Cheap 12-Day Italy Road Trip from Venice traveling west to Milan, Florence, Rome, and Arezzo

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Venice, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Venice and begin your adventure in Italy.

Venice is a popular cheap holiday destination in Italy with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Italy, Venice is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Venice offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Eat at Ristorante La Piazza. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,892 reviews.

You can also check out Farini. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,851 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Trattoria Bar Pontini. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,176 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Adagio offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 621 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Venice, check out Il Mercante. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 666 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Cantina Do Spade. Cantina Do Spade offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,120 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Venice, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

For a truly remarkable cheap holiday experience in Venice, join budget-friendly activities on this day of your vacation. Tours offer you a chance to take a closer look into Venice and the culture of past or present-day Italy.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Venice has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One musty-try restaurant is Rio Novo. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,401 customers.

Trattoria Al Gazzettino is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,378 reviews. Trattoria Al Gazzettino is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Farini. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,615 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Bistrot de Venise is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,931 customers.

Impronta is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Impronta has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,541 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Venice.

You might also want to cap the night off at Osteria Bancogiro, a fascinating bar that 1,747 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Italy. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Italy!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, Venice. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Venice!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Italy sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Italy. Italy has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Italy that will fill you with new inspiration.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Venice offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Nevodi is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,127 customers.

Pizzeria Birreria Barbanera is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at La Palanca, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,258 reviews.

The Irish Pub Venezia is an excellent example of a great bar in Venice offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,420 customers.

You can also hang out at Devils Forest Pub, another of locals’ go-to bars in Venice. Devils Forest Pub is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,537 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Irish Pub Santa Lucia is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Venice. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,226 bar-goers.

A road trip vacation in Venice can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy!

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Venice, San Colombano al Lambro, and Milan. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Milan.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. This much-appreciated sightseeing destination is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,745 reviews.

Next up is Teatro La Fenice. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,677 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Grand Canal. This point of interest has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,806 reviews.

Set your GPS to San Colombano al Lambro and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 2 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. San Colombano al Lambro beckons with new experiences!

When you’ve had your share of San Colombano al Lambro, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Milan. Your travel time is around 1 hour.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Milan. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Milan, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Milan offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Galleria Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,024 customers.

Another dining option is Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,550 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Vento di Sardegna for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,063 customers have rated the irresistible Vento di Sardegna an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After dinner, visit Mag Cafe, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Milan. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,270 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Nottingham Forest. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,686 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend The Friends Pub Milano. This bar, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Milan.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Italy with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Italy!

Day 5 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Milan!

Italy is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Italy, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Italy. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Italy that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Milan, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

We recommend a local favorite like Primè. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,184 customers.

Contraste is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Milan. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 823 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Milan you might want to check out is Nero 9. Nero 9 is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 573 reviews.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano. This bar is considered one of the best in Milan and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 954 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like BhangraBar, rated 4 out of 5 stars by 4,036 customers. Alternatively, go to Camparino in Galleria. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Milan and boasts an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,473 reviews.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Italy!

Day 6 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Milan, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

Make your vacation in Italy more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Italy and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Milan, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

You could check out Bice Restaurant, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 579 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Ribot Restaurant is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,991 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,020 customer reviews.

Visit Yguana Cafè, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,776 customers.

Rufus Cocktail Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Milan. Customers have rated Rufus Cocktail Bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 643 reviews.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Milan!

Day 7 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Milan and Florence. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Florence.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to La Scala. This opera house is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Milan, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,219 visitors.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 91,394 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Duomo di Milano Museum. Visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 138,554 reviews. Duomo di Milano Museum receives around 341,609 visitors every year.

Royal Palace of Milan is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an art museum rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,538 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Milan, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Florence. Your travel time is around 3 hours 25 min.

While exploring Italy is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Florence has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Florence on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

Savor the culinary delights of Florence, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Ristorante Paoli. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 6,031 customers.

Osteria Vecchio Cancello is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,589 customers.

Ristorante Oliviero 1962 has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,046 reviews.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Italy. One of the best bars in the city is Manifattura. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Florence, we recommend the cocktails at Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,000 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Florence is Ristorante Buca Mario. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Italy. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Italy!

Day 8 of your road trip across Italy is another proof that cheap holidays in Italy can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Florence and Rome.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at piazza della Signoria. This square is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.

When you’re finished at piazza della Signoria, head to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This one-of-a-kind church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 76,359 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Ponte Vecchio. This deck arch bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to piazzale Michelangelo. This square is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 visitors.

Rome’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Florence behind. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 18 min. Rome welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Rome offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Italy. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Rome, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Eat at Tonnarello. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 62,881 reviews.

You can also check out Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,946 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Cantina e Cucina. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,907 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Experience the local nightlife scene. RoYaL Art Cafè Roma is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,972 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Ai Tre Scalini. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,950 bar-goers.

Centro is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,488 customers.

A road trip vacation in Florence can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy!

On day 9 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Italy, you’ll go deep into Rome, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Rome, and meet locals along the way!

Touring the best attractions in Italy offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Italy you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Italy. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Italy.

Savor the culinary delights of Rome, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Visit the popular 433. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,341 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Italy is Roma Sparita. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,073 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Ristorante Amedeo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,798 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

DEROMA - Farine Romane offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,432 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Rome, check out Hotel Hassler Roma. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 895 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit VinAllegro. VinAllegro offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,167 reviews.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Italy with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Italy!

Day 10 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Arezzo, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Arezzo, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Vatican City and Arezzo.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Arezzo. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Arezzo, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Italy shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Arezzo is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

One musty-try restaurant is Il Covo dei Briganti. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 509 customers.

Trattoria Il Saraceno is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,759 reviews. Trattoria Il Saraceno is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Antica Fonte. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,306 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend La Clandestina, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 277 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Emilio. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 263 customers.

La Nuova Tagliatella is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 275 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Arezzo!

On day 11 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Arezzo and Venice. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Venice.

Take the opportunity to see San Francesco, Arezzo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,377 visitors and gets around 20,939 visits every year.

Santa Maria della Pieve is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This church building has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 720 travelers.

Arezzo is also the home of piazza Grande. Around 14,465 people have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Roman Amphitheatre of Arezzo. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 518 reviews, a visit to this archaeological site is a great idea.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Venice. This car ride takes around 3 hours 32 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While exploring Italy is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Venice has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Venice on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Venice has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Venice is Trattoria Dona Onesta. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,220 customers.

Al Parlamento is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,028 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Venice we recommend is Dolce Vita Venezia, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 559 customers.

Bar Al Vecio Calice is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 397 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Italy!

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Venice.

As you approach the end of your journey in Italy, take a moment for some retail therapy in Venice’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Italy, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Venice.

You’ll then say farewell to Venice. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Italy!