Relaxed 7-Day Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bologna to Florence

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Bologna, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Bologna, and meet locals along the way!

A blend of fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots await you in Bologna on today’s itinerary. First up is the captivating monument, Two Towers. Afterward, continue to International Museum And Library Of Music, a museum every traveler should visit.

As you explore Bologna’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Piazza Santo Stefano. This beloved public square is an essential stop.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Italy by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bologna. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bologna that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Italy more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Bologna to find the best options for you!

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Italy, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Bologna.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Ahimè, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional country cooking menu. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for something different, consider the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, I Portici, known for its delicious creative and contemporary cuisine. Another highly-recommended place to eat in Bologna is Trattoria di Via Serra, a renowned Bib Gourmand restaurant and a delicious emilian menu.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Lime Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Macondo - Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar Onda Marina By Night ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Italy!

Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Italy is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in Florence for 3 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Italy.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, scenic views, and picturesque spots. Whether you decide to explore Bologna on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Cathedral Of Ferrara is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this picture-perfect church before continuing your journey. Piazza Savonarola is your next stop. This underrated public square is one of the best-rated sights in Bologna.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Castello Estense. This UNESCO world heritage-designated castle is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Diamanti Palace.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Florence. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Italy by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Florence, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Start your culinary exploration in Florence by securing a reservation at Enoteca Pinchiorri. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of italian contemporary cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Santa Elisabetta, celebrated for its delectable creative and mediterranean menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, a top local spot known for its tantalizing italian contemporary and international menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Florence.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Manifattura after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Il Vinile also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Italy. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Italy tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Florence. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Florence. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Florence!

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. Whether you decide to explore Florence on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this enchanting church before continuing your journey. Piazza Della Repubblica is your next stop. This interesting public square is one of the best-rated sights in Florence.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Piazza Della Signoria. This history-steeped public square is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio.

Italy makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Italy also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Dine in style at Ditta Artigianale, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Trattoria Da Burde boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Casa Toscana. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Florence.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bar 50 Rosso after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bitter Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Archea Brewery also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Florence, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.

Begin your adventure at Central Market. This is a notable food market you should not miss. Another must-see is David, an interesting statue in Florence.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Galleria Dell'accademia. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence, another of the city’s notable attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Piazzale Michelangelo, a romantic place of interest in the city.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Italy more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Florence offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Florence, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ristorante Buca Mario, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Agricola Toscana is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Eataly Firenze. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Florence tonight.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Florence.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Gosh*, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Antico Caffè Del Moro - Art Bar Firenze is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Quelo Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Florence can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Italy!

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Italy. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Italy.

Florence is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a palace, a monument, and a public square. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the interesting Pitti Palace and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Leaning Tower Of Pisa, a breathtaking monument that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Piazza Del Duomo, Pisa, one of the city’s most timeless spots that you shouldn’t miss.

In the city of Bologna, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Italy.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Bologna has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Don’t miss out on dining at Va Mo Là, a top-rated dining destination in Bologna. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Trattoria dal Biassanot, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bologna this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Bologna and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Continue your lively evening at Aurum, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar Senza Nome is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Caffè Ristretto ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Italy.