Cheap 9-Day Italy Road Trip from Milan traveling south to Genoa and Florence

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Milan, where you'll stay for 4 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Milan and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Piazza Gae Aulenti will make your cheap holiday in Italy truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,398 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Milan. An excellent example is the popular Galleria Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,024 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Italy is Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,550 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Vento di Sardegna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,063 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Mag Cafe is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 3,270 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Milan we recommend is Nottingham Forest, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,686 customers.

The Friends Pub Milano is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,689 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Milan, proving that cheap holidays in Italy can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Royal Palace of Milan. This attraction is an art museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,538 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Cathedral Square. This popular place of interest is a stunning top-tier point of interest that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,539 visitors.

To make your trip to Milan more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Duomo di Milano Museum. This well-known art museum attracts up to 341,609 people each year. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 138,554 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Duomo di Milano Museum is often mentioned in Italy road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This commercial gallery and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 91,394 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing La Scala. More than 26,219 visitors have rated this opera house and tourist destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Milan does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Milan 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 exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Italy, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Primè, one of the best restaurants in Milan. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,184 reviews.

You can also check out Contraste. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 823 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Nero 9. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 573 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Milan.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Milan for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 954 customers.

BhangraBar is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 4,036 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Camparino in Galleria. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,473 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Milan.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Milan!

Day 3 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!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Arch of Peace. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 27,502 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable monument is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Triennale di Milano. This attraction is an art museum that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,956 travelers. Up to 180,067 people visit this popular sight every year, so don’t miss out on your chance to see it today.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible Parco Sempione. This popular park in Milan has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 72,914 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Sforzesco Castle Art Library. This library and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 68,714 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Milan? Then make your way to the outstanding art museum, Pinacoteca di Brera. This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 26,077 visitors and attracts around 417 travelers every year.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Milan. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Milan 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. Milan has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Milan is Bice Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 579 customers.

Ribot Restaurant is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,991 reviews. Ribot Restaurant is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in Milan is L'immagine Bistrot Ristorante. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,020 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Milan as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Milan, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Yguana Cafè, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,776 customers.

Rufus Cocktail Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Milan. Customers have rated Rufus Cocktail Bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 643 reviews.

You could also relax and have drinks at Tommasi Milano. This bar is popular in Milan for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere. Proof of this claim is clear in its average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 638 bar goers.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Milan and end your day in the city of Genoa, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Milan is the amazing Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio. This travel destination is a church that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,883 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia "Leonardo da Vinci". Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 22,235 travelers, a visit to this well-known technology museum and sightseeing spot in Milan is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable. This travel destination welcomes around 532,084 yearly visitors.

Another unforgettable sight in Milan is the outstanding Santa Maria delle Grazie Church. This convent has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,490 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Italy, drop by the popular MUDEC - Museum of Cultures. This attraction, an amazing ethnographic museum, has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 14,355 travelers. As one of the top sights in Milan, there’s no wonder that the spectacular MUDEC - Museum of Cultures attracts about 626,650 visitors annually.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Italy. To have the best affordable travel experience in Italy, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Italy unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Italy.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Genoa. Genoa is another cheap travel destination in Italy where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Italy can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Genoa that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Genoa is Le Rune. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,218 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Genoa, Vivarelli 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 902 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Osteria di Vico Palla. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Genoa enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,057 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Genoa’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Scurreria Beer & Bagel. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,480 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Soho. This popular bar in Genoa has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,307 bar-goers.

You can also go to Rustichello Restaurant as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Rustichello Restaurant is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 861 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 5 of your self-drive vacation in Italy gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Genoa and end your day in the city of Pisa.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Florence for 3 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Italy.

While you’re in Genoa, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing piazza De Ferrari. The fantastic piazza De Ferrari is a popular square and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,312 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Aquarium of Genoa, a well-known public aquarium in the area. Receiving around 1,200,000 visitors each year, it’s safe to say that this attraction strikes the interest of people all over the world. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.5 out of a 5 star-rating from 62,259 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Genoa, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Pisa.

