One-Week Relaxed Italy Road Trip from Ancona to Rome

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Italy begins when you reach Ancona, where you’ll stay for a total of 2 nights.

Ancona is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. Around 4,023 visitors have rated this fascinating building and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Exploring the food culture in Ancona offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip.

If you’re curious about what Ancona looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Donegal Irish Pub, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,118 reviews.

Posa bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Ancona. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 948 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Italy! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy!

Day 2 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Rome, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 5 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto is waiting for you. This church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,100 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Parco Naturale Regionale Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,515 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Frasassi Caves. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20,728 visitors, this show cave is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Ancona has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Rome. In Rome, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,341 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing 433.

Locals also recommend Roma Sparita as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Roma Sparita as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like D’Angelo Caffè & Gastronomia - Bar Bistro Caffetteria Napoletana a Roma. D’Angelo Caffè & Gastronomia - Bar Bistro Caffetteria Napoletana a Roma is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,054 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Cantina e Cucina. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,907 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Ai Tre Scalini. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Ai Tre Scalini is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,950 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 3 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Italy serves as your introduction to Rome. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Italy and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Rome, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 4,826 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,953 guests, NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Hotel Nord Nuova Roma offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Hotel Nord Nuova Roma is a top-rated budget hotel in Rome with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,325 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Rome. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Rome, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Colosseum. This roman amphitheatre and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Rome, as it welcomes more than 7,400,000 visitors each year. The fascinating Colosseum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 328,821 travelers.

Rome is also home to the captivating Circus Maximus, a local circus and another popular attraction in the city. About 44,741 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Roman Forum is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Italy. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 114,450 travelers, Roman Forum proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Altare della Patria. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you as it does to more than 1,683,070 travelers every year. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing architectural structure and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 49,843 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Pantheon. Every year, travelers of more than 30,000,000 in count gather around this fascinating roman temple and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 189,682 visitors have rated the famous Pantheon an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Rome, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Italy.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Rome, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Rome is Ristorante Amedeo. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,798 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Rome. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,637 customers.

Another alternative is Maccheroni. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,633 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Rome. At VinAllegro, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,167 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Ristorante Tema, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 939 reviews.

Bar Tornatora Rome is also one of the best places in Rome where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 952 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Italy!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you'll explore the best attractions in Rome at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Rome, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Trevi Fountain. This incredible sculpture has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 343,494 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Italy by seeing another popular site in Rome, the wonderful Piazza di Spagna. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 343,494 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Spanish Steps. This monumental staircase has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 57,211 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable piazza del Popolo. This square is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 89,807 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Villa Borghese. This amazing site is a wonderful urban zone of rome with more than 69,749 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Italy. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Rome itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Italy extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Rome. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Coso Ristorante. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,275 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Pierluigi, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Pierluigi is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 1,123 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Ristorante Ad Hoc. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 752 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Rome and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 655 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Tigelleria Romana - Bistrot & Cafè. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 792 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is La Licata. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. La Licata has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,067 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 5 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Italy gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Rome and visit more of its attractions.

Rome has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Piazza Navona, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Piazza Navona has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 158,771 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Castel Sant'Angelo. This city feature got an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from its 72,431 guests. Every year, around 918,591 visitors spend time marveling at this amazing museum.

Another place of interest in the city of Rome is the notable Campo de' Fiori. The popular Campo de' Fiori is a highlight of many travel packages in Rome. As a matter of fact, this remarkable square has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 51,133 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Rome, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous largo di Torre Argentina. Take your time exploring this wonderful square and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from 30,433 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 27,678 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is something to look forward to in Rome.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Rome by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Rome.

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 below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Antica Pesa is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Rome-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 858 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Hostaria Isidoro is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Hostaria Isidoro proved an excellent choice for around 909 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Rome, Cappuccino Bar. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.7 over 5 stars given by 272 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Wine Bar All Brothers. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.4 over 5 stars by 308 customers.

This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from.

Toast to an amazing time in Rome and end day 5 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Italy on a great note!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you’ll explore the area around Vatican City, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night.

Around 38,954 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 131,043 visitors, this amazing sightseeing spot attracts approximately 11,000,000 travelers every year.

This local attraction is an amazing chapel that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 52,083 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Vatican Museums will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Italy more memorable. This remarkable art museum and travel destination inspires over 1,612,530 curious travelers each year. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 133,310 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through Italy is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Italy by joining a traveler-approved tour in Vatican City. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about Vatican City and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Vatican City that will make your self-drive tour in Italy more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of Rome for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of Italy by eating at one of the best restaurants in Rome.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Elegance Cafe - Locale Jazz Roma, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in Rome is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 320 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Old Bar Pasticceria Mariani, another well-known bar in Rome. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 121 reviews.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in Italy is all about!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Ancona, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is waiting for you. This fountain has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,784 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Castle Park. This unique park is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,974 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Luminous fountain. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,564 visitors, this fountain is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Rocca Calascio. This popular frazione and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,578 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else L'aquila has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Ancona. In Ancona, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Bàgolo Caffetteria. Bàgolo Caffetteria is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 423 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Old Fashioned. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 170 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Mixer Bar. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Mixer Bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 123 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Italy is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Ancona.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. To end your relaxing road trip in Italy on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Passetto is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Ancona. This top sight is a popular top-tier point of interest, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,797 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Ancona or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Ancona and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Italy is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.