giovanni road trip

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain

In the first leg of their journey, the boys drive across the Andalusian region of the country. After a very dramatic arrival in a hot air balloon, Anton and Giovanni touch down just outside the region's capital city, Seville.

Anton and Giovanni's epic road trip across Spain continues, and it's Benidorm or bust as the boys take on the Costa Brava before heading to the country's capital, Madrid.

Anton and Giovanni's epic Spanish road trip comes to an emotional end as they reach Anton's mother's village before putting on a show for a crowd of thousands with Gorka Márquez.

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Anton Du Beke

Giovanni Pernice

Kelly Sparks

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Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily: release date, trailer, what happens, where they go, episode guide and all about the Strictly stars' adventure

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily on BBC1 sees Strictly duo Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice explore Giovanni’s home island.

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily on BBC1 sees Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice turning their backs on ballroom for a while to explore the sun-kissed island of Sicily.

In their brand new travel series Strictly pro Giovanni takes his friend and now Strictly judge Anton around his native island, checking out everything from the famous volcano of Mount Etna to tiny old towns off the beaten track. The lucky pair will also sample Sicily’s delicious cuisine and indulge in the odd tango or two.

 “To say this has been a dream project is an understatement! Taking Anton to my much-loved home of Sicily was simply Bellissima! We danced, we laughed, and had the time of our lives - with great culture, food and company. I cannot wait for viewers in the UK to come on this journey with us,’ says Giovanni.

"When I first heard about this trip it was pretty irresistible,” adds Anton du Beke . “What's not to love? It's all my favourite things, great food, great country and spending time in the sunshine with Giovanni. Marvellous." 

Here’s everything you need to know about Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily on BBC1…

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily release date

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily is a three-part series will air on BBC1 from Tuesday March 21 at 9pm, running at the same time on subsequent Tuesdays. It will also appear as a box set from that date on BBCiPlayer. We'll update with any US or international release date if we hear.

Is there a trailer for Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily?

Yes the BBC has now released a trailer for Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily which show the laughs and fun the friends are having in the series. Take a look below...

What happens in Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily — locations, sights and episode guide

Prepare for sun, sea and plenty of surprises as Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice head to Sicily to see the best of the Mediterranean island. On their road trip they will take in the sights, enjoy the food and share lots of laughs along the way. We've loved watching Sicily as the setting for White Lotus season 2 , and can't wait to find out more.

The pair will be exploring Syracuse, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina and Gino's home city of Palermo where Gio will introduce his family to Anton. Along the way the pair will be joined in episode 2 by Giovanni's Strictly-winning partner and former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis .

Episode 1 The pair take part in a taxi race through the streets of Sciacca, try their hands at octopus fishing, and even carry an enormous statue of the Madonna on their shoulders - and if you’ve ever wanted to hear Anton perform the rap from Wannabe by the Spice Girls, your time has finally come. Giovanni drives their car into a ditch at one point and in the coastal town of Catania we see where Giovanni first left home for to peruse his dancing dream... 

Episode 2 The second leg of their Sicilian holiday sees Strictly stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice heading to Taormina, a tourist town that Giovanni refers to as ‘the St Tropez of Sicily’ - and while the pair are enjoying a spot of traditional Sicilian music, they’re spotted by some Strictly fans who want to stop and chat! After attempting paddleboarding with little success, they head to Mount Etna, where Giovanni has arranged for them to go trekking with alpacas - but they struggle to make friends with their temperamental new travelling companions. "I wouldn’t recommend trekking with alpacas,’ says Anton. ‘They’re very grumpy - we called ours Shirley and Craig!’ As they continue their journey up the active volcano, it’s Anton’s turn to spring a surprise on Giovanni. A helicopter appears on the horizon and comes in to land - and out steps Giovanni’s Strictly-winning partner from 2021, former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis!  Rose then joins the boys on their adventures, as they take a helicopter around the volcano, enjoy some traditional Sicilian spa treatments, and embark on a high speed zipwire ride which leaves Giovanni trembling with terror… "When you’re on Strictly, you form a very unique relationship with your partner that endures,’ says Anton. ‘So when Rose turned up, it was wonderful. She’s so funny, she’s got a really dry sense of humour, so I knew she’d tease him and he’d tease her, and I could laugh and enjoy it - sometimes we’d double up and both tease him!"

Episode 3 Anton and Giovanni reach the end of their Sicilian journey this week as they head for their final destination: the coastal city of Palermo, where Giovanni grew up. Along the way, the duo have a go at making pasta, spend the night in a monastery, stop for a round of golf, and Giovanni introduces Anton to his favourite Sicilian street foods… "It was interesting to see Anton trying the food," says Giovanni. "I was so excited to show Anton what the stigghiola [grilled guts of lambs and calves] would be like, because it’s one of my favourite things - and he hated it! I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t finish mine!" After Giovanni takes Anton to his childhood home to meet his family, their adventure concludes with a big party to celebrate Giovanni’s 32nd birthday. Giovanni’s former Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis rejoins the pair, and Anton’s wife, Hannah, arrives with their children, George and Henrietta, as a surprise. "That was one of the loveliest moments for me," says Anton. "Giovanni’s family and my family coming together at the party was a highlight of my life!" Introducing Anton to my family was the cherry on the cake of the whole trip," agrees Giovanni. ‘My dad is the biggest fan of Anton Du Beke! Seeing a friend I admire and my dad getting together was absolutely beautiful. I’m quite an emotional person, and I shed tears of joy!"

Interviews: Anton and Giovanni reveal their experiences in Sicily

How did this show come about? Anton says: "We were both on Strictly Come Dancing and then we started doing a theatre show on tour together. So it’s about the relationship between us." Giovanni reveals: "Anton has always been the person to look up to for me. He looked after me when I first arrived in this country, and this was my time to say, ‘I’ll do it for you’!"

How was your time in Sicily? Anton says: "Wonderful! I’ve been to Italy many times, but never to Sicily. The food’s amazing, the people are lovely, and the heat is extraordinary - we were filming in July and August! Giovanni says: "It was one of those moments in my life when I felt so proud of myself, and so happy. It’s nice to be back and see friends I haven’t seen for 15 years – because I live in a different country, they don’t always know what’s happening with me!

What adventures did the two of you get up to? Anton says: "Paddleboarding was a low. There’s an expression that people say about balance, ‘you’re a dancer, you’ll be fine’ - that doesn’t apply to paddleboarding." Giovanni says: "When I see Anton out of his comfort zone, it makes me laugh. There’s a scene where we’re at the barber, and he’s having a face treatment - and I shaved his chest!" 

Were there any mishaps along the way? Anton reveals: "We had a lovely car, and Giovanni said to me, ‘don’t drive too fast’ - suffice to say we got pulled over by the police!"  Giovanni says: "With this kind of car, you’re very noticed, so people are looking at you straight away - and they stop you because they want to know who you are."

Which of you is the better traveller? Anton says: "You travel very light." Giovanni replies: "You travel very heavy! How many suits did you bring?" Anton retorts: "One or two." Giovanni laughs: "Exactly, 50 suits for three days. And the problem is, he makes everyone else carry it for him!"

More about Anton du Beke 

Ballroom dancer Anton du Beke was one of the professionals on Strictly Come Dancing from its very first show before becoming a judge on the show. He partnered celebrities such as Patsy Palmer, Judy Murray and Kate Garroway. Anton was also a team captain and later the host of the programme Hole in the Wall. He’s also presented S tep Up to the Plate, This Morning and had a cameo on the soap Doctors . 

More about Giovanni Pernice 

Giovanni has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2015 and has partnered Georgia May Foote and Laura Whitmore amongst others. Last year he won the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis. He’s also appeared on Pointless Celebrities, Lorraine, Children and Need, Comedy Game Night and This Morning .  

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TV tonight: Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice’s ‘lovely jubbly’ road trip

The Strictly dancers do Sicily. Plus: Line of Duty pals Neil Morrissey and Adrian Dunbar explore their DNA. Here’s what to watch this evening

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily

9pm, bbc one.

Giovanni Pernice saying “Lovely jubbly!” in his thick Sicilian tones as he pours a cuppa. Anton Du Beke trying to explain what “budgie smugglers” are. Lots of Steps choreography. There are too many oddly golden moments to mention in this first episode of the dancers’ utterly charming road trip. Their first stop is Agrigento, home of the Valley of the Temples, where all that’s left to do in an empty ancient theatre is … dance. Hollie Richardson

The Holy Land and Us: Our Untold Stories

9pm, bbc two.

Rob Rinder and Sarah Agha trace their respective Jewish and Palestinian family histories in the conclusion of this strictly impartial series, marking 75 years since the establishment of the state of Israel and the Nakba that displaced Palestinian Arabs. Rinder visits a kibbutz where a relative who survived the Holocaust lived, while Agha sees the site of the village where her family lived until they were forced to flee. Selim Bulut

DNA Journey

In another outing of the Who Do You Think You Are?-style series, Line of Duty stars and friends of 42 years Neil Morrissey and Adrian Dunbar have their roots poked and their DNA prodded. Long-lost cousins and family secrets await, including vice-driven ancestors – and a whole lot of Ireland in the blood. Ali Catterall

The Diplomat

Glossy Barcelona life is shaken when a child is abducted in plain sight, but it is not easy for British diplomat Laura (Sophie Rundle) to investigate when the situation is so complicated and the media are on the warpath. Meanwhile, Laura’s long-distance boyfriend lands himself a job in New York. Will she give up the work she loves to follow him across the Atlantic? Hannah Verdier

10pm, BBC Three

In the latest instalment of this provocative comedy about disability, Tim is invited to a parliamentary select committee – which goes about as well as you might expect. Meanwhile, Idris is making a mess of his new job at an African and Caribbean bookshop, stoking tensions with his mother. Micha Frazer-Carroll

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

This freewheeling chat format must be a nice change of pace from the brainiac booby traps of QI, and Alan Davies seems to genuinely enjoy steering the badinage between his quartet of guests. This week, One Show anchor Alex Jones swaps name-dropping anecdotes with comics Helen Bauer, Jason Byrne and Fatiha El-Ghorri. Graeme Virtue

Film choice

Sunset Boulevard , Tuesday, 6.05pm, Sky Cinema Greats

Not many films are narrated by a dead body floating in a swimming pool, but Billy Wilder’s 1950 film is a rare delight – a noirish thriller that is also a Hollywood drama and a meta-comedy about faded stardom starring an actual faded star. Gloria Swanson is a real trouper as Norma Desmond, holed up in a mansion with her butler – former director and ex-husband Max (played by Swanson’s erstwhile director Erich von Stroheim). Then William Holden’s hard-up screenwriter Joe Gillis turns up and her dreams of a comeback are, fatefully, revived. Simon Wardell

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Strictly's Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice team up again for Adventures in Spain

"Magnifico!"

