One-Week Relaxed Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Pisa to Bologna
Description
Included
Description
Explore Italy and discover its unique charm on this 8-day relaxed road trip through Pisa, Lucca, Scarperia, Bologna, and La Spezia. Delight in a stress-free journey that focuses on exploration through the country's most captivating landscapes.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in Italy at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Pisa, Lucca, Scarperia, Bologna, and La Spezia. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Pisa and 4 nights in Bologna. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Italy.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in Italy. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Pisa, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 8-day journey across Italy and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across Italy with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in Italy.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in Italy. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Leaning Tower Of Pisa. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa.
Traveling leisurely through Italy means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Piazza Maggiore. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Two Towers. Get close to the spectacular Piazza Dell'anfiteatro and the wonderful Piazza Napoleone. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through Italy's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in Italy.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in Italy. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through Italy's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the Italy.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through Italy. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 7 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 8 days of your self-drive road trip in Italy. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 8-day vacation in Italy and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Pisa - Arrival day
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- Knights' Square
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Your relaxed road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Pisa, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Pisa and begin your adventure in Italy.
Pisa is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Knights' Square, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Pisa. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Italy. Settle in and make plans for the evening.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Pisa, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Dine in style at Anima di Grano Pizzeria Napoletana Pisa Italy, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, il Mercante boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out La Ghiotteria. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Pisa.
As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Pisa. The bars in Pisa make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.
Keep the evening going at Jeffer Cocktails & Friends, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Parisien Wine Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Las Volta Cocktailbar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy. Enjoy your first taste of Pisa as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2
- Pisa
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Drive 14 km, 49 min
- Palazzo Blu
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Piazza del Duomo, Pisa
- Pisa Cathedral
- Parco Regionale Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli
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On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you’ll explore the area around Pisa, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Pisa will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Italy.
Get ready for an exciting day in Pisa. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes an art gallery, a monument, a public square, a church, a nature reserve and much more! Begin your adventure at Palazzo Blu. This is a curiosity-inducing art gallery you should not miss. Another must-see is Leaning Tower Of Pisa, a globally renowned monument in Pisa.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Pisa Cathedral, another of the city’s intriguing attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Parco Regionale Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, an awe-inspiring place of interest in the city.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Pisa and your accommodation.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Pisa has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Ristorante Capodimonte Pisa, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Locanda Dei Pisani Doc Pisa is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Baribaldi Pisa. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Pisa tonight.
Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Pisa. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Mocambo, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Tree is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Chupiteria also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy!
Day 3
- Pisa
- Bologna
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Drive 225 km, 3 hours 32 min
- St Martin Cathedral
- Piazza Napoleone
- Guinigi Tower
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
- Mugello Circuit
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Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Lucca. 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 4 nights.
Discover a day packed with fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots in Pisa. Begin your sightseeing with St Martin Cathedral. This frequently visited church is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Piazza Napoleone, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Pisa, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Guinigi Tower. This curiosity-inducing monument is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Piazza Dell'anfiteatro, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Conclude your day at Mugello Circuit and uncover why it's recognized as one of the city's most beloved attractions.
In the city of Bologna, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Italy.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Set out on a gastronomic journey in Bologna by reserving a table at Ahimè. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of country cooking cuisine. For a different taste, head over to I Portici, renowned for its delectable creative and contemporary dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore Trattoria di Via Serra, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite emilian menu. With a Bib Gourmand acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Bologna.
A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bologna.
Keep the evening going at Bar Al Bricco D'oro, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Bar Freud E Squisito, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Osteria Del Sole, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy!
Day 4
- Bologna
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Drive 6 km, 1 hour 6 min
- Porta Maggiore
- Piazza Santo Stefano
- Two Towers
- La Piccola Venezia
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
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Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bologna. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bologna. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bologna!
