Self-drive road trip · Italy
The Eternal City and authentic Abruzzo at your own pace
Per person, estimatedUS$1,929
This carefully curated journey combines the timeless highlights of Rome with the authentic cultural depth of L’Aquila, Italy’s Capital of Culture 2026. It is designed for travelers who wish to experience Italy beyond the usual routes, blending iconic landmarks with a lesser-known cultural gem in the heart of the Apennine mountains. The itinerary offers a relaxed pace, centrally located 4★ hotels, private transfers, guided cultural visits, and time to enjoy Italy’s cuisine, history, and landscapes without rush.Combine the timeless highlights of Rome with the culture, mountain scenery and historic character of L’Aquila and Abruzzo. After three nights in the Eternal City, drive into the Apennines for a slower-paced stay among restored landmarks, traditional villages and dramatic landscapes. L’Aquila’s legacy as Italy’s Capital of Culture 2026 adds another layer to this rewarding journey beyond the usual Italian routes.
US$1,929per person
US$3,858total for 2 travelers
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Centrally located 4 hotels in both cities
Private transfers throughout — no stress
L'Aquila: Italy's Capital of Culture 2026
Go beyond Rome and see a side of Italy most visitors never find
Relaxed pace with free time built in
Scenic Apennine landscapes and unspoiled Abruzzo countryside
Guided cultural visits included
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Arrival in Rome
Your stay in Arrival in RomeDays 1–4
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at FIUMICINO (FCO). It's yours for all 7 days.
Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your selected hotel. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and enjoying a first walk through the surrounding neighborhood. Central Rome has restricted traffic zones and limited parking, so use secure hotel or public parking and leave the car parked while sightseeing.
Overnight: Your Vatican Suite, night 1 of 3
After breakfast, discover Rome at your own pace. Recommended highlights within easy reach:
📌Colosseum & Roman Forum
📌Trevi Fountain
📌Pantheon
📌Piazza Navona
📌Spanish Steps Optional guided tours or skip-the-line tickets can easily be added.
Overnight: Your Vatican Suite, night 2 of 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is perfect for exploring:
📌Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (optional)
📌St. Peter’s Basilica
📌Trastevere district for lunch or dinner Enjoy the evening with authentic Roman cuisine in a local trattoria.
Overnight: Your Vatican Suite, night 3 of 3
“Your Vatican Suite offers a splendid home-away-from-home experience in Rome's prime location near the Vatican and Ottaviano Metro Station. Guests consistently praise the spacious, immaculate rooms with daily housekeeping, delightful in-room breakfasts, and the exceptionally warm, attentive service from owners Pietro and Diana, who go above and beyond to ensure a relaxed and welcoming stay.”
Included in your trip3 Nights, Viale Giuseppe Mazzini 121, Rome
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Arrival in Rome surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Rome → L’Aquila (Abruzzo)
Your stay in Rome → L’Aquila (Abruzzo)Days 4–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
After breakfast, drive from Rome to L’Aquila, approximately two hours depending on traffic. Check into your selected hotel and begin exploring the restored historic center, the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, elegant squares and cultural landmarks. Celebrated as Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2026, L’Aquila combines resilience, art and living tradition.
Overnight: Hotel La Dimora del Baco, night 1 of 3
Spend the day discovering L’Aquila at your own pace. Visit the National Museum of Abruzzo, explore artisan workshops and enjoy the city’s cafés and regional cuisine. Depending on opening schedules, you may also visit a nearby medieval village or take a short scenic drive into the surrounding hills.
Overnight: Hotel La Dimora del Baco, night 2 of 3
Use your rental car to explore the landscapes of Abruzzo and the Apennines. Choose a traditional village, panoramic mountain route or accessible national-park area, allowing time for a regional lunch before returning to L’Aquila. Route choice should reflect weather and seasonal road conditions.
Overnight: Hotel La Dimora del Baco, night 3 of 3
“La Dimora del Baco offers a serene retreat with stunning grounds and convenient proximity to L'Aquila's center. Guests consistently praise the attentive, welcoming staff, spacious clean rooms with comfortable bedding, and excellent on-site amenities including restaurant, bar, sauna, and wellness facilities—creating a rare sense of belonging and tranquility.”
Included in your trip3 Nights, S.S. 17 Km 31 100
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Rome → L’Aquila (Abruzzo) surprise you.
Return your car at FIUMICINO, then check in for your flight home.
After breakfast, drive from L’Aquila to Rome Fiumicino Airport, return your rental car and continue your journey with wonderful memories of Rome and Abruzzo.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 7 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1FIUMICINO (FCO)
Return, day 7FIUMICINO
Good to knowRates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$3,858
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$1,929 | US$450 | US$349 | US$2,352 |
| Per night | US$322 / night | US$75 / night | US$58 / nightBest | US$392 / night |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights | 7 days, 6 nights | 7 days, 6 nights | 7 days, 6 nights |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
| Stops | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
|---|
| Places | Rome, Áquila | Milano, Verona, Lago di Garda Nord, Como | Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Fuessen, Munich | Zürich, Lausanne, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lucerne |
|---|
| Start and finish | Rome | Milan | Munich | Zurich |
|---|
| On the road |
|---|
| Total driving | About 115 km | About 370 km | About 155 km | About 500 km |
|---|
| Longest drive day | About 115 kmBest | About 175 km | About 115 km | About 215 km |
|---|
| Car included | Economy | Compact | Mini | Yes |
|---|
| Stays and extras |
|---|
| Hotels included | 4-star hotels | 4-star hotels | 2 to 4-star hotels | 3-star hotels |
|---|
| Hotel choice | About 7 hotels per stop | About 9 hotels per stop | About 12 hotels per stopBest | About 10 hotels per stop |
|---|
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
|---|
FromUS$349per person
