Theme routes: Motor Valley (Bologna–Modena–Maranello, 2–3 days, with the official Motor Valley Passport), Ancient Rome beyond Rome (Ostia, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum) and a UNESCO sampler by high-speed train. Seasonal: South Tyrol Christmas markets 27 Nov 2026–6 Jan 2027, Venice Carnival 23 Jan–9 Feb 2027. Families: Gardaland + Lake Garda (tickets online from €44). Active: the summer Sellaronda ran 13 Jun–27 Sep 2026; kayaking, canyoning and volcano hikes only with vetted guides.
Checked 2026-09-24 · Italy · Itineraries
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Motor Valley | Bologna–Modena–Maranello · Passport |
| Christmas | South Tyrol 27 Nov 2026–6 Jan 2027 |
| Carnival | Venice 23 Jan–9 Feb 2027 |
| Family | Gardaland from €44 online · 28 Mar–1 Nov 2026 |
| Stelvio | 2,758 m · 88 hairpins · roughly May–Nov |
| Camper | Overnight only in marked areas |
Grand tours by theme
Motor Valley
Ancient Rome beyond Rome
UNESCO sampler
Leonardo, opera and mosaics
Seasonal routes 2026–27
| Route | Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| South Tyrol Christmas markets | 27 Nov 2026–6 Jan 2027 | Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno, Brunico — by train and bus |
| Trentino Christmas markets | e.g. Riva del Garda 13 Nov 2026–6 Jan 2027 · Levico 22 Nov–6 Jan · Canazei 27 Nov–27 Dec | Dates differ by market |
| Venice Carnival | 2027: 23 Jan–9 Feb | Programme can change |
| Viareggio Carnival | 2026 parades: 1, 7, 12, 15, 17, 21, 26 Feb | 2027 dates not yet checked |
| Alba White Truffle Fair | 10 Oct–6 Dec 2026 | Book market, hunt and driver |
| Infiorata | Villafrati 13–14 Jun 2026; other towns around Corpus Christi | Check each town every year |
| Harvest, foliage, blossom, lavender | Typical windows only | Never guaranteed on a date |
Sources: South Tyrol and Trentino tourism boards, Carnevale di Venezia, Carnevale di Viareggio, Fiera del Tartufo, Infiorata Villafratese — checked 24 Sep 2026.
Family and easy routes
Gardaland + Lake Garda
Easy rail and lake trips
Accessibility
Water and active
Sellaronda and Dolomiti Superski
Sea kayaking, canyoning, rafting
Thermal route
Motorbike and camper
Stelvio and the Dolomite passes
Camper rules
ACI · Highway Code art. 7 ↗ · ACI · camper users guide (PDF) ↗
Trips that combine route types
| Trip | Days | What’s in it |
|---|---|---|
| Bernina Express + Tirano + Lake Como + Milan | 4–5 | Rail ticket, a night in Tirano, Como ferry |
| Aeolian islands + Circumetnea + Etna wine | 6–8 | Ferries, island hotels, FCE ticket, volcano guide |
| Via degli Dei + Bologna food + Florence | 7 | Stage hotels, luggage, food tour |
| Prosecco hills + Venice lagoon | 4 | Driver, cellars, vaporetto |
| Chianti + Montalcino + Tuscan spa | 5–7 | Driver, wineries, agriturismo, spa night |
| Sentiero del Viandante + Lake Como ferry | 4–5 | Stage hotels, luggage, rail and ferry |
| Motor Valley + Parmigiano + Bologna | 3 | Passport, factory visits, dairy |
| South Tyrol Christmas + Merano–Malles | 4–5 | Bolzano/Merano hotels, trains |
| Gardaland + Lake Garda + Verona Arena | 3 | Park tickets, family hotel, ferry |
Quick answers
When are the South Tyrol Christmas markets in 2026?
27 November 2026–6 January 2027 in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico.
When is Venice Carnival 2027?
23 January–9 February 2027, per the official programme.
When does the summer Sellaronda run?
In 2026 it ran 13 June–27 September; winter has its own ski calendar.
Can I sleep in a campervan anywhere in Italy?
No — use campsites or municipal aree di sosta; parking and camping are different under the Highway Code.
How much are Gardaland tickets?
In 2026, online from €44 for adults, with family offers from €32 per person subject to availability; children under 90 cm go free.
Go deeper in our guides
Related answers
Sources: Motor Valley · Passport ↗ · South Tyrol · original Christmas markets ↗ · Visit Trentino · Christmas markets ↗ · Carnevale di Venezia · programme ↗ · Carnevale di Viareggio · 2026 tickets (PDF) ↗ · Alba White Truffle Fair · 2026 calendar ↗ · Gardaland · tickets ↗ · Dolomiti Superski · lift passes ↗ · Italia.it · Passo dello Stelvio ↗ · ACI · Highway Code art. 7 ↗