The pair delighted viewers earlier this year with Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily , which saw Giovanni giving Anton a tour around the country that gave him his formative years.

Now, everyone’s favourite bejewelled bromance is set for round two – but this time, Anton is taking the lead in another three-part series, Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain.

Related: Strictly Come Dancing 2023 potential release date and full cast confirmation

In between plenty of laughs, Anton will be showing Giovanni everything that the country where he spent his school holidays with his Spanish family has to offer – think sangria, surfing, festivals and flamencos.

It goes without saying that the dancing duo will be showing off their best zambra when they’re not exploring La Sagrada Familia and the Guggenheim Museum.

"It is such a treat for me to be able to take my dear friend Giovanni to a country that I hold so close to my heart," Anton said. "What a joy it is to be able to share this marvellously jovial jaunt with both Gio and all the wonderful viewers watching at home. Magnifico!"

Giovanni – who has confirmed his part in the 2023 Strictly lineup after an injury – added: "I am so excited to be heading out for more adventures with my best friend Anton on this epic road trip across Spain. I just hope we manage to avoid being stopped by the police this time!"

A brief teaser, posted by the BBC on Twitter , shows the pair announcing the series, arguing over who looks better in a hat, and Giovanni shaking his behind on the dancefloor. Olé!

Related: Strictly star Giovanni Pernice teases next career move

Anton has appeared on every season of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing since its first dance in 2004, making the foxtrot from pro partner to permanent judge in 2021.

Giovanni has remained a pro dancer since the show’s 13th outing, winning its 19th season with Rose Ayling-Ellis – but he’ll be swapping his dancing shoes for another adventure with Anton around Spain.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, BBC Head of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “Our dancing duo are hitting the road once again, and with Anton having a genuine love of the country that he wants to showcase to Giovanni, Spain is the perfect place for the boys to explore…”

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily is available to watch now via BBC iPlayer.

Interested in talking about Strictly Come Dancing ? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain will be broadcast in 2024 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Charlie Duncan is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.

.css-15yqwdi:before{top:0;width:100%;height:0.25rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-image:linear-gradient(to right,#51B3E0,#51B3E0 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 5rem,#E5E54F 5rem,#E5E54F 7.5rem,black 7.5rem,black);} Strictly Come Dancing

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Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain review: A bit like The Trip with the jokes and plot taken out

The bbc one show strains to paint the ‘strictly’ stars as the classic ‘odd couple’ duo, as the pair head to seville and beyond, article bookmarked.

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There comes a time in every celebrity’s career when they must embark on a televised journey around a European country with someone they know from work. It’s practically the light entertainer’s form of jury service. Last year,  Strictly Come Dancing  pros Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice got the call-up, and headed to the latter’s native Sicily during the  Strictly  off-season; now, Du Beke is returning the favour by taking Pernice on Adventures in Spain for BBC One (his mum hails from the north of the country).

Their jolly begins in Seville , where the pair’s dynamic is quickly established in broad strokes. Pernice, 33, never misses an opportunity to crack a joke about his 57-year-old co-star’s more advanced years (“90 years old... almost your age,” he deadpans as they visit the spectacular Plaza de España). Du Beke, meanwhile, takes a performatively head-shaking “Oh, what is he like!” attitude to his younger colleague’s foibles, especially when Pernice makes a linguistic slip-up (he’s left in stitches after the Italian confuses maracas with Caracas during a chat about flamenco dancing, which pretty much sums up their banter).

They do at least seem like genuinely good pals, even if the programme strains a little to paint them as the classic “odd couple” duo. Thanks to scenes showing the two friends singing in the car while driving (song choice: “Y Viva España”, obviously) and Du Beke’s resemblance to Rob Brydon, the whole endeavour starts to feel a bit like  The Trip   with the jokes and plot taken out.

As our guides head on to the mountaintop city of Ronda (a recommendation from Du Beke’s mum), the action is even lower stakes than the average celeb travelogue. There is an entire plot point devoted to Pernice drinking too much orange juice and needing the toilet, which makes an enjoyable contrast with his suave  Strictly  persona. Then we have a segment in which they get their car clamped and must negotiate with the parking inspector who is trying to give them a ticket. 

By the time they reach the Caminito del Rey, the vertigo-inducing Málaga walkway once known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world, there are more bladder updates (now it’s Du Beke that needs the loo). Pernice is not good with heights, and doesn’t enjoy having to wear a hairnet underneath his helmet; walking so close to a precipitous drop induces a miniature meltdown (albeit a very polite one, less TV diva and more reluctant teenager who has been forced to do activities on a family holiday). “My hair is a mess, I’m sweating, I don’t have my aftershave,” he laments. Cue more paternal eyerolls from Du Beke.

It’s inevitable, given this duo’s particular skill set, that the show also gives Pernice a chance to perform with a flamenco champion while Du Beke proudly looks on from the sidelines. And there’s also a bit of a jump scare when the pair rather jarringly segue from having a totally normal chat into a song-and-dance performance of “Together (Wherever We Go)” from  Gypsy  (are they trying to soft-launch a Christmas album of musical covers, perhaps? Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, watch out).

For all the jazz hands and quick steps, though, the show’s best moment is one of its most banal. Sitting in the car, waiting for Pernice to return from the toilet, Du Beke scrolls through his phone. “Look at that, Nick Knowles has got engaged again,” he says, in the world-weary tones of someone who’s been navigating the sleb circuit for decades. It’s an intriguing glimpse of an off-duty Du Beke. Perhaps the next series should just feature fly-on-the-wall footage of him reacting to celebrity news. It might not be as telegenic, but it’d certainly be cheaper.

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Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice returning to BBC for Spanish road trip

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Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice have reunited for a new TV adventure in Spain set to air on the BBC next year.

The dancing duo and self-confessed “best friends” announced news of their “epic road trip” on social media on Tuesday, sharing a photograph of the pair sat in a laundry room appearing to be naked, while wearing matching shoes and holding newspapers to protect their apparent modesty.

It follows the success of their debut TV feature Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures In Sicily, which saw the pair explore the island where Pernice was born and lived until he was 14 before he landed a place at a prestigious dance school in Bologna at the other end of Italy and went on to join the cast of Strictly in 2015.

The three-part series, which is due to air on the BBC in 2024, will see the pair pack their passports and head for Spain, with Strictly Come Dancing judge Du Beke introducing Pernice to the country where he spent his school summer holidays residing with his Spanish family in the north of the country.

Du Beke, 57, said: “My loves, it is such a treat for me to be able to take my dear friend Giovanni to a country that I hold so close to my heart.

“What a joy it is to be able to share this marvellously jovial jaunt with both Gio and all the wonderful viewers watching at home. Magnifico!”

The announcement of the new series coincided with professional dancer Pernice’s 33rd birthday.

On Instagram, he wrote: “Happy bday to me (33) and what better way to celebrate than by sharing this news with you all!!

“Me and my best friend just got back from filming another adventure .. and this time it is in Spain !! Here is to us stopping to do some laundry.

“I genuinely can’t wait for you to watch it .. coming to you next year on @bbcone and @bbciplayer.”

His social media post came after sharing an image of him wrapping up filming the series, which he said had taken the pair abroad for three weeks.

Mel Balac, creative director of BBC Studios, said: “We’re thrilled to be following the boys on another epic and intimate adventure. Hold tight for plenty of laughs, a few tears and some new look song and dance numbers in the Spanish sunshine.”

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Meanwhile, Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: “Our dancing duo are hitting the road once again and with Anton having a genuine love of the country that he wants to showcase to Giovanni, Spain is the perfect place for the boys to explore on their next adventure.”

The news comes just weeks before the debut of the 21st series of Strictly on BBC One.

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Best Italian Road Trips: 16 Super Dreamy Routes

Italian road trips are the best. Whether you love strolling through cities, towns, and villages or exploring the country’s natural scenery, Italy is a fantastic road trip destination and it never disappoints.

The views will always be dreamy, the culture will always be fascinating, and the food will always be delicious.

With so much beauty in this country, it can be difficult to decide which area to choose for your scenic drive, so here’s a roundup of the best road trips in Italy that will hopefully help you make this almost impossible decision.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Best Italian Road Trips on the Mainland

Southern italy.

By Nicole from Adventures of Nicole

Route:  Circular starting in Naples.

Days:  15 days (13-17 days is comfortable).

In a perfect mixture of off-the-beaten-path and well-trodden classics, this Southern Italy road trip takes in the most-loved stops in the regions of Campania , Basilicata , Puglia , and Calabria , as well as their hidden gems .

Starting from the capital of Campania,  Naples , take a day or so to explore the historical sites that the city has to offer.

Some of the best things to do in Naples include exploring the historic center, grabbing some arancini, pizza fritta (fried pizza), and sfogliatelle, and heading to Gino Sorbillo’s pizzeria for one of his famed pizzas.

After your whirlwind visit to Naples, head south and spend 2- 4 days on the Amalfi Coast .

Explore the gorgeous towns of Positano , Amalfi , Atrani , and Ravello that seem impossibly clung to the side of the mountainous coast that appears to tumble into the sea.

Continuing south from the Amalfi Coast, you’ll enter the little-visited region of Basilicata and on to two of the most beautiful places in all of Italy – Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa . These side-by-side towns are built right into the Lucian Dolomites.

From Castelmezzano, you’ll journey deeper into Basilicata and visit  Matera .

