Scenic Road Trip from Brasov to Tuscany: A Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Travel and Rest

Brasov, Romania to Budapest, Hungary on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Brasov

Start your journey early in the morning heading towards Budapest, Hungary, covering approximately 600 km. Prepare for a whole day of driving with beautiful countryside views.
0, 7h0m

12:00pm

Lunch stop at Székesfehérvár, Hungary

Stop in Székesfehérvár at Restaurant Váncza for a traditional Hungarian lunch. Try the goulash or Hungarian stuffed peppers.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Check in to hotel in Budapest

Relax after your drive at the Danubius Hotel Gellért, known for its thermal baths and spa facilities, perfect for unwinding after travel.
EUR100, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at the Great Market Hall Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of Hungarian dishes in an authentic setting inside the iconic market. Must try: Fisherman's soup and chimney cake (kürtőskalács).
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 2: Explore Budapest

Budapest, Hungary on May 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cserpes Tejivó

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee at this popular local café open from 7:00am, perfect fuel for your sightseeing day.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion

Explore historic Buda Castle and the nearby Fisherman’s Bastion offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest side of the city. Entry to the bastion is free; castle museum costs EUR10.
EUR10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Try some traditional Hungarian street-food style meals like langos or stuffed cabbage in this lively market environment.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend your afternoon soaking in one of Europe’s largest medicinal bath complexes, which opens at 6:00am and closes at 10:00pm.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square

Stroll down the historic boulevard and visit Heroes’ Square, an iconic landmark showcasing Hungary’s history and culture.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Costes Downtown

Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern Hungarian cuisine—reservations recommended. Open from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 3: Travel to Tuscany

Budapest, Hungary to Florence, Italy on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Depart Budapest

Begin the drive to Florence, Tuscany, Italy, approximately 900 km – plan multiple stops for break and refuel.
0, 10h0m

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Have lunch at Gostilna Sokol, known for Slovenian specialties in a charming historic setting. Open 11:30am-2:30pm.
EUR20, 1h

5:00pm

Arrival and check-in in Florence

Check into Hotel L'Orologio in the city center, known for excellent hospitality and proximity to major sights.
EUR120, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine with dishes like ribollita and Florentine steak in this beloved local eatery open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 4: Florence and Surroundings

Florence, Italy on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast of espresso and cornetto at this historic café, open from 7:30am.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci. Book tickets in advance; open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Sample fresh Tuscan specialties like lampredotto sandwiches and handmade pasta at this lively market food court.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Walk across Ponte Vecchio and visit Palazzo Pitti

Explore the jewelry shops on Ponte Vecchio and then visit Palazzo Pitti and its beautiful Boboli Gardens, open until 6:30pm.
EUR16, 2h30m

6:00pm

Sunset walk to Piazzale Michelangelo

End your day with stunning panoramic views of Florence at sunset from this famous terrace.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Taste traditional Tuscan dishes in a cozy, authentic setting, popular for its ribollita and wild boar ragù. Open till 10pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 5: Tuscany Countryside

Chianti Region, Tuscany, Italy on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Florence

Quick breakfast at Ditta Artigianale, known for excellent coffee and pastries. Open 8:00am.
EUR7, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Chianti wine region

Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive through rolling hills and vineyards to the famous Chianti area.
0, 1h

10:00am

Wine tasting at Castello di Ama

Tour the castle vineyard with guided wine tasting and art installations. Open 10am-6pm, advance booking suggested.
EUR25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Cantina del Gallo Nero

Eat local Tuscan specialties and superb wines in the heart of Chianti. Opens at noon.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Greve in Chianti town

Explore this charming town’s square with artisan shops and the Wine Museum, open until 5pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Florence

Drive back to Florence to relax and prepare for departure or further Tuscan exploration.
0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Latini, Florence

Finish your trip with a festive Tuscan meal featuring hearty dishes such as fiorentina steak and pappa al pomodoro.
EUR40, 2h