Cheap One-Week Italy Road Trip from Milan to La Spezia, Arezzo, Rome, 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.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Arch of Peace. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,502 reviews.

A cheap, budget vacation in Milan should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Milan, try some of our top recommendations.

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 road trip across Italy is another proof that cheap holidays in Italy can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 1 wonderful destinations — Milan. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of La Spezia, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Duomo di Milano Museum. This art museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Milan, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 138,554 visitors. Around 341,609 people visit this attraction every year.

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 La Scala. Visitors have rated this opera house an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 26,219 reviews.

Sforzesco Castle Art Library is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a library rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 68,714 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Parco Sempione, perhaps the most famous park in Milan. This attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 72,914 travelers.

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.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Colombaio Park, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await.

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

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Italy, you’ll tour 2: Pisa and Cascine Vecchie. You'll stay in Arezzo for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

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

Take the opportunity to see Campo santo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 586 visitors.

Piazza del Duomo, Pisa is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This square has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104,550 travelers.

Pisa is also the home of Pisa Cathedral. Around 8,361 people have rated this cathedral an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Leaning Tower of Pisa, which hosts up to 3,200,000 visitors every year. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 116,882 reviews, a visit to this bell tower is a great idea.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cascine Vecchie.

Journey into the unknown at Parco Regionale Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,632 reviews.

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 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.

Il Covo dei Briganti 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, La Clandestina offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Ristorante Logge Vasari, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Liquid Bar.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Vatican City. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Rome, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Vatican City.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Vatican Museums. This much-appreciated art museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 133,310 reviews. Each year, 1,612,530 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

Next up is Sistine Chapel. This chapel has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 52,083 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Saint Peter's Square. This square has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 38,954 reviews.

St. Peter's Basilica is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This major basilica has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 131,043 reviews. This popular attraction gets 11,000,000 visits every year.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Rome should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Rome, try some of our top recommendations.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to La Bottega Roma, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by RomAntica - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Coso Ristorante promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sant' Eustachio Caffè provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Caffè Portofino offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 5 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Italy, you’ll go deep into Rome and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Rome — 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Colosseum is a great place to start. This roman amphitheatre is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 328,821 visitors. Colosseum attracts more than 7,400,000 visitors every year.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Roman Forum. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 114,450 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Pantheon. This site gets more than 30,000,000 visitors annually. The roman temple has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 189,682 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Piazza Navona. This square is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 158,771 reviews.

Castel Sant'Angelo is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this museum, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 72,431 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique. This attraction gets 918,591 visitors every year.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Rome. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at DEROMA - Farine Romane, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is La Taverna Italiana, 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 Centro, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at The Apartment Bar Roma and try some of its cocktails and snacks. Hotel Hassler Roma is another great place to hang out and unwind.

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 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Rome. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Florence, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Journey into the unknown at Altare della Patria, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable architectural structure has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 49,843 reviews. Every year, Altare della Patria welcomes more than 1,683,070 curious visitors.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Trevi Fountain is a recommended place to visit. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 343,494 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Rome is Piazza di Spagna. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 113,658 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Rome offers an experience you will remember.

Piazza del Popolo is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Rome. This square promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.6 out of 5 stars in 89,807 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Villa Borghese. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 69,749 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Florence 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 Florence offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Discover the heart of Florence through its culinary scene, starting with Ristorante Oliviero 1962. 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 Caffe San Firenze, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Ditta Artigianale, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Manifattura, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Archea Brewery likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Day 7 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 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Florence and Bologna.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like piazza della Signoria. This extraordinary square has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 66,956 visitors.

Next, make your way to Ponte Vecchio. This deck arch bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 118,099 reviews.

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

Bologna’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Florence behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 32 min. Bologna welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Piazza Maggiore. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 64,523 visitors.

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.

Start your foodie adventure at Nero 9, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Ristorante la Brisa, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike. For an unforgettable dining experience, don't miss UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano, where exquisite dishes and cozy ambiance await to make your culinary adventure truly memorable!

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Bar Frida for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Friends Pub Milano is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Milan.

Maximize your last day in Italy and go on a shopping spree in Milan’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Italy, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of Italy home with you through these charming souvenirs.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Milan is the remarkable Piazza Gae Aulenti. This square and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,398 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Milan, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Vento di Sardegna, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Galleria Restaurant is a highly recommended spot.

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!