Scenic Road Trip from Debrecen to the Adriatic Coast: Hungary, Italy, and Croatia Adventure

Day 1: Lake Balaton Arrival

Lake Balaton, Hungary on September 19, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in Lake Balaton hotel

Check into a lakefront hotel such as Hotel Azúr or Hotel Wellamarin to enjoy beautiful views of Hungary’s largest lake.
HUF15000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at a lakeside restaurant

Dine at Kistücsök Étterem in Balatonszemes, known for delicious local fish dishes and seasonal Hungarian cuisine with lake views.
HUF7000, 2h
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Day 2: Lake Balaton to Monfalcone

Lake Balaton, Hungary / Monfalcone, Italy on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast lakeside

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic lake views at the hotel restaurant or try Füge Bistro with fresh pastries and coffee.
HUF3000, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Monfalcone

Start the scenic drive towards Monfalcone, Italy, approximately 5.5 hours away. Enjoy cross-border views on the way.
Fuel cost approx EUR45, 5h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Monfalcone hotel

Stay at a comfortable hotel like Hotel Miramare or Park Hotel for convenient access to town and nearby sights.
EUR70, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner in Monfalcone

Dine at Trattoria da Lorenzo, offering authentic Friulian dishes featuring fresh seafood and local wines.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 3: Monfalcone to Lake Garda

Monfalcone, Italy / Lake Garda, Italy on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Monfalcone

Have a classic Italian breakfast at Pasticceria Bondanini, enjoying cappuccino and croissants.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Garda

Drive towards Lake Garda, located about 2.5 hours from Monfalcone. Plan to stay near Sirmione or Desenzano for lakeside charm.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lake Garda

Enjoy lunch at La Rucola 2.0 in Sirmione, serving Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Lake Garda shores

Walk the lakeside promenade, visit Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, and admire beautiful lake views.
EUR6, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner by the lake

Dine at Trattoria La Fiasca near the lake, known for fresh fish and local produce.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lake Garda

Start with breakfast at a café in Desenzano, trying Italian espresso and pastries.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Florence

Enjoy the journey to Florence, approximately 3 hours by car, entering the heart of Tuscany.
Fuel approx EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Check-in and settle at Florence hotel

Stay at a city hotel with panoramic views, such as Hotel Brunelleschi or Grand Hotel Minerva.
EUR120, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Experience fresh Tuscan food at the bustling Mercato Centrale with various artisanal stalls offering pasta, meats, and cheeses.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon stroll and sightseeing

Walk around Piazza della Signoria, visit the Duomo Cathedral exterior, and enjoy views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

Relax with a sophisticated dinner offering traditional Tuscan dishes and fine wines.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Florence Leisure

Florence, Italy on September 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a leisurely Italian breakfast featuring espresso and fresh pastries with the city view.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore the world-famous art collection; pre-book tickets to skip queues and admire Renaissance masterpieces.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savour authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere popular among locals.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Boboli Gardens

Relax in the expansive historic gardens offering beautiful sculptures and panoramic city views.
EUR10, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee break at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and light snacks at a trendy café known for its quality brews.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

End the day with a traditional Tuscan meal in an intimate setting close to the Arno river.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Florence Relaxed Day

Florence, Italy on September 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Dine in a stylish café blending gastronomy and floristry for a unique start to the day.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Visit artisan workshops

Explore smaller artisan shops in Oltrarno district for leather, jewellery, and bespoke crafts.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Il Santo Bevitore

Enjoy innovative Tuscan cuisine with local ingredients in a contemporary setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax or city walk

Spend your afternoon strolling by the Arno River or visiting less crowded spots like Piazza Santa Croce.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Buca Lapi

Savour hearty Tuscan dishes at one of the city’s oldest trattorias, known for its bistecca alla fiorentina.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Florence to Venice

Florence / Venice, Italy on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast with your final views of Florence’s skyline.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Venice

Drive approximately 3 hours to Venice; park outside and take vaporetto or walk into town.
Fuel approx EUR25 + parking EUR20, 3h

1:30pm

Check-in and lunch in Venice

Check in at a hotel such as Hotel Ala or Hotel Danieli; have lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna serving Venetian classics.
EUR40, 2h

3:30pm

Explore Venice

Wander St Mark’s Square, visit Doge’s Palace exterior, and stroll the charming narrow streets.
EUR25 for Doge's Palace or free if just outside, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Al Mascaron

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Venetian cuisine in a relaxed ambiance.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 8: Venice Discovery

Venice, Italy on September 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Famous for pastries and coffee, perfect for a Venetian start.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Gondola Ride

Take a classic gondola ride through the canals for a quintessential experience.
EUR80 split among group, 30m

10:30am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art masterpieces in an elegant riverside palazzo; open 10am–6pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Known for authentic Venetian dishes, especially seafood specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Rialto Market and Bridge

Explore vibrant market stalls and iconic bridge, perfect for sightseeing and photos.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Free time or gelato at Gelateria Nico

Relax with a Venetian gelato by the Grand Canal.
EUR5, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Riviera

Dine with views of the lagoon in a casual, elegant setting.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 9: Venice to Croatia

Croatia (Istrian Peninsula area) on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Venice

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast at a local café near the hotel.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Croatia (Istria region)

Head towards the Istrian coast of Croatia, about 2.5 hours from Venice, ideal for exploring coastal towns.
Fuel approx EUR30, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Rovinj or Poreč

Have Italian influenced Croatian cuisine at a bistro like Monte or Konoba Škarpina.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore coastal town

Walk historic old towns, enjoy Adriatic seaside views and local markets.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Croatia

Feast on fresh seafood and local truffles at a recommended restaurant like Barba in Rovinj.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Debrecen

Croatia / Debrecen, Hungary on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation or local café to fuel the journey.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Drive back to Debrecen

Long drive back to Debrecen taking approximately 8-9 hours; plan breaks en route for refreshment.
Fuel approx EUR60, 8h30m

5:00pm

Arrive in Debrecen

Rest after your scenic and exciting road trip with Baggins, Beeb and Annabel.
Free, N/A
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