Scenic 3-Day Road Trip from Rome to Milan with Culinary and Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Begin your day with classic Italian espresso and fresh pastries at this popular Roman café, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Rome to Florence

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive north on the A1 highway, passing beautiful Italian countryside on your way to Florence.
EUR30 tolls + fuel, 3h00m

12:15pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Taste hearty Florentine specialties like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina at this lively, traditional trattoria open until 3pm.
EUR30, 1h15m

1:45pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore this iconic cathedral with its stunning dome by Brunelleschi and climb to the top for panoramic city views, open until 7pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk Ponte Vecchio & Explore Oltrarno

Stroll along the medieval Ponte Vecchio and wander the artisan shops in the Oltrarno district, soaking in Florence's artistic charm.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Indulge in refined Tuscan dishes with a cozy ambiance at La Giostra, open for dinner starting 7pm, reservations recommended.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 2: Florence to Bologna

Florence to Bologna, Italy on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Savor excellent specialty coffee and light pastries at this modern café, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Florence to Bologna

Take the direct 1.5-hour drive along A1 highway heading northwest to Bologna.
EUR15 tolls + fuel, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Piazza Maggiore and Neptune Fountain

Discover Bologna’s central square, rich in medieval architecture and featuring the impressive Neptune Fountain, a great spot for photos.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa

Enjoy traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù in this casual yet beloved eatery open through the afternoon.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Climb Asinelli Tower

Ascend one of Bologna’s famous leaning towers for sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills, open until 7pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Museo Ducati (optional)

Explore the world of Ducati motorcycles with exhibits on design and racing heritage, open until 6pm; check timing for weekday visits.
EUR16, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Sample authentic regional cuisine in a warm, family-run setting; dinner service starts at 7pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Bologna to Milan

Bologna to Milan, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regina di Quadri

Kick off with classic Italian cappuccino and fresh pastries in Bologna’s oldest pastry shop, opening at 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Bologna to Milan

Embark on the approximately 2.5-hour drive northwest to Milan via A1 and A7 highways, enjoying scenic Lombardy landscapes.
EUR25 tolls + fuel, 2h30m

11:15am

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Grab a quick, delicious panzerotto near the Duomo, perfect for a casual midday meal.
EUR8, 0h45m

12:15pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Tour the iconic Gothic cathedral and consider climbing to the rooftop terraces for extraordinary city views; open until 6:30pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Browse luxury shops and historic cafés under the stunning glass dome of one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Sforza Castle

Wander this historic Renaissance fortress and its museums, open until 5:30pm, to learn about Milanese art and history.
EUR10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco, Brera District

Enjoy refined Milanese and Lombardy cuisine in the charming Brera neighborhood; dinner service from 7pm, reservations advised.
EUR50, 2h
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