Epic Road Trip: Cortona to Steyr via Brenner Pass

This 550 km route traces the ancient Via Romea Germanica, linking Tuscany's olive groves to Upper Austria's industrial heartland. You'll cross three countries (Italy, Austria, and briefly Germany via the A93) and climb over 1,400 m elevation.

A unique fact: the Brenner Pass (1,374 m) has been used since Roman times, and the modern A22 autostrada follows almost exactly the same line. Expect to spend around 6–7 hours driving, not counting stops.

Leaving Cortona, you'll pass through the Chianti hills – soft curves of vineyards and cypresses. Near Arezzo, the landscape flattens into the Valdarno industrial basin. After Florence, climb the Apennines via the A1, with tunnels and viaducts up to 900 m. Then descend into the Po valley, a flat agricultural expanse.

At Verona, the Adige river valley opens, leading into the Adige Valley up to Bolzano – here vineyards give way to apple orchards and Alpine pastures. The Brenner Pass offers stark, rocky views. Once in Austria, the Inn valley is wide and green, with traditional wooden farmhouses.

• UNESCO sites: The historic centre of Florence (UNESCO) is a 30-min detour from the A1. The Wachau region (UNESCO) near Krems is too far north, but you can see the Dolomites (UNESCO) from the A22 near Bressanone.
• Local delicacies: In the Po valley, try Grana Padano cheese at roadside markets; in South Tyrol, Speck (cured ham) and apple strudel; in Austria, Linzer Torte and Leberkäse.

Best stops Cortona to Steyr include a break at the Autogrill near Bolzano for a cappuccino, or the hidden gem of Rovereto's MART museum of modern art (just 5 min off the A22).

The primary route uses the A1/E35 from Cortona to Florence, then the A22/E45 via Bolzano and Brenner, continuing on the A13/E60 past Innsbruck to the A8 near Munich, finally the A1 in Austria to Steyr. Toll roads dominate: buy a Vignette at the Italian border (€10 for 10 days) and an Austrian Vignette (€9.50 for 10 days).

• Fuel stations are dense every 20–30 km on the autostrada, with many Autogrill plazas offering 24/7 service. Diesel is slightly cheaper in Austria.
• Recommended fuel stops: Autogrill Chianti (near Florence), Raststätte Brenner (summit), Raststätte Inntal (just north of Innsbruck).
• Fuel costs: Approx. €80–€100 total for a typical sedan (6.5 L/100 km diesel at €1.50/L). Use cruise control to maximize efficiency on the long climbs.

The A22 has average road quality; some sections near Bolzano are narrow with no emergency lane. The Brenner Pass is well-lit at night but can be prone to fog. In winter, snow chains may be mandatory. Use caution descending into Austria – long gradients can overheat brakes.

• Child-friendly stops: Parco Natura Viva (Verona) – a 15-min detour for a wildlife park. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens (5 min off A12 near Innsbruck) fascinates kids.
• Pet-friendly areas: Autogrill Brenner has designated dog walking areas. In the Austrian Inn valley, many rest stops have grassy patches.
• Fatigue management: Ideal nap spots include the Raststätte Ritten (A22 near Bolzano) with a quiet parking area, or the Parkplatz Zirl (A12 west of Innsbruck) offering mountain views and shelter.

Hidden off-route spots: The village of Lana (South Tyrol) – a 5-min detour from the A22 exit Lana – offers a medieval church and local wine cellars. In Austria, the ruined fortress of Kufstein (just off the A12) makes a quick photo stop.