One-Week Relaxed Italy Road Trip from Bologna to Florence

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Italy begins when you reach Bologna, where you’ll stay for a total of 4 nights.

Bologna is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Villa Ghigi. Around 2,035 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Bologna offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Sfoglia Rina. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,531 customers.

Celtic Druid Irish Pub serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Bologna has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,968 reviews.

Trattoria da Me is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,763 customers, Trattoria da Me is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Bologna looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Va Mo Là, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,876 reviews.

Ca' Pelletti - Altabella offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Bologna. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,464 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Cantina Bentivoglio. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,094 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Italy! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you'll explore the best attractions in Bologna at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Bologna, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Basilica of San Domenico. This incredible church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,380 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Italy by seeing another popular site in Bologna, the wonderful Piazza Maggiore. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,380 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Palazzo Re Enzo. This palazzo has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,072 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,952 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Bologna Cathedral. This amazing site is a wonderful catholic cathedral with more than 3,852 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Italy. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bologna itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Italy extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Bologna. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Donatello. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,700 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Trattoria dal Biassanot, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Trattoria dal Biassanot is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 2,616 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Trattoria di Via Serra. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,547 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bologna and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular BrewDog Bar Bologna. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,504 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Corner Bar. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 934 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Macondo - Cocktail Bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Macondo - Cocktail Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 808 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Italy gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Bologna and visit more of its attractions.

Bologna has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Italy. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Two Towers, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Two Towers has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Piazza Santo Stefano. This city feature got an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from its 7,617 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Bologna is the notable Porta Castiglione. The popular Porta Castiglione is a highlight of many travel packages in Bologna. As a matter of fact, this remarkable city gate has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 1,086 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Bologna, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Arco del Meloncello. Take your time exploring this wonderful arch and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 3,755 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Ducati Museum. It’s one of the most visited places in Bologna as around 7,600 people visit this spot every year. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,028 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Ducati Museum is something to look forward to in Bologna.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Bologna by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Bologna.

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 Bologna, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Trattoria del Tempo Buono is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Bologna-based food place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,531 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, Naama Cafè is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. Naama Cafè proved an excellent choice for around 1,538 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Bologna is Ristorante da Nello al Montegrappa, which has an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,633 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Bologna, Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars given by 582 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Osteria del Sole. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.6 over 5 stars by 1,643 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Bar Senza Nome may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 1,552 customers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Bologna and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Italy on a great note!

Day 4 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Padua. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Florence, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Santuario di San Leopoldo Mandić is waiting for you. This shrine has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,439 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is The Basilica of St. Anthony. This unique church is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 38,852 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Equestrian statue of Gattamelata. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 220 visitors, this sculpture is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding prato della Valle. This popular square and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 47,576 people.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Padua has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Florence. In Florence, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ristorante Paoli.

Locals also recommend Osteria Vecchio Cancello as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Osteria Vecchio Cancello as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,589 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Ristorante Oliviero 1962. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,046 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Manifattura. Manifattura is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,000 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Ristorante Buca Mario. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Ristorante Buca Mario is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Italy serves as your introduction to Florence. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Italy and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Florence, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 3,506 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Ville sull'Arno. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,383 guests, Ville sull'Arno is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Delle Nazioni offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Delle Nazioni is a top-rated budget hotel in Florence with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 4,903 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Florence. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Florence, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (FI). This archives and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Florence. The fascinating Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (FI) has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 23,075 travelers.

Florence is also home to the captivating Central Market, a local must-see tourist destination and another popular attraction in the city. About 43,100 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Italy. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 76,359 travelers, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing church and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,544 reviews.

Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Florence, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Italy.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Florence, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Florence is Il Vezzo. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 862 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Le Vespe Cafè for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Florence. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 773 customers.

Another alternative is Ristorante Le Volte Firenze. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 536 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Florence. At Villa Cora, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 951 reviews.

Archea Brewery is also one of the best places in Florence where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 723 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Italy!

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, you'll explore the best attractions in Florence at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Florence, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Parco delle Cascine. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,875 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Italy by seeing another popular site in Florence, the wonderful Galleria dell'Accademia. This national museum is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,875 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible David. This statue has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,476 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Pitti Palace. This art museum is sought after by many travelers from around the world, or more than 198,270 people annually. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 23,445 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous The Boboli Gardens. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 25,341 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Italy. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Florence itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Italy extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Florence. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Ala Grande Caffè(caffè Rosanò). This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,180 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 2,523 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Ristorante La Spada. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Florence and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Locale Firenze. This vibrant bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 771 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Cibrèo Caffè. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 857 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Nab Firenze. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Nab Firenze has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 790 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Italy, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Italy gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Florence. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Bologna, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful piazza della Signoria is waiting for you. This square has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 66,956 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Palazzo Vecchio. This unique palazzo is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,049 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Uffizi Gallery. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,794 visitors, this national museum is one of the top sights to visit in the area. In fact, the spectacular Uffizi Gallery welcomes around 2,011,219 visitors on a yearly basis.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Ponte Vecchio. This popular deck arch bridge and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 118,099 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to piazzale Michelangelo. This attraction is a valued square in the area that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 77,744 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Florence has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Italy. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Bologna. In Bologna, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Italy.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,677 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ristorante I Portici.

Locals also recommend L'Arcimboldo as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at L'Arcimboldo as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Ristorante San Pietro. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,152 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Bar Freud e Squisito. Bar Freud e Squisito is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 1,703 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Kinotto Bar. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 960 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Bar Maurizio. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Bar Maurizio is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 581 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Italy!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Italy is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bologna.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Bologna once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Italy on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Tombs of the glossators of Bologna is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Bologna. This top sight is a popular tomb, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 330 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bologna or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bologna and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Italy is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.