Cheap 9-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan to Genoa, Florence, Venice, and Verona

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.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Milan has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

One musty-try restaurant is Galleria Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,024 customers.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,550 reviews. Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Vento di Sardegna. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,063 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Mag Cafe and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,270 customers.

Nottingham Forest is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,686 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Friends Pub Milano, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,689 customers.

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 offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Milan and Genoa. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Genoa.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Duomo di Milano Museum. This art museum typically receives around 341,609 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 138,554 reviews.

Continue your journey at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This commercial gallery is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 91,394 travelers from near and far.

Milan is also the home of La Scala. This opera house has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,219 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Sforzesco Castle Art Library. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,714 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Parco Sempione. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 72,914 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.

Genoa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Milan behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours. Genoa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Genoa 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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Genoa should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Genoa, try some of our top recommendations.

One musty-try restaurant is Le Rune. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,218 customers.

Vivarelli is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 902 reviews. Vivarelli is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Osteria di Vico Palla. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,057 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Genoa, Scurreria Beer & Bagel. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

Travelers and locals alike also recommend Soho. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,307 customers.

Rustichello Restaurant is another popular place for a drink, considered one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 861 customers.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Florence.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to piazza De Ferrari. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 34,312 reviews.

Next up is Aquarium of Genoa. This public aquarium has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 62,259 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Aquarium of Genoa welcomes 1,200,000 visitors annually.

After soaking in Genoa’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pisa. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 3 min. When you arrive in Pisa, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa is a great place to start with. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104,550 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Leaning Tower of Pisa. This bell tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 116,882 travelers. Every year, 3,200,000 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Pisa.

Florence’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Pisa behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 29 min. Florence welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

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

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Ristorante Paoli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers.

Another dining option is Osteria Vecchio Cancello. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Osteria Vecchio Cancello has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,589 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Ristorante Oliviero 1962 for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,046 customers have rated the irresistible Ristorante Oliviero 1962 an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

When you’ve finished your meal and an after-dinner drink sounds enticing, visit Manifattura, one of the best bars in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 509 customers, and is the perfect complement to your refreshing weekend getaway experience in Italy.

If you would like to try another place, Caffe Concerto Paszkowski is another great option that serves a variety of drinks. Considered one of the most popular bars in Florence, this bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,000 customers.

Ristorante Buca Mario is also a great bar where you can have nice chats with locals and fellow travelers in the area. Ristorante Buca Mario has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,879 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Florence!

Day 4’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Florence, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

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

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Florence, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Eat at Il Vezzo. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 862 reviews.

You can also check out Le Vespe Cafè. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 773 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Ristorante Le Volte Firenze. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 536 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Villa Cora and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 699 customers.

Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 951 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Archea Brewery, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 723 customers.

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

Day 5 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, Florence. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Florence!

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Italy sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Italy. Italy has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Italy that will fill you with new inspiration.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Italy, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Florence that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

You could check out Ala Grande Caffè(caffè Rosanò), one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,180 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,523 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Ristorante La Spada. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Ristorante La Spada has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,228 customer reviews.

Locale Firenze is an excellent example of a great bar in Florence offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 771 customers.

You can also hang out at Cibrèo Caffè, another of locals’ go-to bars in Florence. Cibrèo Caffè is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 857 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Nab Firenze is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Florence. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 790 bar-goers.

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

Day 6 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 exploring 3 wonderful destinations — Bologna, Padua, and Venice.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bologna. This car ride takes around 1 hour 30 min.

Start your day with a visit to Two Towers. This extraordinary tower is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 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.

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 30 min. Upon your arrival in Padua, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is prato della Valle. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 47,576 reviews.

Continue your journey at The Basilica of St. Anthony. This church is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 38,852 travelers from near and far.

After soaking in Padua’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Venice. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 38 min. When you arrive in Venice, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Italy, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Venice that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

We recommend a local favorite like Ristorante La Piazza. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,892 customers.

Farini is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Venice. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,851 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Venice you might want to check out is Trattoria Bar Pontini. Trattoria Bar Pontini is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,176 reviews.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Adagio. This place has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 621 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Il Mercante. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 666 customers.

Cantina Do Spade is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,120 customers.

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

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Verona, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Verona, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Venice and Verona.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Rialto Bridge. This extraordinary stone bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 141,666 visitors.

Next, make your way to Piazza San Marco. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 152,982 reviews.

While in Venice, we also recommend a visit to St Mark's Basilica. This cathedral has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,439 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Doge's Palace. This attraction gets around 318,104 yearly visitors. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,775 travelers, this palace is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Venice.

Make your way to Bridge of Sighs, perhaps the most famous footbridge in Venice. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 18,223 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Venice, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Verona may take around 1 hour 24 min. Upon your arrival in Verona, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Verona 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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Verona, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Antica Bottega del Vino. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,699 customers.

Osteria il Ciottolo is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,253 customers.

Re Teodorico has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,370 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Archivio is a popular option with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 840 customers.

Another top option is Osteria da Ugo. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,724 customers.

Signorvino is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,737 customers.

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

Day 8 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Verona, Monza, and Milan. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Milan.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Castelvecchio Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,854 visitors. Attracting more than 35,031 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Castelvecchio Museum, head to Castelvecchio Bridge. This one-of-a-kind arch bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,156 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Verona Arena. This opera house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 123,818 visitors. Visiting Verona Arena means you'll be one of 195,540 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to piazza delle Erbe. This square is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 11,777 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Monza. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Monza Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 34,629 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Monza and set your GPS to Milan. 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 41 min. Upon reaching Milan, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

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

Primè is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,184 customers.

Contraste is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 823 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Nero 9, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 573 reviews.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano is our number one recommendation. Around 954 customers have rated this bar 4.5 out of 5 stars.

BhangraBar also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 4,036 reviews.

Camparino in Galleria is another popular place to spend the evening in Milan. This bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,473 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Milan.

On your last day in Italy, take time to indulge in shopping at Milan’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Italy. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Milan, consider a top-rated restaurant like Bice Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 579 customers.

Ribot Restaurant 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,991 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,020 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Italy and your fun memories in Milan.

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!