Once the ‘shame of Italy,’ the troglodytic city has risen from the ashes to become a European Capital of Culture and a UNESCO site. Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, don’t miss the fascinating caves of the Sassi di Matera.

Heading into  Puglia , you’ll visit the bizarre conical-roofed Trulli of Alberobello, the gorgeous caves of Grotta dell’Poesia, and the thermal baths of Santa Cesarea Terme before heading back into Basilicata to explore the nature of  Pollino National Park  en route to Calabria.

In  Calabria , you’ll laze on the beautiful beaches in and around  Tropea  and explore the untamed beaches and cave of Grotto dell’Arcomagno.

Head back north to  Maratea , your jumping-off point to the little-known cousin of Amalfi – the  Cilento Coast , where you’ll wrap up your epic road trip before turning your car back in up in Naples. Plan your own  Southern Italy road trip here .

By Krisztina from She Wanders Abroad

Route:  From Ortisei to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Days:  4-5.

If you want to discover one of the most stunning areas in Northern Italy, you have to plan a  road trip to the Dolomites  for your next vacation!

It’s best to explore the Dolomites by car, so you can either bring your own if you live nearby or rent a car at the airport when you arrive in Italy.

Although there are no international airports in the area, bigger airports such as Venice, Bergamo, or Milan are only a few hours away from the Dolomites. This makes it easy to visit the region, even if you are coming from overseas.

The Dolomites cover more than 140,000 hectares in several regions, so you can spend several weeks exploring the area without getting bored, but if you only have a shorter amount of time, 4-5 days are enough to discover the highlights.

Since the best places to visit in the Dolomites are quite far from each other, it’s best to choose two bases for your road trip from where you can explore the nearby area with less driving.

In the first part of your road trip to Italy’s Dolomites, stay in  Ortisei , which is a cute little town located in  Val Gardena (in South Tyrol).

From there, you can visit the famous  Alpe di Siusi ,  Lago di Carezza , the Seceda ridgeline, and the picturesque church of Santa Maddalena in  Val di Funes .

Cortina d’Ampezzo  is one of the most popular places to stay, and it will be the perfect base for the second half of your Dolomites road trip as you can easily reach the Insta-famous  Lago di Braies  or the iconic three peaks at  Tre Cime di Lavaredo  from there.

It’s best to stay at least 2 nights at each place to have time to properly explore their surroundings!

By Marek from Indie Traveller

Route:  Circular starting in Bari.

Days:  7.

Puglia is a highly underrated region of Italy that’s just made for a road trip.

It’s filled with ancient history, cute coastal towns, and great regional culinary delights, though without the crowds often found on the tourist trail elsewhere in Italy.

Start in the port city of  Bari , then drive a circle around the Puglia peninsula (recognizable as the ‘heel of Italy’s boot’). The ancient city of  Lecce , often billed as a kind of mini-Florence but without the crowds, is a must-stop along the way.

The true delights, though, are the small towns with white-plastered houses along the coast, such as  Monopoli  and  Otranto , many of them boasting old Venetian fortresses and some of the best beaches in Puglia .

Looping back to Bari, be sure to stop by  Alberobello . It’s a town known for its ‘Trulli’ – small conical buildings that were once used as farmhouses, but these days often function as souvenir shops or little holiday homes.

Staying in a Trullo is a unique experience you can’t have anywhere else.

Puglia is a wonderful region to explore by car, but do take care when driving; the Italians around here are known to be quite reckless drivers at times! Be sure to check out these  tips for a road trip in Puglia .

Read more about Puglia:

• Best places to stay in Bari
• Things to do in Bari
• Day trips from Bari
• Puglia itinerary without a car
• Hidden gems in Puglia
• Is Bari worth visiting
• Visiting Puglia in March

Northern Italy: Lakes Garda, Como, Maggiore, and Orta

Route:  Circular starting in Milan.

Northern Italy’s lakes are an ideal European road trip destination from Milan (especially if you want to spend fall or spring in Europe ).

From colorful coastal towns to relaxing beaches to natural landscapes, this area offers an interesting mix of things to do and see.

This one-week  Italian lakes road trip  can easily be extended to 10 or even 14 days if you want to visit a few more places or spend some time resting by the lakes.

Rent your car at Milan’s airport and head to  Lake Garda , the largest in the country. Dedicate at least 3-4 days to this lake and explore towns like Limone , Sirmione , Malcesine , Bardolino , and Borghetto sul Mincio .

Don’t miss the mesmerizing turquoise Lake Tenno , situated only a few miles away from Garda’s northern coast.

Continue to  Lake Como , which is mostly known for its luxurious lakeside villas. Towns like Varenna and Bellagio are its crowning glory, but there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the area.

The third lake,  Lake Maggiore , is the one that often gets overlooked, yet visiting it is one of the best things to do in northern Italy .

Base yourself in  Stresa , and visit places like the nearby Borromean Islands  (easily accessible by ferry or boat) and the lesser-known Cannobio .

Before heading back to Milan, be sure to stop at the charming  Orta San Giulio  on  Lake Orta .

Rome to Florence

By Tiffany from A Girl and Her Passport

Route:  Rome to Florence.

Days:  5.

Traveling from Rome to Florence is probably one of the best driving routes in Italy. This road trip takes you through the gorgeous countryside of Umbria and Tuscany .

A  road trip from Rome to Florence  is very short if you want to make no stops along the way, but where is the fun in that? You can make the trip in as little as two days or make it a longer trip of up to five days. 

Most people will rent a car at the Rome airport, so if you want to see the city first, you should do this before renting a car.

You can plan a short itinerary of just 24 hours in Rome , but the Italian capital has so much to offer, that it would be best to spend at least 4 days in Rome .

Once you leave the city, head to the  Parco di Monstri – this outdoor sculpture garden is unlike any art you might have seen, and it has a slightly creepy history.

In Umbria, there are several cute towns to visit that have fascinating histories. Amelia , supposedly the oldest Umbrian town, has 11-foot-thick walls and winding alleyways to explore.

Assisi is the hometown of St. Francis and has many stunning churches to visit. The view from the Rocca Maggiore castle is one of the best in Italy.

Tuscany brings its own beautiful villages, including Siena and Cortona , from ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ fame.

Be sure to watch where you park in these towns as the parking can be restricted to residents only. Usually, there is a public car park on the outskirts of town.

Most of all, take time to enjoy the scenery of this stunning road trip from Rome to Florence.

You can also check out this 7-day Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary !

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Route:  Circular starting in Florence.

One of the best scenic drives in Italy is a trip through Tuscany.

With this  7-day Tuscany road trip itinerary , you can cover the best places to visit in the region, enjoy the art and architecture, take great photos, and relish fabulous food and wine along the way.

Begin your trip with 1 or 2 days in  Florence , the region’s capital and the cradle of the Renaissance.

In Florence, climb to the top of the Duomo for fabulous views, wander the streets of the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and take in the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. Don’t forget to gorge on gelato!

From Florence, head southeast, to the lesser-visited but very beautiful towns of Arezzo and Cortona . With beautiful architecture and lively main squares, these small towns will charm you.

Your next stop is  Siena , possibly Italy’s most famous hill town. Its Duomo is magnificent, as well as its Piazza del Campo, one of the largest squares in Europe and one of the prettiest piazzas in Italy .

From Siena, move on to the scenic  Val d’Orcia , where you can stop at old historic abbeys, small picturesque hill towns, and even one of the best hot springs in Tuscany .

Do make time to sample the local pici pasta and famous local wines, and visit some vineyards as well!

On the western side of your loop around Tuscany, you will visit  San Gimignano , with its famous medieval towers, and  Lucca , famous for its medieval city walls (though you’ll find plenty of other things to do in Lucca ).

You can also stop in  Pisa , to see the famous Leaning Tower, before you head back to Florence.

Bologna Apennines

By Lori from Travelinmad

Route:  Circular starting in Bologna.

Days:  2-3.

If you’ve visited the over-touristy cities in Italy like Venice, Florence, and Rome and are seeking somewhere without crowds, base yourself in Bologna, rent a car, and  road trip the Bologna Apennines .

The small towns, scenic wilderness areas, and incredible historic sites are all within a one-hour drive from Bologna.

The Bologna Apennines are south of the city and easily accessible. Use a GPS to explore winding roads with overviews around nearly every bend.

One of the best things to experience is the incredible local food. The small hamlets all have one or two great places to eat.

On a weekend drive a pleasant 28 miles from Bologna, is the mysterious Rocchetta Mattei , a 19th-century fortress with a fascinating past and wild architecture. You’ll need a reservation, but that’s easy to do at the tourism office in Bologna.

Along the same road is the 13th-century sparsely habited village of Borgo La Scola . It’s quiet and interesting… and you might even get to chat with one of the few residents.

You’ll find the town of Tolé fascinating with its incredible murals and artworks lining the narrow lanes. And don’t miss the town of Vignola and its amazing castle, the Rocca di Vignola. The entrance is free, and if you’d like a tour in English, you’ll need a reservation.

If you’re looking for offbeat Italy road trip routes, the Bologna Apennines are definitely slow travel at its best.

Northern Italy: Veneto and Trentino Regions

By Emily from London City Calling

Route:  Circular starting in Verona.

Days:  10.

Starting and finishing in Verona, this 10-day northern Italy road trip itinerary will let you see the best of the diverse regions of Veneto and Trentino , with their many historic cities, beautiful lakes, and dramatic mountainous scenery.

Start your trip in the romantic city of Verona , known for its connection with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, followed by a couple of days in the neighboring Lake Garda , famous for its turquoise waters and quaint lakeside towns.

A leisurely few days in the sunny Veneto region is a perfect place to start your Italian road trip route.

From the south of Lake Garda, drive to the lake’s northern shore where you’ll enter Trentino, one of Italy’s most northerly provinces.

Here you can spend a few days nestled within the dramatic scenery of the  Dolomites , either in the charming city of  Trento  or out hiking, kayaking, and caving your way around the region’s beautiful nature.

Next, head back down to the Veneto region and spend your last couple of days exploring  Venice , Italy’s famous floating city, and  Treviso , home of the tiramisu.

