Most good Italy trips use both. Here is when each one wins.
Quick answerTake the high-speed train between big city centres such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and Naples: it is fast and arrives in the centre. Use a private driver for the countryside, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites and the lakes, for airport transfers, when you have heavy luggage, or when you want to stop on the way.
By the Thrill of Italy team · Updated October 2026
| High-speed train | Private driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | City centre to city centre | Countryside, coast, mountains, airports |
| Door to door | Station to station | Hotel door to hotel door |
| Luggage | You carry it on and off | Handled for you |
| Stops on the way | No | Yes, wherever you like |
| Restricted historic centres | Not applicable | Licensed drivers can enter |
| Wine tastings | Not applicable | Nobody has to drive |
Very fast between the main cities. Approximate journey times: Rome to Florence about an hour and a half, Rome to Naples about an hour, Florence to Venice about two hours and Milan to Venice about two and a half hours. Times vary by service, so check current timetables with Trenitalia or Italo.
Yes, and it is usually the best plan: a train for the long city hops and a driver at each end, or for the days in the countryside. Many of our itineraries are built this way, such as the 12-Day Best of Italy, which uses private cars and drivers alongside high-speed trains.
Often, yes. With several travellers and suitcases, door-to-door travel in a Mercedes V-Class, which seats up to 7, removes the hardest part of a travel day.
A rental car gives freedom in the countryside but brings ZTL fines, parking and navigation stress in towns. Read our guide to driving in Italy first.
Tell us your dates and what you love. A member of the team replies personally.
12 days · Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, Venice
Capri by boat, Pompeii, the Vatican, a Tuscan countryside day and a private boat in the Venice lagoon.
8 days · Florence, Pisa, Siena
Florence Highlights Tour, Wine Tasting and Cooking Class in Tuscany, Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre.
13 days · Rome, Venice, Tuscany
Culinary Highlights of Rome, Venice – A Taste of the Lagoon, Barolo Wine Tasting.
Something else on your mind? A member of the team replies personally.
High-speed fares are usually cheaper booked ahead, and seats are reserved. When trains are part of our itineraries, we book the tickets and seats for you.
Yes. A driver can meet your train and take you to your hotel or onward.
Yes. Our drivers can be booked for full sightseeing days, with or without a licensed guide.
Tell us your dates and what you love. Your trip designer will reply with ideas and a first proposal.
12-Day Best of Italy