road trip from europe to africa

How to Travel from Europe to Africa without Flying

How can you travel from Europe to Africa without flying? This guide lists flightless travel routes from Europe to Africa.

For those who wish to travel the world without flying, crossing continents can be a challenge. Europe itself offers plenty of overland travel options. However, leaving Europe without flying is a bit more tricky.

Europe and Africa are very close to each other, so there are several possible ways to Africa without flying. Unfortunately many countries in Northern Africa have issues with safety. If you travel from Europe to Africa overland, check current safety information from your government as well as other sources.

After reading this guide, you might still choose to fly to Africa because it’s easier. In that case, I kindly ask you to consider donating 10% of your ticket price to a high-impact climate charity, especially those suggested by Giving Green . Carbon offsetting isn’t very effective , so direct donations can make a more meaningful impact.

Can You Drive from Europe to Africa?

Update 2022: Many of you find this page by searching “can you drive from Europe to Africa” or something similar about traveling from Europe to Africa by road. The answer is: maybe, but it’s almost impossible.

This blog post focuses on travel by public transportation, but for more information about traveling to Africa by land, check Option 5: Europe to Africa Overland through Israel at the end of this guide.

Here are five ways to travel from Europe to Africa without flying, listed from west to east.

Option 1 : Cargo Ship Voyages from Europe to Africa (several routes)

Note: At the time of writing (early 2021), cargo ship companies have suspended passenger transportations because of COVID. These restrictions should disappear in the future. Check current information from websites such as cargoshipvoyages.com .

I personally recommend freighter travel as an option for flying. Cargo ship travel demands some time, money and flexibility, but offers a memorable journey with little emissions.

Here are three freighter travel routes from Europe to Africa. Several other trips are also available, and some of the cargo ships make stops along the way. The ticket prices include all food and accommodation.

• This flexible route makes several stops in western Europe before heading to Morocco. For example, you can hop on board in Le Havre (France) to save several days of travel.
• This route from Europe to West Africa would be a great choice. First of all, it is remarkably cheap for freighter travel. It also allows you to skip traveling overland in North Africa if you wish to do so.
• The journey is long, but so is the distance. You can get to the southern tip of Africa without delays with this one-month expedition.

Option 2: Spain – Canary Islands or Cape Verde – Africa

Is it possible to get from mainland Europe to Canary Islands first and then Africa without flying? Maybe, although it’s not simple. There are some ferry connections from Spain to Gran Canaria , but none from the Canary Islands to Africa. A ferry connection from Fuerteventura to Morocco was planned at least in December 2020.

Those who wish to travel via Canary Islands – or Cape Verde further south – could try to hitch a ride on a sailboat from the islands to Africa. Most sailboats here will be crossing the Atlantic, but I found at least one mention of someone making the journey the other way around . You can get a ferry to the Canary Islands from Cadiz and Huel v a in Spain.

There are dedicated guides and websites for boat hitchhiking. If you wish to know more, you can start with HitchWiki .

Option 3: Ferry from Spain to Morocco

At its most narrow point, the Strait of Gibraltar that connects Europe and Africa is only 13 kilometers wide. It is the fastest and shortest way to travel from Europe to Africa without flying. Ferries leave from multiple cities in Spain and the ride only takes a few hours at most.

For more information about current ferry connections from Europe to Morocco, check websites such as Ferryhopper.com .

Option 4: Ferry from Italy to Tunisia 

Heading east from Spain, the next narrow gap comes between Italy and Tunisia. There are some ferries going from Italy to Tunisia . For example, a ferry from Palermo to Tunis takes approximately 10-12 hours. The price is around 50-70 euros for a person on foot.

Even though Malta is close from Tunisia, I’ve understood that there are no direct flightless connections between the two countries.

Option 4: Ferries from Cyprus to Egypt

After a decade-long hiatus, ferries from Limassol, Cyprus, to Alexandria, Egypt, returned to operation in late 2019. Sadly the route didn’t operate for long before it was closed by the global COVID pandemic.

The overseas connection from Cyprus to Egypt was run by the company Salamis Cruise Lines. At the time of writing (early 2021), the connection remains cancelled. Check the company’s website for the latest information.

Option 5: Europe to Africa Overland through Israel

Africa is connected to Asia by a narrow land bridge in Egypt, and you can get to Egypt overland from Israel.

