5-Day Italy Road Trip from Bologna traveling east to Venice

Your road trip adventure in Italy begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Bologna. You’ll stay in Bologna for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Bologna has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Finestrella. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,286 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna, Trattoria da Me. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,763 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna is Trattoria dal Biassanot. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,616 customers.

Locals recommend Trattoria del Tempo Buono as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,531 customers.

Bologna also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Bologna is BrewDog Bar Bologna. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,504 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Bologna is Macondo - Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 808 customers.

Locals also enjoy Osteria del Sole. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,643 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Italy!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Bologna has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Bologna by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Bologna. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Bologna, like the extraordinary Bologna Cathedral. This attraction is a catholic cathedral and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,852 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Bologna is the spectacular Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This attraction is a fountain and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,952 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Piazza Maggiore. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 visitors.

Two Towers is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This tower is a popular destination among visitors in Bologna. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Piazza Santo Stefano. Piazza Santo Stefano is a square and popular attraction in Bologna. More than 7,617 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Bologna does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Bologna on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Italy, be sure to eat at Ristorante da Nello al Montegrappa, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,633 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Bologna is the popular L'Arcimboldo. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Bar Senza Nome is one of the best bars in the city of Bologna for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,552 customers.

Bar Maurizio is another of the most popular bars in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 581 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Bologna is Caffè De Marchi. Caffè De Marchi has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 553 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Bologna!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Italy, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Padua. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Venice. You’ll stay in Venice for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Padua’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Padua, start your day with a visit to the amazing The Basilica of St. Anthony. This much-appreciated church and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 38,852 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating prato della Valle. This square and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 47,576 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Piazza dei Signori, Padua to make the most of your road trip across Italy. The spectacular Piazza dei Signori, Padua is a square that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,510 visitors.

The lovely Piazza della Frutta is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 5,397 visitors have left this square average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Scrovegni Chapel. This attraction is a chapel rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 11,849 reviews. Around 9,387 people come to see this attraction every year.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Padua has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Venice. Venice offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Trattoria Al Gazzettino. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,378 reviews.

The remarkable Nevodi is another top restaurant in Venice we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Osteria Alla Staffa is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 869 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Venice, the fantastic Adagio. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 621 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Il Mercante. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 666 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is The Irish Pub Venezia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,420 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Italy!

Day 4 of your road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Venice and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Bologna. You will stay in Bologna for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Venice is the amazing Doge's Palace. As such, over 318,104 people visit Doge's Palace yearly. This attraction is a palace that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 24,775 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible square, Piazza San Marco. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 152,982 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Venice is the outstanding Rialto Bridge. This popular stone bridge and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 141,666 visitors. Approximately 318,104 travelers come to Venice every year to see the stunning Doge's Palace with their own eyes.

The spectacular Bridge of Sighs is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating footbridge and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18,223 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic St Mark's Basilica. This attraction is a popular cathedral that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,439 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Venice by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Bologna, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Ristorante San Pietro, one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,152 customers.

Locals also recommend Ristorante Da Cesari as one of the best restaurants in the city of Bologna. Ristorante Da Cesari is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 995 customers.

After dinner, visit Officina dei Sapori, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 362 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caffè Ristretto. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 209 customers.

Alternatively, Aurum is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Bologna. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 5 of your road trip in Italy is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Bologna before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Arco del Meloncello is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Bologna. This arch and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,755 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Bologna and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Italy.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Bologna at Al Sangiovese Restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 811 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend All'Osteria Bottega for your last chance at a meal in the city of Bologna. The All'Osteria Bottega restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 815 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Trattoria Bertozzi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 702 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Bologna. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Italy!