4-Day Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bologna traveling north to Padua
Description
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Description
Escape the ordinary with this exciting 4-day road trip through Italy. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Italy takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Bologna and 1 night in Padua. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Italy. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Bologna, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Italy on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Italy. Piazza Maggiore and Prato Della Valle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable The Basilica Of St. Anthony, learn more about the unique Two Towers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Dei Signori, Padua.
As you hit the open road and drive through Bologna and Padua, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Italy. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Italy.
Throughout your road trip in Italy, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Italy.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Italy fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Italy today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Bologna - Arrival day
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- La Piccola Venezia
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Your road trip adventure in Italy begins as soon as you reach Bologna and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Bologna for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
Bologna is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out La Piccola Venezia, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bologna. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Italy. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Bologna, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Dine in style at Ristorante Ciacco, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Ristorante Ballarini boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Sfoglia Rina. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bologna.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar Al Bricco D'oro, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bar Freud E Squisito provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Osteria Del Sole offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Italy!
Day 2
- Bologna
- Padua
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Drive 119 km, 1 hour 41 min
- Piazza Maggiore
- Fountain of Neptune, Bologna
- Bologna Cathedral
- Two Towers
- Piazza Santo Stefano
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Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you will explore Bologna, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Padua. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Bologna. Begin your sightseeing with Piazza Maggiore. This famous public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Bologna, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Bologna Cathedral. This intriguing church is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Two Towers, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Piazza Santo Stefano and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most underrated attractions.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Padua, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Padua. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Veganda, a highly-rated dining destination in Padua. If you're eager to try something different, consider Osteria Ai Scarponi, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bamboo Cafe (Mma Silvestrin Snc Di Matteo & C). With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Padua this evening.
Continue your lively evening at Il Gottino - Wine Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Brutal is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Al Buscaglione ensures a night out tailored to your taste.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Italy and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- Padua
- Bologna
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Drive 119 km, 2 hours 18 min
- Piazza dei Signori, Padua
- Piazza della Frutta
- Scrovegni Chapel
- The Basilica of St Anthony
- Prato della Valle
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On day 3 of your road trip in Italy, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Padua. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bologna, where you will stay for 1 night.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Piazza Dei Signori, Padua. This interesting public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Piazza Della Frutta, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Scrovegni Chapel, one of the most interesting places to see in Padua. This church is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, The Basilica Of St. Anthony. Wander around and soak in the culturally significant atmosphere this church offers. Then, head to Prato Della Valle, a top-rated public square that adds another dimension to your day.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bologna. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bologna's best restaurants.
Have a memorable dining experience in Bologna by booking a table at Ahimè, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional country cooking menu. For a different culinary experience in Bologna, I Portici shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and contemporary cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Trattoria di Via Serra is known as a top local spot for its delicious emilian cuisine in Bologna. This Bib Gourmand awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Lime Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Macondo - Cocktail Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Bar Onda Marina By Night is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Italy.
Day 4
- Bologna - Departure day
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- Tombs of the glossators of Bologna
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Day 4 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bologna before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Tombs Of The Glossators Of Bologna, a culturally significant monument before you head out.
As your final day in Italy unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Bologna's best shopping area, Quadrilatero. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Italy. Browse through boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces to take home.
Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bologna.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Va Mo Là, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Trattoria dal Biassanot offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia.
You’ll then say farewell to Bologna. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Italy!
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