6-Day Italy Road Trip from Bologna to Venice, Padua, and Florence and surrounding area

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 Venice. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Bologna Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,852 reviews.

Continue your journey at Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,952 travelers from near and far.

Bologna is also the home of Piazza Maggiore. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 64,523 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Two Towers. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Piazza Santo Stefano. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,617 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this square.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Venice. Venice offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Venice's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Local, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Wistèria is one of the best restaurants for contemporary, and venetian cuisine in Venice. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Quadri. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Al Parlamento, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Adagio, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Il Mercante provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Italy.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Venice. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Padua, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Rialto Bridge. This extraordinary stone bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 141,666 visitors.

Next, make your way to Piazza San Marco. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 152,982 reviews.

While in Venice, we also recommend a visit to St Mark's Basilica. This cathedral has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,439 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Doge's Palace. This attraction gets around 318,104 yearly visitors. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,775 travelers, this palace is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Venice.

Make your way to Bridge Of Sighs, perhaps the most famous footbridge in Venice. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,223 reviews.

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 Osteria Ai Scarponi, a highly-rated dining destination in Padua. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bamboo Cafe (Mma Silvestrin Snc Di Matteo & C), another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Osteria l'Anfora. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Padua this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Il Gottino - Wine Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Lax, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Barcode. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Italy!

On day 4 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, and Verona. In the evening, you’ll end up in Florence, where you will stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Piazza Dei Signori, Padua, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,510 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Piazza Della Frutta is a recommended place to visit. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,397 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Padua is Bo Palace. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,420 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Padua offers an experience you will remember.

Prato Della Valle is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Padua. This square promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 47,576 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Verona. This car ride takes around 1 hour 11 min.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Verona Arena. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 123,818 visitors. Attracting more than 195,540 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Florence, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Florence's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Enoteca Pinchiorri delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious italian contemporary cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Santa Elisabetta, acclaimed for its delectable creative, and mediterranean specialties. This local 2-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for italian contemporary, and international cuisine in the city.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Manifattura, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Archea Brewery, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Italy.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Italy. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Florence. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bologna. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Drop by the renowned Piazza Della Signoria. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 visitors, this church deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Ponte Vecchio. This deck arch bridge has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 118,099 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Uffizi Gallery, drawing over 2,011,219 yearly visitors. This national museum and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,794 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 travelers, this square is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Florence.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bologna. Bologna offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bologna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Bologna by securing a table at Ahimè. An esteemed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional country cooking menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit I Portici, famous for its scrumptious creative, and contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Trattoria di Via Serra, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite emilian cuisine in Bologna. Located in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand-awardee is an ideal pick for emilian cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Senza Nome, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bar Maurizio is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Brewdog Bar Bologna provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Italy!