Venice can be difficult to visit on a road trip given that cars can’t enter the island, however, you can either leave your car in Treviso and get the 30-minute train to Venice island or park at one of Venice’s designated car parks and jump on a boat into the historic center.

Finally, head back to Verona, just an hour’s drive away from Venice, to end your trip where you started it.

By Val from My Italian Diaries

Route:  From Ancona to Ascoli Piceno.

Le Marche is a beautiful region in central Italy , stretching along the Adriatic coast.

Its fabulous landscapes in all shades of green and yellow rival those of neighboring Tuscany, while its historic hamlets and glitzy beach towns are a joy to explore.

There’s a lot you can include on your  Le Marche itinerary , but with five days at your disposal, you can cover quite a few highlights.

Start in Ancona , the region’s capital, with a lively harbor, interesting museums (including one specially designed for visually impaired people), and a splendid hilltop cathedral.

The next day, head to Mount Conero National Park , where you’ll find pristine beaches immersed in natural beauty and enchanting little towns like Sirolo and Numana .

On day 3, visit Loreto , home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy – the Holy House of the Virgin Mary.

Then, reach the beautiful hilltop town of Recanati, where everything speaks of his most famous resident, Giacomo Leopardi, one of Italy’s greatest poets.

Spend the next day in Fermo , another fabulous hilltop town where highlights include Roman cisterns, amazing churches, and a fascinating piazza lined with historic palaces.

While you’re there, don’t miss the gorgeous hamlet of Torre di Palme , known as the “balcony of the Adriatic”, and the magical old town of Grottammare Alta , a bit further south.

Finally, reach Ascoli Piceno to admire its stunning Piazza del Popolo, lined with medieval buildings and historic establishments, and feast on  olive all’ascolana , the region’s delicious stuffed fried olives that were born here.

By Nancy from Nancy Goes to Italy

Route:  Based in Termoli.

Days:  3.

Molise is the second smallest region of Italy. Its western half is part of the Apennine Mountains and a national park. This  Molise road trip  concentrates (over 3 days) on the eastern shelf near the Adriatic.

The base is the seaside town of Termoli, with its old town and beautiful beaches, popular with Romans.

On day 1, visit Agnone, home to the oldest bell foundry in the world, founded in 1339 and continuously operating ever since. 

On day 2, head to Bagnoli del Trigno, a town built in and around a rock. It has an attractive big square, easy parking, pretty trees, painted houses, a piazza with benches and scalloped cobblestones, and a bar named Bizzarro.

Next, visit Pietrabbondante, a town with an ancient amphitheater built by the Samnites around 400 BC. It takes about 40 minutes to get there from Bagnoli del Trigno, even though it’s only 20 miles away. In Molise, the terrain is rough and the roads are small and twisty.

On your last day, head to the village called Acquaviva Collecroce, also named Kruć. It’s small and easily walkable but very hilly. It was founded by people from the Dalmatian coast (what is now Croatia) who are said to speak Italian and Serbo-Croatian.

Northwest Italy: Lombardy, Liguria, and Piedmont

Route:  Circular from Milan.

Days:  7-8.

Looking for more ideas for your Italian self-drive holidays? Another way to see northern Italy with a car is by exploring its northwestern regions, including Lombardy , Liguria, and Piedmont .

After spending a day in Milan , it’s time to hit the road and head to the city of Pavia to marvel at the Visconti Castle, the Cathedral of Pavia, and its beautiful streets.

Continue to Genoa for a couple of days. You can visit the Royal Palace Museum, admire the San Lorenzo Cathedral, stroll along the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi and its famous palatial buildings, and enjoy dozens of other landmarks, museums, and activities.

You could also visit the villages of the Cinque Terre, though you might find it easier to reach the area by train (from Genoa).

Spend some time in the charming small city of Asti , and head to Turin for about two days during which you should visit the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, Villa della Regina, and Borgo Medievale.

Before going back to Milan, make a final stop in the small city of Biella and the nearby Burcina Park and Sanctuary of Oropa , the largest and most important sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Alps.

• Non touristy things to do in Milan
• Day trips from Milan in winter
• Things to do in Milan when it rains
• 4 days in Milan
• Milan or Turin
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Best places to visit in northern Italy in October

Northwest Italy: Turin and Aosta Valley

Route:  Circular from Turin.

To combine history and culture with the most picture-perfect natural landscapes, spend a couple of days in Turin and then head to the dreamy Aosta Valley to enjoy the most amazing northwest Italy road trip .

The capital of Piedmont will reward you with UNESCO-listed royal residences of the House of Savoy, fascinating museums for all ages, amazing hearty food and chocolates, and so much more.

Then rent your car in the city center and head to the visit-worthy Aosta Valley (alternatively, rent your car at Turin’s airport, travel through Aosta Valley, and end your trip with 2 days in Turin).

Base yourself in the center of the region and explore a different area each day. On your way from Turin, you can already visit the awe-inspiring Fort of Bard .

In the remaining days, enjoy the magical Mont Blanc views offered by the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car and the quaint towns of Pre Saint Didier and Courmayeur , head into the scenic Gran Paradiso National Park , visit the Roman landmarks of Aosta (the city), and unwind at Brusson Lake.

Don’t forget to try regional delicacies cooked with locally produced fontina cheese, including fondue, risotto, and polenta.

• Where to stay in Aosta Valley
• Places to visit in Aosta Valley
• Is Turin worth visiting?
• 3-day Turin itinerary
• Things to do in Turin
• Best area to stay in Turin
• Chocolate in Turin
• Cafes in Turin
• Turin travel tips
• Winter in Turin
• Hidden gems in Turin

Southern Italy + Sicily

By Talek from Travels with Talek

Route:  Naples to Palermo.

My  road trip in Southern Italy  was one of the coolest I’ve ever taken. We started off in Naples and headed south to Sicily ending in the beautiful capital city of Palermo.

All told the trip took 10 days, but it is the type of journey that you could extend to whatever you want depending on your interests.

In  Naples , the best thing to do is to eat pizza and visit the Archeological Museum.

On to  Matera , a land of mysterious caves where people live and work underground. Further south we crossed into Sicily via car ferry, quite the experience navigating the narrow aisles on a ship with a car!

The island of Sicily is magical. Taormina , one of the first cities you reach when you cross the strait, is a medieval treasure.

Agrigento has the Valley of the Temples and the excavated Roman palace, Villa Romana del Casale, with its perfectly preserved collection of mosaics dating from Roman times.

One of the most impressive sights is the cathedral at Monreal , but the absolute gem of Sicily is its capital,  Palermo .

Wandering the city’s narrow streets and food markets (which are a great way to eat and experience Sicily on a budget ) and visiting the fascinating architectural mishmash of its cathedral and Norman palace was an unforgettable experience.

Best Italy Road Trips: Scenic Island Routes

By Marvin from Part Time Passenger

Route:  Circular starting in Olbia.

Days:  5-10.

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea , is an excellent road trip destination – for various reasons. If you think you’ve seen a fair share of beautiful Italy, this  Sardinia road trip  will elevate your Dolce Vita to the next level.

The local Sards will not only welcome you with open arms, but will fix you up with some of the best Italian food around, including baked goat cheese, homemade ravioli tossed in sage butter, and fresh seafood. 

From the impeccable beaches of the  Costa Smeralda  in the north to the surf spots in  Oristano , across the central mountains, to the sandy bays of the  Costa Rei , Sardinia is an incredibly diverse destination.

With constantly changing scenery, it’ll be hard to be bored. And the best part: the main routes are easy to navigate and dotted with an abundance of stop-over opportunities.

While you could technically drive from north to south in 3-4 hours, you should at least (!) arrange for 5 days on the island.

Olbia , located in the northeastern tip of Sardinia and served by various airlines, is a good starting point. From here, work your way around the coastline. 

Venturing offshore to  La Maddalena  islands, watching the sunset in beautiful  Castelsardo,  or catching that perfect wave in  Capo Mannu ,  are just some of the things that will keep you busy here.

Lovers of all things history and culture will enjoy roaming the colorful alleys of the former Spanish enclave  Alghero  or the many piazzas of  Cagliari , the island’s busy capital. Sardinia simply has it all.

Western Sicily

By Katja from Places and Notes

Route:  Circular starting in Trapani.

Days:  7-10.

On this awesome  Western Sicily road trip , you will visit some of the island’s best historical sites, sandy beaches, cute villages with traditional wine cellars, vibrant cities, salt pans dotted with windmills, lush countryside, and much more.

Start your adventure in  Trapani , spend the first day getting to know the laid-back Sicilian way of life, and take a trip to the medieval village of  Erice  the day after.

Continue towards  San Vito lo Capo , a wonderful white sandy beach bay with a mountain backdrop, perfect for a relaxing day at the seaside.

On the way to Palermo, you can stop by at  Segesta  archaeological site and  Monreale  monastery.

Palermo  is Sicily’s largest, loudest, and most chaotic city, but it sure is worth spending a day or two visiting all the sites and indulging in Sicilian cuisine.

While heading south towards Agrigento and its impressive Valley of the Temples, make sure you visit Corleone , a smaller town famous for its connection with some of the most powerful families of the mafia.

Unwind in  San Leone  at the beach and explore another one of Sicily’s best spots,  Scala dei Turchi  white cliff.

The last part of this trip before returning to Trapani takes you to  Marsala , a charming wine area and a natural reserve with salt evaporation ponds, which are especially lovely at sunset.

This trip can begin in either Trapani or Palermo since there are international airports in both cities and is doable in seven days, but can be extended to ten.

Eastern Sicily

By Annabel from Smudged Postcard

Route:  Circular starting in Catania.

Days:  10 or more.

One of the best drives in Italy, this exploration of Eastern Sicily takes in a wide variety of sights. Flying into  Catania , it is worth spending a day learning about this beautiful Baroque city and its relationship with nearby  Mount Etna .

From Catania, it is an easy drive south to  Syracuse  where highlights include the stunning Piazza del Duomo and the Ancient Greek and Roman remains at the Archaeological Park.

If you’re taking a  road trip in Sicily with kids , be sure to watch a show at the traditional puppet theatre.

From Syracuse, it is a short drive to the Val di Noto region of Sicily, home to some appealing cities including  Modica  and  Ragusa , both perfect for foodies.

