Cheap 12-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan to Venice, Arezzo, Rome, Florence, and Pisa

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Milan, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Milan, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

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.

Mag Cafe is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,270 customers.

Nottingham Forest is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Nottingham Forest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,686 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Milan.

You might also want to cap the night off at The Friends Pub Milano, a fascinating bar that 1,689 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, Milan. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Milan!

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Milan. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Primè. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,184 customers.

Contraste is another local-favorite restaurant in Milan. Contraste serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 823 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Nero 9 is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Milan. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 573 customers.

One great example is Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 954 customers.

BhangraBar is another popular bar in Milan. If you ask the 4,036 customers who have rated it an average of 4 out of 5 stars, BhangraBar is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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 4 charming destinations — Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio, Peschiera del Garda, and Venice. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Venice.

After soaking in Milan’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Peschiera del Garda. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 45 min. When you arrive in Peschiera del Garda, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set your GPS to Valeggio sul Mincio and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Valeggio sul Mincio beckons with new experiences!

Set your GPS to Verona and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 50 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Verona beckons with new experiences!

Venice 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.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Ristorante La Piazza. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,892 customers.

Farini is another local-favorite restaurant in Venice. Farini serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,851 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Trattoria Bar Pontini is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Verona. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 4,176 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Adagio is one of the best bars in Venice for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 621 customers.

Il Mercante is another of the most popular bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 666 customers.

Alternatively, check out Cantina Do Spade. This popular place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, as rated by 3,120 customers.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Venice and Arezzo. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Arezzo.

Journey into the unknown at Rialto Bridge, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable stone bridge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 141,666 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Piazza San Marco is a recommended place to visit. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 152,982 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Venice is St Mark's Basilica. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,439 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Venice offers an experience you will remember.

Doge's Palace is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Venice. This palace promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.7 out of 5 stars in 24,775 reviews. Each year, approximately 318,104 people travel to visit Doge's Palace.

When you’ve had your share of Venice, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Arezzo. Your travel time is around 3 hours 30 min.

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

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

Eat at Il Covo dei Briganti. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 509 reviews.

You can also check out Trattoria Il Saraceno. 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,759 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Antica Fonte. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,306 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

La Clandestina is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 277 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Emilio. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 263 customers.

La Nuova Tagliatella is another top-rated bar in the city of Arezzo. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 275 customers.

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

Day 5 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 2 wonderful destinations — Vatican City and Rome.

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.

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

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

Savor the culinary delights of Rome, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Rome is Tonnarello. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 62,881 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Rome, Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 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 2,946 diners.

Experience the local nightlife scene. RoYaL Art Cafè Roma is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,972 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Ai Tre Scalini. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,950 bar-goers.

Centro is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,488 customers.

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

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Rome, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

Your discovery of Rome does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Rome on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Italy.

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 Rome that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One musty-try restaurant is 433. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,341 customers.

Roma Sparita is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,073 reviews. Roma Sparita is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Ristorante Amedeo. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,798 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Enjoy a drink or two at DEROMA - Farine Romane. Around 1,432 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Hotel Hassler Roma, where you can relax and have some fun. Hotel Hassler Roma is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 895 customers.

Another top-rated bar option is VinAllegro, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,167 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

On day 7 of your budget-friendly road trip adventures in Italy, you’ll go deep into Rome, making the most of your 1 night in the city. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Rome, and meet locals along the way!

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

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

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,637 customers.

Maccheroni 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 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,633 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at RomAntica, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,462 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Rome, Ristorante Tema. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 939 bar-goers.

La Botticella of Poggi Giovanni is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Rome, with its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 655 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Sant' Eustachio Caffè, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 9,555 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 self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Florence, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Florence, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Rome and Florence.

When you're ready to see some sights, Trevi Fountain is a great place to start with. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 343,494 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Piazza di Spagna. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 113,658 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Spanish Steps. The monumental staircase has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 57,211 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting piazza del Popolo. This square is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 89,807 reviews.

Villa Borghese is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this urban zone of rome, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 69,749 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Set your GPS to Florence and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours 4 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Florence beckons with new experiences!

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Florence 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.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Italy shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Florence is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Ristorante Paoli, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Osteria Vecchio Cancello, so you'll want to drop by this place. Osteria Vecchio Cancello serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,589 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Florence is Ristorante Oliviero 1962. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city, Manifattura. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 509 reviews and guarantees you a great time.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to a popular bar like Caffe Concerto Paszkowski. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,000 customers.

The options in Florence don’t end there, you could also spend some time at the excellent Ristorante Buca Mario. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

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

Day 9 of your 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.

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Il Vezzo. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 862 customers.

Le Vespe Cafè 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 4.7 out of 5 stars from 773 customers.

Ristorante Le Volte Firenze 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 4.7 out of 5 stars in 536 reviews.

Villa Cora offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 699 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Florence, check out Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 951 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Archea Brewery. Archea Brewery offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 723 reviews.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 76,359 visitors.

Galleria dell'Accademia is another popular attraction you could visit today. This national museum has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,429 visitors. Galleria dell'Accademia attracts up to 1,719,645 visitors every year.

Central Market is also highly recommended by travelers. This sightseeing destination has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 43,100 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Florence, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Siena may take around 1 hour 19 min. Upon your arrival in Siena, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Take the opportunity to see piazza del Campo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 64,175 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Siena, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pisa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 47 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Osteria I Santi. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,094 customers.

Filter Coffee Lab 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 2,414 customers.

Ristorante alle Bandierine 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 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,163 reviews.

Make your way to Bar Mocambo. This bar promises a great atmosphere for your celebrations and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 359 customers.

Or, why not continue your evening at Skyline American Bar? This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars among 510 guests.

Another bar where you can have a great time tonight is Sud. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 784 customers.

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

Day 11 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Pisa, Genoa, and Milan. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Milan.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Leaning Tower of Pisa. This bell tower typically receives around 3,200,000 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 116,882 reviews.

Continue your journey at Piazza del Duomo, Pisa. This square is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104,550 travelers from near and far.

Pisa is also the home of Pisa Cathedral. This cathedral has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,361 visitors.

Genoa’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 43 min. Genoa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Spiaggia Pubblica di Priaruggia. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,161 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Milan. This car ride takes around 1 hour 58 min.

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.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Milan, 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.

Bice Restaurant 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 579 customers.

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

Locals enjoy dining at L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,020 reviews.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Yguana Cafè is our number one recommendation. Around 1,776 customers have rated this bar 4 out of 5 stars.

Rufus Cocktail Bar also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 643 reviews.

Tommasi Milano is another popular place to spend the evening in Milan. This bar is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 638 customers.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 12 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, the 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.

For example, Rosa Grand has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,394 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,217 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is G. B. Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 820 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors 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!