Driving from Florence to Rome: what to see on a road trip
If you are planning to visit both Florence and Rome, a good idea is to rent a car, take a road trip and stop to visit other beautiful small towns and villages. Tuscany and Lazio are regions full of gorgeous places to visit, charming ancient villages and beautiful Italian countryside landscapes. So I put together my tips on what to see between Florence and Rome on a road trip. They are places I know well and have visited often… I hope you’ll find it useful for planning your travel!
- Read also my tips for renting a car in Florence.
- Tips about parking in Florence
- Getting from Rome to Florence by train (and vice versa)
What to see driving from Florence to Rome
I have listed the places to visit along the route in order from Florence to Rome, of course these tips also apply if you want to take the opposite route!
Arezzo
A lovely medieval town in the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo is famous for Piero della Francesca’s Renaissance frescoes in the Cathedral and in the San Domenico church. But also for its antiques market (every first Sunday of the month) and shops. Don’t miss its beautiful Piazza Grande, with stone buildings covered with coats of arms, and the panoramic view from the Medici Fortress.
Siena
Siena is one of the most beautiful and rich in history cities of Tuscany, almost unmissable. I love the ancient Piazza del Campo, with its Gothic town hall and the Torre del Mangia. Not to mention the splendid cathedral, and the historic center made up of characteristic alleys. Art lovers will find museums and churches full of medieval and Renaissance art, while foodies can enjoy the excellent local cuisine.
- Last time I was in Siena I stayed in this hotel and I loved it!
Cortona
Nestled in the Val di Chiana valley, Cortona is a very characteristic medieval village, made famous by the novel Under the Tuscan Sun. Here you can visit the Etruscan museum, ancient monasteries in the countryside and take walks in the historic center. Cortona is also famous for its great food and extra virgin olive oil (in November there is an important olive oil festival).
Montepulciano
Known for its noble wine (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano), this medieval village nestled on the top of a hill is surrounded by vineyards. You can enjoy the view of the village and the Tuscan countryside from the top of the Palazzo Comunale tower. This is the perfect stop for wine lovers on a road trip between Florence and Rome!
Perugia
Perugia is the capital of the region of Umbria, but it is also the Italian capital of chocolate (yes, Perugina chocolate and Baci were born here)! Apart from that, Perugia is a beautiful medieval town set on a hill and still surrounded by ancient walls. Do not miss the Fontana Maggiore, a marble fountain decorated with zodiac signs, a masterpiece of medieval sculpture. And then the Gothic cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori with its art collection. This is one of the best places to visit between Florence and Rome.
Orvieto
Orvieto is one of my favorite villages, a medieval town perched on a rocky spur, with an Etruscan past that can be discovered underground. There are many churches rich in art, especially the Duomo with the Corporale and San Brizio chapels. The Torre del Moro tower is the perfect place from which to enjoy the panoramic view. Don’t forget to visit the famous and suggestive St. Patrick’s Well!
- Check Altarocca Wine Resort in Orvieto for a great agriturismo with vineyards and wine tasting experiences.
Viterbo
Viterbo was the seat of the papacy for over twenty years during the 1200s, and is still today is a medieval gem to see between Rome and Florence. The historic center is one of the most intact in Europe, with the ancient Palazzo dei Papi, the cathedral and the Rocca square. For archeology lovers, I recommend visiting the National Etruscan Museum.
- When I visited Orvieto I spent one night at Torre di Vico, a 12th century tower with gorgeous rooms.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregio is known as the dying city. It’s an ancient village build on the soft and friable local rock, tufo, that is literally crumbling due to erosion. Today there are only 11 people still living in Civita di Bagnoregio, and the only access to the town is through a bridge. Don’t miss the chance to see this Italian ghost town before it’s gone!
Driving from Florence, we have now arrived in Rome and it is time to visit the capital!
Tips for a road trip from Florence to Rome
Here are some general tips to better organize your road trip in Italy.
How long does it takes to drive from Florence to Rome?
Without making any stops it takes about 3 hours by car to go from Florence to Rome (and vice versa), using the A1 Autostrada (highway). But in the event of traffic jams, road works or traffic accidents it may take longer, so be prepared for the unexpected.
Each stop along the way means leaving the highway and taking secondary roads, which are still easy to drive and offer magnificent views of the Italian countryside.
How many stops along the way?
This mainly depends on how many days you want to dedicate to the road trip. If you want to get from Florence to Rome in one day, you will only have time to make one or two quick stops. But you can think of spending one or more nights along the way, and add other stops to the journey.
Rental car for a road trip frome Florence to Rome
To find a rental car at the cheapest price, I recommend using rentalcars.com, a price comparator of the major car rental companies, which helps you find the right car for you at the best price.
I hope this post was useful for you to organize your road trip in Italy, and decide what to see between Florence and Rome. Let me know which stops you will make by leaving me a comment!