Road Trip from Florence (2‑5 January 2026)

Day 1: Florence → Bologna → Verona

Morning: Depart Florence early and enjoy the scenic drive to Bologna. Stroll through Piazza Maggiore and admire the iconic Twin Towers, soaking in the medieval atmosphere.

Afternoon: Continue north to Verona, where you can explore the grand Arena di Verona and, if time permits, visit Juliet’s House for a romantic photo.

Evening: Check into a comfortable hotel in Verona, enjoy a traditional dinner of pasta alla Verona, and wander the illuminated streets along the Adige River.

Day 2: Verona → Lake Garda → Venice

Morning: Take a leisurely walk around Verona’s historic centre, perhaps climbing the Giardino Giusti for panoramic views before heading east.

Afternoon: Drive to the southern shore of Lake Garda, stopping at the charming town of Sirmione. Explore the medieval Scaliger Castle and the Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo.

Evening: Arrive in Venice, park the car at Tronchetto, and enjoy a vaporetto ride to the city centre. Dine beside the Grand Canal and soak up the magical ambience.

Day 3: Venice → Innsbruck (Austria)

Morning: Spend a few hours discovering St. Mark’s Basilica and the bustling Rialto Bridge, taking time for a quick coffee in a historic café.

Afternoon: Set off for the Austrian Alps, crossing the Brenner Pass. The 4‑hour drive offers spectacular mountain scenery, arriving in Innsbruck by late afternoon.

Evening: Wander the old town, admire the golden shine of the Golden Roof, and enjoy Tyrolean cuisine at a local tavern.

Day 4: Innsbruck → Trento → Florence

Morning: Take the Nordkette cable car for breathtaking alpine views and a short hike before descending back to the city.

Afternoon: Begin the journey home, stopping in Trento to visit the impressive Buonconsiglio Castle and sample some regional wine.

Evening: Arrive back in Florence, return the rental car, and reflect on the memorable road‑trip with a final dinner in the historic centre.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bologna city centre – 2 h – €0
• Arena di Verona – 1.5 h – €48
• Juliet’s House – 0.5 h – €18
• Scaliger Castle (Sirmione) – 2 h – €30
• Grotte di Catullo – 1 h – €15
• St. Mark’s Basilica – 2 h – €15
• Rialto Bridge – 0.5 h – €0
• Golden Roof (Innsbruck) – 2 h – €0
• Nordkette cable car – 2 h – €105
• Buonconsiglio Castle – 1.5 h – €36
• Fuel, tolls and parking – 4 days – €300
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 4 days × 3 people – €360
• Accommodation (3 nights, 2 rooms) – €150 /night – €450

Total estimated cost for 3 persons: €1,377

Tips

To extend the adventure, add an extra day in the Dolomites for hiking or a visit to the historic city of Bolzano. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the Lake Garda stop and head directly from Verona to Venice, saving a few hours of driving and reducing accommodation costs.