Cheap 4-Day Italy Road Trip from Venice traveling west to Ferrara

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Venice, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Venice and begin your adventure in Italy.

Venice is a popular cheap holiday destination in Italy with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Italy, Venice 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.

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.

We recommend a local favorite like Ristorante La Piazza. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,892 customers.

Farini is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Venice. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,851 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Venice you might want to check out is Trattoria Bar Pontini. Trattoria Bar Pontini 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 4,176 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Venice, Adagio. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 621 bar-goers.

Il Mercante is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Venice, with its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 666 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Cantina Do Spade, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,120 customers.

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

Day 2 of your self-drive vacation in Italy will take you to the city of Ferrara, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Ferrara, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Italy, including Venice, Lido, and Ferrara.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Piazza San Marco. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 152,982 reviews.

St Mark's Basilica is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 18,439 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Doge's Palace. This palace is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 24,775 reviews. Every year, around 318,104 travelers visit this site to discover its unique features.

Bridge of Sighs is another outstanding experience in Venice. Around 18,223 travelers have rated this footbridge an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After soaking in Venice’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Ferrara. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 20 min. When you arrive in Ferrara, it's time to take a break from the road.

Ferrara 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 Ferrara, 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.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Trattoria Le Nuvole. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 969 customers.

Another dining option is Ristorantino Quel Fantastico Giovedì. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Ristorantino Quel Fantastico Giovedì has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 865 reviews.

Make sure to stop by I Piaceri di Lucrezia for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 557 customers have rated the irresistible I Piaceri di Lucrezia an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Many locals go to Trattoria da Noemi to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,917 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is XI Comandamento. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

Encio's Tiki Bar is another great option in Ferrara. This bar is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 240 customers.

A road trip vacation in Venice can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy!

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

Make Castello Estense one of your first sightseeing stops in Ferrara. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 25,340 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This castle attracts 51,526 visitors every year.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bologna. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Piazza Santo Stefano. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,617 reviews.

Next up is Two Towers. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25,975 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Piazza Maggiore. This square has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 64,523 reviews.

Fountain of Neptune, Bologna is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This fountain has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,952 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bologna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Venice may take around 1 hour 46 min. Upon your arrival in Venice, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Rio Novo. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,401 customers.

Trattoria Al Gazzettino is another local-favorite restaurant in Venice. Trattoria Al Gazzettino serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,378 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Farini is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Ferrara. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 of 5 stars from around 2,615 customers.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Bistrot de Venise is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,931 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Impronta. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,541 bar-goers.

Osteria Bancogiro is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,747 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 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Venice.

As you approach the end of your journey in Italy, take a moment for some retail therapy in Venice’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 Venice.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Venice, consider a top-rated restaurant like Nevodi. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,127 customers.

Pizzeria Birreria Barbanera is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,540 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is La Palanca. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,258 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Italy and your fun memories in Venice.

You’ll then say farewell to Venice. 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!