One-Week Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Ancona to Florence, Siena, and Rome
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Description
Explore the best of Italy on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Ancona, Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Rome. This road trip itinerary in Italy seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Italy takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Ancona, 2 nights in Florence, 1 night in Siena, and 1 night in Rome. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Italy. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Ancona, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Italy on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Italy. Trevi Fountain and Colosseum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Pantheon, learn more about the unique Piazza Navona, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of St. Peter's Basilica.
As you hit the open road and drive through Ancona, Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Rome, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Italy. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Italy.
Throughout your road trip in Italy, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Italy.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in Italy fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Italy today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Ancona - Arrival day
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- Parco Della Cittadella di Ancona
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Welcome to Ancona, 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 Ancona's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Ancona 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 Parco Della Cittadella Di Ancona, or just 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 Ancona. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Ancona, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Playa Solero, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Zucchero a Velò offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Ristorante Il Giardino is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Ancona.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Posa Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Bar Four Roses is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Amarillo Beer Bar Ancona offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Italy!
Day 2
- Ancona
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Drive 17 km, 1 hour 18 min
- Parco Belvedere Posatora
- Lazzaretto of Ancona
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Arch of Trajan
- Grotta Azzurra Pathway
- Passetto
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Ancona for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Today’s agenda in Ancona includes a park, a museum, a public square, a monument, a cave and much more! Parco Belvedere Posatora is must-visit park and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Lazzaretto Of Ancona, an up-and-coming museum, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Piazza Del Plebiscito, a romantic public square, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Ancona. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the frequently visited Arch Of Trajan. If you’re looking for more, Grotta Azzurra Pathway is also an intriguing attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Passetto, a place of romantic interest in the city.
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 explore more of Ancona, 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.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Amarcord, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Bontà delle Marche offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ristorante Pizzeria Da Romano. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Ancona.
Keep the evening going at Alla Tazza D'oro, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Italy!
Day 3
- Ancona
- Florence
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Drive 277 km, 3 hours 40 min
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Ponte Vecchio
- Palazzo Vecchio
- piazza della Signoria
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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. In the evening, you’ll end up in Florence, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the interesting Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence, a culturally significant church in Ancona. Next, go to Uffizi Gallery.
After visiting Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence and Uffizi Gallery, have a stroll along Ancona's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Ponte Vecchio. This visually striking historical landmark offers a unique experience. Palazzo Vecchio is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Piazza Della Signoria, one of the most romantic places to visit in Ancona.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Florence. Florence offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
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 a delicious meal at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, a highly-rated dining destination in Florence. If you're eager to try something different, consider Di Poneta Novoli, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Caffe San Firenze. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Florence this evening.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Manifattura. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Il Vinile provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Italy!
Day 4
- Florence
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Drive 196 km, 3 hours 7 min
- Santa Maria della Spina
- Palazzo Blu
- Knights' Square
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Pisa Cathedral
- Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
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On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Florence, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views in the charming city of Florence. Your adventure starts at Santa Maria Della Spina, a beloved local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Palazzo Blu. This frequently visited art gallery is known for its enchanting appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Florence's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Knights' Square. This historic public square offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Leaning Tower Of Pisa is also worth visiting, along with Pisa Cathedral. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment. End your day at Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa. This timeless public square provides a fitting finale to your sightseeing.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Florence.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Florence's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
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.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar 50 Rosso. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bitter Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Archea Brewery provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Italy!
Day 5
- Florence
- Siena
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Drive 158 km, 2 hours 58 min
- Siena Cathedral
- piazza del Campo
- Tower of Mangia
- Porta San Giovanni
- SanGimignano1300
- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Siena and San Gimignano. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Siena, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Whether you decide to explore Florence on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Siena Cathedral is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this enchanting church before continuing your journey. Piazza Del Campo is your next stop. This spectacular public square is one of the best-rated sights in Florence.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Tower Of Mangia. This awe-inspiring monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Porta San Giovanni and Sangimignano1300. If time allows, end your day with Piazza Del Duomo, a visually striking public square that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Siena. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Siena. 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.
Don’t miss out on dining at Enoteca I Terzi, a top-rated dining destination in Siena. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ristorante Tar-Tufo, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Antica Trattoria Papei. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Siena this evening.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Meet Life Cafè, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Maudit Pub, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Impero Siena likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Italy.
Day 6
- Siena
- Rome
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Drive 242 km, 3 hours 37 min
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
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On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Rome. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Rome, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Siena, featuring family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at Colosseum, a wondrous archeological site in the city. Then, head to Roman Forum and soak in the ambiance of this culturally significant archeological site.
There are many interesting places to see in Siena, and when you are ready for more, go to Trevi Fountain. This is one of the city’s most world-famous romantic spots of interest. After exploring the monument, visit the wondrous Pantheon. Not far away, you'll also find Piazza Navona. This public square is a romantic highlight in Siena.
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.
As you explore more of Rome, 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.
Enjoy a lovely meal at La Bottega Roma, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Pasta In Corso is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Trattoria Vecchia Roma. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Rome tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting La Botticella Of Poggi Giovanni, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Almalu Trastevere is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar Viminale Di Pepi Maurilio also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Italy!
Day 7
- Rome
- Ancona
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Drive 313 km, 4 hours 17 min
- St Peter's Basilica
- Sistine Chapel
- Obelisk of St Peter's Square
- Vatican Museums
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you will explore Vatican City, 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 Ancona. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Begin your sightseeing with St. Peter's Basilica. This iconic major basilica is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Sistine Chapel, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Rome, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Obelisk Of St Peter's Square. This worthwhile point of interest is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Vatican Museums, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Ancona. Ancona offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Ancona's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Pizzeria Pulcinella, a top-rated dining spot in Ancona. If you're in the mood for something new, try Donegal Irish Pub, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Vino E Cucina Miscia. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Ancona.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Italy!
Day 8
- Ancona - Departure day
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- Cattedrale di San Ciriaco
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Day 8 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Ancona before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Cathedral Basilica Of St. Cyriacus, an awe-inspiring church before you head out.
As your final day in Italy unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Ancona's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Italy.
Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Ancona.
You’ll then say farewell to Ancona. 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!
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