One-Week Italy Road Trip from Venice to Florence, Milan, Bologna, Trieste, and Padua and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Venice, where you'll stay for 2 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 Trattoria Bar Pontini. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,176 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.

Cantina Do Spade is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 3,120 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 2 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 Venice and end your day in the city of Florence, 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 Venice is the amazing Piazza San Marco. This travel destination is a square that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 152,982 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible St Mark's Basilica. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,439 travelers, a visit to this well-known cathedral and sightseeing spot in Venice is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Venice is the outstanding Doge's Palace. This palace has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 24,775 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, drop by the popular Bridge of Sighs. This attraction, an amazing footbridge, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 18,223 travelers.

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 Florence. Florence 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 Florence that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Florence is Ristorante Paoli. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Florence, Osteria Vecchio Cancello is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,589 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Ristorante Oliviero 1962. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Florence enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,046 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Florence’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Manifattura. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. This popular bar in Florence has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,000 bar-goers.

You can also go to Ristorante Buca Mario as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Ristorante Buca Mario is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,879 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 3 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 Florence and end your day in the city of Milan, 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 Florence is the amazing piazza della Signoria. This travel destination is a square that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 travelers, a visit to this well-known church and sightseeing spot in Florence is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Florence is the outstanding Ponte Vecchio. This deck arch bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,099 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, drop by the popular piazzale Michelangelo. This attraction, an amazing square, has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 77,744 travelers.

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 Milan. Milan 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 Milan that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

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.

Another restaurant worth trying is Vento di Sardegna. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Milan enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,063 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Milan’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Mag Cafe. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,270 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Nottingham Forest. This popular bar in Milan has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,686 bar-goers.

You can also go to The Friends Pub Milano as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular The Friends Pub Milano is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,689 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience 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 Milan and end your day in the city of Verona.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Bologna 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 Milan, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Duomo di Milano Museum. The fantastic Duomo di Milano Museum is a popular art museum and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 138,554 travelers and draws around 341,609 visitors every year.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a well-known commercial gallery in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 91,394 travelers.

The top-rated Parco Sempione is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular park and destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 72,914 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Milan, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Verona.

Make Verona Arena your first stop. This popular opera house among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 123,818 visitors. Based on recent data, the remarkable Verona Arena is visited by more than 195,540 travelers from across the world.

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 Bologna. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Bologna, 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 Sfoglia Rina, one of the best restaurants in Bologna. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,531 customers.

Celtic Druid Irish Pub is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Celtic Druid Irish Pub is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,968 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Trattoria da Me, another well-loved restaurant in Bologna. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,763 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 Bologna, Va Mo Là. 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 2,876 bar goers.

Ca' Pelletti - Altabella is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Bologna, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,464 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Cantina Bentivoglio, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,094 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Palmanova and the enchanting Borgo Grotta Gigante / Briščiki, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Palmanova and end the day in Borgo Grotta Gigante / Briščiki, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 5 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 Palmanova is the magnificent Main Square (Piazza Grande). Around 4,868 visitors have rated this excellent top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Palmanova, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Borgo Grotta Gigante / Briščiki.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Grotta Gigante. This popular site is a valued show cave in Borgo Grotta Gigante / Briščiki and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,534 visitors.

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.

Trieste 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 Trieste offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Bracerie Venete is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 630 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Trieste is Caffè San Marco, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,676 customers.

Al Barattolo offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Trieste. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,835 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. 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 Trieste’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Al Ciketo is an excellent example of a great bar in Trieste offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 602 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Caffè degli Specchi, another of locals’ go-to bars in Trieste. Caffè degli Specchi is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,625 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Urbanis is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Trieste. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 1,034 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!

On day 6 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 Trieste and end your day in the city of Padua, 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 Trieste is the amazing Roman Theatre of Trieste. This travel destination is an archaeological site that has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,576 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Piazza della Borsa. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,409 travelers, a visit to this well-known square and sightseeing spot in Trieste is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Trieste is the outstanding piazza Unità d'Italia. This square has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 46,036 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, drop by the popular Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire. This attraction, an amazing church, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,288 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Civico museo del Castello di San Giusto. This castle is a popular attraction rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,982 visitors from all over the globe. Each year, around 53,625 travelers visit this attraction to cross it off their bucket lists.

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 Padua. Padua 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 Padua that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Padua is Belle Parti. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 571 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Padua, Bar Ristorante Pizzeria Otivm Lunch Cafe' is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,992 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Marechiaro Ristorante Pizzeria. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Padua enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,651 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Padua’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Pedrocchi Café. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,618 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Enotavola Pino. This popular bar in Padua has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 801 bar-goers.

You can also go to Frascoli Bacaro / Cicchetteria veneziana a Padovum as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Frascoli Bacaro / Cicchetteria veneziana a Padovum is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 907 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 7 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 Miramare / Miramar and end your day in the city of Venice, 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 Miramare / Miramar is the amazing Miramare Castle. This travel destination is a giardino all'italiana that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 21,372 visitors. Up to 79,218 people visit this attraction yearly, so don't miss this opportunity to see the wonderful Miramare Castle with your own eyes.

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 Venice. Venice 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 Venice that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Venice is Rio Novo. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,401 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Venice, Trattoria Al Gazzettino is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,378 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Farini. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Venice enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,615 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Venice’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Bistrot de Venise. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,931 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Impronta. This popular bar in Venice has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,541 bar-goers.

You can also go to Osteria Bancogiro as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Osteria Bancogiro is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,747 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Italy as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 8 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 Teatro La Fenice. This opera house and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,677 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Venice, consider a top-rated restaurant like Nevodi. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

Pizzeria Birreria Barbanera 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 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,540 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is La Palanca. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,258 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Italy and your fun memories in Venice.

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!