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Most tourists visit Rome, Florence, and Venice—but what if I told you the real Italy is everything between those cities? Over three weeks and 3,628 miles, I road-tripped from Puglia to the Alps, uncovering secret towns, regional food gems, driving quirks, and unexpected moments that define this country in ways guidebooks never could.

From $8 gas to espresso at Autogrill, from quiet Adriatic beaches to chaotic Naples streets—this is the Italy most tourists never see. Stick around for the one surprising lesson I learned halfway through… it changed how I see this country forever.

Whether you’re planning your own epic trip or just dreaming of one, this video gives you the real, unfiltered road trip across Italy.

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🔗 Useful links
Masseria Zambardo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aAeCtQQWGLaSHeEr8
i Cacciagalli – Wine Resort: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AbGZEUB2dVEZV5Ty6
Castle of Baccaresca: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YYcKzyutBAfTpS3q8
Agriturismo La Pimpinella di Semifonte: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qH1PXveHALzeHwjz8
Trattoria Da Massimo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AsA6tcsAW3P11tae9
La Rosina: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uNgrpAd44YoZfvso6
Casa Del Vino della Vallagarina: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hNhD6u2gN5dDQMpC8
Wine Hotel Retici Balzi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JYkAD8mXk2VVhYWr6
Castello di Castellengo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LZYoVG567zoRiySq7

23 Comments

  1. Can someone please name the city where the houses are carved from Stone and up on the mountain, he went running there in the morning. Thanks

  2. Beautiful video. 30:16 my answer is "yes" and hopefully soon for extended period of time. My favorite city in southern Italy… So many, but I'll recommend Termoli, and Peschici and the Tremiti Islands off the coast of the Adriatic sea.

  3. Gregor, check out a guy @Davidsbeenhere. American, great guy, about forty. Just bought a place in Gubbio. I think it would be a good connect for you, as I think you have shared passion for Italy, food and travel.

  4. Love, love, love your delivery and the information you provide. Gregor is quickly becoming our 'go to' guy when it comes to seeing Italia.

  5. GREGOR – YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!! This was the video I was HOPING you were going to post. This is what the real Italy is all about. The region of Puglia is VASTLY underrated. I would choose going there as oppose to the more popular touristy spots. Life is much easier sipping on glass of wine overlooking the scenic landscapes as the sun sets. 4:11 – That classic Puglia dish, orecchiette con cime di rapa. That looks delicious. I want to try it. Thanks again for these extremely valuable tours and insights.

  6. "The sugar dissolves faster out of respect." The only reason I watch is for the stuff that come out of your mouth.😂.

  7. I'm Italian (and old) and I know pretty good my country. Bravo Greg!!! In 1 hour & 11 minutes you've been able to do a short, condensed and really excellent digest

  8. Regular and faithful subscriber of your channel from India that’s me. But why are you wearing dark glasses in the evening while eating. Remove it.

  9. Great video! I visited Lucca earlier this year and agree it's worth a visit. We were told the center circle was once an amphitheatre that had gladiatorial events. It was transformed into housing years later. We ate a quaint little restaurant hidden down one of the narrow streets. The Lasagna was fantastic and the owners friendly.

  10. Wonderful video. We love our road trips here in the States! How hard would it be to adjust to a roadtrip driving in Italy? We did drive 2 weeks in Le Marche region with no problems. Never did the AutoStrada tho

  11. Every video you post gets more excited about my upcoming vacation in Italy. Also, you gotta do a DNA test and see if you're related to Jordan Schlansky :p

  12. Hey! What is that farmstay? I paused the video and read the sign but didnt know which sign to look at and couldn't find it. Would you mind letting me know? Would love to stay there! Thank you

  13. Gregor, I've been to Italia 6 times and 4 of those trips I rented a car & drove around as you did but only made hotel reservations for the 1st and last nights and never had any trouble finding a place to stay for the night even in Firenze. However, my last trip was in 2011. Is it still possible to travel around Italia without hotel reservations in the off seasons (March – June or September to November)?

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