We've created a 12 day Italy and France itinerary that takes you to incredible culinary destinations without the need for any flights.
Your France and Italy itinerary starts in the South of France and takes you on a journey to Provence, the Cote d'Azur, the Langhe wine region in Piedmont, along the Italian Riviera, and lastly, to Florence and Tuscany.
This itinerary is for you if you're a food and wine enthusiast, enjoy local cultural experiences, road trips, architecture, history and nature.
Overview: France and Italy Itinerary
Days 1-3: Provence- explore the tranquil countryside as you uncover hilltop villages, vibrant local markets, taste rosé wines and enjoy fresh Provencal cuisine. Day 4: Côte d'Azur - continue your journey to the French Riviera and stay in either the glamorous Monte Carlo district of Monaco or the relaxed seaside town of Menton. Days 5-7: Piedmont - relax in the Italian countryside, sample world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and discover the slow food movement in Italy's under-the-radar wine region. Days 8-9: Italian Riviera - unwind in the gorgeous seaside villages of Camogli and Portofino that each have a completely unique character. Days 10-12: Florence and Tuscany - explore the romantic city known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside to taste wines. |
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How to get from France to Italy
Did you know that picking up your rental car in France and returning it in Italy can double the rental cost? We managed to save 50% on our rental by returning our first car in Monaco and taking a train to Savona, Italy. The train system connecting France and Italy is quick and convenient. Once in Savona, we rented a new car for the next leg of our journey in Italy.
France and Italy Itinerary Map
The Route:
- Days 1-3: Pick up your rental car at the Marseille Airport and start your journey in the heart of Provence.
- Day 4: After exploring Provence, drop off your rental car in Monaco. Spend the night either in glamorous Monte Carlo or in the seaside town of Menton.
- Days 5-7: Catch a train to Savona, Italy, and pick up your next rental car for a scenic road trip through the Langhe wine region in Piedmont.
- Days 8-9: Drive from Piedmont to the Italian Riviera and stay along the beachfront in Camogli for the next two nights.
- Days 10-12: Continue your road trip from the Italian Riviera to Florence and drop off your rental car in the city.
Italy and France Itinerary 12 Days
Days 1-3: Provence | Day 4: Cote d'Azur | Days 5-7: Piedmont | Days 8-9: Italian Riviera | Days 9-12: Florence & Tuscany
Days 1 - 3: Provence
Explore the tranquil countryside as you uncover hilltop villages, vibrant local markets, taste rosé wines and enjoy fresh Provencal cuisine
The Luberon region of Provence
Your first three days bring you to the picturesque Luberon region in the heart of Provence. The Luberon is steeped in history, featuring charming hilltop villages and centuries-old vineyards. It's a place of serenity, where local markets, quaint restaurants serving Provençal cuisine and rosé winemaking have deeply influenced Provence's culture.
For those seeking a tranquil getaway, the Luberon region offers breathtaking views, culinary delights, and immersive cultural experiences that embody the essence of Provence.
The drive from the Marseille Airport to the Luberon region is under an hour.
🚙 Compare car rental rates from Marseille Airport.What to do in Provence
See our detailed 3 Day Provence itinerary including where to stay, where to eat and unique places you don't want to miss.
Here are the highlights:
🧺 🎵 Dive into Lourmarin's creative culture, have a picnic by a 15th-century castle, and soak in the lively local market and vibrant old-centre square.
👀 See a panoramic view of the Luberon Valley from atop Bonnieux village.
🥗 Have a scenic lunch in Menerbes and explore the village.
🧡 Walk through the bohemian village of Roussillon and see the striking ochre cliffs.
🪻 Take a scenic drive through the countryside to the enchanting village of Gordes.
👨🍳 Experience Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt and Goult's fresh culinary scene.
✔️ Our top hotel picks: Le Moulin in Lourmarin and Le Clos de la Glycine in Roussillon.Read the full 3 day itinerary here
Day 4: Cote d'Azur
Continue your journey to the French Riviera and stay in either the glamorous Monte Carlo district of Monaco or the relaxed seaside town of Menton
The Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, stretches along the coastline from Saint Tropez to Menton and is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the Luberon region. We recommend returning your rental car in Monaco and spending the night in either Monte Carlo or Menton. The train ride between the two places is only 11 minutes.
