One-Week Relaxed Italy Road Trip from Bologna to Florence

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Italy begins when you reach Bologna, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Bologna is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the 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.

An excellent example is Trattoria da Me. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,763 customers.

Trattoria dal Biassanot serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Bologna has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,616 reviews.

Trattoria del Tempo Buono is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,531 customers, Trattoria del Tempo Buono is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Bologna looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at BrewDog Bar Bologna, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,504 reviews.

Macondo - Cocktail Bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Bologna. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 808 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Osteria del Sole. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,643 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Italy! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you'll explore the best attractions in Bologna at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bologna, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Bologna Cathedral. This incredible catholic cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,852 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Italy by seeing another popular site in Bologna, the wonderful Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,852 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Piazza Maggiore. This square has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Two Towers. This tower is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Piazza Santo Stefano. This amazing site is a wonderful square with more than 7,617 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Italy. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bologna itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Italy extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bologna. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Ristorante da Nello al Montegrappa. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at L'Arcimboldo, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. L'Arcimboldo is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 1,070 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bologna and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Bar Senza Nome. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,552 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Bar Maurizio. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 581 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Caffè De Marchi. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Caffè De Marchi has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 553 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Italy gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Bologna and visit more of its attractions.

Bologna has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Arco del Meloncello, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Arco del Meloncello has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,755 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Ducati Museum. This city feature got an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from its 4,028 guests. Every year, around 7,600 visitors spend time marveling at this amazing industry museum.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Bologna by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Bologna.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bologna, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Ristorante San Pietro is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Bologna-based food place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,152 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Ristorante Da Cesari is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Ristorante Da Cesari proved an excellent choice for around 995 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Bologna, Officina dei Sapori. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 362 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Caffè Ristretto. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.5 over 5 stars by 209 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Aurum may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 136 customers have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Bologna and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Italy on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Padua. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Florence, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Piazza dei Signori, Padua is waiting for you. This square has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,510 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Piazza della Frutta. This unique square is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,397 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible The Basilica of St. Anthony. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 38,852 visitors, this church is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding prato della Valle. This popular square and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 47,576 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Padua has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Florence. In Florence, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ristorante Paoli.

Locals also recommend Ristorante Oliviero 1962 as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Ristorante Oliviero 1962 as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Il Vezzo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 862 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Manifattura. Manifattura is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Ditta Artigianale. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,877 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Archea Brewery. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Archea Brewery is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 723 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Italy serves as your introduction to Florence. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Italy and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Florence, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 3,288 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Ville sull'Arno. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,297 guests, Ville sull'Arno is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Argentina offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Argentina is a top-rated budget hotel in Florence with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 2,929 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Florence. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Florence, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding piazzale Michelangelo. This square and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Florence. The fascinating piazzale Michelangelo has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 travelers.

Florence is also home to the captivating Ponte Vecchio, a local deck arch bridge and another popular attraction in the city. About 118,099 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Uffizi Gallery is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Italy. This extraordinary national museum and travel destination hosts more than 2,011,219 visitors annually. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 61,794 travelers, Uffizi Gallery proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Palazzo Vecchio. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing palazzo and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,049 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic piazza della Signoria. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating square and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 66,956 visitors have rated the famous piazza della Signoria an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Florence, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Italy.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Florence, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Florence is Ristorante Le Volte Firenze. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 536 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Le Cappelle Medicee for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Florence. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,574 customers.

Another alternative is La Giostra. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,432 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Florence. At Locale Firenze, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 771 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Djària - American Bar, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 182 reviews.

Caffe San Firenze is also one of the best places in Florence where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,268 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Italy!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you'll explore the best attractions in Florence at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Florence, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (FI). This incredible archives has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 23,075 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Italy by seeing another popular site in Florence, the wonderful Central Market. This top-tier point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 23,075 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Galleria dell'Accademia. This national museum has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 34,429 visitors. Up to 1,719,645 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable David. This statue is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,476 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Italy. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Florence itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Italy extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Florence. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Ristorante La Grotta Toscana. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Il Granaio Ristorante, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Il Granaio Ristorante is rated 4.6 stars out of 5 by 667 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Florence and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,020 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular The Florence Irish Pub. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 426 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Il Vinile. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Il Vinile has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 376 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Florence. 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 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is waiting for you. This church has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 28,544 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This unique church is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Pitti Palace. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,445 visitors, this art museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Pitti Palace welcomes around 198,270 visitors on a yearly basis.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Florence has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bologna. In Bologna, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 811 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Al Sangiovese Restaurant.

Locals also recommend All'Osteria Bottega as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at All'Osteria Bottega as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 815 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Trattoria Bertozzi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 702 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Bar River. Bar River is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 187 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Bar Latteria Fontana E Bonaiuti. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 116 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Bar Onda Marina by Night. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Bar Onda Marina by Night is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 458 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Italy is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bologna.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Bologna once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Italy on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Porta Galliera is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Bologna. This top sight is a popular city gate, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,185 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bologna or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Trattoria Pizzeria La Mela. Dining at Trattoria Pizzeria La Mela is one of the best food experiences you can have in Bologna. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers.

Another top recommendation in Bologna is Trattoria Nonna Gigia. If you go to Trattoria Nonna Gigia, you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 681 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Botanica Lab Cucina. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Botanica Lab Cucina is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 745 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bologna and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Italy is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.