Matera to Vicenza Road Trip Guide

This route spans 680 kilometers of the Italian peninsula from the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the Palladian villas of Vicenza. The drive takes roughly 6.5 hours without stops, but the journey is best savored over two relaxed days. Along the way, you'll cross three mountain ranges – the Apennines, the Apuan Alps, and the Po Valley – each with its own character.

One of the quirkies features of this drive is the passo della Cisa (pass at 1,041 m), where fog can envelop the road even in summer, making it a serious attention point. The road number is A14 from Matera to Bologna, then A1 from Bologna to Vicenza – the classic backbone of Italy.

For discovering hidden gems beyond the highway, check out this resource: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route consists of three segments: Matera to Foggia (SS655/A14 junction), Foggia to Bologna via A14 (550 km), and Bologna to Vicenza via A1 (130 km). The A14 is a modern toll road with excellent asphalt and well-lit tunnels. The A1 is Italy's main highway, busier and toll-heavy.

• Fuel stations appear every 30–40 km on A14, with 24-hour Autogrills at major stops like Pescara, Marche, and Forlì.
• Diesel prices along the route average €1.80/L; for a 7 L/100km diesel car, the journey costs about €85 in fuel.
• Toll booths accept credit cards, though some older ones may require cash (keep €5–€10 in coins).
• Road surface conditions: excellent on A14 and A1, but some older sections near the Cisa pass can be uneven.

Night driving on the A14 is safe, but the section near the Cisa pass (km 250–290) lacks guardrails in some bends. Use high beams in unlit stretches, but dim for oncoming traffic. Daytime, the sun can be blinding in the afternoon heading north – bring polarized sunglasses.

Family-friendly spots: At Pescara Nord exit, the Parco Acquatico Le Vele (giant water slides) is perfect for a break. In Forlì, the Mirabilandia amusement park (largest in Italy) is 5 km from the A14. For younger kids, the Cubo Magico in Riccione has indoor play areas.

Fatigue management: The A14 has designated 'sleeping bays' (aree di sosta) at km 187, 342, and 478. The one at km 342 near San Benedetto del Tronto is particularly quiet with sea views. Always park within sight of the main toll road cameras.

Pet-friendly stops: The Autogrill at Fiano Romano (A1) has a dedicated dog area with water bowls and shade. Also, the AGIP in Civitanova Marche (exit 8) offers pet-friendly picnic tables.

The drive offers a dramatic shift from the arid ravines of Basilicata, the Gargano promontory's pine forests, to the rolling Romagna hills, and finally the flat Po Valley. Each landscape brings unique produce and crafts.

• Basilicata region: Look for peperoni cruschi (dried crunchy peppers) sold in roadside stalls near Grassano.
• Gargano: Local honey and limoncello from the lemon groves of Peschici; you can stop at the Agriturismo La Chiusa delle More (just off SS89).
• Marche hills: Visit the town of Ascoli Piceno (10-min detour) for olive all'ascolana (stuffed olives) and the Anfiteatro Romano.
• Romagna: The A14 passes near Faenza, a ceramics capital. The Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche is 5 min from the highway exit.
• Po Valley: The flatlands yield Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. A must-stop: the Autogrill di Mestre (exit 13) has a curated selection of local DOP products.