However, getting from Europe to Israel without flying is almost impossible. Seat61.com – probably the best website in the world for flightless train travel – has listed different options for this route . Unfortunately the list includes ferry connections that have ceased operation and a train route through Syria that’s not currently possible.

If you somehow make it to Israel, the only tourist border crossing between Israel and Egypt is the Taba border crossing in northern Egypt. You can also reach Egypt with ferries from Jordan. There should be multiple connections from Agaba, Jordan, to different cities in Egypt .

Traveling from Europe to Africa without Flying

I’ve listed multiple overland routes from Europe to Africa above. You can use this article as a starting point before you look for more recent information about flightless travel from Europe to Africa.

This list does not include all the ways to get from Europe to Africa without flying. I excluded cargo ships that travel through Suez Canal as they don’tallow disembarking in Egypt, but you can get to Mauritius that way.

I traveled through southern Africa on public transport during my 2-year trip around the world , but I haven’t traveled from Europe to Africa without flying. If you know something that’s missing here, you can share your information in the comments below and I’ll update this article.

Tell Me More!

Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

One comment in this post

Thank you so much! Will look into the italy-tunesia route!! <3

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Can You Drive From Africa to Europe? (6 Itineraries)

• Post author: Roadtripbuzz
• Post published: July 12, 2022
• Post category: Uncategorized

Traveling is arguably one of the most common human activities, and rightly so because it offers a chance to see and discover exciting things. And what better way to make these discoveries than by driving from Africa to Europe?

It’s actually possible to drive from Africa to Europe with a few tweaks, though at face value it may seem impossible. Although not entirely possible to complete the trip in a vehicle, there are a few itineraries to consider. 

However, note that it takes a lot of planning and preparation, and the road conditions vary significantly from one country to another.

So, whether you’re a solo traveler, or hanging out with a bunch of friends, a couple, or an entire family, this post will give you six itineraries to consider on your trip. 

These options will help you plan the journey by knowing what to expect and, better still, help emergency responders locate you quickly in case of an eventuality.

Let’s proceed!

Table of Contents

1. The Long but Interesting Route Through Israel 

The Middle East route is suitable for those who want to see a lot of the world and have time to spare. It can be done with an average car in good conditions, but you should always check what type of terrain you will have to face before choosing this itinerary.

If you are going to travel by car, we recommend starting your journey in Cairo. From there, head north to Beirut and then continue towards Syria. Once in Damascus, take a detour towards Palmyra and spend some time visiting this fantastic city before continuing on your way towards Turkey.

Once in Turkey, head south towards Antalya until you reach Alanya, where you can stop for a few days. Continue south until you reach Kalkan, where you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday before driving back up north to Izmir, where there is an airport for those who wish to fly back home instead of driving all the way back again.

This route has two options, and both of them are common depending on which area of Europe you want to visit. There are many exciting things to see on the way, which will make your trip more memorable.

Cairo through Israel

Best time of the year to attend: late spring/ early summer

Duration:  2 weeks

Km/Miles Driven: 2,500km / 1,550 miles

Things to see: Sinai Desert

The route from Egypt to Israel is very popular with overland travelers because it’s a relatively easy way to cross Africa and Europe. You can drive from Cairo to Tel Aviv without changing countries or visas, unlike going from Egypt to Syria.  

The biggest challenge of this itinerary is getting across the Sinai Desert. It is too long to do it in one day, so you’ll need to spend the night near El Arish, which is on the Red Sea coast, and then cross over into Israel on the other side of the desert. 

The best time of year for this route is late spring/ early summer, when temperatures are milder than in the summer months.

Cairo to Istanbul via Israel and Turkey

Best time of the year to attend: Spring/ autumn

Duration:  12 days

Km/Miles Driven: 4,200 km or 2,600 miles

Things to see: Ancient and biblical sites like Nazareth, Damascus

The distance between Cairo and Istanbul is about 4,200 km (2,600 miles), which takes at least 12 days of travel time. The route goes through Israel and Turkey, passing by biblical sites like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and ancient sites like Petra in Jordan. 

It also passes by other important cities like Damascus in Syria and Erbil in Iraq. The best time to use this route is in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are good.

2. Cairo to Europe via Libya and Italy

Best time of the year to attend: All year 

Duration:  3 days

Km/Miles Driven: 6,538 km or 4,062 miles

Things to see: Mountains and sand dunes

This is a longer route than the previous one, with a total distance of 6,538 km or (4,062 miles). It takes about 3 days of travel time if you don’t often stop for sightseeing or rest along the way. 