Heading inland from the Val di Noto, you reach  Caltagirone  with its impressive terracotta staircase.

Not far from there is the highest regional capital of Sicily, hilltop  Enna  with far-reaching views across the countryside towards Mount Etna.

The final leg of this road trip through Italy’s biggest island passes the smoldering volcano before reaching the pretty clifftop town of  Taormina .

Here, you will find a perfectly positioned Greek-Roman amphitheater with views looking out towards the sea and Mount Etna. There’s a cable car down to the pebbly beach and enough restaurants and cafes to fill a lifetime of holidays.

Some Tips for Planning an Italian Road Trip

• As you can see in the suggested routes in this post, you should focus on a relatively small area instead of trying to see the entire country in 7 to 10 days (or even 2 weeks), which is impossible.
• In some instances, parking is limited and the roads are narrow, so renting a smaller car would be better. It’s not always the case – in Aosta Valley, for example, this wasn’t a problem.
• Parking is never free, so always have spare change, and be prepared for many toll roads (for these, you can also pay by card in most cases but not always).
• Driving inside big Italian cities is not fun, so rent and return the car at the airport if possible.
• Browse the best car rental deals on Rentalcars.com !

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Did you like these Italian routes? You might also like:

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Did you like these bucket list Italy road trip ideas? Check out:

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• Beautiful road trips in Spain
• Southern Spain road trip
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Have you found the best Italian road trip ideas for you? Tell me in the comments which one is your favorite and pin this post for later

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

14 thoughts on “Best Italian Road Trips: 16 Super Dreamy Routes”

Thanks for the recommendations. I am planning a road trip to Italy for the summer and your info just made if 10 times easier to plan. Appreciate it!

That’s the goal, so that’s great to know! Thank you, Nadia!

I did a road trip in Puglia, Basilicata and the Amalfi Coast! It was really nice! I passed by many places you mentioned 🙂

That sounds lovely 🙂 Italy is so dreamy!

Great list of road trips you’ve put together! I would love to do all of these so I’m saving this post for later reference.

Thank you so much! A bucket list can never be too big 🙂

I’m loving these road trip ideas! I’m wishing I could teleport myself to Europe now and start the adventure. Ahh well, I will definitely keep these ideas in mind for the future! Those Italian Lakes are calling my name…

Oh, teleporting myself to other places is my dream superpower 😛 You’ll love the Italian lakes – their colorful towns are right up your alley 🙂

What a beautiful country! I’ve travelled through Tuscany and the Veneto but definitely need to explore the Northern Lakes and Sicily. We usually cope with driving in the country (although the smaller roads do have those anxiety inducing ditches on either side) then chicken out and go for a park and ride when we get close to the bog cities.

Your fabulous photos make me want to go back again soon!

I agree some regions in Italy are not so fun to drive, but I’ll take my chances 🙂 Happy you like this post!

Thanks for the feature! I wish I could be in Italy right now 🙁

Me too! Thanks for writing about your amazing Italian road trip 🙂

Thank you for the feature! This is an awesome list of Italy road trips and I can’t wait to explore some of these routes. Especially the Sicily road trips make me crave more Italian adventures!

Thanks for participating! I think it turned out awesome 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Heading Out is a road trip game about outdriving your past (and the cops)

H ave you ever just wanted to run away from it all? When you’re dealing with mounting problems at home, the idea of jumping in a car and driving away as far as possible sounds appealing. What better way to leave the past in the dust than to hit the open road and go wherever your wheels take you?

That idea is at the heart of Heading Out , a new narrative racing game that’s unlike anything I’ve played before. Inspired by classic road films like Easy Rider , the upcoming game combines racing, visual novel decision-making, and a roguelite structure into a single eclectic project featuring a stark black-and-white art style that calls back to PlatinumGames’ Mad World . It’s the kind of left-field project that needs to be on your radar this spring.

My demo would take me through the first act of the story, giving me a sense of how Heading Out ‘s unique “run” structure works. There’s a lot to explain. When I begin, I’m asked to answer some prompts that determine my outlaw antihero’s personal life. Those decisions define what the character is running away from and what will eventually come back to haunt him in the cross-country story.

From there, I’d get a sense of the genre-melding structure of the journey. After an introduction to its racing segments, which have me speeding through different landscapes and avoiding road hazards, I’m dropped onto a map of the United States. My drive begins around Ohio and my goal is to follow routes to get up to North Dakota. Rather than driving in real time, I select a route on the map and accelerate to quickly move my car along that route. As I drive, I’m pulled into randomized events, from narrative decision-making to road races that put me back in control of the actual car. It’s sort of like taking Kentucky Route Zero and turning it into a roguelike.

I’d experience a variety of possible events along my trip. One comic narrative section would find me outside of an abortion clinic as a couple is harassed by a religious fanatic. I’m given the option to help them out or leave. You bet your butt I beat the snot out of a priest, raising my fame level. In another, a cop would challenge me to a street race. If I won, he promised to tell his boys to back off my case a bit, decreasing my wanted level.

As you can tell, there’s a bit of survival game-like management at play here. I need to keep an eye on my fame, wanted level, and the little money I have. Driving off the road can raise my fear level, while crashing can cause damage that needs to be repaired. If I speed too fast on the overworld map, my wanted level will rise and cops will be harder to shake off (to avoid them, I need to slow down when I see one passing on the map or else enter into a chase sequence). I also need to take time to sleep, which can only be done in select cities. I can also buy usable items that can help manage all of that. It sounds like a lot to juggle, but I quickly got the hang of it all.

The main draw, though, is the racing game core that’s unique in its own right. When I initiate a race, I’m dropped into a countryside or city as a song plays on my radio. There aren’t laps. Instead, the song determines how long the race goes. I simply need to be in first place when it ends to beat street racers or get away from the cops. It’s an ingenious use of music that has me paying closer attention to the soundtrack, which is filled with smooth jazz and road trip-worthy butt rock.

In addition to the music, each race ends with another bit of crucial audio: radio broadcasts. The last minute or so of any drive I take is soundtracked by a ranting AM radio host that you’d likely hear if you were driving through the heart of America. One broadcast seemed like a clear Alex Jones send-up, with a deranged man screaming about patriotism. Heading Out isn’t shying away from satire here, taking aim at America’s divided political landscape in a way that’s reminiscent of the Grand Theft Auto series .

Racing itself brings some creative twists. Road signs, rather than a mini-map, telegraph upcoming turns. Some signs will even clue me toward a detour, letting me go on an off-road shortcut. Visuals like that are a key part to reading the road. For instance, while the art style is primarily black-and-white, obstacles like traffic cylinders appear in color. That makes it easier to see what’s coming from afar, something that feels genuinely innovative for the genre.

Even with laying all this out, it feels like I’m still leaving out so much. Heading Out  packs a ton of ideas into what initially might look like a small package. What’s more impressive is that it doesn’t appear to be compromising on any of its various genres — racing, roguelite, survival — to pull off its hybrid gameplay. I know I’ll be jumping back in the driver’s seat when it launches on May 7 for PC.

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Gordon, Gino & Fred's Road Trip

Join British superstar Gordon Ramsay, Italian stallion Gino D'Acampo and French master maitre d' Fred Sirieix as they take a road trip. Join British superstar Gordon Ramsay, Italian stallion Gino D'Acampo and French master maitre d' Fred Sirieix as they take a road trip. Join British superstar Gordon Ramsay, Italian stallion Gino D'Acampo and French master maitre d' Fred Sirieix as they take a road trip.

• Gordon Ramsay
• Gino D'Acampo
• Fred Sirieix
• 40 User reviews
• 2 nominations total

Episodes 16

• Self - Co-Presenter …

• Self - Interviewer
• Self - The Oyster King
• Self - Gino's Best Friend
• Self - Head Chef, Antica Pizzeria
• Self - Earl of Dalhousie
• Self - Fred's Father
• Self - Gordon's Daughter
• Self - Gordon's Mother
• Self - Gino's Son
• Self - Lobster Fisherman
• Self - Former Olympian
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia The trio were originally going to visit both Egypt and Greece for series 3 but the outbreak of COVID-19 in Egypt meant the series had to be cut short, leaving only the two episodes in Greece.
• Alternate versions In the US the second series was edited into a two-hour TV special titled "Gordon Ramsay's American Road Trip".
• Connections Edited into Gordon Ramsay's American Road Trip (2021)

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The romance of a Tuscan road trip

Key in the ignition, winding roads through olive groves, vineyards and ancient villages ahead… Get revved up for the Italian drive of a lifetime

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Halfway through our Tuscan road trip, between two famously beautiful drives—the Val d’Orcia and the Via Chiantigiana—we find ourselves lost. Part of the route we had plotted is temporarily closed, so we follow our noses, and soon we’re bumping down a strada bianca , a white road, so-called because they’re unpaved, the dusty gravel crunching under our tires and leaving a cloud in our wake.  But this is far from a disaster. This region of Italy is famed for many things: Its ancient cities of Florence , Siena and Pisa , rich with Renaissance art and iconic architecture. Its world-class wine. Its prized truffles and pasta. Its distinguished designers. And then, of course, there are its astonishingly beautiful landscapes where, around each snaking turn, you’ll find yet another breathtaking view of a verdant valley or historic hilltop town.  

Our journey begins and ends in Florence, a city that is becoming increasingly pedestrianized—and harder to drive into, with one of Italy’s many urban zone a traffico limitata (limited traffic zones), where fines are easy to accumulate. So, rather than picking up our rental car from Florence Airport straightaway, we hop on one of the cheap, speedy trams into town, and spend our first 24 hours cramming culture (the Uffizi Gallery ’s Botticelli paintings), vintage shopping (San Spirito’s superb market) and sunset aperitivi (snacks and spritzes at Hotel Continentale ’s chic rooftop bar, La Terrazza, with its views across the River Arno). 

The next morning, we return to Florence airport to pick up our rental car, and are soon on the road. We’ve plotted a clockwise loop, a jagged oval skewing south southeast. Our first destination is Montepulciano , a hilltop town famous for its wine, on the western edge of the Val d’Orcia, a valley so beautiful it’s been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Barely are we on the highway, however, before my copilot declares we need to make an emergency stop: a very worthwhile seven-minute detour to The Mall Firenze , a temple to every major Italian designer, with deep discounts and a clientele so chic, we even spot a baby in a trench coat.  

