Cheap One-Week Italy Road Trip from Milan traveling south to Bologna, 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.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Piazza Gae Aulenti. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,398 visitors.

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

Start your flavor-filled journey at Contraste, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Radisson Blu Hotel Milan offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Bice Restaurant is the perfect spot for you!

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Milan, Nottingham Forest. Armani/Bamboo Bar is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. Locals also recommend Mag Cafe, offering popular drinks and a lively atmosphere.

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 Bologna, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Milan and set your GPS to Bologna. 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 2 hours 34 min. Upon reaching Bologna, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Duomo di Milano Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this art museum an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 138,554 reviews. More than 341,609 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,394 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this commercial gallery every year.

La Scala is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,219 visitors.

When you’re finished at La Scala, the perfect next stop is Sforzesco Castle Art Library. This library is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 68,714 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Parco Sempione. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 72,914 reviews.

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.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Bologna, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Sfoglia Rina, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Va Mo Là offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Trattoria dal Biassanot is the perfect spot for you!

Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Freud e Squisito, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Osteria del Sole, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Macondo - Cocktail Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Italy! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Bologna!

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Arezzo, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Arezzo, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Arezzo and Bologna.

Make piazza Grande your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 14,465 reviews.

After soaking in Bologna’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Arezzo. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 17 min. When you arrive in Arezzo, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This extraordinary fountain is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,952 visitors.

Next, make your way to Piazza Maggiore. This top attraction is a square with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Two Towers. This tower is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Piazza Santo Stefano. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,617 travelers.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Arezzo, 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 filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Il Covo dei Briganti, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, La Clandestina is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Ristorante Logge Vasari, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Liquid Bar, known for its lively atmosphere.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday 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.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Vatican Museums. This extraordinary art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 133,310 visitors. Each year, around 1,612,530 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Sistine Chapel. This chapel is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 52,083 reviews.

While in Vatican City, we also recommend a visit to Saint Peter's Square. This square has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 38,954 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. This attraction gets around 11,000,000 yearly visitors. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 131,043 travelers, this major basilica is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Vatican City.

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

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

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.

Keep the evening going at La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Sant' Eustachio Caffè, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Caffè Portofino, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day 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 5 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Rome, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Rome, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Villa Borghese. This urban zone of rome is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Rome, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 69,749 visitors.

Piazza di Spagna is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 113,658 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Trevi Fountain. Visitors have rated this sculpture an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 343,494 reviews.

Pantheon, boasting an annual visitor count of up to 30,000,000 people, is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a roman temple rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 189,682 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Castel Sant'Angelo, perhaps the most famous museum in Rome. This attraction welcomes around 918,591 visitors annually and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 72,431 travelers.

Italy is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Italy, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Italy. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Italy that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Rome has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Start your flavor-filled journey at DEROMA - Farine Romane, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? La Taverna Italiana offers delightful dishes and desserts. If you’re seeking a cozy setting and satisfying meal, Centro is the perfect spot for you!

Visit The Apartment Bar Roma, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Hotel Hassler Roma serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Rome.

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

On day 6 of your cheap holiday travels in Italy, you’ll tour 1: Rome. You'll stay in Florence for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Florence. This car ride takes around 3 hours 1 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Roman Forum. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 114,450 reviews.

Colosseum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This roman amphitheatre is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 328,821 reviews. The attraction welcomes 7,400,000 visitors every year.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Piazza Navona. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 158,771 reviews.

Altare della Patria is another outstanding experience in Rome. Around 49,843 travelers have rated this architectural structure an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The attraction hosts 1,683,070 visitors annually.

If you long for more, piazza del Popolo is not far away. This square is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 89,807 reviews. The attraction gets an estimated 7,400,000 visitors every year.

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.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Florence is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Ristorante Oliviero 1962 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, Caffe San Firenze offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Ditta Artigianale, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Manifattura, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Archea Brewery offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day 7 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Florence and Parma. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Milan, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Florence, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Parma. Your travel time is around 2 hours 13 min.

Make piazza della Signoria one of your first sightseeing stops in Florence. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Ponte Vecchio is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This deck arch bridge is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,099 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Parma. This car ride takes around 2 hours 13 min.

Journey into the unknown at Palazzo della Pilotta, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable palace has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,085 reviews. Every year, Palazzo della Pilotta welcomes more than 60,666 curious visitors.

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

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Milan, 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.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Nero 9, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Ristorante la Brisa is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Frida, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Friends Pub Milano also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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.

As your final day in Italy unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Milan’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Italy. Keep the spirit of your trip to Italy alive with these special souvenirs.

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!