6-Day Italy Road Trip from Trieste traveling south to Bologna, Rome, and Florence

Say hello to Trieste! Your exciting road trip through Italy is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Trieste for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Trieste 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 Giants' Stairway or 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 Trieste. 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 in Trieste. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Caffè Tommaseo, an iconic dining spot in Trieste. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Al Barattolo, a popular restaurant in Trieste. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Caffè San Marco, a hidden gem nestled in Trieste. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar X after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Antico Caffè Torinese, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Urbanis also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Italy!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Trieste, and Miramare / Miramar. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bologna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Piazza Della Borsa. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,409 visitors.

Next, make your way to Piazza Unità D'italia. This top attraction is a square with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 46,036 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Cattedrale Di San Giusto Martire. This church is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,288 travelers.

After soaking in Trieste’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Miramare / Miramar. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 20 min. When you arrive in Miramare / Miramar, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Miramare Castle. This much-appreciated giardino all'italiana is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,372 reviews. Each year, 79,218 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bologna. 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.

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.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar Freud E Squisito after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Osteria Del Sole, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Macondo - Cocktail Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Italy!

Dive into day 3 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 Rome. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Piazza Maggiore. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 64,523 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Two Towers. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Piazza Santo Stefano. This square has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,617 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Arco Del Meloncello. This arch is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,755 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rome, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Rome by booking a table at La Pergola. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of mediterranean, and contemporary cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Il Pagliaccio, celebrated for its delectable creative, and innovative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Enoteca La Torre, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing mediterranean, and creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Cap off your dinner by heading to La Botticella Of Poggi Giovanni, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Sant' Eustachio Caffè is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Caffè Portofino is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Say good night to Rome and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Italy!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Italy. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rome. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Florence. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Capitoline Hill. Previous visitors have rated this hill an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,557 reviews.

Roman Forum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 114,450 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Colosseum. This roman amphitheatre is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 328,821 reviews. Every year, around 7,400,000 travelers visit this site to discover its unique features.

Pantheon is another outstanding experience in Rome. Around 189,682 travelers have rated this roman temple an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The attraction hosts 30,000,000 visitors annually.

If you long for more, Trevi Fountain is not far away. This sculpture is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 343,494 reviews.

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.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Florence by reserving a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional italian contemporary menu. For a different taste experience, head to Santa Elisabetta, recognized for its delicious creative, and mediterranean dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a local favorite known for its delightful italian contemporary, and international cuisine in Florence. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning italian contemporary, and international foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Keep the evening going at Manifattura, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Archea Brewery, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Italy and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 5 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 Florence, and Padua. In the evening, you’ll end up in Trieste, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Piazza Della Signoria one of your first sightseeing stops in Florence. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Ponte Vecchio is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This deck arch bridge is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,099 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Piazzale Michelangelo. This square has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 77,744 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Florence and set your GPS to Padua. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 33 min. Upon reaching Padua, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Prato Della Valle. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 47,576 visitors.

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 Trieste. Trieste 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 explore more of Trieste, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Harry's Piccolo in Trieste by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 2-star Michelin status, Harry's Piccolo offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative menu. If you're looking to mix things up, Caffè degli Specchi offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Coktail Bar Trieste | La Preferita after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to "life" New Bar Torinese Snc for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, White Cafe is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Head back to your accommodation in Trieste and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Italy!

Day 6 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Trieste before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Italy, take time to indulge in shopping at Trieste’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Umberto Saba Statue. This extraordinary point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 270 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Trieste.

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sbecolez Trieste, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Trieste. 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!