Located in Hotel Albergo Milano, this restaurant offers a romantic setting with incredible views of Lake Como. Their menu focuses on refined Italian cuisine, including fresh seafood and pasta. Cost: €40-50 per person for a full meal.

2. Lido di Lenno (near Villa Balbianello) If you’re near Lenno in the evening, this lakeside restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating right on the lake. Enjoy pizza, pasta, or a cocktail by the water. Cost: €15-25 per person.

 Best Time to Visit: spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit Lake Como. The weather is pleasant, and it's less crowded than in peak summer.

Parking: Most towns have parking lots at the edge of the historic center. Be mindful of ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) to avoid fines.

Time to Explore: Plan to spend the whole day between Bellagio, Varenna, and the villas. Start early to fully enjoy the sights.

Day 4: Lake Garda – Explore the Largest Lake in Italy

After a serene day at Lake Como, it's time to continue your road trip to Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and one of the most beautiful lakes. Known for its crystal-clear waters, medieval towns, and breathtaking mountain views, Lake Garda is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Driving Route: Drive from Lake Como to Sirmione on the southern tip of Lake Garda.Distance: 1.5 to 2-hour drive (approx. 150 km).Route: Follow the A9 motorway south from Como, merging onto the A4 towards Brescia and Sirmione.Toll: Italian highways often have tolls, so keep change or a credit card handy. Expect to pay around €10 in tolls for this route.

Sirmione is one of the most picturesque and historic towns on Lake Garda, sitting on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake. It’s known for its thermal baths, medieval architecture, and Roman ruins.

2. Grotte di Catullo (Catullus’ Grotto)

Afternoon: Drive to Limone sul Garda and Explore

After lunch, head north along the western shore of Lake Garda to the charming town of Limone sul Garda. The drive will take about 1.5 hours along the scenic Gardesana Occidentale, a road carved into the cliffs with amazing views of the lake.

Walk the Old Town Wander the narrow, winding streets of Limone, lined with pastel-colored buildings, artisan shops, and cafés. This town gets its name from the many lemon groves that thrive in the region's Mediterranean climate.

14-Days Italy On The Road Trip

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