Refueled by high fashion and strong coffee, we rejoin the A1, and after an hour on the highway, peel off onto a country road and begin to climb the 1,985 ft hill on which Montepulciano perches. Its maze of honey-colored stone streets provided the setting for one of the Twilight films, while San Biagio church was featured in Under the Tuscan Sun , but wine is the star here. Every door seems to lead to a wine cellar, and its Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Italy’s oldest varieties, first documented in 789 CE. “Red wine in Tuscany is like an institution—50 years ago, nobody drank white wine here,” says Francesco Maramai, a sommelier who has served Hollywood stars and a former U.S. president at his family’s restaurant and wine cellar, Osteria del Borgo . ( Read more about wine tasting in our perfect pit stops, below .)  

Driving in Italy: Your need-to-know

Highways are toll roads

While some allow you to pay by card, some do not, so ensure you have a stash of cash at the ready. 

Observe the speed limits

You will be in the minority, but there are plenty of speed cameras that may catch you out. Speed limits will be in km/h: from 50 km/h (30 mph) on urban roads, up to 130km/h (80mph) on autostrade (highways). Look out for signs saying controllo elettronico della velocità (speed camera), and warnings to rallentare (slow down); rallentamenti means “delays.” 

Enter a ZTL at your peril

Rental cars don’t have the right to drive into any zona a traffico limitato (limited traffic zone), which you find in most city centers, including Florence and Siena. Fines will be issued if you’re caught. 

Pack your attitude

Italian drivers are assertive. They may drive close to you, sometimes beeping or flashing their lights before they pass. You may also want to consider taking out full insurance on your rental car; scratches and dings are a common sight. 

Seatbelts must be worn

That’s for the driver and all passengers. The law also requires there to be a reflective safety vest in the car, and (over winter) snow chains. 

Have your headlamps on at all times

Even in bright sunlight. It’s the law. 

Parking is color-coded  

A white outline means it’s free (but could be solely for residents; look for signs saying solo residenti or solo autorizzati ), yellow are reserved, and blue are paid. The safest option is to find a car park. Parking can often be paid via the EasyPark app; download it in advance to pay quickly and easily. 

Our drive the next day takes us into the Val d’Orcia, through velvety, luminous green valleys studded with poppies. To say it is breathtaking is to undersell it; each new vista of rolling hills and perfect avenue of cypress trees striking you dumb. The 15th-century Pope Pius II built his summer residence here, in the tiny town of Pienza , which was conceived as the ideal city; and after pausing in his serene garden, it is hard to disagree.  

The Mall Firenze has a clientele so chic, we even spot a baby in a trench coat

We pause for lunch in the wisteria-draped main square of Bagno Vignoni , which takes its name from one of the natural hot springs found across the region. Renaissance architects channeled the waters into a perfectly rectangular pool, but as our waitress tells us, you can’t swim in it; instead, she recommends heading further south to local favorite, Bagni di San Filippo ( see below ).   Tonight, we are staying in the tiny medieval village, Lucignano d’Asso, where the local bar has a docile visiting fox and excellent food, while our accommodation, Borgo Lucignanello Bandini , has a hilltop pool, and apartments with pretty bathrooms in grapevine tile and towels monogrammed with a cursive P. This, it transpires, is for its Sienese owner, Angelica Piccolomini, whose ancestors acquired the village in 1485, and whose family tree includes a certain Pius II. The hotel also arrange our next morning’s activity: a trip with a truffle hunter ( see below ).

Three perfect pit stops

Go truffle hunting (and eating!)

Spend an enormously fun morning with award-winning tartufaio (truffle-hunter) Paolo Valdambrini, whose three talented dogs help him scour the forests near San Giovanni d’Asso for one of Tuscany’s most valuable commodities. Mily, the oldest of his three dogs, a cream-colored, curly-haired lagotto romagnolo , an ancient breed prized for their super-sensitive noses, leads you by her nose through a forest, sniffing out treasure as she goes. Once, she found a 21-ounce specimen: “It didn’t fit in my pocket, so I put it in my hat and carried it home,” laughs Valdambrini. Afterwards, visit the Osteria delle Crete , where talented chef Donatella Varrunghi will whip up bruschetta and tagliolini, both topped with shavings of truffle. 

Soak in natural hot springs 

The steaming sulphuric waters of Bagni di San Filippo are a favorite of locals and visitors alike: Bring your water shoes and climb as high up as you safely dare—the higher you go, the hotter the water. While there are other hot springs across Tuscany, this one is notable for its size, and for the small natural pools—like bathtubs—scattered across it. Locals swear the white mud is good for your skin. Don’t forget to bring a big towel (or even a bathrobe) for the walk back to the car. There’s no entry fee, but you must pay for parking. 

Sample the local wines

There are countless vineyards in Tuscany, but if you’re driving, pick a tasting in a town so you don’t have to drive afterwards. In Montepulciano, sommelier Francesco Maramai demystifies Italian wine, showing you why you can ignore the striped paper ribbons often mistaken for a designation of quality. You will try prosecco, two Tuscan whites, three of its reds including a Brunello that’s “like a battleship,” and a divine 1996 vin santo (which we are advised not to dip cantucci into). Snacks keep you relatively sober on the way. All can be shipped worldwide.  Book here

The last leg of our journey takes in another storied stop: the medieval city of Siena , with its seashell-shaped Piazza del Campo. In July and August, the grand piazza hosts the annual Palios, raucous bareback horse races pitting the city’s ancient wards against each other. Today it is merely mobbed by tourists; after finding a spot in one of the bigger car parks outside the city walls, we happily join the throngs to soak up the history.

Back on the road, we join the SP222, also known as the Via Chiantigiana—named for the Chianti wine region through which it winds. As Maramai warned us at our wine tasting, you could drive from Siena to Florence in just over an hour; but the undulating, snaking switchbacks of SP222 are not about speed. This is a route lined with densely forested hills, ancient olive groves, and the neat stripes of vineyards—hence its other name, the “Strada del Vino.” It’s a route to be lingered over like a lazy lunch, where the landscape is as much to be celebrated as a glass of Chianti Classico. With a plate of tagliolini al tartufo , of course.  

Kate Bussmann

Kate Bussmann is an editor at Expedia Group, covering all aspects of culture and style. She has hosted live and online events, written and edited for titles including  The Times ,  The Telegraph ,  InStyle ,  Glamour , and  Marie Claire , and appeared on NPR, the BBC and Sky News. She has lived in London, New York and Naples, and one day plans to move to Paris. 

An Italian adventure

Take the wheel in Tuscany

The joy of a road trip is having the freedom to travel wherever the breeze may take you… with spectacular stop-offs planned along the way, of course. From car hire to castles, restaurants to hotel rooms, here’s our ultimate itinerary.

Pick up your car: Hertz Florence Airport

Via Palagio degli Spini, Florence 50145

Stay: The Artists’ Palace hotel

Piazza San Lorenzo 6, Florence 50123

Shop: The Mall Firenze

Via Europa 8, Leccio 50066

Stay: Delcorto Suites

Via di Gracciano nel Corso 28, Montepulciano 53045

Drive: Val d’Orcia

From Pienza to Montalcino via San Quirico d’Orcia

Experience: Hot springs

Bagni San Filippo

Stay/experience: Borgo Lucignanello Bandini and truffle hunting

Località Lucignano d’Asso, near Montalcino 53024

Drive: Via Chiantigiana

From Greve in Chianti to Gaiole in Chianti

Last stop: Florence

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Amalfi to Villa San Giovanni drive

Amalfi to villa san giovanni road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Amalfi to Villa San Giovanni. If you're planning a road trip to Villa San Giovanni, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Amalfi drive for about 40 minutes

11:40 am   Paestum stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:40 pm drive for about 58 minutes

1:37 pm   Sapri stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:37 pm drive for about 47 minutes

day 1 driving ≈ 2.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Southern Italy drive for about 1 hour

11:06 am   Celico stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:06 pm drive for about 39 minutes

12:45 pm   Lamezia Terme stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:45 pm drive for about 42 minutes

2:27 pm   Tropea stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:27 pm drive for about 50 minutes

4:17 pm  arrive in Villa San Giovanni

day 2 driving ≈ 3.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Paestum   (14 mentions) Sapri Southern Italy   (3 mentions) Celico   (3 answers) Lamezia Terme Tropea   (2 answers)

What are some things to do in Villa San Giovanni?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Villa San Giovanni.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Villa San Giovanni to Amalfi drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Amalfi? Try searching for places within 5 hours of Amalfi .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Amalfi to Villa San Giovanni . Or get a full Amalfi to Villa San Giovanni flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Amalfi well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Amalfi!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Amalfi to Villa San Giovanni

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

From saving on gas to driving with kids, here's your ultimate road trip planner

"Easy Travel” is a 10-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

Ina Daly has spent most of her life on the road.

“My dad was a truck driver and that led me to becoming a truck driver,” she said. “What we do in a day, on a daily job would be like a long road trip to most people.”

With nearly 40 years of driving for freight transportation services provider XPO and numerous industry accolades under her belt, including grand champion at this year’s Arizona Truck Driving Championship , Daly is a pro. She’s also a mom and a grandmother who’s happy to share her experiences to make everyone’s road trips better.

“Some of the things I'm telling you are what we truckers tell our family members,” she said. “I've had a lot of accomplishments in my career and going to the National Truck Driving Championships (this month) is a reward, but the bigger reward is being able to share some things … that have the potential to save lives.”

What to do before a long drive

“Make sure that your vehicle’s road trip ready,” Daly said. ”Really pay close attention to your tires, your coolant, your fan belt.”

She notes tire dealers often offer free inspections to ensure tires are properly inflated and undamaged.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advises getting the whole car serviced before hitting the road.

“If you're a car person and you can, do that yourself at home, by all means,” she said. Otherwise, she recommends getting the oil changed and battery and tires checked professionally. 