The route goes through Libya and Italy before reaching its final destination in Istanbul. You’ll pass through important cities like Alexandria (Egypt) and Beirut (Lebanon) before entering Libya from Egypt’s western border with the country. 

3. Algeria to Europe

Duration:  3 days 15 hours

Km/Miles Driven: 7,826 km or 4,863 miles

Things to see: Mountains and dunes

Algeria is a great country to start your journey from Africa to Europe. It is one of the most exciting countries in North Africa and offers a variety of landscapes and climates, as well as abundant natural resources. 

Algeria is also an ideal starting point for a long road trip because it has excellent roads and many attractions.

The distance between Algiers and Paris is 3,900 km (2,423 miles), which means that it will take you about six days if you drive at a leisurely pace. The best time to drive this route is during summertime (June-September) since there are fewer tourists on the road then, so you won’t have to worry about traffic jams or slow-moving trucks.

The route starts in Algiers, where you can spend two days exploring the city’s main attractions, such as the Mausoleum of Mohamed V or the Bardo Museum, before heading north towards Constantine. 

From there, continue towards Oran, where you can visit the Great Mosque or enjoy a day at the beach resort La Marsa before heading towards Constantine again. From Constantine, you can either continue east towards Tunis or take another route through Morocco instead (this option will take longer, though).

4. Algeria to Greece

Duration:  2-3 days

Km/Miles Driven: 2,000 km or 1243 miles

The best way to drive from Algeria to Greece is by taking the Greek Peloponnese peninsula road (E75) from Algiers down through Constantine and Tunis before crossing over into Greece at Ioannina in Epirus, where it turns into E65. 

This route is about 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) long and takes about two or three days if you take your time and stop.

5. The Parched but Sand-duned Western Sahara Crossing

Best time of the year to attend: June- August, and December- February 

Duration:  From 5 days

Km/Miles Driven:   2,100 km or 1,300 miles

Things to see: Dunes, M’Hamid oasis village

Image Credit: Holiday Extra

The Western Sahara crossing is one of the most popular routes for driving from Africa to Europe. This route is often taken by truck drivers who travel from Morocco to Spain. To navigate this route, you need a 4WD vehicle, and you should travel in a convoy with other cars or a tour group.

The Western Sahara crossing can take anywhere between two and four days, depending on how fast you want to travel and how many stops you plan on making along the way. The journey through the desert alone can be an incredible experience, but there are also some great places worth stopping at, such as Erg Chigaga dunes or M’Hamid oasis village if you have time or energy left over.

You mustn’t rush this journey. You will want plenty of time so that you don’t miss any amazing sights along the way. Additionally, you should ensure that your car has enough gas before starting because there aren’t many gas stations inside Western Sahara territory.

You should expect hot weather during the summer months (June-August), with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the winter months (December-February) will be much cooler, with average temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit making it perfect for traveling. 

Generally speaking, these two seasons offer optimal conditions both outside and within our bodies, so choosing either would work just fine.

From Morocco, you can use a ferry to cross over to Europe, where you can continue with your driving experience.

6. The Scenic Journey Through the Morocco-Spain crossing

Duration:  Less than 2 hours

Km/Miles Driven: 14.3 km or 8.9 miles

Things to see: Mountains and national parks

Image Credit: GoMad

The Morocco-Spain crossing is the most popular, and for a good reason. It’s the shortest and easiest route, with a well-maintained road that makes for a quick trip. However, this also means that it’s the most crowded and expensive of these options. 

The crowds you’ll encounter on this route will likely be made up primarily of other tourists from around Europe making their way back home after vacationing in Africa or exploring another part of Morocco. 

This route takes you through the mountains of Morocco, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about Berber culture at various stops along the way. 

Before reaching Spain, you’ll pass through Córdoba, which features a beautiful mosque built during the 8th century. Similarly, the route brings you within reach of Gibraltar.

Other exciting things you can see on this route are.

• From Casablanca, you can go through Rabat and visit its famous Hassan II Mosque . Then go west towards Tanger, which has some beautiful beaches and offers excellent views of the Strait of Gibraltar .
• From Fez, you can visit Meknes’ Old Medina , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many beautiful buildings that date back hundreds of years ago. Then head towards Rabat , where there’s more history waiting for you.
• The numerous national parks in Spain , Teide National Park, Monfrague, Ordesa, Garajonay, and more. 

