Cheap 12-Day Italy Road Trip from Rome traveling south to Naples, Cosenza, and Province of Salerno

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Rome, where you'll stay for 5 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Rome and begin your adventure in Italy.

Rome is a popular cheap holiday destination in Italy with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Italy, Rome is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Rome, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Tonnarello, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 62,881 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922, so you'll want to drop by this place. Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,946 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Rome is Cantina e Cucina. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,907 customers.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Rome, RoYaL Art Cafè Roma. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,972 bar-goers.

Ai Tre Scalini is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Rome, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,950 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Centro, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,488 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, Rome. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Rome!

Touring the best attractions in Italy offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Italy you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Italy. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Italy.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Rome has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One musty-try restaurant is 433. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,341 customers.

Roma Sparita is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,073 reviews. Roma Sparita is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Ristorante Amedeo. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,798 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

DEROMA - Farine Romane is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,432 customers.

Hotel Hassler Roma is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Hotel Hassler Roma has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 895 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Rome.

You might also want to cap the night off at VinAllegro, a fascinating bar that 1,167 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Day 3’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Rome, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Rome. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Italy, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Rome that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,637 reviews.

You can also check out Maccheroni. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,633 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is RomAntica. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,462 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Visit Ristorante Tema, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 939 customers.

La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Rome. Customers have rated La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 655 reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Italy. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Italy!

On day 4 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Italy, you’ll go deep into Vatican City, making the most of your 2 nights in the country. To learn more of the country's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Vatican City, and meet locals along the way!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Italy sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Italy. Italy has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Italy that will fill you with new inspiration.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Rome, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Coso Ristorante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,275 customers.

Another dining option is Bono Bottega Nostrana - Piazza Di Spagna. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Bono Bottega Nostrana - Piazza Di Spagna has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 877 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Rome, Caffè Portofino. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,675 bar-goers.

The Apartment Bar Roma is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Rome, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,701 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Harry's Bar, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,667 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Rome!

On day 5 of your affordable vacation in Italy, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Rome. You’ll start exploring in Rome. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Italy, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Gaeta. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Rome.

Savor the culinary delights of Rome, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Tigelleria Romana - Bistrot & Cafè. This bar is considered one of the best in Rome and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Eataly Roma, rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 11,565 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Italy. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Italy!

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Naples, where you'll be staying for 3 nights. On your way to Naples, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Gaeta and Naples.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Rome, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Gaeta may take around 2 hours 15 min. Upon your arrival in Gaeta, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Gaeta and set your GPS to Naples. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 47 min. Upon reaching Naples, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While exploring Italy is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Naples has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Naples on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Italy, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Naples that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular La Locanda Gesù Vecchio. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 899 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Italy is OAK Napoli Wine And Craft Beer. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 764 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Ristorante Amici Miei. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 752 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into L'antiquario. This bar is considered one of the best in Naples and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 customers.

You may also want to check out The Penny Black. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. The Penny Black is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,754 customers.

Alternatively, head out to L'Oca Nera Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,766 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Day 7 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Naples!

Make your vacation in Italy more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Italy and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Naples, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

We recommend a local favorite like La Lazzara Trattoria e Pizzeria. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,927 customers.

Trattoria Castel Nuovo is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Naples. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,735 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Naples you might want to check out is Al Vecchio 53 Restaurant. Al Vecchio 53 Restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,352 reviews.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Shanti Art Musik Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,223 customers.

Archivio Storico - Cocktail Bar & Wonderfood is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 930 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Gran Caffè Gambrinus, rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 10,688 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Italy! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Naples!

Day 8 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Naples, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Naples, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Naples and the culture of past or present-day Italy.

Savor the culinary delights of Naples, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Antichi Sapori Partenopei Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 983 customers.

Ristorante e Pizzeria Stella is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,244 customers.

Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 11,142 reviews.

One great example is Babette Pub. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,640 customers.

Gran Caffè Cimmino is another popular bar in Naples. If you ask the 1,355 customers who have rated it an average of 4 out of 5 stars, Gran Caffè Cimmino is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Italy with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Italy!

Day 9 of your road trip across Italy is another proof that cheap holidays in Italy can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 4 wonderful destinations — Pompei, Ercolano, Ercolano, and Cosenza.

After soaking in Naples’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ercolano. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 24 min. When you arrive in Ercolano, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Archaeological Park of Pompeii. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,465 visitors.

Cosenza’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Pompei behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 59 min. Cosenza welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Cosenza offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Italy. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Italy shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Cosenza is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Ristorante Al Girone dei Golosi Cosenza, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 959 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend RISTORANTE ENOTECA AL VICOLETTO, so you'll want to drop by this place. RISTORANTE ENOTECA AL VICOLETTO serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 650 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Cosenza is Il Bufalo Bianco. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 587 customers.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend La Bodega, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is People Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 417 customers.

1930 is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 153 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Italy! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Cosenza!

Day 10 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 5 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Province of Salerno, Morano Calabro, Amalfi, Ravello, and Province of Salerno. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Province of Salerno.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Ravello and set your GPS to Amalfi. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching Amalfi, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Set your GPS to Province of Salerno and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 53 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Province of Salerno beckons with new experiences!

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Province of Salerno. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Province of Salerno, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Province of Salerno, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Embarcadero. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,917 customers.

Another dining option is Osteria Angolo Masuccio. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Osteria Angolo Masuccio has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 964 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Osteria dei Sapori for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 810 customers have rated the irresistible Osteria dei Sapori an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Black Roses Irish Pub is our number one recommendation. Around 732 customers have rated this bar 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Dòmo i' vinaino Wine Bar - Enogastronomia also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 209 reviews.

The Black Monday speakeasy TBM is another popular place to spend the evening in Province of Salerno. This bar is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 187 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

On day 11 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Caserta, San Leucio-complex, Tivoli, and Rome. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Rome.

When you’ve had your share of Province of Salerno, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Caserta. Your travel time is around 1 hour 7 min.

Kick off the day at Palace of Caserta, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 296,577 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This mountain park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 36,840 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Giardini Reali - Parco Reggia di Caserta. Giardini Reali - Parco Reggia di Caserta is a sightseeing destination with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,740 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Tivoli. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 2 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Villa d'Este. This giardino all'italiana typically receives around 139,855 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,000 reviews.

Rome’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Tivoli behind. This drive usually takes around 45 min. Rome welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

While exploring Italy is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Rome has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Rome on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Rome, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Rome.

A road trip vacation in Caserta can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy!

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Rome.

Optimize your last day in Italy and go on a shopping spree in Rome’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Italy, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Rome.

You’ll then say farewell to Rome. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Italy!