One-Week Relaxed Italy Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Venice to Florence

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Venice, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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 Venice, and meet locals along the way!

Piazza San Marco is an ideal stop early in the day. This world-famous public square is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to St Mark's Basilica, which may be one of the most history-steeped places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Venice on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Bridge Of Sighs, a notable monument in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Doge's Palace and Venetian Arsenal.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Venice, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Venice by booking a table at Local. This popular restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Wistèria, celebrated for its delectable contemporary and venetian menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Quadri, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Venice and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Il Mercante after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Irish Pub Venezia for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Ai Stagneri is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Italy offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Florence for 4 nights.

Experience Palazzo Contarini Del Bovolo, a well-known palace in the city. Then, head to Teatro La Fenice and soak in the ambiance of this picture-perfect opera house.

There are many interesting places to see in Venice, and when you are ready for more, go to Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This is one of the city’s most interesting respected spots of interest. After exploring the art gallery, visit the curiosity-inducing Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Florence. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Florence, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Have a memorable dining experience in Florence by booking a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional italian contemporary menu. For a different culinary experience in Florence, Santa Elisabetta shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious creative and mediterranean cuisine. This 2-star Michelin-awardee consistently earns high praises, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura is known as a top local spot in Florence for its delicious italian contemporary and international cuisine. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Florence. The bars in Florence make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Manifattura, known for its inviting atmosphere. Se·sto On Arno Rooftop Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Il Vinile provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Florence, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Italy are extraordinary.

No visit to Florence is complete without Ponte Vecchio. This world-famous historical landmark is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Uffizi Gallery, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Florence, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Piazza Della Signoria. This astonishing public square is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Piazza Della Repubblica, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Italy by joining a traveler-approved tour in Venice. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Venice that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Italy more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Florence to find the best options for you!

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Italy. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Florence, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Savor the flavors at Ditta Artigianale, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Trattoria Da Burde beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Casa Toscana. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Florence tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Florence. The bars in Florence make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar 50 Rosso offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bitter Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Archea Brewery is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Italy!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Italy means 24 hours of making the best memories in Florence. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Florence. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Florence!

Catch Parco Delle Cascine before the crowds roll in. This awe-inspiring park is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the majestic features of Basilica Di Santa Maria Novella, Firenze (fi), a must-visit church in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Central Market, a captivating food market. For a change of scene, check out Galleria Dell'accademia, known for its heritage-rich features. We also recommend visiting David. This statue is a must for anyone looking to experience the city to the fullest.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Italy more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Florence offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Ristorante Buca Mario, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Agricola Toscana is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Eataly Firenze. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Florence tonight.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Florence.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Gosh* is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Antico Caffè Del Moro - Art Bar Firenze, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Quelo Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Italy!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Italy, you’ll go deep into Florence, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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!

A top thing to do today is to explore Oltrarno, a must-see neighborhood in Florence. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Whatever your travel style is, Piazzale Michelangelo is an essential stop in Florence. This impressive observation deck provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence, a culturally significant church, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Pitti Palace, a locally renowned palace. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating The Boboli Gardens.

Italy makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Italy also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Florence has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Tijuana, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Djària - American Bar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Florence Irish Pub as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Florence.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Florence’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Italy.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Florence as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy!

Day 7 of your self-drive tour in Italy offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll start your day in Bologna and end it in Venice. You’ll stay in Venice for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Italy.

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 1 hour 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Two Towers, a locally renowned monument that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Piazza Maggiore, where you can soak in the enchanting surroundings.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Padua, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bologna to Padua may take around 1 hour 31 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Padua, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Basilica Of St. Anthony. Spend some time admiring the culturally significant features of the church before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Prato Della Valle. This popular public square is a traveler-favorite in the city.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Venice. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Italy.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Osteria Alla Staffa, a highly-rated dining destination in Venice. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bistrot de Venise, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Corte Sconta. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Venice this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Venice and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Dolce Vita Venezia, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Tarnowska's American Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Venice. Bar All'angolo is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Venice as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Italy!