Scenic Road Trip from Debrecen to Lake Balaton, Italy & Croatia with Culinary Experiences

Day 1: Road trip & dinner

Debrecen to Alsóörs, Hungary on September 19, 2025

2:00pm

Depart from Debrecen

Start your 5.5-hour drive westwards towards Lake Balaton, heading towards your Airbnb in Alsóörs. This scenic route will take you through the Hungarian countryside.
0HUF, 5h30m

7:00pm

Check-in at Airbnb Cottage

Arrive at your charming cottage in Alsóörs near Tihany for a comfortable stay close to the lake.
0HUF, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner at Régi Idők Udvara Skanzen és Étterem

Enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine in a rustic setting, perfect to unwind after a long day of driving. Booking confirmed for 8pm.
Approx. HUF6000, 1h30m

Day 2: Breakfast & travel

Lake Balaton (Tihany) to Monfalcone, Italy on September 20, 2025

7:45am

Early Check-out

Depart your Airbnb early to reach Tihany for breakfast on time.
0HUF, 15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Vibe Caffe&Brunch, Tihany

Start your day with fresh coffee and a tasty brunch menu, located centrally in Tihany. Open from 8am.
Approx. HUF3000, 1h

10:00am

Local Bike Rental in Tihany

Rent a bike for an hour to explore the beautiful surroundings of Tihany Peninsula, known for its stunning views and lavender fields. Rental from 10am to 11am.
Approx. HUF1500, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Monfalcone, Italy

Set off on your 5.5-hour drive southwest towards Monfalcone in Italy, crossing the border and enjoying changing landscapes.
Toll and fuel approx. EUR60, 5h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at House31, Monfalcone

Arrive punctually before 6pm check-in closure at your booked accommodation, House31.
Prepaid via booking.com, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at La Rocca, Monfalcone

Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting, known for its seafood and local specialties.
Approx. EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Lake Garda arrival

Monfalcone to Lake Garda, Italy on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Check-out from House31

Complete check-out process between 8am-10am, then head out to nearby bakery.
0EUR, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Chantilly, Monfalcone

Enjoy fresh pastries and Italian coffee to start your day with local sweetness and flavor.
Approx. EUR5, 45m

10:00am

Drive to Lake Garda

Travel to Lake Garda, approximately 3.5-4 hours drive, enjoy the scenic views as you approach Italy's largest lake.
Toll and fuel approx. EUR20, 4h

2:00pm

Arrive Lake Garda

Explore the lakeside area briefly before your check-in period.
0EUR, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at La Palme Camping Village

Settle into your accommodation at Lake Garda and relax.
Prepaid, N/A

5:00pm

Late Lunch at Ristorante Camping Le Palme

Enjoy lakeside dining with traditional Italian dishes in a casual camping restaurant perfect for soaking in the ambiance.
Approx. EUR20, 1h

6:00pm

Explore Local Area

Take a peaceful stroll around the lake and nearby shops to get a feel for the serene setting.
0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner on the Lake

Dine at a recommended lakefront restaurant such as Ristorante La Terrazza to experience fine dining with spectacular views.
Approx. EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel & Florence

Lake Garda to Florence, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Check-out from Camping Village

Leave your accommodation to begin your journey to Florence.
0EUR, 30m

8:30am

Breakfast near La Palme or Sirmione

Enjoy a quick breakfast at a nearby café like Bar Caffè del Porto, open early and serving pastries and coffee.
Approx. EUR5, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Florence

Embark on a 3 to 4-hour journey south to Florence, passing through scenic Tuscan landscapes.
Toll and fuel approx. EUR40, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore this famous indoor market with diverse food stalls offering Italian specialties and quick bites.
Approx. EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Walking Tour of Florence City Centre

Discover highlights such as Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and Duomo on a guided walking tour lasting about 2 hours.
Free or approx. EUR20 for guided tours, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Florence Accommodation

Settle into your hotel or Airbnb and relax before dinner.
Prepaid, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

End your day tasting traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with local wines in an elegant setting.
Approx. EUR30-40, 2h