One of the cons of this route is that it has many people and thus can be overcrowded. However, it offers an ideal location for anyone who wants to get some great photos of camels or Moroccan towns without waiting in line for long periods.

The Morocco-Spain crossing takes about six days or less if you travel with an experienced driver. It’s not just an option for those who want to do all their driving in one go; it is also possible to break up this route into smaller chunks if that works best for your schedule. 

Driving from Africa to Europe is one of the greatest ways of enjoying road trips. If you’re looking for a great road trip, these options will provide you with all you need. There are many scenic and enjoyable places for stopovers, either for snacks or sleep.

Additionally, the routes are not easy, so make sure you have a well-planned-out itinerary, geo location systems, or a tour guide for a smoother ride. Whether you go through Israel, Libya, Morocco, or Spain, you will find something unique and worth remembering. 

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Simple Flying

Europe to africa: 10 routes shorter than 60 minutes.

Click here to discover the shortest routes between Europe and Africa.

Europe and Africa are separated by only a few miles across the Strait of Gibraltar. Situated in the far northwest of Morocco, opposite southern Spain, is Tangier, the country's fourth most populous city. Tangier is the location of the first of this year's CONNECT Route Development Forums, which bring together hundreds of network planning experts from airlines and airports to discuss new opportunities and more. It's being held between February 22nd and 24th, and I'll be reporting from there.

Europe to Africa: the shortest routes

To reach Tangier, I'll fly Iberia Regional from Malaga, just 103 miles (165km) away. The second-shortest scheduled route between Europe and Africa by distance, the flight typically takes 30-35 minutes, according to Flightradar24 . I'll fly a 72-seat ATR-72 -200, of which Iberia Regional has five. Averaging 9.1 years, they were previously operated by Air Nostrum, but they're now in the hands of Malta's Mel Air, part of the Air Nostrum Group. It is effectively operated by Mel Air for Air Nostrum for Iberia Regional for Iberia.

It raises the obvious question of the shortest routes between Europe and Africa. For this, I've examined all scheduled passenger routes in February-April using Cirium data. These are the results:

Stay aware : Sign up for my weekly new routes newsletter.

Arrive before you leave

When the clocks change in March, Morocco and Tunisia become an hour ahead of most of Europe, including Spain. Combined with short distances and short block times, you arrive before you leave.

Consider Malaga to Tetouan, the shortest route between Europe and Africa. Served up to nine weekly by Ryanair (six weekly) and Iberia Regional (three weekly), Ryanair's schedule on randomly selected April 10th is as follows, with all times local:

• Malaga to Tetouan : FR4539, 12:30-11:15 (arriving 45 minutes before you took off)
• Tetouan to Malaga : FR4540, 11:40-14:20 (leaving Morocco 50 minutes before the aircraft left Spain)

Discover more aviation news .

But, there was a much shorter route...

The shortest Europe-Africa link between 2015 and early 2020 was the 43-mile (69km) hop between Gibraltar and Tangier, pretty much half the distance of Malaga-Tetouan. It was operated by Royal Air Maroc Express's ATR-72s and had as low a block time as 35 minutes.

What is the shortest Europe-Africa route you've flown? Let us know in the comments.

Can you drive across Africa? How to make it work

April 16, 2023

Can you drive across Africa? Yes, you absolutely can. But you need to know what you’re doing.

Table of Contents

How to see Africa overland

Africa is such a vast continent that it’s easy to feel small when even asking the question: can you drive across Africa? But while jumping in your car and clocking up mile after mile is a challenge, you’ll be surprised by how rewarding such a self-drive safari can be.

In fact, self-driving through Africa is a thing today, and the most popular route travels between Kenya and South Africa.

Personally, I’ve driven overland through Namibia, Botswana and Morocco, sometimes with my husband, sometimes alone. But you can bind together even more countries and spend months doing it to really make the most of a road trip in Africa.

Is it safe to drive through Africa?

Africa is a large continent and the rate of violent crime varies from region to region. There are also some no go places at the moment due to ongoing conflicts. This is why it is important to establish a route in advance by researching and choosing the African countries that are considered safe.

The states in southern Africa are more popular due to their lower violence rates, but there are also many states in East Africa, on the West Coast, and even in North Africa that will welcome you.

However, it’s best to always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are driving.

Tips for Overlanding in Africa

Police checkpoints.

Border crossings are usually one of the areas where you are less likely to experience corrupt police officers, as the critical mass of security / police / border officials means they don’t tend to try their luck. 

