Car Rental Italy

Car rental in Italy is your key to unlocking the ancient history and unrivalled sights of this magnificent destination – whether it’s indulging in the splendour of the Italian Lakes or feasting on fine food in Bologna.

Italy has a comprehensive network of highways – known as Autostrade – and scenic, winding roads that connect everything this alluring country has to offer.

Journeys between the major cities are relatively straightforward, while there are plenty of opportunities to experience the romantic rural backroads of the Italian countryside.

The easiest way to get around is by using the well-connected Autostrade. The A1 is the spine of Italy’s road network, connecting fashion-forward Milan with artistic Naples in the south, via the ancient sites of Rome.

Keep heading south along the coast from Naples to Pompeii and find the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast. The E35 takes you inland, connecting Rome to the cultural hub of Florence and foodie paradise Bologna. Be aware that many of the Autostrade have tolls.

The speed limit in Italy’s built-up areas is 50km/h. Outside these you’ll need to keep to a maximum of 90km/h, and on Autostrade you shouldn’t exceed 130km/h – which can be reduced in wet weather.

It’s compulsory to use dipped headlights outside of built-up areas and passengers must wear seatbelts where fitted.

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, and many historic towns and city centres in Italy have Limited Traffic Zones.

These are designed to reduce congestion in important areas and limit the impact on the historic buildings and other landmarks, so access is restricted to local vehicles with permits.

Look out for signs warning of a ‘ZTL’ ahead - these usually carry a red circle and show the times during which the restriction is in place.

Regular car ferries run from the south of Italy to the seafood and sunshine of Sicily and from the east to the pristine beaches of Sardinia.

Italy oozes effortless style and simmers with passion. Get to know the country’s fashionable cities, ancient ruins and tantalizing cuisine that make it a country that’s perfect for exploration.

Outdoor living

The north of Italy is nature’s playground. The spectacular Italian Alps are home to first-rate ski resorts, while the Dolomites are a labyrinth of hiking trails and show-stopping mountain views.

Stop in fashionable Milan for cappuccinos and a side order of designer window shopping, or head to Lake Como or Lake Garda for complete relaxation. The shores of these great lakes lap against charming towns that are just begging to be discovered.

A warren of turquoise canals gives the impression that Venice is floating on the Adriatic. Enjoy open-air dining in the many secret squares, or drift down the canals in a gondola.

Visit nearby Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and city of romance.

Sample world-famous food

The Tuscan countryside around Florence is the image of quintessential Italy. Ancient hilltop towns with ornate bell towers keep watch over sprawling vineyards. The verdant hills are ripe with truffles, and rustic Tuscan food is a staple of Italy.

Gorge on tagliatelle al ragu, the first evolution of spaghetti bolognaise, in its birthplace Bologna. This city is also known as “La Grassa” (the fat one) for its exceptional cuisine – from wafer thin prosciutto, spicy salami and creamy pasta dishes to an array of moreish cheeses.

Pizza lovers should visit the coastal city of Naples, where the first pizza margherita was made. This essential Italian dish is perfect fuel for a day of sightseeing at Pompeii or hiking Mount Vesuvius.

Serene coastal drives

Close to Naples, the Amalfi Coast is a prime bucket-list drive. Colourful towns are hewn into the sides of mountains that drop to the sea below.

This snaking road produces countless sumptuous vistas, while the towns offer natural stopping points where you can immerse yourself in traditional Italian life.

From Genoa to Versilia, this stretch of the Italian Riviera will see you pass through Cinque Terre, Portofino and the Bay of Poets, centuries-old seaside towns perched on cliffs overlooking an emerald sea.

Drive to the heel of Italy to visit Lecce, where dazzlingly ornate baroque architecture and sparkling sea views await in this handsome city.

Devote time to lessons in history

Centre of the Holy Roman Empire and dubbed the world’s largest and greatest outdoor museum, Italy’s capital Rome has endless sites to see.

Tour the iconic Colosseum or step back in time at the Roman Forum. Pop into the world’s smallest country with a visit to the Vatican and its many museums.

A short drive from Naples, the perfectly preserved towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were engulfed by volcanic ash in 79AD. Built in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, time froze here to offer a fascinating window to the past.

See the great works of Botticelli and Michelangelo in Florence – the Tuscan capital was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has a beautiful old town.

Whether it’s good food, the remarkable historic treasures or its unique beauty that first attract you to Italy, this arresting country will get under your skin and leave you wanting more.

Car rental in Italy with Hertz will give you the freedom to see more of this enchanting country, all at your own pace.