ULTIMATE ITALIAN ROAD TRIP
Modena|Firenze|Bologna|Parma
To no surprise, Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and this is all due to its delicious cuisine, historical sites, breathtaking views, and beautiful beaches.
This Italian road trip itinerary will take you through beautiful countryside, starting you from the north of Italy down to Firenze. Wander through charming villages and admire mountain scenery while discovering Italy at your own pace. You can either take this trip by car or train. Personally, we decided to rent a car from the airport as it gives you more freedom and control on time.
Tips for driving in Italy
As already mentioned, the best part of driving in Italy is being able to travel at your own pace. However, it is greatly important to be knowledgable of the driving norms in Italy so you will be prepared. I find driving in Italy as a pleasant and safe experience. It can definitely be an exciting and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the country at your own pace. Within the cities it can get a bit chaotic, and traffic congestion is common. If this makes you uncomfortable, consider using public transportation when entering the city centre.
Minimum driving age is 18.
Italians drive on the right hand side.
Keep an eye out for ZTL Zones (restricted camera monitored traffic zones usually within the historic part of the city centres). I would recommend to find a parking lot outside these areas and take public transportation or walk to the centres.
Be safe and never use your mobile phone whilst driving, and wear your seatbelt.
Italy has an extensive network of toll roads on the autostrada. Therefore you must have cash or a credit card ready for when you exit such toll roads.
Day 1
A Day in Modena
We decided to land at Milan Malpensa Airport as it was the easiest and quickest airport for us. The flights were early in the morning which meant that we would benefit from a full day of exploring the beautiful country of Italy.
07:55 - We landed at Milan Malpensa Airport and made our way to the car rental company offices located within the airport to collect our pre-booked car.
We drove to Modena and made our way to lunch & a traditional Balsamic Vinegar experience. Definitely a MUST VISIT as it ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip. It is one of the few remaining vinegar factories that only produces ABTM D.O.P.. The experience will begin with an explanation of the family owned Antica Acetaia in the actual Acetaia in the attic of the Villa as well as the production techniques and family secrets. A rich tasting of their own produce will follow, as well as a typical Italian lunch. You will surely not be disappointed or leave with an empty stomach!
14:30 - Drive to the Ferrari Museum
When we finished we headed to the accomodation which happened to also produce Balsamic Vinegar. The family who owns Agriturismo La Vedetta gave us a show round of their property as well as prepared a balsamic tasting for us.
In the evening we decided to head to the centre of Modena for a stroll and dinner. Some sights one should keep an eye out for include the Ghirlandina Tower, Duomo di Modena and Piazza Grande. After getting lost in the streets of Modena, we made our way to the restaurant suggested by the locals. Hidden away in an apartment block, another highlight of the trip was Trattoria Aldina. Here we tried some of the best authentic dishes from Modena.
Day 2
Parmigiano Reggiano Factory & Firenze
09:00 - Parmigiano Reggiano Factory Visit & Tasting
Experience the authentic taste of Italy with a complete 1-hour guided tour of a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, where you'll discover the traditional methods behind the making of this iconic cheese. The visit includes a tasting of three different ages of organic Parmigiano Reggiano, along with fresh Ricotta drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar, and Caciotta cheese. Enhance the flavours with a selection of Balsamic Vinegar and jams in various single-serving options. To complete the experience, enjoy a glass of Lambrusco wine or a soft drink of your choice—all for just €20. Definitely a must!
10:30 - 12:30 - Modena to Firenze
The drive from Modena to Firenze took us approximately 2 hours, offering a scenic route through the heart of Italy's Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. Breathtaking.
13:00 - Check-in & Exploring Florence
We started our afternoon exploring the vibrant San Lorenzo Markets and Mercato Centrale, soaking in the local flavors and atmosphere. Just a 9-minute walk away, we admired Michelangelo’s iconic David at the Accademia Gallery with reserved tickets at 13:30. We continued with a short stroll to the stunning Piazza Duomo and the majestic Cupola di Brunelleschi. From there, we reached Piazza della Signoria and visited the historic Palazzo Vecchio, where we reserved our entry for 16:30. Then we headed to the Basilica di Santa Croce, followed by a scenic 10-minute walk to the romantic Ponte Vecchio and the artisan-rich Oltrarno district. Along the way, keep an eye out for Florence’s charming wine windows, a unique glimpse into the city’s past where you can enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine with an experience.
We wrapped up our day with a delicious dinner at Trattoria Lo Stracotto, a cozy and traditional spot known for its warm ambiance and hearty Tuscan fare. We indulged in freshly made pasta and the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a must-try Florentine steak that perfectly captures the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Day 3
Firenze Walking Tour & a Fiorentina Football Game
10:00 - Walking Tour & Gatdens
We started our day with a guided walking tour, taking in the rich history and beauty of Firenze on foot. From there, we visited the stunning Boboli and Bardini Gardens, enjoying free admission as it was the first Sunday of the month—a perfect opportunity to explore these peaceful green spaces. Afterwards, we made our way to the breathtaking Piazza Michelangelo, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline.
18:00 - Fiorentina vs Inter Football Game
After the match, we headed to Trattoria di Garibaldi, where we had a 21:00 reservation. This charming spot offered the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a late Tuscan dinner, wrapping up our eventful day in Florence with delicious local flavors.
Day 4
One night in Bologna
After driving from Firenze to Bologna, we spent the day exploring the city's rich history and charm. We began by seeking out Bologna’s hidden canals, a surprising glimpse into its medieval past. From there, we headed to the bustling Piazza Maggiore, home to landmarks like the grand Fontana del Nettuno, the impressive Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, and the striking Basilica di San Petronio. Just nearby, we wandered through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest outdoor market, where the aromas of fresh produce and local specialties filled the air. As we walked beneath the city’s iconic porticoes, we visited the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano, a unique complex full of spiritual and architectural intrigue. We then took in sweeping views from the top of the Asinelli Tower, before wrapping up in Piazza Re Enzo, soaking up the lively atmosphere and historic surroundings that make Bologna so unforgettable.
MUST TRY: Salumeria Simoni
Day 5
Last day spent in Parma
We started making our way towards Milan with a memorable stop in Parma.
11:15 - Parma Ham Factory Visit & Tasting
I booked a Parma Ham Factory guided tour and tasting where we learned about the traditional curing process and sampled the region’s world-famous Prosciutto di Parma. I would definitely recommend this experience for just €25 per person.
Afterwards, we explored the historic heart of Parma, starting with the stunning Parma Duomo and the adjacent Baptistry, known for its pink Verona marble and remarkable frescoes. We continued to Piazza del Garibaldi, the lively central square, before heading to the Palazzo della Pilotta, home to cultural treasures like the Farnese Theater, the Palatine Library, and the National Gallery.
Later in the afternoon we drove to Milan Malpensa Airport, where our unforgettable Italian journey came to an end.