Police checkpoints are commonplace in Tanzania and Kenya but most of the time they just wave you through.

 If you do get stopped the usual scam is not having “car insurance” for the country. Always check in advance and make sure that you have the right paperwork with you.

Signs and Speed Limits

There are very few traffic lights, relatively speaking, and if there are power cuts they will be off anyway. However, the signs you need to pay attention to are the speed limits.  Getting pulled over for speeding is a legitimate way to pick yourself up a fine.

 The main cause of road accidents once into Botswana and north is hitting animals on the road, this is why our first rule for safety is ‘don’t drive at night.’

How Do You Get Your Car to Africa?

If you are bringing your own car from Europe, the easiest way is to do this is to take the ferry from Spain to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, which is surrounded by Morocco. You can then drive south from there, although bear in mind that the traditional Cairo to Cape Town route is currently closed due to geopolitical conflicts.

A better idea would be to ship your car to one of the main ports like Cape Town in South Africa, Walvis Bay in Namibia, Alexandria in Egypt, or Mombasa in Kenya and fly yourself to meet up with your vehicle.

Another option would be to buy a car in Africa and sell it once your drive across Africa is over. It sounds a bit extreme, but it’s actually a great option if you don’t already own a car to drive through Africa.

Finally, of course, you can rent a car, although this really only works for shorter drives since the one way pick up fees for a north to south route can be astronomical!

7 Reasons to drive across Africa

Driving across Africa is quite an undertaking and it may not be for everyone.

If you love travelling in comfort, then it would be easier to book a tour. But if you are ready to trade ease for a more authentic experience, then a massive African road trip is for you.

Here are ten reasons to drive across Africa:

To Create Memories that will Last a Lifetime

Driving across Africa is not an easy gig. You will be looking for petrol stations, shops, or a place to eat. Your car may breakdown, and you may need to come up with ingenious ways to get it working again. Plus, some places to stay may not be what you expected.

But you’ll be driving through several countries with your partner, family, or best friend, taking in spectacular views as part of an epic road trip.

Imagine how many stories you’ll have to tell your friends when you get home. This is something you simply cannot experience if you take the easy path.

To Make a Difference

While your African road trip takes you along the open roads of several countries, this local way of travel helps to bring tourist dollars to local communities rather than big corporations.

To Explore some of Africa’s highlights

This is the best part of your adventure! You will be passing through some of the best places to visit in Africa in only one trip.  

Want to cross the Okavango Delta in Botswana ? Add it to your personalised route on Google Maps.

With the right plan in place, an African road trip can bring you face to face with almost anything.

To Experience the Diversity of African Wildlife

Driving through Africa will give you a unique chance to see giraffes, elephants, zebras, antelopes, leopards, and hippos in their natural habitat. Not to mention ostriches and lions.

To Witness Achingly Beautiful Sunsets and Clear Night Skies

You will be able to drive at your own pace and stop every time you feel you need to spend more time in one place. You’ll witness the sunset in the most amazing places on earth, and you can even camp out in the complete quietness of a park and gaze at the stars before you doze off after an exhausting day.

Tip: While you can set up camp almost everywhere in Africa without permission, it is safer to pick a designated campsite for your overnight sleep.

To Uncover the Flavours of Africa

Each stop along the way is an opportunity to explore something new.

Try a bobotie or the Kenyan ugali with a spicy sauce. Jollof rice is also very popular and easy to pack and take with you on the way. For dessert, we recommend the delicious malva pudding.

To Make Lifelong Friends

Nothing bonds people better than travelling together over a long distance.

You’ll help each other if you get stranded on the side of the road or get lost and need to find your way back to the main road. This kind of epic adventure offers you a one-of-a-kind chance to meet people who have the same passions as you and you’ll create lifelong friendships.

More Road Trip Resources

• Your perfect Road Trip Planner & Toolkit
• You Complete Guide of Road Trip Essentials
• Road Trip Quotes to Inspire You
• How to plan a road trip by yourself
• Fun road trip questions to help the time fly by

28 April 2021

5 of the best african road trips.

With better highways and more vehicle hire options, self-driving is a popular way to see Africa. Mike Breslin, author of Road Trip: A Practical Manual, recommends five Africa road trips

Driving Namibia’s unsealed roads (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Windhoek Distance: 2,100km How? Hire a car in Windhoek Why? Stunning scenery, wildlife and lonely desert roads Time needed: 10 days

With its good, unsealed roads and beautiful desert scenery, nothing beats Namibia. You can even tick off the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) if you have a keen eye and a bit of luck.