Day 5: Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on September 23, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy fresh espresso and pastries at a nearby café such as Caffè Gilli to start your cultural day.
Approx. EUR5, 30m

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Explore premier Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
EUR75 total for 3 tickets, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Savour authentic Tuscan dishes in a rustic, welcoming environment popular with locals.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens

Stroll through the expansive gardens behind Pitti Palace, enjoying beautiful sculptures and panoramic views.
EUR10, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee and Gelato

Refresh with specialty coffee at Ditta Artigianale or sample a delicious gelato from nearby gelaterias.
EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Experience traditional Tuscan fare near the Arno River in a classic, cosy atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h

Day 6: Pasta & wine experience

Florence, Italy on September 24, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a calm morning espresso and pastries to prepare for your culinary activities.
Approx. EUR5, 30m

11:00am

Pasta Making Class

Join a hands-on class to learn the art of making fresh pasta from scratch, including traditional Tuscan recipes.
Approx. EUR70-90 per person, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch - Enjoy the pasta you made

Savour the fruits of your labour, enjoying your handmade pasta with local sauces and wine.
Included in class fee, 1h

4:00pm

Wine & Food Tasting Experience

Visit a local enoteca or wine bar such as Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina for guided tastings of Tuscan wines paired with cheeses and meats.
Approx. EUR30-50, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on Your Own

Enjoy a light dinner or rest after the day’s culinary delights.
Varies, Flexible

Day 7: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Check out and Leave Florence

Depart Florence early to drive north to Venice, approximately 3-hour drive.
Toll and fuel approx. EUR30, 3h

11:00am

Arrive Venice

Check-in to your Venice accommodation for a 2-night stay.
Prepaid, N/A

12:00pm

Lunch near Venice Canal

Try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at Local Bacari like All’Arco, open from 11am.
Approx. EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Venice

Wander iconic sights such as St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge and Doge’s Palace on foot or by vaporetto.
Approx. EUR20 for vaporetto pass, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner in Venice

Reserve a table at a traditional Venetian restaurant such as Osteria alle Testiere to enjoy local seafood specialities.
Approx. EUR40-50, 2h

Day 8: Venice Sightseeing

Venice, Italy on September 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Florian

Start your day with a historic coffee experience at St. Mark’s Square, open from 9am.
Approx. EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Murano and Burano Islands

Take a vaporetto to these colourful islands to see glass blowing on Murano and bright houses on Burano.
Transport approx. EUR20, 4h

3:00pm

Return and Relax

Relax in Venice or enjoy a boat ride along the Grand Canal.
Approx. EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Venice

Dine at Trattoria Antiche Carampane for authentic Venetian dishes away from main tourist areas.
Approx. EUR40, 2h

Day 9: Croatia stopover

Venice to Croatia on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Check out and drive to Croatia

Begin your drive south to your one-night stay in Croatia. Journey time varies by exact location but plan around 2-3 hours.
Toll and fuel approx. EUR40, 3h

11:00am

Explore Local Croatian Town

Depending on your location (e.g., Istria or coastal town), enjoy sightseeing or a light walking tour of local markets and harbours.
0EUR, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch - Local Croatian cuisine

Sample regional specialties such as seafood, truffles or local wines at a recommended konoba (traditional tavern).
Approx. EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Rest & Leisure at Accommodation

Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before dinner.
Prepaid, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner in Croatia

Experience fresh Adriatic seafood or traditional Croatian dishes at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
Approx. EUR30, 1h30m

Day 10: Return journey

Croatia to Debrecen on September 28, 2025

8:00am

Check out and begin drive home

Start your approximately 9-10 hour drive back to Debrecen, plan rest stops along the way for meals and breaks.
Tolls and fuel approx. EUR80, 10h

12:00pm

Lunch Stop

Choose a convenient highway restaurant or town en route for a quick meal and coffee recharge.
Approx. EUR15, 1h

6:00pm

Arrival in Debrecen

End your trip back home after an enriching journey through Hungary, Italy, and Croatia.
0HUF, N/A