One-Week Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bologna traveling west 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 fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Start at the notable Two Towers, a culturally significant monument in Bologna. Next, go to International Museum And Library Of Music.

After visiting Two Towers and International Museum And Library Of Music, take time to explore Bologna's streets and absorb its charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Piazza Santo Stefano. This visually striking public square offers a unique experience.

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.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bologna's best restaurants.

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

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Lime Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Macondo - Cocktail Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar Onda Marina By Night offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Florence. 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.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bologna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Florence may take around 1 hour 30 min. Upon your arrival in Florence, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your self-guided tour starts at Piazzale Michelangelo, a spectacular observation deck that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Uffizi Gallery and admire its eye-catching features. When you’re ready, continue to Ponte Vecchio, a wondrous historical landmark beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit. Not far away, you’ll also find Piazza Della Signoria, a visually striking place to see that you won’t regret spending some extra time discovering.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Di Poneta Novoli beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Caffe San Firenze. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Florence tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Manifattura, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Il Vinile provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Italy!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Italy. Today you will explore Siena and San Gimignano, 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 San Gimignano. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Siena today.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Siena. This car ride takes around 1 hour 10 min.

Head to Fortezza Medicea (siena), an increasingly popular monument in Siena. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Piazza Del Campo. This famous public square is a top recommendation in the area. When you’re ready to explore more, Siena Cathedral is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most grand church in the region.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in San Gimignano. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Head to Porta San Giovanni, an up-and-coming monument in San Gimignano. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Piazza Del Duomo. This often recommended public square is a top recommendation in the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in San Gimignano. San Gimignano offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of San Gimignano's best restaurants.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Italy. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Pisa and Lucca. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Florence. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Pisa allows for both.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Pisa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Pisa Cathedral. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa. This globally renowned public square is a traveler-favorite in the city. Not far away, you’ll also find Leaning Tower Of Pisa. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument.

When you’ve had your share of Pisa, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Lucca. Your travel time is around 32 min.

Take your self-guided tour to Guinigi Tower, a frequently visited monument that everyone visiting Lucca should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Piazza Dell'anfiteatro. This enchanting public square is one of the most popular attractions in the region.

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.

As you explore more of Florence, 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 delicious meal at Ditta Artigianale, a highly-rated dining destination in Florence. If you're eager to try something different, consider Trattoria Da Burde, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Casa Toscana. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Florence this evening.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Bar 50 Rosso, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bitter Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Archea Brewery. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in La Spezia, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Florence’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Corniglia. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 21 min. When you arrive in Corniglia, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take your self-guided tour to Cinque Terre National Park, a captivating national park that everyone visiting Corniglia should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Riomaggiore’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Corniglia behind. This drive usually takes around 18 min. Riomaggiore welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Begin your journey at Church Of San Giovanni Battista Of Riomaggiore and explore the respected features. Next, make your way to Castle Of Riomaggiore, another highlight in the village.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Colombaio Park, an excellent option for tonight's dining. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in La Spezia.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Italy.

On day 7 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 Parma. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bologna, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Parma, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from La Spezia to Parma may take around 1 hour 31 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Parma, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Palazzo Della Pilotta, a locally appreciated palace known for its photogenic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Teatro Regio, an intriguing opera house that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Next, stop by Sanctuary Of Santa Maria Della Steccata and uncover the details of this culturally significant church. Make sure to also explore Parma Cathedral, an underrated church that offers a unique experience.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bologna. Bologna offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Va Mo Là, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Trattoria dal Biassanot? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bologna.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Aurum. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bar Senza Nome offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Caffè Ristretto, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Italy and look forward to more memorable moments to come!