Relaxed 7-Day Italy Road Trip Starting from Florence to Venice

Your relaxed road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Florence, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Florence and begin your adventure in Italy.

Kick off the day at Central Market, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 43,100 reviews.

Find your way to your hotel in Florence. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Italy. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Florence.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Caffe San Firenze is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ditta Artigianale. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Florence tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Florence.

Continue your lively evening at Manifattura, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Archea Brewery ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy. Enjoy your first taste of Florence as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Florence. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Florence. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Florence!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (fi). This archives is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Florence, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 23,075 visitors.

Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 76,359 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Galleria Dell'accademia. Visitors have rated this national museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,429 reviews. Galleria Dell'accademia receives around 1,719,645 visitors every year.

Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a church rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,544 reviews.

Italy makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Italy also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Italy, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Florence.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible italian contemporary menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Santa Elisabetta is one of the best restaurants for creative, and mediterranean cuisine in Florence. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for italian contemporary, and international cuisine in the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Florence’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Italy.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Italy.

Day 3 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Florence, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.

Drop by the renowned The Boboli Gardens. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 25,341 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Ponte Vecchio. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 visitors, this deck arch bridge deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Uffizi Gallery. Hosting around 2,011,219 visitors every year, the fascinating Uffizi Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Florence. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 61,794 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Palazzo Vecchio. This palazzo and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,049 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Piazza Della Signoria. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 66,956 travelers, this square is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Florence.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Florence, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Italy.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Florence, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Tijuana, a top-rated dining destination in Florence. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Djària - American Bar, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante Buca Niccolini. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Florence this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Florence and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Italy is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Bologna and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the city of Padua and the city of Venice. You’ll stay in Venice for 2 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Florence, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bologna may take around 1 hour 30 min. Upon your arrival in Bologna, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Journey into the unknown at Two Towers, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Piazza Maggiore is a recommended place to visit. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 64,523 reviews.

Set your GPS to Padua and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 31 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Padua beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned The Basilica Of St. Anthony. This popular church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 38,852 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Prato Della Valle. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 47,576 visitors, this square deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Venice. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Venice, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Venice.

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

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Lido, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the town’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the town's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Lido, and meet locals along the way!

Make Piazza San Marco your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 152,982 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at St Mark's Basilica. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,439 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this cathedral every year.

Doge's Palace is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This palace has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,775 visitors. Up to 318,104 travelers come to Venice every year to see Doge's Palace with their own eyes.

When you’re finished at Doge's Palace, the perfect next stop is Bridge Of Sighs. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,223 reviews.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Italy. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Dine in style at Cantina Do Spade, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Trattoria Al Gazzettino boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Trattoria Bar Pontini. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Venice.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Venice. The bars in Venice make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Irish Pub Venezia, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Dolce Vita Venezia, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Devils Forest Pub likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Lido can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Italy!

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Italy. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Italy.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rialto Bridge is a great place to start. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 141,666 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Palazzo Contarini Del Bovolo. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,745 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Teatro La Fenice. The opera house has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,677 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This art museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,128 reviews. As a top-rated attraction, it's no surprise that 92,922 people visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection every year.

After soaking in Venice’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Campalto. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 17 min. When you arrive in Campalto, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Parco San Giuliano is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 7,776 visitors.

In the city of Florence, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Italy.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Italy, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Florence.

Make sure to book a table at Cibrèo Caffè, a popular restaurant in Florence. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Florence at Ristorante Le Volte Firenze, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Florence tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Florence. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Italy. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Italy tomorrow with new energy.

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Italy is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Florence.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Florence is the remarkable Piazzale Michelangelo. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Florence or just grab something light to keep you going.

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

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Florence and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Italy is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.