Cheap 5-Day Italy Road Trip from Trieste traveling south to Bologna

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

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

Kick off the day at Molo Audace, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This landmark is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,849 reviews.

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 Trieste that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Caffè Tommaseo stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Al Barattolo offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Caffè San Marco, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Bar X is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Antico Caffè Torinese is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. You might also want to cap the night off at Urbanis, a fascinating bar that offers a unique ambiance and a wide selection of cocktails.

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 — Trieste, and Miramare / Miramar. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Bologna, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Kick off the day at Piazza Della Borsa, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This square is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,409 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Piazza Unità D'italia. Piazza Unità D'italia is a square with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 46,036 reviews.

San Sabba Rice Mill National Monument And Museum is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,204 visitors.

After soaking in Trieste’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Miramare / Miramar. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Miramare / Miramar, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Miramare Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this giardino all'italiana an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 21,372 reviews. More than 79,218 people visit this place of interest every year.

Bologna 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.

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

Cap off your dinner by heading to Bar Freud E Squisito, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Osteria Del Sole is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Macondo - Cocktail Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

Ready for day 3 of your road trip vacation in Italy? Discover more of Bologna and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Senigallia. This car ride takes around 2 hours 2 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Rocca Roveresca is a great place to start. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,207 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Piazza Garibaldi. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,563 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, San Germano. This car ride takes around 36 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Grotte Nel Sottosuolo Di Camerano - Biglietteria. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in San Germano, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,983 visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bologna.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Bologna, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

Discover the heart of Bologna through its culinary scene, starting with Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Victoria Station, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Trattoria da Me, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Bologna, Bar Senza Nome. Alternatively, visit Bar Maurizio, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Brewdog Bar Bologna, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Bologna, and Padua. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Trieste, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Piazza Maggiore, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 64,523 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Two Towers is a recommended place to visit. This tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 25,975 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bologna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Padua may take around 1 hour 28 min. Upon your arrival in Padua, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Prato Della Valle. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 47,576 visitors.

The Basilica Of St. Anthony is another popular attraction you could visit today. This church has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 38,852 visitors.

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

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Trieste. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Osteria Marise, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Caffè degli Specchi is another must-visit dining spot.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Coktail Bar Trieste | La Preferita, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, "life" New Bar Torinese Snc is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, White Cafe also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Make the most of your final day in Italy by visiting Trieste’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Italy.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Trieste is the remarkable Giants' Stairway. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 955 visitors.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Trieste, consider a top-rated restaurant like Chimera di Bacco, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Sbecolez Trieste is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Ristorante Menarosti, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Trieste.

You’ll then say farewell to Trieste. 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!