Road Trip Itinerary: Florence → Colmar (January 2‑5, 2026)

Day 1: January 2 – Florence to Bologna

Morning: Depart Florence early and enjoy the rolling Tuscan scenery before reaching Piazza del Duomo for a quick coffee and photo stop.

Afternoon: Continue to Bologna, strolling through the historic Porticoes of Bologna and sampling tagliatelle al ragù at a traditional trattoria.

Evening: Check into a boutique hotel in Bologna, then wander to the lively Piazza Maggiore for a relaxed dinner and gelato.

Day 2: January 3 – Bologna to Verona & Lake Garda

Morning: Drive to Verona, where you can admire the ancient Arena di Verona and the romantic Balcony of Juliet.

Afternoon: Head east to Lake Garda, stopping at the picturesque town of Riva del Garda for a lakeside lunch and a short walk along the promenade.

Evening: Overnight in a lakeside guesthouse; enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake and dinner featuring fresh fish.

Day 3: January 4 – Lake Garda to Milan & Lake Como

Morning: Depart for Milan and visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, taking the elevator to the rooftop for city views.

Afternoon: After a quick lunch, drive north to Lake Como, exploring the charming town of Como and its historic cathedral.

Evening: Stay in a lakeside hotel in Como, enjoy an aperitivo by the waterfront, and stroll through the illuminated streets.

Day 4: January 5 – Como to Basel → Colmar

Morning: Cross into Switzerland, stopping in Lugano to wander through Parco Ciani and sip Swiss chocolate.

Afternoon: Continue to Basel, exploring the Old Town and the impressive Basel Minster before heading to the French border.

Evening: Arrive in Colmar, check into a centrally located hotel, and wander the illuminated canals of Little Venice for dinner.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Piazza del Duomo (Florence): 0.5 h – €5 (coffee)
• Porticoes of Bologna: 1 h – €0 (free)
• Piazza Maggiore (Bologna): 1 h – €20 (dinner)
• Arena di Verona: 1 h – €12 (entry)
• Balcony of Juliet (Verona): 0.5 h – €5 (photo)
• Riva del Garda (Lake Garda): 2 h – €15 (lunch)
• Duomo di Milano: 1 h – €10 (entry)
• Como Cathedral (Lake Como): 0.5 h – €0 (free)
• Parco Ciani (Lugano): 1 h – €0 (free)
• Basel Old Town & Basel Minster: 2 h – €12 (museum entry)
• Little Venice (Colmar): 1.5 h – €20 (dinner)
• Fuel & Tolls (overall trip): 9 h driving – €150
• Accommodation (4 nights): €80 × 4 = €320
• Total Estimated Cost: €584

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add a day in the Alsace region to explore the vineyards near Ribeauville or visit the historic town of Strasbourg. To shorten the itinerary, skip the Lake Garda leg and head directly from Verona to Milan, reducing travel time and accommodation costs.