One-Week Italy Road Trip from Bologna to Perugia, Rome, and Florence
Description
Summary
Description
Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through Italy.
This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Italy. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Bologna, 1 night in Perugia, 3 nights in Rome, and 1 night in Florence, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Italy. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Bologna, Perugia, Rome, and Florence. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Italy you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.
Upon arriving in Bologna, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Italy, including the stunning Colosseum and Pantheon.
You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.
Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Italy. From the magnificent Piazza Navona to the breathtaking Trevi Fountain and Ponte Vecchio, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Vatican Museums and learn more about the unique St. Peter's Basilica to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Bologna, Perugia, Rome, and Florence, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Italy. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Italy.
Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Italy. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Italy.
Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Italy.
You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Italy has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.
You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.
Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Italy. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.
You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Italy extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.
The best services in Italy fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Italy today!
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Day 1 – Bologna - arrival day
Day 1 – Bologna - arrival day
- Bologna - Arrival day
- More
- Porta Maggiore
- More
Your road trip adventure in Italy begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bologna. You’ll stay in Bologna for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.
Bologna has many popular destinations you can explore.
When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna, Trattoria da Me. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,763 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna is Trattoria dal Biassanot. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,616 customers.
Locals recommend Trattoria del Tempo Buono as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,531 customers.
Bologna also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bologna is BrewDog Bar Bologna. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,504 customers.
Another of the best bars in the city of Bologna is Macondo - Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 808 customers.
Locals also enjoy Osteria del Sole. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,643 customers.
Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Italy!
Experiences
Day 2 – Bologna and Perugia
Day 2 – Bologna and Perugia
- Bologna
- Perugia
- More
Drive 257 km, 3 hours 12 min
- Fountain of Neptune, Bologna
- Piazza Maggiore
- Two Towers
- Piazza Santo Stefano
- Arco del Meloncello
- More
Day 2 of your road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Bologna and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Perugia. You will stay in Perugia for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Bologna is the amazing Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This attraction is a fountain that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,952 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible square, Piazza Maggiore. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Bologna is the outstanding Two Towers. This popular tower and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 visitors.
The spectacular Piazza Santo Stefano is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating square and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,617 visitors.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Arco del Meloncello. This attraction is a popular arch that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,755 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Bologna by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Perugia, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Al Mangiar Bene, one of the best restaurants in the city of Perugia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,395 customers.
Locals also recommend La Prosciutteria Perugia as one of the best restaurants in the city of Perugia. La Prosciutteria Perugia is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 407 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Perugia is Alphaville. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 325 customers.
After dinner, visit Quei Bravi Ragazzi, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Perugia. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 543 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Elfo Pub Perugia. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 754 customers.
Alternatively, Punto di Vista is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Perugia. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 502 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Italy!
Experiences
Day 3 – Vatican City and Rome
Day 3 – Vatican City and Rome
- Rome
- More
Drive 184 km, 3 hours
- Vatican Museums
- Saint Peter's Square
- Sistine Chapel
- St Peter's Basilica
- More
Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you'll wake up in Perugia and embark on a scenic drive to Rome, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 3 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Perugia and Vatican before you reach your end destination for the day.
It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Perugia. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Piazza IV Novembre. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,189 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible Rocca Paolina. This attraction, a beloved rocca, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,128 visitors.
If you have time, another site you could explore in Perugia is the stunning Carducci Gardens. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,768 visitors.
One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Vatican Museums. This attraction is an art museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 133,310 visitors. Around 1,612,530 people visit Vatican Museums every year.
If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Saint Peter's Square. This square and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 38,954 reviews.
Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Sistine Chapel. This chapel and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 52,083 visitors.
The lovely St. Peter's Basilica is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 131,043 visitors have left this major basilica an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. This popular attraction gets around 11,000,000 visits every year.
When you're done with your sightseeing in Vatican, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Rome. When you arrive in Rome you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.
We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like 433. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,341 customers.
Locals also recommend Roma Sparita, another of the best restaurants in Rome. Roma Sparita is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers.
After dinner, visit D’Angelo Caffè & Gastronomia - Bar Bistro Caffetteria Napoletana a Roma to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Rome, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,054 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Cantina e Cucina. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Cantina e Cucina has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,907 customers.
Ai Tre Scalini is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,950 customers.
End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Italy, and look forward to more great days to come!
Experiences
Day 4 – Rome
Day 4 – Rome
- Rome
- More
Drive 6 km, 1 hour 7 min
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Altare della Patria
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- More
On day 4 of your road trip across Italy, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Rome. You’ll stay in Rome for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.
We recommend you stay at the Grand Hotel Palatino, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Rome. This hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,826 guests.
The best luxury hotel option in the city of Rome is the 5-star NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento. The hotel is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,953 guests.
One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Rome is the 3-star Hotel Nord Nuova Roma. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 3,325 guests.
Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.
You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Rome, like the outstanding Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 27,678 visitors.
Colosseum is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Rome. This incredible attraction is a roman amphitheatre and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 328,821 visitors. Up to 7,400,000 travelers visit this fantastic attraction every year.
One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Rome is the extraordinary Roman Forum. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 114,450 reviews.
