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

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy continues on day 2, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Italy and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Venice and beyond. With 1 night left in Venice, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is St Mark's Basilica. Previous visitors have rated this cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,439 reviews.

Doge's Palace is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 24,775 reviews. The attraction welcomes 318,104 visitors every year.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Bridge Of Sighs. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,223 reviews.

Piazza San Marco is another outstanding experience in Venice. Around 152,982 travelers have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The attraction gets an estimated 318,104 visitors 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: Burano. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 10 min. When you arrive in Burano, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Burano. This extraordinary island has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,009 visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Venice.

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.

Discover the culinary delights of Venice by securing a reservation at Local. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of contemporary cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Wistèria, renowned for its delicious contemporary, and venetian dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Quadri, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Irish Pub Venezia, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Dolce Vita Venezia, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Devils Forest Pub provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Verona. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bologna, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Venice, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Verona may take around 1 hour 25 min. Upon your arrival in Verona, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Castelvecchio Museum. This art museum gets 35,031 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,854 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Castelvecchio Bridge. This arch bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,156 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Ponte Pietra. This deck arch bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,284 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Piazza Delle Erbe. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,777 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Verona Arena. This opera house is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 123,818 visitors. Approximately 195,540 travelers visit Verona Arena every year.

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

Exploring the food culture in Bologna offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Ahimè, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible country cooking menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, I Portici is one of the best restaurants for creative, and contemporary cuisine in Bologna. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Trattoria di Via Serra. As a top-rated establishment with a Bib Gourmand status, it is an ideal choice for emilian cuisine in the city.

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 Bologna. The bars in Bologna make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Freud E Squisito stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Osteria Del Sole offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Macondo - Cocktail Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bologna. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bologna. 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 Bologna!

Make Palazzo Pallavicini your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,173 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at La Piccola Venezia. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,491 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this sightseeing destination every year.

Two Towers is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 visitors.

When you’re finished at Two Towers, the perfect next stop is Piazza Santo Stefano. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,617 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.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bologna has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Make sure to reserve a table at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia, an iconic dining spot in Bologna. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Victoria Station, a popular restaurant in Bologna. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Trattoria da Me, a hidden gem nestled in Bologna. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Senza Nome, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Maurizio is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Brewdog Bar Bologna is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across 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.

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 Palazzo Re Enzo. This palazzo has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,072 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,952 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Bologna Cathedral. This catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,852 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Pinacoteca Nazionale Di Bologna. This art museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,400 visitors. Approximately 15,573 travelers visit Pinacoteca Nazionale Di Bologna every year.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Italy at Venice. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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 Venice.

Don’t miss out on dining at La Palanca, a top-rated dining destination in Venice. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Farini, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Trattoria Dona Onesta. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Venice this evening.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Venice and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Al Vecio Calice, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Italy!