Roadtripping from Carrara, Toscana to Monza, Lombardia
If you're looking for a picturesque road trip through Italy, driving from Carrara in Toscana to Monza in Lombardia is a great option. This route takes you through some of Italy's most beautiful countryside, and provides plenty of opportunities to visit museums, parks and landmarks along the way.
Did you know that Carrara, Toscana is home to some of the world's finest marble? Michelangelo himself is said to have worked with the marble that comes from this region, and you can still see it being quarried today.
Around halfway through your journey, you'll come across Fontanellato, PR. This small town is home to the stunning San Vitale castle, which dates back to the 14th century. If you're interested in history, it's definitely worth stopping off to take a look.
The journey from Carrara to Monza is roughly 240km and should take around 2.5 hours depending on traffic and the route you take. Of course, this is without taking into account all the incredible places to stop along the way.
Here are our top five places to visit:
- Parco della Versiliana - This park is located in the heart of Versilia, Toscana and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. It has plenty of trees to keep you shaded from the sun, and during the summer months, there are often performances taking place here.
Point of Interest: Don't miss the Versilia shoreline, which is just a short drive away from the park.
- Parco della Villa Reale - This park is located in Monza and is home to the stunning Villa Reale di Monza. The villa is open to the public and is full of incredible artwork and architecture. It's the perfect place to spend a day exploring and taking in the beauty of Lombardia.
Point of Interest: Make sure to check out the rose garden, which is one of the biggest and most beautiful in Italy.
- Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide Felice Ippolito - If you're a fan of museums, the Museo Nazionale dell'Antartide Felice Ippolito in Genova is a must-visit. It's dedicated to all things Antarctic, and has a fascinating collection of artifacts and information about the continent.
Point of Interest: Take a walk through the stunning historic center of Genova, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Castello Sforzesco - Another must-visit in Lombardia is the Castello Sforzesco in Milan. This majestic castle dates back to the 15th century and is now home to several museums and galleries. It's a great place to spend an afternoon learning about Milanese history and culture.
Point of Interest: Make sure to head to the roof terrace, which offers incredible views of Milan.
- Piazza del Campo - If you're looking for a beautiful place to stroll around, head to Piazza del Campo in Siena, Toscana. This gorgeous square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, both of which are stunning examples of Gothic architecture.
Point of Interest: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Montalcino, which is famous for its red wine.
All in all, this road trip should take you around a week to complete if you stop off at all these incredible places along the way. Of course, you could always make it into a longer trip and explore even more of Toscana and Lombardia!