Hi everyone,
This is my second post in a series of discussions in which I am sharing some findings on the way people curate, organize and share travel content. The main objective here is to engage in conversations with the broader Travel Massive community.
The first topic was covering the different sources used by travellers to collect travel inspiration and information and is available here:
travelmassive.com/posts/what-is-your-go-to-source-for-travel-information-737921570
Now, I would like to dig deeper in some of those information sources and understand what makes them attractive / trustworthy sources. The second topic therefore relates to the current usage of travel guidebooks.
Here's a summary of my findings based on numerous interviews:
Travel guidebooks have long been a popular resource for travellers looking for information about destinations, attractions, accommodations, and more. With the rise of digital technology, however, many people are now turning to o...
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I had a great time on a tour of Krakow in a Trabant! The company was Crazy Guides.
Our London tours are in the Iconic London Taxi and when the new edition added a glass roof, i couldn't be happier. Also in London in the very iconic vintage mini you will see Big City Small Car flying about - Red White and Blue. It always makes me smile when i see them.
Hi Timo,
I would like to contribute to this discussion because of my passion ❤️ for Italy. I've done my best to keep short.😀
(Part I)
Italy is a great destination for vintage car tourism and in perfect slow-drive exploration or speed-drive style and a variety of vehicles that cater to all tastes — from historic, vintage cars and modern classics models to retro "hippie" vans, and high-end luxury models and iconic two-wheelers like the Vespa and Lambretta, making it a car lover's paradise. It's the best way to discover the natural and cultural beauties of the regions, towns and villages crossed, to have a real interaction with the locals and to live their culture, traditions, folklore and music.
Driving through Italy is the ideal way to immerse in the country's cultural and natural beauty. Navigate through picturesque regions, charming cities, and quaint villages, gaining a deeper understanding of Italy’s rich traditions, folklore, and even local music. Along the way, exclusive access to hidden gems and unique sites offers an unparalleled travel experience.
Here is a brief list of some popular destinations, regions, towns and villages, to consider for car lovers:
Lombardy — Milan: known for its fashion and finance, Milan also boasts a thriving car culture. Head into the surrounding Lombardy region for scenic drives through rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns (Varese, Mantova, Bergamo, Pavia, Valcamonica, Bormio, Livigno).
The Northern lakes — Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda—invite drivers to cruise along their shores, with views of stunning villas, manicured gardens, and dramatic landscapes.
Piedmont (Langhe and Roero Wine Regions): Explore the captivating landscapes of vineyards, hazelnut groves, and mysterious medieval castles. Turin, with its royal history and majestic palaces, adds a regal touch to the journey.
Valle d’Aosta (Cervinia, Courmayeur): set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps, this region offers exciting routes for mountain driving, with stops at ski resorts and breathtaking alpine views.
Liguria (Genoa, Portofino, Camogli): A coastal escape, driving along Liguria’s stunning coastline takes you past colorful villages, steep cliffs, and Mediterranean views, with Portofino’s luxury charm adding a glamorous touch.
Veneto — Padua, Vicenza and Verona: while Venice is more suitable for boating, nearby Padua, Verona and Vicenza offer scenic routes that pass through romantic vineyards (Valpolicella, Soave, Conegliano, Valdobbiadine, Colli berici) and historical cities, known for their artistic and architectural heritage.
Trentino and the Dolomites: for thrill-seekers, driving through the Dolomites offers a mix of sharp turns, mountain passes, and awe-inspiring views of the jagged peaks, perfect for testing both vintage and modern cars.
(to be continued)
(Part II)
Tuscany: Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful cities in Italy: Florence, Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato e Siena. Florence, the region's capital is an open-air museum, where you can stroll for days discovering architectural masterpieces. Besides it is also the famed wine regions — Chianti, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, Val di Chiana, Val d’Orcia, Scansano, offering breathtaking drives through vineyards and medieval towns, where you can stop to taste world-class wines. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and historical towns, making it a picture-perfect route for leisurely drives.
Emilia Romagna: is the land of good living and gourmet flavours. The main cities: Bologna, Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Ferrara, Piacenza and Ravenna — these cities are famous for their food, but they also offer excellent driving routes through the region, known for its Motor Valley (home to Ferrari and Lamborghini) and beautiful countryside.
Umbria: Known as Italy’s green heart, it offers peaceful drives through rolling hills, olive groves, and medieval towns like Assisi and Perugia, steeped in history and spirituality.
Lazio — Rome: A city where ancient history meets modernity, driving in Rome allows you to experience iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City, while venturing beyond to the Roman countryside.
Campania: Campania offers landscapes, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition that the whole world envies. Napoli, Sorrento, the archaeological area of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — UNESCO heritage sites, a consistently mild climate, lush nature framing breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt villages and fairy-tale coastlines: Amalfi Coast: One of Italy’s most famous driving routes, the Amalfi Coast boasts winding roads perched above azure seas, passing through colorful towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi. The drive offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Puglia — Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Martina Franca: Puglia’s sun-kissed landscapes are perfect for exploring in a classic car, with stops at the famous trulli houses of Alberobello and the whitewashed towns of Ostuni and Locorotondo.
The Islands: Elba, Sicily, and Sardinia: Each of these islands offers its own driving paradise. Sardinia's coastal roads, Sicily’s historic towns and Mount Etna, and Elba's tranquil beaches and rich history make them ideal for exploration by car.
Everywhere you go in Italy, the local cuisine and fine wines are essential parts of the experience, making every stop along your journey a feast for the senses.
Additionally, Italy hosts exclusive car rallies for enthusiasts, offering the chance to experience Italian culture and style in a more interactive, experiential way.
In short, Italy’s car tourism—whether on four or two wheels—is available in all regions, big cities, and small villages, making it the ultimate destination for those who love both driving and culture.
Let me know if I can do anything else, I'd love to!
Best, Nona — exclusive-italy.it
To add to Nona's excellent list on Italy, there is a great option in Capri with cute Fiat 500's!