Planning a holiday abroad or a road trip across Europe and thinking about renting a car? Whether you’re heading to the Alps, the sea, or just across the border for a long weekend, a rented car gives you freedom and comfort. Not every rental company allows trips outside the Czech Republic, so it’s good to know what to watch out for and how to prepare so nothing surprises you along the way.
Car rental abroad usually comes with specific rules - from company approval to insurance and roadside assistance. If you don’t want to deal with all that paperwork or extra fees, carsharing with Autonapul can be the perfect solution. You simply reserve a car in the app, choose the model that suits your trip, and head off to Austria, Germany, or Italy. This article will walk you through everything to check before driving abroad with a rented car.
Setting off on a road trip to Italy by car means complete freedom - stopping wherever you like and planning your journey your own way. You don’t need your own vehicle; with carsharing, you can easily choose a larger, more comfortable car for a family road trip. That’s exactly what we did when we decided to go from Moravia through Austria and the Dolomites by car all the way to the Italian Riviera. We chose a hybrid Renault Arkana from the Autonapul fleet in Olomouc, and Roz proved to be a practical and reliable companion for the entire holiday.
From Olomouc we headed through Austria (some Autonapul cars already include an Austrian highway vignette in the price, or you can easily buy one online, which we did). Our first stop was the legendary mountain road Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, one of the most beautiful routes in the Alps. Winding roads, snow-covered peaks, and breathtaking views around every turn made the drive itself an unforgettable experience and the perfect introduction to the mountain atmosphere.
Tip
When buying the Austrian highway vignette online, make sure to use only the official ASFINAG shop. The website is also available in English, you can set the validity instantly, and you’ll avoid paying unnecessary extra fees to fraudulent resellers.
Our next stop was the town of Corvara in the heart of the Dolomites, which became our base for exploring the area for a few days.
The Dolomites are a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. You can choose anything from easy family walks to more challenging hikes or via ferrata routes. We opted for a mix of both, the kids loved the cable cars and panoramic views from Seceda, while the adults admired the iconic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
We also couldn’t miss Cortina d’Ampezzo, famous for movies and winter sports. In summer, the town comes alive with cafés, local culture, and stunning mountain scenery.
What impressed us most was the dense network of cable cars in the Alta Badia area, you can hop from one to another, circle around the peaks, and enjoy views from every side.
After several days in the mountains, we headed to the sea. Our destination was Sestri Levante on the Ligurian coast. After the mountain chill, the contrast was striking - blue waves, warm air, and that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
We made several day trips from there. Portofino charmed us with its small harbor and luxurious atmosphere. Another highlight was Vernazza, one of the five famous Cinque Terre villages, with its colorful houses, narrow alleys, and the best pesto alla genovese we’ve ever had.
This part of our road trip through Italy surprised us with its luxury - yachts, boutiques, and high-end restaurants everywhere. That said, parking on the Italian Riviera is truly an adrenaline sport. If you want to avoid stress, consider alternative options like yacht sharing. Locals really do share yachts just like cars. We joked about it, but it’s true.
On the way back, we made a quick stop in Venice. Even a short walk along the canals and a glance at the gondolas reminded us why this city fascinates the whole world. If you’re driving to Venice, remember that the historic center is closed to cars (ZTL zone). The cheapest option is to park on the mainland in Mestre and continue by train or bus. Never try to drive into Venice itself, the fines are steep, and the camera system is unforgiving.
On the return journey, we also stopped at the glacial Fusine Lakes, along the scenic Sentiero del Lago Inferiore trail. The last mountain views were the perfect finale before we headed home to Moravia.
We drove almost 3,000 kilometers in total. The shared car proved to be the perfect choice - comfortable, spacious, and worry-free. Once we got back, we simply parked, ended the booking in the app, and that was it.
For longer trips, carsharing is ideal. You choose the car you need, pay only for the time you use it, and don’t have to worry about maintenance or insurance. The fuel costs abroad were reimbursed by the operator, so we only paid for tolls and tunnels.
Our road trip to Italy from Olomouc through the Dolomites by car to the Italian Riviera showed that the mix of mountains, sea, and Italian culture is an unforgettable experience. Thanks to Autonapul carsharing, we had the freedom and flexibility to travel our own way. Compared to a traditional rental, we appreciated the easy self-service pickup and drop-off, and the certainty of knowing exactly which car we’d get.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own holiday in Italy by car, this route - the Alps, Dolomites, Venice, and the Italian Riviera - is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, you’ll enjoy a journey full of views, great food, and unforgettable moments.
With Autonapul, you can easily travel abroad, no unnecessary forms, clear rules, and full insurance. Just pick the car you need, book it in the app (even months in advance), and hit the road.