Cheap 5-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan traveling east to La Spezia and Florence

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.

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.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Milan is Galleria Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,024 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Milan, Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,550 diners.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Milan, Mag Cafe. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,270 customers.

Nottingham Forest is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,686 customers.

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

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Duomo di Milano Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 138,554 visitors. Attracting more than 341,609 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Duomo di Milano Museum, head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This one-of-a-kind commercial gallery is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 91,394 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit La Scala. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,219 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Sforzesco Castle Art Library. This library is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 68,714 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Parco Sempione. This famous park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 72,914 travelers.

After soaking in Milan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: La Spezia. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 49 min. When you arrive in La Spezia, it's time to take a break from the road.

La Spezia 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.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Italy, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in La Spezia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

The Colombaio Park is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 899 customers.

When you’ve finished dinner and you’re in the mood for a drink, we recommend visiting one of the best bars in La Spezia.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including La Spezia, Corniglia, Pisa, and Florence. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Florence.

Journey into the unknown at Giardini Pubblici, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 2,364 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Corniglia. This drive usually takes around 34 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Cinque Terre National Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 43,526 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Pisa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Pisa Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 8,361 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Piazza del Duomo, Pisa. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 104,550 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Leaning Tower of Pisa. This bell tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 116,882 visitors. Up to 3,200,000 people visit this place of interest annually.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pisa and set your GPS to Florence. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 1 hour 29 min. Upon reaching Florence, unwind, observe, and explore. 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. 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.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Ristorante Paoli. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers.

Osteria Vecchio Cancello is another local-favorite restaurant in Florence. Osteria Vecchio Cancello serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,589 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Ristorante Oliviero 1962 is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in La Spezia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 of 5 stars from around 1,046 customers.

An excellent example is Manifattura, which has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 509 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,000 customers.

Locals also enjoy Ristorante Buca Mario, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,879 customers, an after-dinner drink at Ristorante Buca Mario is the perfect way to end this day.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Milan, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Milan, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Florence, Bologna, and Milan.

Drop by the renowned piazza della Signoria. This popular square has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Ponte Vecchio. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 visitors, this deck arch bridge deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Uffizi Gallery. Hosting around 2,011,219 visitors every year, the fascinating Uffizi Gallery is one of the best places to visit in Florence. This national museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 61,794 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Florence, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bologna may take around 1 hour 32 min. Upon your arrival in Bologna, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready to see some sights, Piazza Maggiore is a great place to start with. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Bologna, 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 2 hours 31 min.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Milan, 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.

Eat at Primè. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,184 reviews.

You can also check out Contraste. 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 823 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Nero 9. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 573 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano is a great place to go. Around 954 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

BhangraBar has an atmosphere and drink selection that guests especially enjoy. BhangraBar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 4,036 reviews and is considered one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is Camparino in Galleria. If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in Milan. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,473 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!

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 5 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, 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.

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 Bice Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 579 customers.

Ribot Restaurant is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,991 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,020 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Italy and 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!