5-Day Italy Road Trip from Ancona traveling west to Bologna and Padua

Photo of Bright summer view from flying drone of Cattedrale di San Ciriaco church and San Gregorio Illuminatore - Catholic church. Stunning morning cityscape of Ancona town, Italy, Europe.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Italy.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Italy. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Ancona, 1 night in Bologna, and 1 night in Padua, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Italy. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Ancona, Bologna, Verona, and Padua. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Italy you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Ancona, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Italy, including the stunning Piazza Maggiore and Two Towers.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Italy. From the magnificent Piazza dei Signori, Padua to the breathtaking prato della Valle and Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Castelvecchio Museum and learn more about the unique Verona Arena to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Ancona, Bologna, Verona, and Padua, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Italy. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Italy.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Italy. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Italy.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Italy.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Italy has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Italy. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Italy extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Italy fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Italy today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Marche - state in ItalyAncona / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of Verona historical city centre, Ponte Pietra bridge across Adige river, Verona Cathedral, Duomo di Verona, red tiled roofs, Veneto Region, Italy.Verona
Photo of beautiful view of canal with statues on square Prato della Valle and Basilica Santa Giustina in Padova (Padua), Veneto, Italy.Padua / 1 night
Photo of Italy Piazza Maggiore in Bologna old town tower of town hall with big clock and blue sky on background, antique buildings terracotta galleries.Bologna / 1 night

Map

Attractions

photo of verona, Italy. ancient amphitheater arena di verona in Italy like Rome coliseum with nighttime illumination and evening blue sky. verona's italian famous ancient landmark theatre. veneto region.Verona Arena
Prato della Valle square in historical city centre of Padua (Padova), elliptical square with green island at the center, small canal with statues, Abbey of Santa Giustina church, Veneto Region, Italy.Prato della Valle
Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, Loreto, Ancona, Marche, ItalySanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto
photo of View of the Castel Vecchio Bridge connected to Castelvecchio Castle along Adige river in Verona, Italy. Castelvecchio Museum
PHOTO OF View of Piazza dei Signori in Verona, Italy. Verona is a popular tourist destination of Europe.Piazza dei Signori
photo of Ancient Roman bridge Ponte Pietra and the River Adige in cloudy summer day, Duomo tower in background, Verona, Italy .Ponte Pietra
photo of view of Verona, Italy. Scenery with Adige River and Ponte Scaligero and Castelvecchio, medieval landmarks of veronese city, Verona, Italy.Ponte Scaligero
PHOTO OF View of the Piazza delle Erbe in center of Verona city, Italy .Piazza delle Erbe
photo of view of Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Santamonica, Italy.Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
Rocca Roveresca, Senigallia, Ancona, Marche, ItalyRocca Roveresca
Mole Vanvitelliana also known as the lazaretto of AnconaLazzaretto of Ancona
Spiaggia del Frate - Sottosanta
Ancona Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Ancona, Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Ciriaco) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Ancona, central Italy, dedicated to Saint Cyriacus.Cattedrale di San Ciriaco
Plebiscito square (or Pope square) with San Domenico Church in Ancona. Marche Region, Italy.Piazza del Plebiscito
Portello's Landing, Padua, Padova, Veneto, ItalyPortello's Landing

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Ancona - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Ancona - arrival day

  • Ancona - Arrival day
  • More
  • Lazzaretto of Ancona
  • More

Ancona has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Lazzaretto of Ancona. This attraction is a building and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,023 visitors.

Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Ancona also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Ancona is Donegal Irish Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,118 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Ancona is Posa bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 948 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Italy!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Ancona and Bologna

Day 2

Day 2 – Ancona and Bologna

  • Ancona
  • Bologna
  • More

Drive 286 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • Cattedrale di San Ciriaco
  • Spiaggia del Frate - Sottosanta
  • Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto
  • Rocca Roveresca
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Bologna for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Ancona is the amazing cathedral Basilica of St. Cyriacus. This attraction is a cathedral that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,724 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible church, Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 19,100 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bologna, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Trattoria da Me, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,763 customers.

Locals also recommend Trattoria dal Biassanot as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. Trattoria dal Biassanot is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,616 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna is Trattoria del Tempo Buono. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,531 customers.

After dinner, visit BrewDog Bar Bologna, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,504 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Macondo - Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 808 customers.

Alternatively, Osteria del Sole is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,643 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Italy!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Verona and Padua

Day 3

Day 3 – Verona and Padua

  • Verona
  • Padua
  • More

Drive 232 km, 3 hours 24 min

  • Castelvecchio Museum
  • Ponte Scaligero
  • Verona Arena
  • Piazza delle Erbe
  • Ponte Pietra
  • More

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you'll wake up in Bologna and embark on a scenic drive to Padua, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Bologna and Verona before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Bologna. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Piazza Maggiore. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 64,523 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Two Towers. This attraction, a beloved tower, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Bologna is the stunning Piazza Santo Stefano. This square and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Verona and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Verona has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Castelvecchio Museum. This attraction is an art museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,854 visitors. Around 35,031 people visit Castelvecchio Museum every year.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Castelvecchio Bridge. This arch bridge and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,156 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Verona Arena. This opera house and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 123,818 visitors. Approximately 195,540 people visit this attraction every year.

The lovely piazza delle Erbe is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 11,777 visitors have left this square an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Ponte Pietra is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Verona. This point of interest is a deck arch bridge rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,284 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Verona, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Padua. When you arrive in Padua you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Belle Parti. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 571 customers.

Locals also recommend Marechiaro Ristorante Pizzeria, another of the best restaurants in Padua. Marechiaro Ristorante Pizzeria is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,651 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Passando Per Modena. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Enotavola Pino to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Padua, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 801 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Frascoli Bacaro / Cicchetteria veneziana a Padovum. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Frascoli Bacaro / Cicchetteria veneziana a Padovum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 907 customers.

Bamboo Cafe (Mma Silvestrin Snc Di Matteo & C) is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 866 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Italy, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Padua, Rimini, and Ancona

Day 4

Day 4 – Padua, Rimini, and Ancona

  • Padua
  • Ancona
  • More

Drive 351 km, 4 hours 4 min

  • Piazza dei Signori
  • Portello's Landing
  • Prato della Valle
  • Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
  • More

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Padua is the amazing Piazza dei Signori, Padua. This attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,510 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible prato della Valle. This square and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 47,576 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Padua is another excellent way to spend your new day in Italy. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Italy’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Italy’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Italy’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a motorsport racing track and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,453 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Ancona.

After dinner, visit Bàgolo Caffetteria, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Ancona. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 423 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Old Fashioned. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 170 customers.

Alternatively, Mixer Bar is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Ancona. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 123 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Italy!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Ancona - departure day

Day 5

Day 5 – Ancona - departure day

  • Ancona - Departure day
  • More
  • Piazza del Plebiscito
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Ancona before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Piazza del Plebiscito is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Ancona. This square and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,631 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Ancona and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Italy.

You’ll then say farewell to Ancona. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Italy!

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Experiences

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