One-Week Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bologna to Florence, San Gimignano, and La Spezia

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.

Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the curiosity-inducing Ducati Museum, a standout museum in Bologna. Next, go to Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna.

After visiting Ducati Museum and Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna, have a stroll along Bologna's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Bologna Cathedral. This historic church offers a unique experience. Piazza Maggiore is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Two Towers, one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Bologna. If you still have some time left for sightseeing, we also recommend stopping by Piazza Santo Stefano.

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 Bologna. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bononia Cafè, a top-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Via Con Me, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Trattoria Pizzeria La Mela. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Lime Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Macondo - Cocktail Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bar Onda Marina By Night provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Italy!

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

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Bologna, including an observation deck, a church, an art gallery, a historical landmark, a palace and much more! Start your adventure at Piazzale Michelangelo. This extraordinary observation deck is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence located in Bologna for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Uffizi Gallery. Its instagrammable features will captivate you. After the art gallery, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Ponte Vecchio. Visitors usually appreciate the visually striking features of this historical landmark. Next up is Palazzo Vecchio, a highly recommended palace. For a change of pace, head to Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore. As one of the most impressive attractions in Bologna, this church is the perfect place to end your self-guided sightseeing tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Florence, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, a top-rated dining spot in Florence. If you're in the mood for something new, try Di Poneta Novoli, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Caffe San Firenze. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Florence.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Manifattura, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Il Vinile provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Italy!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Italy. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Siena and San Gimignano. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in San Gimignano. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Florence, including a church, a public square, a monument, a museum and much more! Start your day with a visit to Siena Cathedral. This popular church is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Piazza Del Campo, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Florence 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 Tower Of Mangia, a curiosity-inducing monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Porta San Giovanni and Sangimignano1300. End your day with a visit to Piazza Del Duomo, a worthwhile public square that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in San Gimignano. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

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

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 Pisa and Lucca. 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 1 night.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. The first attraction of today is Pisa Cathedral. This beloved church is a breathtaking place to see in San Gimignano. Continue your discovery at Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa, a breathtaking public square with stories to tell.

As you stroll around San Gimignano, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Leaning Tower Of Pisa. This wondrous monument offers a culturally significant encounter with San Gimignano. Next, make your way to Mura Di Lucca to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Piazza Dell'anfiteatro, a notable public square that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in San Gimignano.

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.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Ditta Artigianale, 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 Trattoria Da Burde, 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 Casa Toscana, 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 your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Bar 50 Rosso, known for its lively atmosphere. Bitter Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Archea Brewery offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 6 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 Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. In the evening, you’ll end up in La Spezia, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for a day filled with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming village of Florence. Your adventure starts at Cinque Terre National Park, a well-known local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Manarola Overlook Viewpoint. This locally appreciated observation deck is known for its romantic 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 Riomaggiore. Castle Of Riomaggiore is also worth visiting, along with Church Of San Giovanni Battista Of Riomaggiore. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.

At the end of the day, you will drive to La Spezia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in La Spezia. 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Colombaio Park, a top-rated dining destination in La Spezia.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Parma. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bologna, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in La Spezia today. One of the most curiosity-inducing attractions included on the itinerary is Palazzo Della Pilotta. This instagrammable palace will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Teatro Regio and learn what makes this eye-catching opera house unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the frequently visited Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument. After exploring the monument, head to Parma Cathedral. This intriguing church is a highlight in La Spezia. As your day continues, stop by Cittadella Park, known for its romantic features.

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

As you explore more of Bologna, 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Va Mo Là, a top-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Trattoria dal Biassanot, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Aurum stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Senza Nome offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Caffè Ristretto is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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