Epic Road Trip: Polignano a Mare to Krems an der Donau

Polignano a Mare’s famous cliffside statue of Domenico Modugno faces east over the Adriatic. Your journey to Krems an der Donau begins here, at the intersection of 40°22'37"N 17°12'22"E. The total driving distance is 1,120 km via A1/E55, taking roughly 10 hours of pure driving time, but you will need at least three days to absorb the richness in between.

• Key highways: A14 from Polignano to Bologna, then A1/E55 through the Po Valley, Brenner Pass (A22/E45), and finally the S5 and B3 into Krems.
• Notable quirk: The Brenner Pass has a speed limit of 110 km/h with heavy truck traffic; consider the toll for the tunnel (€12.50).

Fuel stations along the A1 are plentiful, with Autogrill and Shell sites every 30–40 km. In Italy, fuel costs €1.85 per liter; in Austria, €1.55. Electronic tolls apply on both the Italian Autostrade and Austrian motorways (vignette required: €9.90 for 10 days).

• Italian toll booths accept credit cards or Telepass. Avoid cash-only lanes.
• Austrian vignette can be bought online or at border petrol stations. No sticker? Fine up to €120.
• Parking: Krems center has paid parking zones (€1/h), while free parking is available at the train station.

The best stops Polignano a Mare to Krems an der Donau include Ravenna, Verona, and Salzburg. For hidden gems, consult our how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide.

The A1 is well-maintained, but fog often blankets the Po Valley. In Austria, the B3 along the Danube is narrow with sharp bends. SUVs recommended for winter mountain passes (snow chains mandatory).

• Family-friendly refuel stops: Autogrill ‘Il Cantagallo’ (A14 near Ancona) has a play area; ‘Wachau Center’ (Krems) has a Ferris wheel.
• Pet-friendly: Italian autogrills allow dogs on leash; Austrian rest stops require dogs to stay in car. Plan for a 15-min break every 2 hours.
• Fatigue management: Use rest stops like ‘Serravalle’ (A1) or ‘Aich’ (A10). Power naps at ‘Raststation Strengen’ (A12).

Infrastructure safety: Italian Autostrade have emergency phones every 2 km. Austrian motorways have SOS columns. Both countries require warning triangles and hi-vis vests.

The Gargano Peninsula gives way to the Po Valley’s flat farmland, then the dramatic Dolomites, and finally the forested hills of the Wachau. Each region offers distinct commerce: olive oil in Puglia, Parmesan in Emilia, speck in South Tyrol, and apricots in the Wachau.

• UNESCO sites: Ravenna’s early Christian monuments, Verona’s historic center, the Dolomites, Hallstatt-Dachstein, and the Wachau Cultural Landscape.
• Climatic conditions: Polignano (Mediterranean) averages 24°C in summer; Krems (continental) averages 20°C. Pack layers for the Alps.
• Culinary infrastructure: Try orecchiette in Puglia, tortellini in Bologna, canederli in South Tyrol, and Wachauer Marillenknödel.

Hidden off-route spots include the grottoes of Castellana (exit Bari), the castle of Gradara (near Cattolica), and the Monte Tschellingh hiking trail above Brixen. For local culture, visit the Vintner’s Festival in Krems (August).