Nothing beats the enigma of exploring the architectural brilliance of famous Italian monuments on a road trip. Luxury car rental in Italy promises one-of-a-kind experiences.
From the historic city of Rome to the dramatic coastal regions of Cinque Terre or the charming sunshine towns, Italy is a perfect concoction of mesmerising scenic beauty, rich heritage and architectural masterpieces. The country has seen the rise of the glorious Roman Empire and the revival of European art & literature during the Renaissance. No wonder, it boasts some of the finest monuments that are worth visiting on your trip to Italy.
Particularly on an exotic road trip!
Not sure how to make your road trip memorable? Take our words; luxury car rental in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful monuments and architectural splendour of the country and that too at your own pace. If you have a keen interest in art and architecture and appreciate Italy’s rich heritage, taking a road trip in a prestige car can be your best bet.
Luxury car hire in Italy allows you to get up, close and personal with the famous monuments, taking your own time to witness their architectural brilliance intently. You can conveniently reach anywhere in a car, even where public transportation cannot take you. Furthermore, driving a lavish car through the streets of Italy is itself an experience worth cherishing forever.
While there are numerous monuments in Italy, here are some of the most charming architectural marvels that are simply unmissable on your road trip. So, let’s dive in.
Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum tops our list, being one of the most extraordinary monuments to visit in Italy. The historic Flavian Amphitheatre witnesses over 6 million footfalls every year, presenting its colossal architecture that dates back to more than 2,000 years. It will take you back to the Roman era when the Colosseum witnessed the nerve-wracking gladiator fights, merciless execution of prisoners, exotic animals, and much more. Today, it is honoured as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Tip: Drive straight through the Via Fori Imperiali at the centre of Rome and reach the Colosseum by car. Pay parking slots are available near the monument.
Florence Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
Designed by Giotto di Bondone, the famous Italian architect and painter, The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world. The charming monument dominates the skyline of Florence and is one of the must-visit places when you rent a luxury car in Italy.
The cathedral is famous for its gigantic dome and its 82-metres tall bell tower that features the archetypal patterned marble as you can see in Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Opposite the cathedral is a beautiful baptistery, renowned for its bronze-panelled doors. However, the exquisitely crafted original panels are preserved in the cathedral museum to protect against weathering.
Tip: Book a luxury car rental in Italy from Palagio degli Spini and you can drive straight to the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. However, the streets in Florence are very narrow and you’d need to follow several traffic regulations. So, it can be difficult driving in the city. You can consider parking the car at any reliable point and cover the rest of the journey on your foot.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World and a popular tourist attraction in Italy. This monumental structure is the campanile of the cathedral of Pisa and is globally famous for its four-degree lean, which is actually a design flaw. It stands proudly on the Piazza Dei Miracoli, nestled along with a freestanding round baptistery and the stunning Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The structures feature remarkable works of stone carving, dating back to the medieval era.
Tip: If you are considering visiting Pisa via roadways, you can take the main road, Autostrada del Sole which is well-connected to various parts of Italy. However, the centre of the city is restricted for car traffic and is considered a LTZ area (limited traffic zones). So, you need to be careful not to drive in this part of the city. To visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will have to find a paid or free parking lot and take a walk or public transportation to reach the monument.
St. Peter’s Basilica
If you want to witness breathtaking Baroque and Renaissance art, a drive to St. Peter’s Basilica is a must. A centre of Christendom, it is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica is a primary tourist attraction that will take you on a ride through iconic Roman history. You can witness numerous sculptures and monuments curated by legendary artists. Some must-visits are Michelangelo’s Pieta by Bernini, baldachin, the tomb of Urban VIII, the bronze cathedral of St. Peter, and the statue of St. Longinus.
Sr. Peter’s Basilica features the world’s tallest dome, providing a mesmerising view of the Vatican City. It is associated with the country’s rich history, including the Early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. With so much to see and experience, it is indeed a recommended visit to have the most of your luxury car hire experience in Italy.
Tip: The Basilica is only a 26-minute drive from Fiumicino Airport.
St. Mark’s Basilica
To experience the sheer grandeur of historical art and architecture, visit St. Mark’s Basilica – one of the most popular monuments in Venice. The striking features of the basilica include its domes overlooking the Piazza San Marco, decorative Byzantine-inspired façade and vast interiors with spectacular mosaic artwork. The high altar of the basilica is covered in jewels and gold.
Tip: When you arrive by car, you need to park it at Piazzale Rome, where three parking lots are available all day long. You can also leave the car in Marghera or Mestre mainlands, and reach Venice by train or bus.
Conclusion
Italy is dotted with numerous famous monuments that represent the astounding art and architecture of the ancient eras. Luxury car rental in Italy offers a great opportunity to experience the exquisiteness of these architectural marvels in sheer comfort and expediency.
