Relaxed 9-Day Italy Road Trip Starting from Bologna to Florence

Your relaxed road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Bologna, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bologna and begin your adventure in Italy.

Journey into the unknown at La Piccola Venezia, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable point of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,491 reviews.

Find your way to your hotel in Bologna. 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.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Bologna.

Have a memorable dining experience in Bologna by booking a table at Ahimè, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional country cooking menu. For a different culinary experience, I Portici shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative and contemporary cuisine in Bologna. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Trattoria di Via Serra is known as a top local spot for its delicious emilian cuisine in Bologna. This Bib Gourmand awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar Freud e Squisito, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Osteria del Sole provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Macondo - Cocktail Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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 Bologna as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Bologna, where you'll stay for 3 nights, 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!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Villa Ghigi. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bologna, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,035 visitors.

Basilica of San Domenico is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,380 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Porta Castiglione. Visitors have rated this city gate an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,086 reviews.

Arco del Meloncello is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an arch rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,755 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Ducati Museum, perhaps the most famous industry museum in Bologna. This attraction welcomes around 7,600 visitors annually and is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,028 travelers.

Italy makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Italy also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Victoria Station is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Trattoria da Me. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bologna tonight.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Bologna and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Bar Senza Nome is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Bar Maurizio, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is BrewDog Bar Bologna. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Bologna!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bologna. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Bologna!

Take the opportunity to see Palazzo Re Enzo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,072 visitors.

Fountain of Neptune, Bologna is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This fountain has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,952 travelers.

Bologna is also the home of Piazza Maggiore. Around 64,523 people have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Bologna Cathedral. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 3,852 reviews, a visit to this catholic cathedral is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Bologna is also your chance to admire Palazzo Pallavicini. This must-visit museum enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,173 reviews.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Italy.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Trattoria del Tempo Buono, a top-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cantina Bentivoglio, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante San Pietro. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Bologna’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Italy.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Kinotto Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Mio Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Italy!

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Bologna, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,400 visitors. Attracting more than 15,573 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, head to Two Towers. This one-of-a-kind tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,975 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Piazza Santo Stefano. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Porta Maggiore. This landmark is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,462 visitors.

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.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Donatello, an iconic dining spot in Bologna. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Naama Cafè, a popular restaurant in Bologna. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Trattoria di Via Serra, a hidden gem nestled in Bologna. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Bologna and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 5 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 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.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Padua. This car ride takes around 1 hour 26 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Santuario di San Leopoldo Mandić. This shrine is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,439 reviews.

Next up, make your way to The Basilica of St. Anthony. This church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 38,852 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Equestrian statue of Gattamelata. This sculpture has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 220 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit prato della Valle. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 47,576 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Florence. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Florence has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Florence by booking a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional italian contemporary menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Santa Elisabetta, renowned for its delectable creative and mediterranean dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a local gem known for its delightful italian contemporary and international cuisine in Florence. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Florence.

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, Archea Brewery provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Florence as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Italy with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Florence, where you'll stay for 2 nights, 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 Florence, and meet locals along the way!

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 76,359 reviews.

Piazza della Repubblica is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 22,356 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is piazza della Signoria. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 66,956 reviews.

Uffizi Gallery is another outstanding experience in Florence. Around 61,794 travelers have rated this national museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The attraction hosts 2,011,219 visitors annually.

If you long for more, Ponte Vecchio is not far away. This deck arch bridge is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 118,099 reviews.

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.

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 Florence, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Trattoria Da Burde, a top-rated dining spot in Florence. If you're in the mood for something new, try Ristorante Buca Mario, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Eataly Firenze. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Florence.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Florence and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Florence. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Florence!

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to piazzale Michelangelo. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 77,744 reviews.

Next up is Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 28,544 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Pitti Palace. This art museum has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 23,445 reviews. Every year, 198,270 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

The Boboli Gardens is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 25,341 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Porta Romana. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,489 reviews.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Italy more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Italy. Florence offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Tijuana, a highly-rated dining destination in Florence. If you're eager to try something different, consider Djària - American Bar, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante Buca Niccolini. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Florence this evening.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Florence. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Italy. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Italy tomorrow with new energy.

On day 8 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Italy. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Italy.

Drop by the renowned David. This popular statue has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,476 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Galleria dell'Accademia. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 34,429 visitors, this national museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Central Market. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 43,100 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (FI). This archives and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 23,075 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Parco delle Cascine. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,875 travelers, this park is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Florence.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Italy at Bologna. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Ca' Pelletti - Altabella, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Corner Bar is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Ristorante I Portici. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Bologna tonight.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Bologna.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Italy!

Day 9 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.

Maximize your last day in Italy and go on a shopping spree in Bologna’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Italy, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Italy home with you through these charming souvenirs.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Bologna is the remarkable Tombs of the glossators of Bologna. This tomb and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 330 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 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.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bologna and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Italy is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.