As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Altare della Patria. Up to 1,683,070 people visit this attraction every year. Around 49,843 visitors have given this architectural structure an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic largo di Torre Argentina. Largo di Torre Argentina is a popular square, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 30,433 travelers.
Come to Rome prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Rome.
After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Rome.
We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Ristorante Amedeo, after your day of exploring the city of Rome. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,798 customers.
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is another of the best restaurants in the city of Rome. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,637 customers.
Another of the best restaurants in the city of Rome is Maccheroni. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,633 customers.
Locals recommend VinAllegro, one of the best bars in the city of Rome, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,167 customers.
Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Rome, Ristorante Tema. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 939 customers.
Bar Tornatora Rome is also one of the best bars in the city of Rome. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 952 customers.
It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Italy.
Experiences
Day 5 – Rome
Day 5 – Rome
- Rome
- More
Drive 10 km, 1 hour 2 min
- Circus Maximus
- Pantheon
- Piazza navona
- Campo de' Fiori
- Castel Sant'Angelo
- More
Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Rome has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Rome by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Rome. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.
You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Rome, like the extraordinary Circus Maximus. This attraction is a circus and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 44,741 visitors.
Another of the best travel destinations in Rome, which gets around 30,000,000 annual visits, is the spectacular Pantheon. This attraction is a roman temple and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 189,682 visitors.
You could then travel to the amazing Piazza Navona. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 158,771 visitors.
Campo de' Fiori is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This square is a popular destination among visitors in Rome. Rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 51,133 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.
If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Castel Sant'Angelo. Castel Sant'Angelo is a museum and popular attraction in Rome. More than 72,431 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. If you visit this attraction, you’ll be one of 918,591 people who do so each year.
Your discovery of Rome does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Rome on this day of your trip.
After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Italy, be sure to eat at Coso Ristorante, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Rome. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,275 customers.
Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Rome is the popular Pierluigi. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,123 customers.
Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Rome is Ristorante Ad Hoc. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 752 customers.
When you’ve finished your meal, La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni is one of the best bars in the city of Rome for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 655 customers.
Tigelleria Romana - Bistrot & Cafè is another of the most popular bars in the city of Rome. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 792 customers.
Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Rome is La Licata. La Licata has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,067 customers.
Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Rome!
Experiences
Day 6 – Rome and Florence
Day 6 – Rome and Florence
- Rome
- Florence
- More
Drive 280 km, 3 hours 50 min
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza di Spagna
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza del Popolo
- Villa Borghese
- More
As you rise to greet the dawn on day 6 of your epic road trip in Italy, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Rome. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Florence. You’ll stay in Florence for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Rome’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.
If you’re curious to see more of Rome, start your day with a visit to the amazing Trevi Fountain. This much-appreciated sculpture and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 343,494 visitors.
You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Piazza di Spagna. This square and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 113,658 visitors.
We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Spanish Steps to make the most of your road trip across Italy. The spectacular Spanish Steps is a monumental staircase that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 57,211 visitors.
The lovely piazza del Popolo is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 89,807 visitors have left this square average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Villa Borghese. This attraction is an urban zone of rome rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 69,749 reviews.
After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Rome has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Florence. Florence offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.
After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Ristorante Paoli. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 6,031 reviews.
The remarkable Ristorante Oliviero 1962 is another top restaurant in Florence we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.
If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Il Vezzo is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 862 customers.
After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Florence, the fantastic Manifattura. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.
To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Ditta Artigianale. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,877 customers.
Another bar with a great atmosphere is Archea Brewery. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 723 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!
Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Italy!
Experiences
Day 7 – Florence and Bologna
Day 7 – Florence and Bologna
- Florence
- Bologna
- More
Drive 110 km, 2 hours 12 min
- Piazza della Signoria
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Ponte Vecchio
- Uffizi Gallery
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- More
Day 7 of your road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Florence and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Bologna. You will stay in Bologna for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!
One of the best places to visit today in Florence is the amazing piazza della Signoria. This attraction is a square that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.
You could also stop at the incredible church, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.
Another unforgettable travel destination in the Florence is the outstanding Ponte Vecchio. This popular deck arch bridge and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 visitors.
The spectacular Uffizi Gallery is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating national museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,794 visitors. In addition, approximately 2,011,219 travelers visit this popular site annually.
If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic piazzale Michelangelo. This attraction is a popular square that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 visitors.
You can make the most of your new day in Florence by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.
At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bologna, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.
After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Ristorante da Nello al Montegrappa, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 customers.
Locals also recommend L'Arcimboldo as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. L'Arcimboldo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.
After dinner, visit Bar Senza Nome, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,552 customers.
You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bar Maurizio. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 581 customers.
Alternatively, Caffè De Marchi is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 553 customers.
Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Italy!
Experiences
Day 8 – Bologna - departure day
Day 8 – Bologna - departure day
- Bologna - Departure day
- More
- Portici di Bologna
- More
Day 8 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bologna before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.
Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Bologna and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Italy.
You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bologna at Ristorante San Pietro before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,152 customers.
Alternatively, we also recommend Ristorante Da Cesari for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bologna. The Ristorante Da Cesari restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 995 customers.
You’ll then say farewell to Bologna. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Italy!
Experiences
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