Italy excites off-road fans with majestic mountains and picturesque coastal roads.
Italy is a fascinating destination for off-road travel, characterized by a spectacular mix of majestic mountains and picturesque coastal roads. Adventures in the Western Alps or on the wild plains of Sardinia guarantee unforgettable experiences. With OVERCROSS®, you will experience exciting tours to hidden sandy beaches and untouched natural landscapes. The best travel time is between spring and autumn. Whether in sunshine or rain, pack your sense of adventure and discover the hidden treasures of Italy!
Italy's two 4x4 trips sit at opposite ends of the skill scale. The Sardinia route is rated for experienced off-road drivers only: nine days of technical tracks through the Gennargentu and Supramonte massifs, with narrow gravel paths, steep mountain roads and sandy sections that call for confident handling. The Tunisia family trip is rated for beginners and opens with a guided off-road driving lesson, well before the first dune crossings in the Sahara, so newcomers and children can join with confidence.
Both trips are self-drive: you bring your own 4x4 rather than ride as a passenger, crossing on the ferry from Genoa that's included in the Sardinia price. If you don't own a suitable vehicle, Sardinia offers a Land Rover Defender rental from 180 euros a day, with a roof tent on request; the Tunisia trip offers the same rental from 229 euros a day.
On Sardinia the convoy is capped at eight vehicles, keeping the group tight through long, technical stages between coast and mountains over the nine days. The 14-day Tunisia trip runs at a gentler pace: driving days alternate with a rest day in Douz and a full day exploring the dunes, and every night ends at camp, whether that's an oasis under palm trees or wild camping beneath the stars.
Sardinia is expert level: it takes confident off-road driving on sand, gravel and rock through the Gennargentu and Supramonte massifs. The Tunisia family trip is rated for beginners and opens with a guided off-road driving lesson before the first dune crossings in the Sahara.
Yes, both trips are self-drive with your own 4x4. If you don't have one, rent a Land Rover Defender from 180 euros a day on the Sardinia route, or 229 euros a day on the Tunisia route; a roof tent is available on the Sardinia rental.
No fixed daily distance is set for either trip. The Sardinia route covers long, technical stages across gravel, sand and rock over 9 days, while the 14-day Tunisia trip mixes driving days with a rest day in Douz and a full day in the dunes.
On Sardinia the convoy is capped at eight vehicles for tight, technical stages between coast and mountains. On the Tunisia trip, days open with a briefing, include the guided off-road lesson before the dunes, and end each night at a desert camp or oasis stop.
Italy rides almost year-round, it just depends on the region. Alpine passes open only once summer sets in, while the south of the country stays rideable most of the year. The Tunisia crossing currently departs each spring, in March and April. For the full month-by-month picture, see our Italy travel guide.
See the full season guide
On the road with Joe since 2011; 10,000 Western Alps kilometres later, now riding a Royal Enfield across India.
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