Cortona to Metz Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Epic Drives

The A1 motorway from Cortona to Metz runs exactly 987 kilometers, a route that crosses the Apennines, the Swiss Alps, and the French Jura. At the 312-kilometer mark near Bellinzona, you'll cross the Gotthard massif, where the 16.9-kilometer Gotthard Tunnel was the longest road tunnel in the world when it opened in 1980.

This drive takes approximately 10 hours of pure driving, but with recommended stops, plan for 12 to 14 hours. The fastest path uses the A1 north to Milan, then the A2/E35 through Switzerland to Basel, then the A35/E25 into France. Most of the route is tolled, with a total toll cost of around €65.

For detailed advice on uncovering hidden gems during your trip, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins in Cortona, Tuscany, at an altitude of 494 meters. You'll join the A1 near Valdichiana and head north. After 150 km, you reach Bologna, then continue to Milan, where you merge onto the A2/E35 toward Switzerland.

Swiss motorways require a vignette (€40) for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. The route from Basel to Metz (A35/E25) is toll-free in France except for the short A36 near Mulhouse.

• Fuel: Petrol stations are frequent along the A1 (every 20-30 km). In Switzerland, stations are spaced every 30-40 km on the A2. France's A35 has stations every 25 km.
• Fuel Costs: Estimated €120-€140 for a medium car (7 L/100 km). Prices are highest in Switzerland (€1.70/L) and lowest in Italy (€1.50/L).
• Topography Efficiency: Use cruise control at 110 km/h in hilly sections to save fuel.

The route traverses five distinct geographical zones: Tuscan hills, Po Valley plains, Alpine passes, Swiss plateau, and Lorraine plateaus. The most dramatic shift occurs between Bellinzona and Lucerne, where the A2 climbs from 300 m to 2,100 m at the Gotthard Pass (detour possible).

In the Po Valley, the endless fields of corn and rice give way to pear orchards near Modena. The Alpine region offers views of the Urner Alps and Lake Lucerne. After Basel, the French countryside becomes undulating with vineyards and the Vosges mountains on the horizon.

• Hidden Off-Route Spot: The medieval village of Ronciglione (10 min from A1 exit 11) features an Etruscan rock-cut road.
• Local Commerce: Near Arezzo, purchase Cortona's renowned olive oil. In Switzerland, stopping at a farm shop in Altdorf for Appenzeller cheese is worthwhile.
• UNESCO Sites: The route passes close to the historic centres of Florence (detour 30 min) and Bern (detour 20 min). The Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO) are a 10-minute detour from the A9 near Lausanne.

Road quality is excellent on all highways except for occasional rough patches on the A2 through the Gotthard region. Night illumination exists on the A1 and A35, but the Swiss A2 between Amsteg and Göschenen is unlit for 20 km. Use high beams cautiously in tunnels.

For fatigue management, plan rest stops every 2 hours. The A1 Autogrill 'Nocera Umbra' (km 180) has a quiet area with reclining seats. In Switzerland, the 'Raststätte Neuenhof' (A2 near Baden) offers a hotel for quick naps.

• Family Stops: The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (10 min from A2 exit 25) has interactive exhibits. The 'Parc de l'Europe' in Mulhouse has a large playground.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most Swiss rest stops have fenced dog runs. 'Aire de la Brême' (A35 near Nancy) provides a dedicated dog park.
• Culinary Infrastructure: Try 'Ristorante Il Gatto' near Cortona (tuscan truffle pasta). In Switzerland, 'Gasthaus zur Post' in Altdorf serves rösti. Near Metz, 'Winstub du Sommelier' offers quiche lorraine.