If you're looking for glitz and glamour, Monte Carlo is the choice, while Menton offers a laid-back seaside village atmosphere.
Option 1: Experience the high-flying lifestyle in the Monte Carlo district of Monaco
Monte Carlo district in Monaco
Monaco, known as the "playground for millionaires," offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle. With Porsche taxis and Ferraris casually cruising the streets, it's an intriguing and sometimes peculiar destination to visit.
In Monaco, not only do you get to tick another country off your list, you also get to see opulent architectural treasures and iconic spots found nowhere else. It also carries that cool James Bond appeal, as the Monte Carlo district has been used as a filming location many times in these films.
Monaco is an ideal choice if you're willing to splurge and the thought of dressing up for a glamorous night out excites you.
Check out our comprehensive 1 Day Monaco itinerary, complete with where to stay, must-see places and unique things to do.
Here are the highlights:
🛥️ Stroll along Port Hercule to see the impressive mega-yachts.
🌞 Take a walk around Place du Casino plaza during the golden hour and appreciate the Beaux-Arts architecture.
🎤🍸 Listen to live jazz at a 1920s-inspired cocktail bar.
🎰 Dress to the nines and indulge in people-watching at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo.
✔️ Our top hotel picks: Hotel Metropole, Hotel De Paris, Fairmont Monte-Carlo and Novotel Monte Carlo.Read the full 1 day itinerary here
Option 2: Hangout in the relaxed seaside village of Menton
Menton
If Monaco's extravagant lifestyle isn't your preference, consider staying in the laid-back seaside town of Menton. Often overshadowed by its famous French Riviera neighbours, Menton is beloved by locals for its historic Old Town, Baroque-style architecture, high-quality lemons and picturesque Mediterranean coastline.
A bonus is that Menton is more budget-friendly than other French Riviera destinations. Take your time strolling through charming narrow passageways, admire the colourful historic buildings, enjoy beach walks, shop the boutiques and relax at sidewalk cafes to absorb the atmosphere.
Our top hotel picks in Menton:Days 5 - 7: Piedmont
Relax in the Italian countryside, sample world-famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and discover the slow food movement in Italy's under-the-radar wine region
Langhe wine region in Piedmont, Italy
Piedmont, Italy's second-largest region, has remained largely undiscovered by international tourists, but its popularity is growing, especially among Italians seeking a wine retreat in nature.
Known as Piemonte in Italian, this region is gaining recognition for its sustainable luxury accommodations, culinary scene dedicated to the slow-food movement, and unique wine and truffle experiences. Complementing these offerings is a stunning landscape of vine-covered hills set against the backdrop of the Alps, making Piedmont a true Italian treasure.
We recommend spending your three days in the Langhe wine region, home to Piedmont's most renowned wines: Barolo and Barbaresco.
To reach Piedmont, take a train from Monaco or Menton to Savona, Italy, and then pick up your rental car from there. It's just a 1.25-hour drive from Savona to the Langhe wine region of Piedmont.
See 🚆 train rates to Savona and 🚗 car rental rates from SavonaWhat to do in Piedmont
See our detailed 3 Day Piedmont Itinerary, including hotels with scenic views to stay at, exceptional wine tasting experiences, unique dining spots and charming villages to discover.
Here are the highlights:
🍇 Taste renowned Barolo wines at Ceretto, one of the world's best wineries.
🍷 Visit Ca' del Baio, a small family-owned winery producing top-notch Barbaresco wines.
🏘 Explore the enchanting villages of Barbaresco, La Morra, and Barolo.
🥩 🥗 Eat Piedmontese cuisine at some of the Langhe wine region's best restaurants.
✔️ Our top hotel picks: immerse yourself in the gorgeous countryside at Palas Cerequio or Casa di LangaRead the full 3 day itinerary here
Days 8 - 9: Italian Riviera
Unwind in the gorgeous seaside villages of Camogli and Portofino that each have a completely unique character.
