17 Days of Adventure: Exploring the Best of Italy on a Camping Trip

Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine, has always been a dream destination for travelers. Recently, my partner and I embarked on a 17-day camping trip through Italy, seeking to experience the beauty of this diverse country firsthand. From breathtaking mountains to picturesque lakeshores and ancient ruins to bustling cities, our journey was filled with incredible moments and unforgettable memories. Join me as I take you through our adventure and share the highlights of our camping trip through Italy.

Bayreuth to the Camping Resort Zugspitze

Our journey began in Bayreuth, where we set off towards the Zugspitze Camping Resort Zugspitze for a two-night stay. This idyllic camping resort nestled amidst the stunning Bavarian Alps provided the perfect backdrop for our camping adventure. We explored the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, by taking a scenic train and cable cart ride, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Lake Garda and Sirmione

Leaving Germany behind, we made our way to Lake Garda, where we spent two nights at the San Francesco Camping Village. This lakeside haven allowed us to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. We took the opportunity to visit the charming town of Sirmione, with its medieval castle and enchanting streets, creating lasting memories of our time at Lake Garda.

Siena

Continuing our journey, we ventured to the picturesque region of Tuscany, where we stayed at the welcoming Agriturismo Il Sambuco near Siena. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the authentic home-cooked dinners at their delightful restaurant, which offered a true taste of Tuscan cuisine. Exploring the medieval city of Siena and its magnificent architecture by going there by bike added a touch of history and culture to our camping trip. For those who don't have a bike or car, there is also a bus going past the camping to the town. Bus schedules are available at the reception.   

Napoli and Pompeii

As our adventure continued, we headed south to Naples to visit a friend before exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii the next morning. Our campsite, Camping Zeus, though bustling and compact, provided easy access to the ruins, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The train station was only five minutes from the camping and tickets into Naples were cheap. Given the nature of Naples traffic, we recommend to not drive through the city centre. When in Naples, you definitely have to treat yourself to some pizza, being the home for the best pizzas out there. 

Amalfi Coast

Leaving the ancient city behind, we embarked on a scenic drive to the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant villages, and turquoise waters. Our campsite, Camping Villaggio Nettuno, situated along the coast, provided us with stunning panoramic views and direct beach access. Although we chose not to book a boat tour to explore the Amalfi Coast's iconic towns of Positano and Amalfi, we reveled in the serene beauty of our surroundings. Day tour information are available via the reception. 

Rome

No visit to Italy would be complete without experiencing the eternal city of Rome. We spent two nights at the Village Flaminio Bungalow Park, conveniently located for exploring the city by train. Our visit to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum left us awe-inspired. We also cherished the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and make new friends along the way. Did you know that you can throw 1€ into the fountain with your back to it and eyes closed and make a wish? Every day, they fish out 3,000€ out of the fountain and donate the money to charity. Rome really exceeded our expectations, and we are going back there one day for sure. For the best Cacio e Pepe in town, make sure to book a reservation at Roma Sparita, and if you're in the mood for delicious and affordable gelato, head to Giolitti and avoid the tourist traps.

Florence

Our next stop was Florence, where we stayed at the Hue Camping in town. Biking into the city in the evening allowed us to witness the charm of this Renaissance gem at its most enchanting. We learned the importance of venturing away from tourist hotspots, discovering hidden gems and avoiding overpriced ice cream parlors.

From Modena to Lake Como

Continuing our journey, we embarked on a factory tour at Pagani, the renowned Italian sports car manufacturer, before relishing a luxurious dinner at a famous restaurant in Modena. Despite limited camping options, Camper Club Mutina provided a convenient and cost-effective overnight pitch for our camper.

To end our trip on a serene note, we decided to head to Lake Como instead of the Seisser Alm, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the lake for three nights at Camping & Bar La Fornace. Surrounded by stunning scenery, we embraced the opportunity to relax and reflect on our remarkable adventure through Italy.

Tour Recap

• Bayreuth to Zugspitze (2 night stay)
• Zugspitze to Lake Garda (2 night stay)
• Lake Garda to Siena (2 night stay)
• Siena to Pompeii/Naples (1 night stay)
• Pompeii to Nerano (2 night stay)
• Nerano to Rome (2 night stay)
• Rome to Florence (1 night stay)
• Florence to Modena (1 night stay)
• Modena to Lake Como (3 night stay)
• Lake Como to Bayreuth 

To sum up

Our 17-day camping trip through Italy was an absolute delight, filled with diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality. From the majestic peaks of the Zugspitze to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Italy showcased its incredible diversity and left an indelible mark on our hearts. The journey was not just about the destinations but also about the connections made, the flavors savored, and the lessons learned along the way. Italy has so much more to offer, and we can't wait to return someday for further adventures and discoveries.

Have you ever thought about visiting Greece? Marcus gives fantastic recommendations and tells about his travels to Meteora in Greece here.