One-Week Relaxed Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ancona to Rome

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Italy will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Italy, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ancona, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Loreto may take around 31 min. Upon your arrival in Loreto, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Head to Sanctuary Of The Holy House Of Loreto, a popular church in Loreto. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Serra San Quirico, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Loreto to Serra San Quirico may take around 54 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Serra San Quirico, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Parco Naturale Regionale Gola Della Rossa E Di Frasassi is an underrated nature reserve we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Serra San Quirico, you’ll hit the road in the direction of San Vittore. This drive usually takes around 13 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Frasassi Caves. Spend some time admiring the awe-inspiring features of the cave system before you continue to your next stop.

In the city of Rome, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Italy.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Rome, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Experience a harmony of flavors at La Pergola in Rome by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, La Pergola offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious mediterranean and contemporary menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Il Pagliaccio, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative and innovative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Enoteca La Torre, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional mediterranean and creative menu.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Continue your lively evening at La Botticella Of Poggi Giovanni, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Almalu Trastevere is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar Viminale Di Pepi Maurilio ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Rome, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Rome today. One of the most timeless attractions included on the itinerary is Colosseum. This historic archeological site will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Circus Maximus and learn what makes this breathtaking archeological site unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the iconic Roman Forum. After exploring the archeological site, head to Altare Della Patria. This interesting monument is a highlight in Rome. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the wondrous Pantheon. Enjoy exploring this incredible monument at your own pace.

Italy makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Italy also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Rome, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Make sure to reserve a table at RomAntica, an iconic dining spot in Rome. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Coso Ristorante, a popular restaurant in Rome. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of DEROMA - Farine Romane, a hidden gem nestled in Rome. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Rome.

Keep the evening going at Sant' Eustachio Caffè, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Yellowsquare Rome, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Caffè Portofino, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Rome. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Rome. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Rome!

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Rome, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at Trevi Fountain, a globally renowned monument in the city. Then, head to Piazza Di Spagna and soak in the ambiance of this enchanting public square.

There are many interesting places to see in Rome and when you are ready for more, go to Spanish Steps. This is one of the city’s most top-rated spots. After exploring the public square, visit the top-rated Piazza Del Popolo. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the astonishing Villa Borghese, an astonishing park in the city.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Italy by joining a traveler-approved tour in Rome. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Rome that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Italy more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Rome to find the best options for you!

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Rome has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Dine in style at Hotel de Russie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Taverna Italiana boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Parrot Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Rome.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Rome. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Apartment Bar Roma, known for its inviting atmosphere. Hotel Hassler Roma is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Rome, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Rome, and meet locals along the way!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Whether you decide to explore Rome on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Piazza Navona is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this enchanting public square before continuing your journey. Castel Sant'angelo is your next stop. This spectacular castle is one of the best-rated sights in Rome.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Campo De' Fiori. This romantic public square is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Largo Di Torre Argentina and Basilica Di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Italy. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring the food culture in Rome offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Centro? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ristorante Tema as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rome.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Rome.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Italy!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Rome and visit amazing attractions in Vatican City destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Rome. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vatican City, Vatican City. This car ride takes around 10 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Saint Peter's Square. Then, head to St. Peter's Basilica. This globally renowned major basilica is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Sistine Chapel. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the chapel. Next, continue your journey to Vatican Museums, a globally renowned art museum.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Rome and your accommodation.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Rome, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ristorante Va. Do. , highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Giulia Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at L'Archeologia as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Rome.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Italy.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Italy promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of L'aquila and drive in the direction of the hamlet of Rocca Calascio for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Ancona, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in L'aquila’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Rome, you’ll hit the road in the direction of L'aquila. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 28 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take your self-guided tour to Fountain Of The 99 Water Spouts, a frequently visited monument that everyone visiting L'aquila should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Castle Park. This mesmerizing park is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Luminous Fountain, a culturally significant monument, popular among locals as well as travelers.

Set your GPS to Rocca Calascio and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 44 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rocca Calascio beckons with new experiences!

Head to Rocca Calascio, a frequently visited castle in Rocca Calascio. Explore its enchanting features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Ancona in this laid-back road trip in Italy. You'll stay here for 1 night.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Ancona, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Ancona by reserving a table at Sot'Ajarchi. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of seafood and from the marches cuisine. Looking for something different? Bontà delle Marche offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Ancona.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Ancona. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Alla Tazza D'oro, known for its inviting atmosphere.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Italy. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Italy tomorrow with new energy.