Top: Portofino | Bottom: Camogli
Continue your road trip from the vine-covered hills of Piedmont to the Italian Riviera, where pastel-coloured buildings overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
We recommend staying your next two nights in Camogli, one of the Italian Riviera's best-kept secrets. The coastal village is a popular summer getaway for Italians but often missed by international travellers who visit famous seaside villages like Portofino and Cinque Terre nearby. This maintains Camogli's authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere rooted in local culture. It's also a lot cheaper than staying in Portofino nearby.
From Camogli, it's easy to take a day trip to the neighbouring village of Portofino, a luxurious retreat that lures international travellers and the rich and famous on their yachts. While it may lack the authentic local charm found in Camogli, its captivating beauty and glamorous atmosphere make it an exciting visit.
What to do in Camogli and Portofino
See our detailed Camogli and Portofino travel guides to see where to stay, where to swim and the best things to do in the villages.
Here are the highlights:
🏖️ Stay at Hotel Cenobio Dei Dogi, a seafront hotel with its own private beach🍹 Enjoy aperitivos overlooking the sea at golden hour
🍝 🌊 Have a romantic seaside dinner
👙 Soak up the Mediterranean sun at the beach
🫓 Try Revello's famous cheese focaccia
👀 Walk up to Saint Georgie's castle for a scenic viewpoint of Portofino
🛥️✨ People-watch and enjoy lunch along Portofino's fabulous harbour
Read the full Camogli and Portofino travel guides.
Days 10 - 12: Florence and Tuscany
Uncover Florence's history, culture and iconic architectural sights, and take a day trip into the Tuscan countryside to taste wines.
Top: Florence | Bottom: Tuscan countryside
Your journey continues from the Italian Riviera to Florence and the Tuscan countryside. Drop your rental car off in Florence and take your first two days to explore the romantic city known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence is filled with history, culture and iconic architectural sights, and is one of the best cities for shopping we've ever visited.
On the third day, take a day trip to the Chianti wine region in Tuscany to taste renowned Chianti Classico wines and explore medieval hillside villages.
What to do in Florence and Tuscany
See our comprehensive 3 Day Florence and Tuscany Itinerary, including where to stay, iconic sights and unique experiences you don't want to miss.
Here are the highlights:
👢 Stroll and shop Florence's historic centre
🍹 Walk around the Duomo di Firenze and choose a sidewalk cafe for aperitivos
🥪 Eat one of Florence's famous schiacciata sandwiches from All'antico Vinaio
🌞 Walk across Ponte Alla Carraia Bridge at golden hour
🧺 Enjoy a sunset picnic with panoramic city views
🍷 Order a glass of wine from a wine window steeped in history
🎉 Immerse yourself in Oltrarno's vibrant local scene
🍸 Drink cocktails at one of the world's best bars
🍇 Explore quaint medieval villages and visit impressive wineries in the Chianti wine region
✔️ Our top hotel picks: 25hours Hotel Florence Piazza San Paolino or BSJ15Read the full 3 day itinerary here
We hope you enjoyed this 12 day Italy and France itinerary!
Get started on booking your trip to France and Italy
- 🌃 Accommodation: Book your stay in Provence, Monaco/Menton, Piedmont, Camogli and Florence. Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚙 Reserve your car rental in the South of France: see Rentalcars.com to compare car rental prices across different companies.
- 🚆 Book your train from the South of France to Italy: compare rates with Trainline
- 🚗 Reserve your car rental in Italy: see Rentalcars.com to compare car rental prices across different companies.
- 🤠 Browse tours with local guides: through Viator and GetYourGuide.
Don't miss our other France and Italy itineraries:
- 2 Weeks in Italy including the Amalfi Coast
- 5 Day Tuscany itinerary to Siena, Chianti and Montalcino
- 1 Week Florence and Tuscany itinerary
- 4 Day Florence and Tuscany itinerary
- 1 Week Paris and Provence itinerary
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