Cheap 12-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan traveling west to Como, Turin, Genoa, and La Spezia

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Milan, where you'll stay for 3 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.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Galleria Restaurant. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,024 customers.

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is another local-favorite restaurant in Milan. Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,550 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Vento di Sardegna 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 1,063 customers.

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 itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Milan, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

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.

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.

We recommend a local favorite like Primè. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,184 customers.

Contraste is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Milan. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 823 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Milan you might want to check out is Nero 9. Nero 9 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 573 reviews.

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.

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

Day 3 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Milan!

Touring the best attractions in Italy offers you a glimpse of the country’s history and culture. But, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s more to Italy you are yet to discover. Take part in an eye-opening experience to make the best of your affordable vacation in Italy. Choose from all of the popular and budget-friendly tickets and activities available on this day of your cheap holiday in Italy.

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.

Visit the popular Bice Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 579 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Italy is Ribot Restaurant. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,991 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,020 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into the top-rated Yguana Cafè. This bar is considered one of the best in Milan and is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,776 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rufus Cocktail Bar, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 643 customers. Alternatively, go to Tommasi Milano. This is one of the most frequently recommended bars in Milan and boasts an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 638 reviews.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Milan, Lecco, and Como. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Como.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Pinacoteca di Brera. This art museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Milan, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 26,077 visitors. Around 417 people visit this attraction every year.

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,883 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to MUDEC - Museum of Cultures. Visitors have rated this ethnographic museum an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 14,355 reviews. MUDEC - Museum of Cultures receives around 626,650 visitors every year.

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

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Como. This drive usually takes around 45 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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.

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

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Como, 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 La Vita è Bella Ristorante - Insalateria. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,254 customers.

Another dining option is Tira, Mola e Meseda. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Tira, Mola e Meseda has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,080 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Ristorante Sociale for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 991 customers have rated the irresistible Ristorante Sociale an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Fresco Cocktail Shop is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 784 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Como we recommend is Est Est Est Art & Music Club, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 582 customers.

Minimalismo Livingroom Wine & Cocktail Bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 205 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 5 of your affordable vacation in Italy, you’ll start and end your day in Como, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral, a remarkable church where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,908 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Como, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lenno. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Villa del Balbianello. This villa is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 8,643 visitors. Villa del Balbianello welcomes around 52,702 visitors every year.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Lenno, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tremezzina. This drive usually takes around 8 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Como, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Tremezzina to Como may take around 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Como.

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, Como 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.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Crìanza. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 480 customers.

Osteria del Gallo 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 662 customers.

Alle Terrazze Como 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 4.2 out of 5 stars in 1,690 reviews.

Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Vintage Jazz Food & Wine and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,424 customers.

Ristorante Pizzeria La Cava dei Sapori is another great place to hang out and unwind. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 823 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Bar Touring, rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 1,184 customers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience 5 charming destinations — Reno, Varese, Venaria Reale, Collegno, and Turin. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Turin.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Como and set your GPS to Varese. 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 48 min. Upon reaching Varese, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Reno. This car ride takes around 38 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Santa Caterina del Sasso. This hermitage gets 70,000 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,388 reviews.

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

Turin 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 Turin, 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.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended La Taverna Dei Mercanti. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,251 customers.

Torre is another local-favorite restaurant in Turin. Torre serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,165 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Ristorante Solferino is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Reno. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 1,950 customers.

If you’re up for getting a drink after dinner, Birrificio Torino is a great place to go. Around 3,558 customers have rated this popular bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Bistrot Turin has an atmosphere and drink selection that guests especially enjoy. Bistrot Turin has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,494 reviews and is considered one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is Bar Zucca. If this is where the night will take you, you’re in for a fun time in Turin. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 883 customers.

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

Day 7’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Turin, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Turin. 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.

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

One restaurant we recommend you try in Turin is Trattoria AlleVolte. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,210 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Turin, Arcadia is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,260 diners.

Trivè Time is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 745 customers.

Tclub Street Bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Tclub Street Bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 603 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Turin.

You might also want to cap the night off at QC Termetorino, a fascinating bar that 6,629 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 8 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, Turin. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Turin!

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

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Ristrot Guviol. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,048 customers.

Ristorante Mare Nostrum 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 1,031 customers.

La via del sale 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 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,093 reviews.

Piper Pub offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,149 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Turin, check out Talent Cafe' Lounge Bar. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,984 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit Gran Bar Turin. Gran Bar Turin offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,913 reviews.

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

Day 9 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Genoa, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Genoa, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Turin, Cavoretto, La Morra, and Genoa.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Egyptian Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 48,123 visitors.

When you’re finished at Egyptian Museum, head to Piazza Solferino. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 6,858 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, La Morra. This car ride takes around 46 min.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Morra, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Genoa. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 56 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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.

You could check out Le Rune, one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,218 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

Vivarelli is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 902 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Osteria di Vico Palla. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Osteria di Vico Palla has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 3,057 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Scurreria Beer & Bagel, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Genoa. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Soho. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,307 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Rustichello Restaurant. This bar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 861 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Genoa.

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

Day 10 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 — Genoa and La Spezia.

Start your day with a visit to piazza De Ferrari. This extraordinary square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 34,312 visitors.

Next, make your way to Doge's Palace. This top attraction is a museum with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,612 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Aquarium of Genoa. Hosting 1,200,000 visitors every year, Aquarium of Genoa is one of the most popular places to visit in Genoa. This public aquarium is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 62,259 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit porto antico. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12,414 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Genoa, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of La Spezia. Your travel time is around 1 hour 34 min.

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

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

The Colombaio Park is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 899 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in La Spezia.

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

Day 11 of your road trip across Italy offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including La Spezia, Corniglia, Levanto, and Milan. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Milan.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Giardini Pubblici. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,364 reviews.

Next up is Technical Naval Museum of Spezia. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,561 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Spezia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Corniglia. This drive usually takes around 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Cinque Terre National Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 43,526 reviews.

After soaking in Corniglia’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Levanto. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 34 min. When you arrive in Levanto, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set your GPS to Milan and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 48 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Milan beckons with new experiences!

Milan 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.

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.

We recommend a local favorite like Rosa Grand. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,394 customers.

UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Milan. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,217 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Milan you might want to check out is G. B. Bar. G. B. Bar is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 820 reviews.

If you're looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Armani/Bamboo Bar, claiming it's one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 272 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Carico. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 125 customers.

QC Termemilano is another top-rated bar where you can spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 10,281 customers.

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

As you approach the end of your journey in Italy, take a moment for some retail therapy in Milan’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Italy, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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, da Vic has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 557 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Ristorante la Brisa is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 578 customers.

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!