Cheap 4-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan to Venice

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Milan, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Milan and begin your adventure in Italy.

Milan is a popular cheap holiday destination in Italy with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Italy, Milan 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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Piazza Gae Aulenti, a remarkable square where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,398 reviews.

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, Milan is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Contraste, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Radisson Blu Hotel Milan is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Bice Restaurant.

Nottingham Forest is an excellent example of a great bar in Milan offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Armani/Bamboo Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Milan. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Milan, Mag Cafe is for you.

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

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

Make Duomo di Milano Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in Milan. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 138,554 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This art museum attracts 341,609 visitors every year.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This commercial gallery is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 91,394 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by La Scala. This opera house has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,219 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Sforzesco Castle Art Library. A trip to this popular library is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 68,714 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Parco Sempione. This park enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 72,914 local and international travelers.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Venice, 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.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Nevodi, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Ristorante La Piazza, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Bistrot de Venise, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Keep the evening going at Al Parlamento, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Adagio, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Il Mercante, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Venice. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Milan, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Rialto Bridge. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 141,666 visitors.

When you’re finished at Rialto Bridge, head to Teatro La Fenice. This one-of-a-kind opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,677 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Piazza San Marco. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 152,982 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Doge's Palace. This palace is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24,775 visitors. Around 318,104 travelers visit Doge's Palace every year.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Bridge of Sighs. This famous footbridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,223 travelers.

Milan 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.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Italy by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Milan that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Nero 9 offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Ristorante la Brisa. Or, try UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Bar Frida is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Friends Pub Milano is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Milan.

On your last day in Italy, take time to indulge in shopping at Milan’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Italy. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Italy forever.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Milan is the remarkable Arch of Peace. This monument and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,502 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Milan, consider a top-rated restaurant like Vento di Sardegna, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Galleria Restaurant, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Milan.

You’ll then say farewell to Milan. 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!