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Bologna, including a monument, a public square, a street, an art gallery and much more! Start your day with a visit to Porta Maggiore. This up-and-coming monument is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Piazza Santo Stefano, which may be one of the most romantic places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Bologna 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 Two Towers, a captivating monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for La Piccola Venezia and Pinacoteca Nazionale Di Bologna.
Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Italy by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bologna. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bologna that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Italy more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bologna to find the best options for you!
When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Italy, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bologna.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Bononia Cafè, a popular restaurant in Bologna. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bologna at Via Con Me, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Trattoria Pizzeria La Mela. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bologna tonight.
Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Bologna.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Lime Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Macondo - Cocktail Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Bar Onda Marina By Night also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Italy!
Day 5
- Bologna
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Drive 22 km, 1 hour 7 min
- Villa Ghigi
- Basilica of San Domenico
- Porta Castiglione
- arco del Meloncello
- Ducati Museum
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Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bologna, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.
Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Bologna, including a park, a church, a monument, a museum and much more! Start your adventure at Villa Ghigi. This up-and-coming park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Basilica Of San Domenico located in Bologna for an enchanting atmosphere.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Porta Castiglione. Its photogenic features will captivate you. After the monument, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Arco Del Meloncello. This monument has a culturally significant appeal. For a change of pace, head to Ducati Museum. As one of the most curiosity-inducing attractions in Bologna, this museum is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.
Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Italy more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Bologna offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.
Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Bologna, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Va Mo Là, a highly-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're eager to try something different, consider Trattoria dal Biassanot, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.
Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Aurum after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Senza Nome for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Caffè Ristretto is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!
Day 6
- Bologna
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Drive 1 km, 26 min
- Palazzo Pallavicini
- Bologna Cathedral
- Piazza Maggiore
- Fountain of Neptune, Bologna
- Palazzo Re Enzo
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On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Bologna, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bologna, and meet locals along the way!
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Bologna, including a palace, a church, a public square, a monument and much more! Start your day at Palazzo Pallavicini. This romantic palace is a curiosity-inducing place to see in Bologna. Then, wander over to Bologna Cathedral. If stunning sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Piazza Maggiore. This enchanting public square is a favorite among visitors.
Bologna offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Fountain Of Neptune, Bologna is a locally appreciated spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the monument, don’t forget to check out the instagrammable Palazzo Re Enzo. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this worthwhile palace in Bologna.
Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Italy. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy and ensure the experience of a lifetime.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Pappare' - Bologna, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Mister Coffee Bistrò? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at All'Osteria Bottega as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bologna.
Experience the amazing nightlife in Bologna and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Piratello, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bar Carlo, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar Maurizio provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!
Day 7
- Bologna
- Pisa
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Drive 302 km, 3 hours 55 min
- Parco XXV Aprile
- Castello San Giorgio
- Giardini Pubblici
- Technical Naval Museum of Spezia
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Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Italy is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Pisa for 1 night. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Italy.
Bologna is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, natural wonders, and scenic views! Start at Parco Xxv Aprile, a locally appreciated park that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Castello San Giorgio, enchanting visitors with its historic appeal. Continue your exploration at Giardini Pubblici. This park is one of the city’s most frequently visited spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Bologna at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Technical Naval Museum Of Spezia.
You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Pisa in this laid-back road trip in Italy. You'll stay here for 1 night.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Pisa has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Savor the flavors at Restaurant -Pizzeria Il Mio Capriccio, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ristorante alle Bandierine beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Barrique Cocktail And Bistrot. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Pisa tonight.
Experience the amazing nightlife in Pisa and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Bar Livorno. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.
Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!
Day 8
- Pisa - Departure day
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- “Tuttomondo” (Keith Haring)
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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 Pisa.
Maximize your last day in Italy and go on a shopping spree in Pisa’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Italy.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting “tuttomondo” (keith Haring), a remarkable art installation before you head out.
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 Pisa or just grab something light to keep you going.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Pisa 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.
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