Italy

Home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other.

Italy convertible driving tours

Dolomites convertible driving tours

The jagged, snow covered peaks of the Dolomites provide picture-postcard scenery for some great mountain driving. High passes and mountain twisties provide great excitement for riders and drivers alike during the summer months. These same peaks provide winter recreationists with excellent skiing.

Roads and Driving

Roads through the Dolomites are generally good. Expect some high passes, sharp turns and views across valleys to the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The road can be narrow on descents. There may be snow on the road beginning in October, and it may last until April.

Climate and Environment, When to Go

The temperature in the mountains, even in summer, remains pleasant. If you drive in springtime, you will more likely be able to see snow on the surrounding peaks, which with their jagged profile, is spectacular. Weather in the mountains is changeable, especially in spring and autumn. It pays to be prepared with warm, layerable clothing and a waterproof jacket. The Dolomites are a pleasure to cruise anytime, from April through very early October.

Sights, People, Food and Drink

Driving in the Dolomites means rounding corners and glimpsing jagged snow-covered peaks tucked between the beautiful mountains across the valley. This part of Italy was once part of the Tyrol of Austria, so many of the inhabitants of the Dolomites speak German. Food here takes the best of the Italian and Austrian tradition, and combines it.

Facts For the Traveler: Alto Adige/Südtirol province

Capital city:	Bolzano
Population:	500,000
Land area:	7,400 sq km
Official language:	German, Italian
National currency:	Euro
Religion:	mostly Roman Catholic
Time zone:	Central European Time (GMT+1)
International dialing number:	+39
Visa:	Tourists from most countries (EU, USA, etc.) do not need visa. A valid passport is required only.
Electricity:	220V, 50Hz
Electric Plug Details:	Standard European

Sicily convertible driving tours

Sicily is Italy's largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, an ancient meeting point between East and West, Africa and Europe. It's also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its varied landscape, cuisine, and fascinating history. Because of its strategic location, Sicily has been invaded over the centuries by many armies and was once the site of Roman, Greek and Phoenician colonies. For history buffs and interested tourists, remnants of those cultures remain to this day.

Roads and Riding

Roads vary in quality. Some, like the main autostradas (motorways), are good, but small rural roads can be dodgy, especially after heavy rain when axle-breaking potholes appear and landslides lead to road closures. Sicily has a limited network of motorways, strade statali (state roads) and strade provinciali (provincial roads), which are sometimes little more than country lanes, provide access to some of the most beautiful scenery and the small towns and villages.

Climate and Environment, When to Go

Sicily is blessed with a sunny climate, with coastal temperatures rarely dipping below 15°C. The best times to visit Sicily are from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is usually good, prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists. Late July and August are the peak of the high season: the sun broils, prices are inflated and the island’s top attractions are awash with a tide of holidaymakers. Most of Italy goes on holiday in this period (known as Ferragosto, literally ‘the August holiday’), and a significant chunk of the population chooses Sicily as its preferred destination.

Sights, People, Food and Drink

Aside from history, architecture and natural beauties, one of Sicily’s greatest attractions is its food. Every village, town and city has a raucous, sense-exploding food market. Traditional recipes are wonderfully preserved, and the restaurants flirt with modern cuisine. The Sicilian attitude towards food is much like its character – a lot of tradition with just a sprinkling of modernity. Sicily ticks all the right boxes for any visitor: history, architecture, culture, food, beaches, and volcanoes – it’s all there. Still this island has more. Its special allure is within its people, whose loyalty to tradition keeps their culture aflame.

Facts for the Traveler: Sicily

Capital city:	Palermo
Population:	5 million
Land area:	25,711 sq km
Official language:	Italian
National currency:	Euro
Religion:	Roman Catholic (73%)
Time zone:	Central European Time (GMT+1)
International dialing number:	+39
Visa:	Tourists from most countries (EU, USA, etc.) do not need visa. A valid passport is required only.
Electricity:	220V, 50Hz
Electric Plug Details:	Standard European

Tuscany convertible driving tours

Tuscany is blessed with a postcard perfect countryside to cruise in. Roads curve through lush green fields and over gentle rolling hillsides. Drivers pass through medieval villages and Chianti wine grape vineyards. Tuscany also, has the great Renaissance cities, with their outstanding art and architecture.

Roads and Riding

The roads in Tuscany are very good, however Tuscany is a heavily touristed part of Italy and the roads can be busy, even in the spring and autumn. Expect some slowing and delays with tourist traffic in the countryside. Cities, especially Florence, can also be busy.

Climate and Environment, When to Go

Tuscany's summers can be long and hot. The most pleasant open top driving weather is in the spring and autumn.

Sights, People, Food and Drink

Tuscany's landscape is everything it is fabled to be. Cruising through so much beauty is truly a pleasure. The medieval villages are delightful. The cities, especially Florence, deliver all the Renaissance treasures people expect from Italy. Tuscany's regional dishes range from hearty soups, pasta with cannellini (white beans) and grilled meats. Produce is locally-grown in the nearby countryside, as is the grapes to make the Chianti wine.

Facts For the Traveler: Tuscany

Capital city:	Florence
Population:	3.7 million
Land area:	22,985 sq km
Official language:	Italian
National currency:	Euro
Religion:	mostly Roman Catholic
Time zone:	Central European Time (GMT+1)
International dialing number:	+39
Visa:	Tourists from most countries (EU, USA, etc.) do not need visa. A valid passport is required only.
Electricity:	220V, 50Hz
Electric Plug Details:	Standard European

Sardinia convertible driving tours

Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean. Inhabited since Paleolithic times, Sardinia has seen an influx of foreigners over the centuries: Phoenicians, Romans, Pisans, Genovese and Spaniards. Each has left their legacy on Sardinia, though the proud Sardi have interpreted it in their own distinctive way.

Roads and Driving

Sardinia is geographically distinct and very different from mainland Italy. Ruggedly mountainous in the center of the island, while coastal routes follow stretches of beautiful Mediterranean seaside. Sardinia has experienced heavy infrastructure investment by the government, and the roads are in exceptional condition. You will find some of the best roads for open top driving in Europe on Sardinia.

Climate and Environment, When to Go

Sardinia is practically empty of tourists in the spring and fall, so driving enthusists have the roads to themselves. These roads are the best kept secret in Europe, for they are truly a pleasure to drive. Tourist traffic increases in the summer, especially in August, as many Europeans flock to the Sardinian coast for their summer holidays. Sardinia has a mild Mediterranean climate, and is nice to cruise in at any time of year.

Sights, People, Food and Drink

Sardinia has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, and the stone fortresses of this period, called nuraghe, are still scattered throughout the island today. Though inhabited by a variety of invaders over the centuries, the Sardi remain a proud and independent people who have absorbed and interpreted all the different cultures in their own way. Meals in Sardinia will inevitably include seafood cooked with Mediterranean ingredients.

Facts for the Traveler: Sardinia

Capital city:	Cagliari
Population:	1.6 million
Land area:	24,090 sq km
Official language:	Italian
National currency:	Euro
Religion:	Roman Catholic
Time zone:	Central European Time (GMT+1)
International dialing number:	+39
Visa:	Tourists from most countries (EU, USA, etc.) do not need visa. A valid passport is required only.
Electricity:	220V, 50Hz
Electric Plug Details:	Standard European

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Tours in Italy

Guided tours Self-guided tours

Alps Deluxe

Days: 15 days / 13 driving days from 7.200 €

This is a tour for those particularly adventurous and proficient drivers. We leave Munich to cruise the crest of the Alps through Austria, Switzerl...