Make Piazza del Duomo, Pisa your first stop. This popular square among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 104,550 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Pisa is the outstanding Leaning Tower of Pisa. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 116,882 visitors, this remarkable bell tower and attraction deserves a spot on your Italy travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Italy. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Italy and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Ristorante Paoli, one of the best restaurants in Florence. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 6,031 customers.

Osteria Vecchio Cancello is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Osteria Vecchio Cancello is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,589 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, another well-loved restaurant in Florence. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,046 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Italy.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Florence, Manifattura. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 509 bar goers.

Caffe Concerto Paszkowski is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Florence, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,000 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Ristorante Buca Mario, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,879 customers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip adventures in Italy, you’ll go deep into Florence, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Florence, and meet locals along the way!

Florence offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Ville sull'Arno to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Florence. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,339 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Wyndham Garden Florence. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Florence. Wyndham Garden Florence has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 3,339 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Florence should also consider Delle Nazioni. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Delle Nazioni has been rated by 4,823 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Florence offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Florence the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding church, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 76,359 visitors.

The famous Piazza della Repubblica is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible square and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 22,356 visitors.

Florence is also the home of the extraordinary piazza della Signoria. Around 66,956 travelers have rated the spectacular piazza della Signoria an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Uffizi Gallery, which hosts up to 2,011,219 visitors every year. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 61,794 reviews, a visit to this wonderful national museum and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Italy is also your chance to admire the fantastic Ponte Vecchio up close. This fascinating deck arch bridge and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Ponte Vecchio enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 118,099 travelers.

Come to Florence prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Italy. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Florence.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Florence, Il Vezzo. Locals enjoy eating at Il Vezzo for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 862 diners.

Le Vespe Cafè serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 773 food lovers.

If you want more options, Ristorante Le Volte Firenze is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Ristorante Le Volte Firenze has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 536 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Florence? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Florence after dinner. Locals recommend Villa Cora, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 699 customers.

Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Italy. Osteria Tripperia Il Magazzino has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 951 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Florence.

You might also want to cap the night off at Archea Brewery, a fascinating bar that 723 customers have rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Italy!

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

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Central Market. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 43,100 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Galleria dell'Accademia. This popular place of interest is a stunning national museum that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 34,429 visitors. With around 1,719,645 people visiting this attraction each year, it’s clear that the unforgettable Galleria dell'Accademia is one of the most famous sights in the area.

To make your trip to Florence more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 28,544 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is often mentioned in Italy road trip itineraries.

The magnificent piazzale Michelangelo is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This square and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 77,744 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing The Boboli Gardens. More than 25,341 visitors have rated this park and tourist destination an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Florence does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Florence 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 exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Italy, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Ala Grande Caffè(caffè Rosanò), one of the best restaurants in Florence. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,180 reviews.

You can also check out Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,523 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Ristorante La Spada. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,228 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Florence.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Florence for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Locale Firenze and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 771 customers.

Cibrèo Caffè is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 857 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Nab Firenze. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 790 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Florence.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Florence!

On day 8 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Italy, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Bologna and end your day in the city of Milan, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Bologna is the amazing Piazza Santo Stefano. This travel destination is a square that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Two Towers. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 travelers, a visit to this well-known tower and sightseeing spot in Bologna is likely to make your vacation in Italy even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Bologna is the outstanding Piazza Maggiore. This square has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 64,523 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Italy. To have the best affordable travel experience in Italy, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Italy unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Italy.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Milan. Milan is another cheap travel destination in Italy where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Italy can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Milan that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Milan is Rosa Grand. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,394 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Milan, UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,217 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is G. B. Bar. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Milan enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 820 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Milan’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Italy. For example, you can visit Armani/Bamboo Bar. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 272 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Carico. This popular bar in Milan has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 125 bar-goers.

You can also go to QC Termemilano as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular QC Termemilano is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 10,281 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Italy as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Milan.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Italy.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Milan is the remarkable Palazzo Borromeo. This palazzo and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 130 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Milan, consider a top-rated restaurant like da Vic. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 557 customers.

Ristorante la Brisa 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 578 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Milan and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Italy!