7-Day Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bologna to Venice and Florence and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Bologna. You’ll stay in Bologna for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bologna, including a monument, a museum, and a public square. Start your day at Two Towers. This culturally significant monument is a notable place to see in Bologna. Then, wander over to International Museum And Library Of Music. If eye-catching sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Piazza Santo Stefano. This romantic public square is a favorite among visitors.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Italy is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

Experience shopping bliss at Bologna as you explore Galleria Cavour. Take a leisurely stroll through unique and high-end shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, Galleria Cavour offers more options, including unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.

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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Bologna by reserving a table at Ahimè. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional country cooking menu. For a different taste experience, head to I Portici, recognized for its delicious creative and contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Trattoria di Via Serra, a local favorite known for its delightful emilian cuisine in Bologna. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning emilian foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Italy!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you will explore Padua, 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.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Bologna, including a public square and a church. Start your day with a visit to Prato Della Valle. This well-known public square is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to The Basilica Of St. Anthony, which may be one of the most culturally significant places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Bologna on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Piazza Della Frutta, a frequently visited public square in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Piazza Dei Signori, Padua and Scrovegni Chapel.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Venice. Venice offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Venice, 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Venice by booking a table at Local, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional contemporary menu. For a different culinary experience in Venice, Wistèria shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious contemporary and venetian 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, Quadri is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern cuisine in Venice. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Al Parlamento, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, The Caffe Rosso offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Adagio. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Venice. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Florence, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Venice, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Rialto Bridge, a globally renowned historical landmark in the city. Then, head to Teatro La Fenice and soak in the ambiance of this instagrammable opera house.

There are many interesting places to see in Venice, and when you are ready for more, go to Piazza San Marco. This is one of the city’s most wondrous history-steeped spots of interest. After exploring the public square, visit the notable Doge's Palace. Not far away, you'll also find Bridge Of Sighs. This monument is an UNESCO world heritage-listed highlight in Venice.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Florence. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Florence. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight'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.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Manifattura, known for its inviting atmosphere. Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Il Vinile provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Florence for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Florence, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Start at Ponte Vecchio, a world-famous historical landmark in the city. Then, head to Uffizi Gallery and soak in the ambiance of this historic art gallery.

There are many interesting places to see in Florence, and when you are ready for more, go to Piazza Della Signoria. This is one of the city’s most astonishing history-steeped spots of interest. After exploring the public square, visit the locally renowned Piazza Della Repubblica. Not far away, you'll also find Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore. This church is a history-steeped highlight in Florence.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Italy is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Ditta Artigianale, a top-rated dining destination in Florence. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Trattoria Da Burde, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Casa Toscana. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Florence this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar 50 Rosso, known for its inviting atmosphere. Bitter Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Archea Brewery provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Italy!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Florence. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bologna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day at Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence. This photogenic church is a well-known place to see in Florence. Then, wander over to Piazzale Michelangelo. If enchanting sites excite you, this observation deck will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Galleria Dell'accademia. This photogenic art gallery is a favorite among visitors.

Florence offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, David is an interesting spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the statue, don’t forget to check out the photogenic Central Market. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this well-known food market.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bologna, 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 Bologna's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Va Mo Là, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Trattoria dal Biassanot? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bologna.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Aurum, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Bar Senza Nome offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Caffè Ristretto provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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