To save time and avoid stress, Diaz also suggests filling up on gas the night before leaving and making hotel reservations well in advance, noting that many hotels allow cancellations without penalty up until the day beforehand. 

What do you need before a road trip?

It’s always good to keep an emergency kit with supplies like first aid, a flashlight and extra batteries, and basic tools in the vehicle.

“You want to make sure that if you do have a tire issue, you have the proper tools and jacks in your vehicle to be able to change it,” Daly said. She said warning signals like reflective triangles can also warn other drivers to steer clear in the event of a breakdown.

For road trips, both she and Diaz recommend shelf-stable snacks like protein bars that won’t melt and plenty of water. “Don't think that a bottle or two for everybody is enough,” Daly said. “You've got to have, you know, five or six bottles for everyone.” 

Diaz also recommends wet wipes, blankets during the winter, and any time-sensitive medication or pet food that might be needed in the event of an extended delay.

“These things ideally wouldn't take up too much room in your trunk but they're just good to have in case of an emergency,” Diaz said. “Just think, ‘If I were stuck for a long time, what would keep me comfortable until I was able to (get) help?’”  

A printed map and a general sense of the route can also help in case there GPS hiccups or a phone dies.  AAA’s free TripTik planner can help travelers plot their trips in advance and find rest stops, lodging, food and gas along the way. And its free Gas Cost Calculator can help locate the cheapest average gas prices for drivers when it’s time to refuel.

'Get out there': This mom is using a never-ending road trip to inspire Black family travel

What I should know before a road trip?

“Everything can be a distraction in the car – the radio, the kids, etc. But the phone is a big one,” Daly advised. “When you’re driving, that thing should not ever be in your hand.”

More than 3,500 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2021 because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . 

Daly also recommends watching out for distracted drivers.

“You can tell a distracted driver by their fluctuating speed,” she warned. “They're drifting in their lane. Their head is looking down instead of focusing on the road. You want to give those people a wide berth.”

How long will a road trip take?

Road trips always take longer than expected because of traffic, construction and other things that arise en route.

Diaz says to expect at least an hour longer than whatever the GPS predicts. Daly recommends leaving at least two hours early.

“You don't want that stressful drive,” Daly said. “You’re hurrying. That lends to bad driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding, which leads to accidents. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”

How many hours a day should you drive on a road trip?

“It just varies so much from person to person, how long they’re comfortable driving,” Diaz said. “We want to err on the side of safety. We want people to be safe on the roads and drive the speed limit and not rush it, but everybody's different.”

Switching out drivers can lighten the load, but no matter who is driving, Daly said, “If you're starting to feel a little, less attentive, maybe a little fatigued, it’s time to take a break.”

What time is best to drive?

“We always recommend, especially during the holidays, leave early in the morning,” Diaz said. “The later you leave in the day, the worse it's going to be because a lot of times during the week … you're going to mix with those commuters on the road.”

“Some people enjoy night driving,” she added. “Once you get to like 8 p.m., 9 p.m. traffic comes down a lot.” 

However, she noted drivers who leave in the evening should watch out for fatigue and plan to drive less than if they started fresh in the morning.

How do you take a good road trip with kids? 

When possible, Daly recommends having a designated passenger to help with kids so the driver can focus on the road.  

Another important thing is to keep seatbelts on the whole way.

“Kids have a tendency to take those off,” Daly said. “Make sure they stay buckled up. I've seen some horrible things out there.”

'I just want to see more of us': The importance of seeing people like you while traveling

What do kids need on a road trip?

Entertainment helps pass the time, but it doesn’t have to be digital. There are all sorts of screen-free road trip games . 

Diaz recommends printing a map or list of sites or cities for kids to watch for along the way.

“You know, yell it out or mark it on your sheet,” she said. “Have some crayons in the car with them so they're following along on the trip, and they feel like they're part of it.”

“Point out historical landmarks and scenery; enjoy nature,” Daly echoed. “That's one of the things that we truck drivers love about our jobs is we get to see the country and nature.”

Stop at points of interest every few hours or simply for everyone to stretch their legs.

And for those times when kids are on screens, make sure to pack car chargers.

What is the best way to save gas?

Don’t speed. 

“Fuel economy peaks at around 50 miles per hour on most cars, and then it drops off as the speeds increase,” Diaz said. “You think, ‘OK, if I just go 70, I'm going to get there faster, and it'll be better,’ but essentially, you're just wasting gas at that point." Fuel economy can be increased by as much as 15% by reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 miles per hour, she said.

Don’t idle unnecessarily either, like at rest stops.

“Your car engine consumes about a quarter to a half a gallon of fuel per hour while it's idling,” she said. “But a warm engine only takes about 10 seconds’ worth of fuel to restart, so if it's safe to do so, just shut off your engine.”

Story continues below.

What happens if my tire blows out?

“When you blow a tire, kaboom, it freaks you out. Do not panic,” Daly said. “Don't slow down abruptly or brake hard or jerk the wheel because that will cause you to lose control and have an accident.”

“Just focus on steering,” she added. “Slow very gradually, off to the side of the road in a safe area, and you won’t have any issue from your blown tire.”

How do you drive around semitrucks?

“Be aware of our needs and limitations,” Daly said. “You know we’re big. We need a lot of space around us. We have big blind spots. … If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the mirrors of the truck, the truck driver can’t see you.”

She advised against passing on the right. 

“If you have to pass quickly, don’t linger over there. We see people driving over there for the shade (and it) puts us in a very dangerous situation,” she said. “And don’t cut in front of us and then hit your breaks. People don’t like to follow a truck because they can’t see around us, so they pass us and then cut in front of us.”

“It takes away that safety cushion we leave in front of us,” she added. “When you see all that space in front of a truck, that's not for your convenience so that you can pass us and cut into it. That’s for our safety and yours.”

By the same token, she advised fellow drivers to leave plenty of space in front of their own vehicles, so they have enough room to stop quickly in an emergency. If another driver cuts into that space, she suggested, “Take a break. Slow down again. Recreate that space. Bite your tongue and think pure thoughts.”

That last tip may not be so easy.

What has been your best or worst road trip experience?

How-To Geek

Psa: you can temporarily share your google maps road trip, here's how.

Let friends or family see your location progress and ETA during a trip.

Using Google Maps to share your real-time location with others is a great feature, but it's understandable if you don't want to let someone see your every move 24/7. Did you know you could temporarily share your phone's location during a vacation road trip or other travel?

Apple's location sharing and Find My are well-known at this point, and Google offers something similar on Google Maps that works with Android , iPhone , or iPad . However, during setup, most people choose to share their location indefinitely or select the option to share "until you turn this off," which isn't ideal.

Thankfully, Google Maps has a nifty feature where you can temporarily share navigation progress and location data with friends or family. Once the drive ends, location sharing ends. Here's how to use it:

Fire up Google Maps for an upcoming road trip or while heading to someone's house. Choose a destination, then hit "Start" navigation. While navigation is running, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap "Share Trip Progress" to get started.

You'll see a row of icons showing some of your most frequent contacts. Choose or search for the name you'd like to share your location with, tap the person's icon, and hit the blue "Share" button. The screen will briefly say, "Sharing your location until you arrive." Once you reach the destination, navigation and location sharing will both end.

Depending on the contact selected, that person will receive a text or email with a link to Google Maps, which will then start giving them complete location data of your road trip. Additionally, if you'd like to stop sharing or select the wrong person, swipe up from the Maps navigation screen and hit "Stop Sharing."

Note: While sharing, the person will see your route, destination, arrival time, and how you're traveling. They'll also see your device's current location, battery power, and if it's charging.

It's that easy! As long as you're actively using Google Maps navigation, you can quickly share your location with someone. Use this helpful feature for summer road trips, friends and family to see when you'll arrive during the holidays, and more.

Other Ways to Share Your Location on Google Maps

Not only is this feature great for privacy, but it's one of several useful Google Maps features to know about . Others include the option to share your location in a text message , zoom out with a single finger , or Android owners can share their location with iPhone users . Google Maps works great in tunnels now, and you can even use Maps to save and find a parked car .

Road-tripping this summer? Why these Great Smoky Mountains destinations are ranked among the best in the U.S.

Planning a road trip this summer? USA Today has got you covered. And if your vehicular vacation happens to head to the Great Smoky Mountains, you're in luck, because USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice awards has just named several East Tennessee destinations in its list of road trip award winners.

From best rental car companies to best gas stations for food, USA TODAY editors picked 10 nominees in each category and then asked its readers to vote. The road trip categories also included glamping, luxury RV resorts and campgrounds, roadside attractions and motels, as well as the somewhat niche category of vintage trailer hotels.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend nominated for best glamping, best luxury RV resort

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, made two of the lists, earning the No. 7 glamping spot and the No. 10 luxury RV resort pick.

"Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is a top spot for basking in the verdant beauty of Appalachia," USA TODAY noted. "Incredible hiking opportunities abound all around the site, while activities like bingo and trivia are perfect for befriending fellow travelers − and to sweeten the deal, spa services can be booked for guests as well."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Little Arrow features RV sites, Airstreams, cabins, tiny homes and glamping tents. Luxury tents come with heating and air conditioning, plush bedding, private bathrooms, separate living spaces, and a small kitchen. All guests enjoy access to a coffee lounge, swimming pool, splash pad, dog park, playground, laundry facilities, basketball court and community fire pit.

Pigeon Forge Landing makes list of best RV campgrounds

Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort was named the ninth best RV campground in the Reader's Choice awards. The resort "serves as a top spot for a leisurely Tennessee vacation, with tent sites, full RV hookups, and a natural lazy river all found within its limits," USA TODAY said, adding, "While guests are welcome to float to their hearts' content, those in need of a more action-packed day on the water can engage in a lengthy bout of fly fishing to pass the time."

Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort recognized for its vintage trailers

If you're not familiar with the concept, vintage trailer hotels transform restored Airstreams and other vintage trailers into unique accommodations set amid some of the nation’s best scenery.

Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort in Gatlinburg was named No. 9 on the USA Today list.

"Travelers can choose between three retro camper sites: Glamping at Tiffany’s, Miss Daisy and The Ruby Slipper," USA TODAY said. "All guests − whether staying in the campers, safari tents, treehouses, or tent sites − enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a picnic pavilion."

