Plzen to Volterra Road Trip: Hidden Gems in Czechia & Italy

The road from Plzen to Volterra spans roughly 800 kilometers, crossing Czechia, Austria, and Italy. Few travelers know that the fastest route avoids the Brenner Pass in favor of the A22 via Modena, saving up to an hour during peak seasons.

This guide weaves through the Bohemian Forest, the Alps, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. For tips on uncovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The optimal route uses the D5 motorway from Plzen to the Czech-German border (Rozvadov), continuing on the A6 and A8 toward Munich. After Munich, take the A99 to the A93 and then the A8 toward Innsbruck, but bypass the Brenner by exiting onto the A22 at Bressanone.

• Fuel stops: Shell at Rozvadov (CZK 35/l), Aral near Munich (EUR 1.80/l), Q8 at Verona (EUR 1.70/l).
• Tolls: Czechia (CZK 150 vignette), Austria (EUR 9.50 vignette, 10 days), Italy (A22 toll approx EUR 25).
• Rest areas: Autohof Wolnzach (Germany) has showers and a restaurant open 24/7.

The route is well-maintained motorway (autostrada/autobahn) for 95% of the journey. Speed limits: Czechia 130 km/h, Austria 130 km/h but often no limit, Italy 130 km/h. Tunnels in the Alps require headlights.

• Family stop: Puzzlino Indoor Park near Verona (A22 exit Verona Nord) – a play area for kids.
• Pet-friendly: Autogrill Camporeso (A22 near Modena) has shaded grass areas and water stations.
• Fatigue zones: Rest area Alland (A2, Austria) has a lake walk; Raststätte Kirchdorf (A9) offers energy stations with coffee and power nap chairs.

Hidden off-route spot: The village of Rocca Sillana, 15 km from Volterra (SP48), offers a 360-degree view of the Tuscan hills from a medieval fortress (free entry).

West of Plzen, the landscape transforms from industrial outskirts to the gentle hills of the Pilsen Region. Near the border, the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) offers hiking trails and glacial lakes like Černé jezero.

• Must-stop: The town of Domažlice (35 km from Plzen) with its Chodsko folklore and weekly market.
• UNESCO: Regensburg’s Old Town (Bridge and Cathedral) on the Danube.
• Hidden gem: The medieval village of San Gimignano, just 30 km from Volterra, known for its towers and saffron ice cream.

Local commerce thrives in weekly markets. In Plzen, the Republic Square market sells Bohemian crystal. In Volterra, the Thursday market offers alabaster carvings and pecorino cheese.

Expect a shift from Czech dumplings and goulash to Bavarian pretzels and then Italian pasta. Along the route, highway restaurants like Marché (A22) serve freshly made tortellini.

• Best food stop: Trattoria Il Cipresso in Reggello (just off A1) for ribollita and truffle oil.
• Climate: Plzen (continental) – July avg 18°C; Austrian Alps – cooler, rain possible; Tuscany (Mediterranean) – July 30°C, dry. Pack layers.