7-Day Italy Road Trip from Florence traveling north to Bologna

Welcome to Florence, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Italy! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Florence's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Florence 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 Central Market 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 Florence. 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 Florence. 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 Ristorante Oliviero 1962, an iconic dining spot in Florence. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Caffe San Firenze, a popular restaurant in Florence. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Ditta Artigianale, a hidden gem nestled in Florence. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Manifattura, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Archea Brewery provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Italy!

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

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 76,359 reviews.

Continue your journey at Piazza Della Repubblica. This square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,356 travelers from near and far.

Florence is also the home of Piazza Della Signoria. This square has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 66,956 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Uffizi Gallery. A total of 2,011,219 people explore this attraction every year. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 61,794 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Ponte Vecchio. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,099 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this deck arch bridge.

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

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional italian contemporary menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Santa Elisabetta, known for its delicious creative, and mediterranean cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Florence is Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious italian contemporary, and international menu.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Italy.

On day 3 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 Pisa. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bologna, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,544 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Galleria Dell'accademia. This national museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,429 reviews. Usually, around 1,719,645 people visit Galleria Dell'accademia every year.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Pisa, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Florence to Pisa may take around 1 hour 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Pisa, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Leaning Tower Of Pisa your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this bell tower an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 116,882 reviews. More than 3,200,000 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104,550 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this square every year.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bologna. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight'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 savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Bar Freud E Squisito, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Osteria Del Sole offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bologna. Macondo - Cocktail Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Italy promises a magnificent time exploring Bologna. You have 2 nights left in Bologna. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Palazzo Re Enzo, a remarkable palazzo where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,072 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,952 travelers.

Bologna Cathedral is another must-visit attraction. This renowned catholic cathedral offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,852 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Piazza Maggiore. This well-loved square boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 64,523 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Basilica Of San Domenico awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a church, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,380 previous visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia, a top-rated dining spot in Bologna. If you're in the mood for something new, try Victoria Station, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Trattoria da Me. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bologna.

Keep the evening going at Bar Senza Nome, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Maurizio, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Brewdog Bar Bologna, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to La Piccola Venezia. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 1,491 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Pinacoteca Nazionale Di Bologna. This art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,400 reviews. Usually, around 15,573 people visit Pinacoteca Nazionale Di Bologna every year.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Two Towers. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Piazza Santo Stefano. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 visitors.

Your discoveries in Bologna do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bologna on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Trattoria del Tempo Buono, a highly-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're eager to try something different, consider Cantina Bentivoglio, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante San Pietro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Kinotto Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mio Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches.

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

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you will explore Casalecchio di Reno, and Sant'Agata Bolognese, 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 Florence. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Bologna, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Casalecchio di Reno. Your travel time is around 29 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Parco Della Chiusa. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,583 reviews.

Parco Talon is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,343 reviews.

Set your GPS to Sant'Agata Bolognese and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 32 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Sant'Agata Bolognese beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Lamborghini Automobile Museum. This popular museum has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,581 visitors.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Tijuana, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Djària - American Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ristorante Buca Niccolini. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Florence.

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

Day 7 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Florence before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Italy unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Florence's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Italy.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 77,744 reviews.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Cibrèo Caffè, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Ristorante Le Volte Firenze is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Florence. 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!