Scenic Road Trip from Debrecen to the Adriatic Coast via Tihany, Lake Balaton and Italian Lakes

Day 1: Lake Balaton Tihany

Tihany, Lake Balaton, Hungary on September 19, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in Tihany

Check into a charming hotel such as Hotel Marina or Hotel Káli Art Inn in or near Tihany peninsula to enjoy stunning views over Lake Balaton.
HUF16000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Tihany Abbey and Lavender Fields

Explore the historic Tihany Abbey with panoramic views of the lake and wander the fragrant lavender fields if still in bloom.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Aranyhíd Restaurant

Dine lakeside at Aranyhíd offering traditional Hungarian and Balaton fish dishes with a picturesque view of the bay.
HUF8000, 2h
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Day 2: Tihany to Monfalcone

Tihany, Hungary / Monfalcone, Italy on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast with lake views

Enjoy breakfast at hotel or Café Tihany with fresh pastries, coffee, and scenic views over Lake Balaton.
HUF3000, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Monfalcone

Drive approximately 5.5 hours to Monfalcone. The route heads west and crosses into Italy, offering varied countryside scenery.
Fuel cost approx EUR45, 5h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Monfalcone hotel

Stay at Hotel Miramare or Park Hotel for a comfortable base near the Adriatic coast and nearby cultural sites.
EUR70, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Lorenzo

Savour authentic Friulian cuisine with fresh seafood and local wines at this well-loved restaurant in Monfalcone.
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 Pasticceria Bondanini

Classic Italian espresso and pastries to start the day in Monfalcone.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lake Garda

Travel about 2.5 hours south to Lake Garda, focusing on towns like Sirmione for a lakeside stay.
Fuel approx EUR20, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Rucola 2.0

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired meals in Sirmione’s historic centre.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Sirmione and Castle

Visit the Scaliger Castle and take a lakeside walk to admire the stunning scenery.
EUR6, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria La Fiasca

Dine on fresh fish and traditional dishes near the lake in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast by Lake Garda

Start your day with a light breakfast at a Desenzano café, enjoying espresso and pastries.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Florence

Head south to Florence, approximately a 3-hour scenic drive into Tuscany.
Fuel approx EUR25, 3h

12:30pm

Hotel check-in with city view

Check in to a centrally located hotel like Hotel Brunelleschi or Grand Hotel Minerva with panoramic views of Florence
EUR120, 1h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample fresh Tuscan flavours from multiple stalls offering pasta, cheese, meats and desserts.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon walking tour

Visit Piazza della Signoria, view the Duomo's exterior, and finish with sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

Enjoy a relaxed dinner serving traditional Tuscan dishes with excellent local wines.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Florence Sightseeing

Florence, Italy on September 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a typical Italian breakfast with a cappuccino and fresh pastries at a nearby café.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Uffizi Gallery visit

Pre-book tickets to explore premier Renaissance art including works by Botticelli and Michelangelo.
EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Traditional Tuscan dishes served in a welcoming atmosphere popular with locals.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens relaxation

Stroll through historic gardens with sculptures and exceptional city and garden views.
EUR10, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee and gelato

Visit Ditta Artigianale for specialty coffee or grab gelato to refresh.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Enjoy hearty traditional Tuscan fare near the Arno River in a classic setting.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Florence Arts & Leisure

Florence, Italy on September 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Stylish café blending floristry and fine dining with excellent coffee to start your day.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Oltrarno artisan district

Explore traditional artisan workshops for leather, jewellery and crafts, great for souvenirs.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Il Santo Bevitore

Creative Tuscan cooking in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Scenic Arno walk

Wander along the Arno River and visit Piazza Santa Croce for a culturally rich afternoon.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Buca Lapi

Savour traditional bistecca alla fiorentina and Tuscan classics at one of Florence’s oldest taverns.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Drive to Venice

Florence / Venice, Italy on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final leisurely breakfast in Florence with views of the historic cityscape.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Venice

Travel about 3 hours to Venice; park off-island and take a vaporetto or walk into the historic centre.
Fuel approx EUR25 + parking EUR20, 3h

1:30pm

Check-in and lunch in Venice

Stay in hotels like Hotel Ala or Hotel Danieli; lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna serving Venetian seafood specialties.
EUR40, 2h

3:30pm

Sightseeing in Venice

Explore St Mark’s Square, stroll along canals and visit the exterior of Doge’s Palace.
EUR25 Doge's Palace entry optional, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Al Mascaron

Enjoy authentic Venetian seafood and traditional dishes in a relaxed setting.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 8: Venice Exploration

Venice, Italy on September 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Delight in fresh pastries and coffee at a renowned Venetian bakery.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Gondola ride

Experience a 30-minute classic gondola ride through enchanting canals.
EUR80 total per gondola, 30m

10:30am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art masterpieces in this beautiful riverside palace, open 10am–6pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Relish Venetian seafood specialties in a charming local trattoria.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Rialto Market & Bridge

Explore lively market stalls and iconic bridges for vibrant Venetian atmosphere and photos.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Gelato at Gelateria Nico

Enjoy gelato by the waterfront for a sweet late afternoon treat.
EUR5, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Riviera

Fine dining with views of the lagoon, serving Venetian and Mediterranean dishes.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 9: Venice to Croatia

Istria Peninsula, Croatia on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Venice

Enjoy a final Italian breakfast near your hotel before departing.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Istrian Coast, Croatia

Travel approximately 2.5 hours to charming coastal towns like Rovinj or Poreč in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula.
Fuel approx EUR30, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Rovinj or Poreč

Savour Croatian coastal cuisine influenced by Italy at restaurants such as Monte or Konoba Škarpina.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Town exploration

Wander cobbled streets, visit waterfront markets and enjoy Adriatic views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Croatia

Dine on fresh seafood dishes and local truffle specialties at Barba in Rovinj or similar venues.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Debrecen

Istria, Croatia / Debrecen, Hungary on September 28, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for the long drive back to Debrecen.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Debrecen

Prepare for an approximately 8-9 hour drive returning through northern Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary with breaks planned for comfort.
Fuel approx EUR60, 8h30m

5:00pm

Arrival in Debrecen

End of your richly rewarding road trip with Baggins, Beeb and Annabel.
Free, N/A
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