Cheap 7-Day Italy Road Trip from Venice traveling east to Ravenna and Trieste

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Venice, where you'll stay for 4 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Venice and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Rialto Bridge will make your cheap holiday in Italy truly special. This attraction is a fascinating stone bridge that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 141,666 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Venice. An excellent example is the popular Ristorante La Piazza. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,892 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Italy is Farini. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,851 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Rio Novo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,401 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Adagio is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 621 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Venice we recommend is Il Mercante, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 666 customers.

Trattoria Bar Pontini is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 4,176 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and 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.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Giardini della Biennale. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,729 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Bridge of Sighs. This popular place of interest is a stunning footbridge that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,223 visitors.

To make your trip to Venice more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Doge's Palace. This well-known palace attracts up to 318,104 people each year. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 24,775 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Doge's Palace is often mentioned in Italy road trip itineraries.

The magnificent St Mark's Basilica is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This cathedral and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,439 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Piazza San Marco. More than 152,982 visitors have rated this square and tourist destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Venice does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Venice on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Italy.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Italy, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Trattoria Al Gazzettino, one of the best restaurants in Venice. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,378 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 in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,615 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Nevodi. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,127 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Venice.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Venice for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Cantina Do Spade and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,120 customers.

Bistrot de Venise is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,931 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Impronta. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,541 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Venice.

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

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!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Grand Canal. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in over 3,806 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable top-tier point of interest is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 11,745 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Teatro La Fenice. This popular opera house in Venice has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,677 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This art museum and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,128 visitors. Each year, around 92,922 people include this well-loved attraction in their sightseeing plans during their vacations in Italy.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Venice? Then make your way to the outstanding votive church, Santa Maria della Salute. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,681 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Venice. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Venice offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Italy worth remembering for a lifetime.

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 of the best restaurants worth visiting in Venice is La Palanca. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,258 customers.

Irish Pub Santa Lucia is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,226 reviews. Irish Pub Santa Lucia is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Venice is Trattoria Dona Onesta. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,220 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Venice as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Venice, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Osteria Bancogiro, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,747 customers.

Pizzeria Birreria Barbanera serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Venice. Customers have rated Pizzeria Birreria Barbanera an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,540 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at The Irish Pub Venezia. This bar is popular in Venice for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,420 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!

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Italy gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Rimini and end your day in the city of Santa Monica-Cella.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Ravenna for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Italy.

While you’re in Rimini, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Arch of Augustus. The fantastic Arch of Augustus is a popular triumphal arch and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 12,375 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Piazza Cavour, a well-known best-rated sightseeing destination in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.5 out of a 5 star-rating from 11,447 travelers.

The top-rated Parco Federico Fellini is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular park and destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 11,076 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Rimini, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Santa Monica-Cella.

Make Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli your first stop. This popular motorsport racing track among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,453 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Italy. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Italy and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909, one of the best restaurants in Ravenna. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 710 customers.

Ristorante Molinetto is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Ristorante Molinetto is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,016 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Ca' de Vèn, another well-loved restaurant in Ravenna. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,392 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Italy.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Ravenna, Mercato Coperto. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,658 bar goers.

Tribeca Lounge is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Ravenna, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,276 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by La Gardèla, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,270 customers.

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

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Ravenna and end your day in the city of Trieste, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Ravenna is the amazing Dante's Tomb. This travel destination is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,491 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Fontanella Piazza del Popolo. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,982 travelers, a visit to this well-known must-see tourist destination and sightseeing spot in Ravenna is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Ravenna is the outstanding Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. This basilica has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,162 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Italy. To have the best affordable travel experience in Italy, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Italy unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Italy.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Trieste. Trieste is another cheap travel destination in Italy where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Italy can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Trieste that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Trieste is Suban. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,104 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Trieste, Bracerie Venete 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 630 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Al Barattolo. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Trieste enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,835 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Trieste’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Al Ciketo. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 602 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Caffè San Marco. This popular bar in Trieste has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,676 bar-goers.

You can also go to Caffè degli Specchi as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Caffè degli Specchi is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 2,625 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 6 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Trieste and the enchanting Miramare, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Trieste and end the day in Miramare, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 of your affordable vacation in Italy will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Trieste is the magnificent Roman Theatre of Trieste. Around 3,576 visitors have rated this excellent archaeological site and travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Piazza della Borsa on this leg of your self-drive tour in Italy. This attraction is a well-known square that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from around 4,409 travelers.

The remarkable piazza Unità d'Italia is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Italy. This attraction, an amazing square, is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 46,036 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Miramare Castle. This giardino all'italiana and well-loved attraction in Trieste is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,372 visitors. In a single year, approximately 79,218 visitors add this fascinating sightseeing spot to their travel itineraries.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Trieste, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Miramare.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Miramare Castle. This popular site is a valued giardino all'italiana in Miramare and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,372 visitors. Around 79,218 people travel to the city every year to see this wonderful local feature.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your 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 and low-cost activities to choose from in Italy. Make your cheap holiday experience in Italy more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Venice offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Italy. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Venice offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Venice’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Devils Forest Pub is an excellent example of a great bar in Venice offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,537 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Irish Pub Santa Lucia, another of locals’ go-to bars in Venice. Irish Pub Santa Lucia is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,226 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Al Parlamento 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 1,028 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Italy as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Venice.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Italy.

If you'd rather pass 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 Venice is the remarkable Venetian Arsenal. This naval arsenal and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,749 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Venice and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Italy!