A road trip to Europe will be one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever have. It allows you to explore and learn about different cultures, and the rich and complex history behind them. Using your own car means that you can make as many stops as you want and focus on the sites that you truly care about.
Keep in mind that you’ll need an international driving permit, issued by the International Drivers Association (IDA) and that most rental agencies in Europe offer standard transmission cars only.
Lakes of Northern England
If you’re looking to see England as it’s imagined by those who tend to romanticize it, this is the best road trip you could take. It offers some of the most scenic roads in the country and allows you to experience the magic of rural life in northern England, as seen by a tourist.
It’s also a good idea to prepare a picnic basket and make a stop when you find the scenery that you enjoy. It will be a picnic like no other, especially if you try to match the cuisine with the ambiance. A ride from London will take you about 5 hours.
Amalfi Coast of Italy
The coastline of Italy is where its medieval heart is. The villages line up on the cliffs and you can drive alongside them and enjoy the scenery filled with stone houses, and lemon trees. The landscape is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you’ll know why that’s the case as soon as you see it.
It’s best to start the ride in Palermo and finish up in Sorrento. The trip will take you about 3.5 hours, but you could and should make a lot of stops and make it a few days long trip.
German Autobahn
Germany is known for its great highways and the unique traffic rules that apply to them. This is what brings so many drivers to Germany each year since with a good car using a German Autobahn can be quite a unique experience that those who like speed can enjoy.
The most well-known feature of the Autobahn is that it doesn’t have a speed limit. This isn’t 100 percent true. This rule only applies to about one-half of the road and on the other parts, you’ll need to follow the speed limit as you would anywhere else.
Provence in Southern France
Provence is the most beautiful region of France and one that every food and wine lover should visit and really commit to exploring. Lavender fields stretch as far as you can see and they are lined with beautiful medieval villages that seem to come out of a postcard.
It’s also the region known for its wine production and one that a wine lover would enjoy the most. Make it a rule to stop at as many wineries as you can and to observe the making process, but also to have a drink and relax in the beautiful scenery.
Atlantic Road, Norway
Norway is too often overlooked when it comes to road trips and it’s a shame because its Atlantic roads are one of the most beautiful rides you could take in the whole of Europe. The ride will take about seven hours from start to finish if you don’t count the stops.
Along the way, you’ll get to see everything Norway is well known for, its beautiful fjords, majestic mountains, and forests that stretch for miles. Make sure to bring an extra layer of clothing since it can get chilly on the coast even in summer.
North Coast of Scotland
The North Coast of Scotland is one of those regions in which it’s best to take your time and savor every moment. It features some of the most beautiful countryside in the world and you should especially make an effort to stop at numerous historic sites along the way.
The loop around the area will take you about 3.5 hours but make sure to have much more time than that set-aside. Along the way, you’ll find ancient castles, picturesque villages, and ponies grazing the fields. There are also a few empty beaches to stop and visit as you take a break from riding.
All of these trips could take twice as long as we mentioned if you decide to make the stops and take the time to experience them deeply and at your own pace and your own schedule. Whether to do so is up to your preferences.