Weigel's, Buc-Ee's, Casey's all get the nod

Everyone knows that the secret to a stellar road trip is snacks − and a go-to gas station where you know the restrooms will be clean and the fuel costs are reasonable. (Also, a good playlist.)

Casey's was named the No. 2 best gas station for food, with USA TODAY noting, " Casey’s stores are popular for their pizza, in addition to sandwiches, wings, and breakfast items." Casey's also was ranked the No. 3 gas station overall.

Weigel's, meanwhile, was rated the No. 8 best gas station for food. Weigel's. which is headquartered in Knoxville , has dozens of locations in the East Tennessee region, each serving up sweets from the bakery and hot foods like pizzas, sandwiches, fried chicken and breakfast foods.

And in a puzzling turn of events, the legendary Buc-ee's was ranked the No. 10 best gas station overall and best gas station for food. We firmly believe there's no better place for  a travel stop than Buc-ee's − Southern Living readers rated the behemoth of a convenience store No. 1 this year. The  Sevierville outpost is currently the world's largest at a staggering 74,707 square feet.

Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email  [email protected] .   Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  knoxnews.com/subscribe .

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NFL explains reason for Bears' odd division scheduling quirks, three-game road trip

NFL explains reason for Bears' odd division scheduling quirks, three-game road trip originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Bears' 2024 schedule arrived Wednesday and had a few notable quirks, including that the Bears do not play a divisional game until Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers .

Six of the Bears ' final eight games are against NFC North opponents. Meanwhile, the other three teams in the division each play two NFC North games prior to Week 11. But the Bears aren't alone in this strange division scheduling, as the Pittsburgh Steelers also don't play a divisional game until Week 11.

On Thursday, NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North discussed why the Bears' schedule came with the unusual divisional slate.

“We certainly didn’t set out to not have any division games [in the early part of the season],” North said on a video conference call with reporters. “It feels like a college basketball schedule, the nonconference games first. It wasn’t intentional, but also it wasn’t necessarily something that we looked at and thought was unfair."

North noted that the NFL has always preferred to have divisional games late in the season to maximize the drama.

“There is a legacy from the [former senior vice president of broadcasting and media operations] Howard Katz years of running the scheduling process: It’s division games late in the season. It’s always something we’re looking for, not forcing it in other than Week 18. More division games late in the season usually means fewer teams have clinched playoff spots.”

North said the league will probably look at having such an extreme division schedule next season.

Charlotte Carey, the NFL's Director of Broadcasting, noted on "Up and Adams" that because both the AFC and NFC North are such exciting and heavily competitive divisions, the NFL was OK with having the back part of the schedule loaded with those games.

Another oddity in the Bears' schedule occurs in Weeks 10-15 when they play three consecutive home games followed by three straight road games in Detroit , San Francisco , and Minnesota . The Vikings have the reverse—three away, three home—during the same period.

North doesn't view the Bears' Detroit-San Francisco-Minnesota trifecta as a negative because of the rest in between the games.

“We talk about three-game road trips as though it’s the worst thing you can do to a team,” North said. “I’m not sure that that’s true. I think sometimes it’s who you play, not where. We could break up somebody’s three-game road trip by taking away that third road game and giving them a home game against Kansas City or San Francisco. Is that really better?

“You think about this three-game road trip for the Bears from a competitive standpoint, the first one is Thanksgiving. Then you get that 10-day break before that second game. And then the third game is on a Monday night. So you actually get extra days between Games 1 and 2 and then 2 and 3. I hope they don’t look at that schedule and think that it was unfair.”

The Bears will play four preseason games, including the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 1. They'll open the season against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on Sept. 8.

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Taking a road trip? These Western NC places voted among top 10 in US to stay. What to know.

Several Western North Carolina locations have been voted as top choices in the country for road trip lodging this summer, according to USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice . From vintage trailers by the river to midcentury roadside motels, the choices in WNC alone have a little something for everyone.

It isn't the first time WNC has topped a 10Best list . Methodology provides locations chosen by an expert panel to voters in the community, who choose their favorite options to add to the lists.

Here's what to know about the WNC options chosen by readers for the 2024 10Best road trip roundup.

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• Treebones Resort (Big Sur, California)
• Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo (River Ranch, Florida)
• Nomad Ridge at The Wilds (Cumberland, Ohio)
• Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (Townsend, Tennessee)
• The Destination (Dadeville, Alabama)
• The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana)
• Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks, Alaska)

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Two WNC options made the 2024 10Best list of best roadside motels. First was the Sunset Motel at third place. Located at 523 S Broad St. in Brevard, the motel has a wide range of rooms including a separate cottage on the property available to reserve. Rooms feature midcentury modern themes.

Rhodes Motor Lodge was the other WNC choice on the list, coming in at seventh place. The lodge at 1377 Blowing Rock Road in Boone features two stories of rooms all facing the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, the views were among the specific features praised by 10Best. Their house bar and restaurant, Canteen, serves homestyle meals and a rotating selection of local craft beer and ciders, plus wine and cocktails.

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• The Groovy Nomad (Trenton, Georgia)
• Sugarloaf Mountain Motel (Virginia City, Nevada)
• The Sunset Motel (Brevard, North Carolina)
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel (Tucumcari, New Mexico)
• Bear Cove Inn (St Ignace, Michigan)
• The Local - St. Augustine (St. Augustine, Florida)
• Rhode's Motor Lodge (Boone, North Carolina)
• The Starlite Motel (Kerhonkson, New York)
• Americana Motor Hotel (Flagstaff, Arizona)
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Best national park lodge 2024

Pisgah Inn, located at 408 Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, was sixth on the list. The inn, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest, has a rich history beginning in 1919, when it first opened, and is one of only two remaining park lodges on the 469 miles of the parkway.

At an elevation of 5,000 feet, Pisgah Inn features views of the forested mountains and plenty of nearby hiking trails. 10Best also mentioned the quality of the meals served at the inn's dining room.

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• Skyland (Shenandoah National Park)
• El Tovar Hotel (Grand Canyon National Park)
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Best vintage trailer hotel 2024

Asheville River Cabins was fourth on the list of best vintage trailer hotels of 2024. At 318 Wanderlust Ridge in Arden, Asheville River Cabins offers reservations for private cabins and vintage Airstream trailers. Its website suggests hiking the property's river trail or tubing down the river.

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Movies | Review: ‘Gasoline Rainbow’ is a memorable…

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Movies | review: ‘gasoline rainbow’ is a memorable teenage road trip along an improvised oregon trail.

This forlorn image signals the start of one end of “Gasoline Rainbow,” the latest genre blur from the brothers Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross opening this weekend at the Music Box Theatre. A beat-up Econoline-type van interrupts the silence. In it are five Wiley high school graduates, nervously thrilled with the getaway they’re about to make. The kids haven’t stolen anything, other than the van “borrowed” from one of the friends’ folks. But time and the meager options afforded by Wiley have stolen plenty from these five. As we share their zigzag, life-altering itinerary, a 513-mile backroad odyssey gathers an emotional momentum we’re grateful to experience.

The Ross brothers continue their exploration of docu-fiction here (more on that shortly). The five friends make their introductions by way of their school IDs popped onto the screen. Their names: Tony Aburto, Micah Bunch, Nichole Dukes, Nathaly Garcia and Makai Garza. “Gasoline Rainbow” chronicles their fortunes on the road, the chance encounters that take them to a bonfire gathering here, a truck stop there. Their destination: the Pacific Ocean, and a raging “End of the World” party somewhere on the coast they’ve heard about.

I’d rather not detail the encounters, other than to note the overnight crash pads and bull sessions offered by various relatives and newfound acquaintances. We come to know these three young, good-hearted men and two good-hearted young women as they drink, smoke, dance, skateboard and discover what it feels like to open up about their worry about what’s next. For all that, “Gasoline Rainbow” lets the story of their lives and this particular road-trip story go where it goes. I found the movie very moving, and often funny (discussion topics range from “The Lord of the Rings” to Enya), and not far in some respects from the roads taken by Chloe Zhao’s “The Rider” and “Nomadland,” portraits of rootless or questing American spirits in a time without a compass.

And this is where we talk about what the movie is, and isn’t, and acknowledge that the Ross brothers make no bones about it.

“Gasoline Rainbow” is not a documentary. It’s fiction. The five central figures use the real names of the first-time actors playing versions of themselves, and a lot of what they talk about comes from their real lives and doubts and yearnings. But the narrative is an extended form of outlined and improvised imagination. The Ross brothers roughed out the idea in early 2020, an eyeblink before the pandemic; a little over a year later, in between pandemic lockdowns, they started filming with their cast members. Plenty of visual cues and tip-offs arrive early in “Gasoline Rainbow,” indicating the fictional/nonfictional blur afoot; an arresting shot, filmed (I think) from the front of the van, shooting inside, delights the eye while consciously or subconsciously telling you it’s not a documentary.

Neither was the Ross’s previous film “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” a ripe 2020 ensemble portrait of the regular customers of a Las Vegas dive bar on the evening of the 2016 Trump victory. Actors and non-actors alike created those parts, just as the five expressive and unerring amateurs fill out parallel versions of themselves in “Gasoline Rainbow.”

Also, regarding the town of Wiley: There isn’t a Wiley, not really. It’s fictional. So it really is a nowhere kind of town, literally.

The movie suggests something more interesting, I think, than 100% truth or 100% fiction. We’re all from somewhere; we all wonder if we’re doing it right, whatever “it” is. We all dream of freedom somehow tethered to our families, our friends, our sense of belonging. The Ross brothers belong to a long, coast-to-coast family of docu-fiction landmarks, from New York-set “On the Bowery” (1956) to Los Angeles-set “The Exiles” (1961).

See it, and see what you make of this new and quite wonderful example of this in-between cinematic tradition — and of Tony, Micah, Nichole, Nathaly and Makai, both real and imagined.

“Gasoline Rainbow” — 3.5 stars (out of 4)

No MPA rating (language)

Running time: 1:48

How to watch: Premieres May 17 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Streaming on MUBI.com May 31.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

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