One-Week Italy Road Trip from Bologna to Siena, Rome, Florence, and Venice

On day 2 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 Bologna. In the evening, you’ll end up in Siena, where you will stay for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at International Museum And Library Of Music, a remarkable music museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 742 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 13,413 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Two Towers. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 travelers.

Piazza Santo Stefano is another must-visit attraction. This renowned square offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Basilica Of San Domenico. This well-loved church boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,380 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Siena, 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 Siena. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Antica Trattoria Papei, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Osteria Quattro Venti beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Osteria da Divo. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Siena tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Meet Life Cafè, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Maudit Pub offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bar Impero Siena provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Italy!

Dive into day 3 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 Rome. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vatican City, Vatican City. This car ride takes around 2 hours 40 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Sistine Chapel. This chapel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 52,083 visitors.

St. Peter's Basilica is another popular attraction you could visit today. This major basilica has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 131,043 visitors. St. Peter's Basilica attracts up to 11,000,000 visitors every year.

Saint Peter's Square is also highly recommended by travelers. This square has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 38,954 visitors.

Vatican Museums is an attraction you won’t want to miss. Around 1,612,530 people visit this place every year. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 133,310 reviews.

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 Rome. Rome 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.

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

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Rome by booking a table at La Pergola. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of mediterranean, and contemporary cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Il Pagliaccio, celebrated for its delectable creative, and innovative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Enoteca La Torre, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing mediterranean, and creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at La Botticella Of Poggi Giovanni, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Sant' Eustachio Caffè. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Caffè Portofino, another top-rated place in the area.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Italy!

Day 4 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.

Take the opportunity to see Castel Sant'angelo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 72,431 visitors and gets around 918,591 visits every year.

Piazza Navona is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This square has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 158,771 travelers.

Rome is also the home of Pantheon. This roman temple gets more than 30,000,000 visitors on an annual basis. Around 189,682 people have rated this roman temple an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Roman Forum. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 114,450 reviews, a visit to this square is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Rome is also your chance to admire Colosseum. This must-visit roman amphitheatre enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 328,821 reviews. Approximately 7,400,000 people travel to Rome every year to see this attraction with their own eyes.

You can learn more about Rome today by going on a tour. Rome offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Rome. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at DEROMA - Farine Romane, a top-rated dining destination in Rome. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider La Taverna Italiana, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Centro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Rome this evening.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Apartment Bar Roma, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Hotel Hassler Roma offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Rome.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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 1 vibrant destinations - Rome. 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.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Altare Della Patria. This much-appreciated architectural structure is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 49,843 reviews. Each year, 1,683,070 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

Next up is Trevi Fountain. This sculpture has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 343,494 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Piazza Di Spagna. This square has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 113,658 reviews.

Piazza Del Popolo is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 89,807 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Villa Borghese. This urban zone of rome is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 69,749 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Florence, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Florence by reserving a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional italian contemporary menu. For a different taste experience, head to Santa Elisabetta, recognized for its delicious creative, and mediterranean dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a local favorite known for its delightful italian contemporary, and international cuisine in Florence. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning italian contemporary, and international foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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, Archea Brewery provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Italy, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Florence. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Venice, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Piazza Della Signoria. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 66,956 visitors.

Next, make your way to Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 76,359 reviews.

While in Florence, we also recommend a visit to Piazza Della Repubblica. This square has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 22,356 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Ponte Vecchio. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 travelers, this deck arch bridge is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Florence.

Make your way to Piazzale Michelangelo, perhaps the most famous square in Florence. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 77,744 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Venice, 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 Venice, 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.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Local in Venice by securing a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin distinction, Local delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious contemporary cuisine. For a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Wistèria, acclaimed for its delectable contemporary, and venetian specialties. This local 1-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Quadri, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 1-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern cuisine in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Al Parlamento, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Adagio offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Venice. Il Mercante is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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 7 of your road trip in Italy. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Venice, and Padua. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Bologna, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Make Rialto Bridge your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this stone bridge an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 141,666 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Piazza San Marco. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 152,982 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this square every year.

St Mark's Basilica is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,439 visitors.

When you’re finished at St Mark's Basilica, the perfect next stop is Doge's Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 24,775 reviews. Doge's Palace attracts approximately 318,104 visitors annually.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Padua. This car ride takes around 39 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Prato Della Valle. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 47,576 reviews.

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Ahimè, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional country cooking menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, I Portici, known for its delicious creative, and contemporary cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Bologna is Trattoria di Via Serra, a renowned Bib Gourmand restaurant, known for its delicious emilian menu.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar Senza Nome offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bar Maurizio is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Brewdog Bar Bologna is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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