Begin in the capital of Windhoek, before driving south to the towering dunes around Sossusvlei, which are at their most beautiful at dawn. Continue your desert journey to the charmingly Germanic seaside town of Swakopmund before driving up a small portion of the Skeleton Coast and heading inland to Etosha National Park. You might want to stop at a secluded lodge such as Vingerklip, on the way.

Etosha National Park is where the animal action is, although by now you will have already caught sight of springbok, gemsbok [oryx] and cheeky black backed jackals. At Etosha’s salt pan reserve you will be unlucky not to see elephants and lions, while you will almost certainly see giraffes and zebras. You can also have thrilling encounters with leopards and cheetahs at Okonjima – a nature reserve that’s home to the Africat Foundation – on the drive down the paved B1 back to Windhoek.

2. South Africa and Eswatini

Rhinos in Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Johannesburg, South Africa Distance: 1,750km How? Easily driveable in a regular hire car Why? Two countries, wildlife, beach and history Time needed: 10 days

This loop from Johannesburg is a great two-country road trip, with easy border crossings between South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).

After a long flight it’s a bit of a drive from Jo’burg to Eswatini, so a stop in the towns of Waterval Boven or Badplaas is worth thinking about before crossing the border. There are a number of lodges and game parks in Eswatini, but Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge is a particularly nice place to stay before you loop around Hlane Royal National Park, where rhino encounters are pretty much guaranteed.

Driving back into South Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is perhaps one of the country’s most beautiful, with opportunities to see the Big Five. You can also spot whales out at sea, too. Further down the coast a stop at Ballito on the Dolphin Coast is worthwhile, before an interesting drive into the interior of KwaZulu Natal province to visit the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, which was made famous in the 1964 war epic Zulu . A guided tour of the battlefields is a must; try to find a Zulu guide for a local’s perspective.

The final day’s drive is across the Free State, but don’t forget to see a little of Johannesburg after you drop off your car. The city sometimes gets a bad press but it’s well worth an overnight stay, and a tour around the township of Soweto is highly recommended.

3. Tanzania

Self-driving is by far the best way to see Tanzania (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Arusha to Dar es Salaam Distance: 1,100km How? Road Trip Tanzania supplies old but tough trucks and SUVs at affordable prices Why? Wildlife encounters and a true taste of Africa Time needed? About 10 days

The road into the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania is a bone shaker and car breaker, so many truck and pretty much all car hire companies will not allow you to drive into this vast national park. But that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the wildlife if you opt to self-drive in Tanzania, as there is still Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, plus the amazing Ngorongoro Crater, all of which are an easy drive from Arusha.

After visiting the national parks, backtrack through Arusha. Head on to the vibrant town of Moshi, a jumping off point for climbing Kilimanjaro, or if time is short, a selection of day hikes. Next up it’s an interesting journey to the magical Usambara Mountains and more hiking, before a well-earned rest on the Indian Ocean coast near Pangani.

The final day’s drive is to the former capital, Dar es Salaam. Chances are you’ll be caught in a traffic jam here so just go with the flow and enjoy the attention of vendors selling everything from fish and nuts to footballs and kites.

While much of this trip is on paved highways, there are unsealed roads in the parks, mountains and near the coast – as is the case with many African road trips.

4. Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain gorilla with three-day old baby in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Entebbe, Uganda Distance: 1,800km How? Depending on the time of the year going off the main roads can be tricky, so hiring a 4x4 is advisable Why? Two exceptionally friendly countries, awesome wildlife and wonderful scenery Time needed: Two weeks

You usually need to pre-book a ticket to see the mountain gorillas (it’s cheaper in Uganda), but it’s an experience not to be missed and it’s worth planning a Uganda/Rwanda road trip around a gorilla tracking adventure.

You will start in Entebbe near the main airport in Uganda. Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a chilled out town which is worth at least a night’s stop. Then it’s an interesting drive down to Lake Mburo National Park. The road is Tarmaced – but watch out for speed bumps, the blight of Uganda! Once in the park you can hire a ranger to take you on a walking safari.

From Lake Mburo it’s on to the border with Rwanda. Plan for a couple of hours to cross – and keep in mind that as with many African crossings, it’s simply about having the right paperwork, a sense of humour and plenty of patience. After miles of picturesque hills and tea plantations it’s on to Rwanda’s vibrant and booming capital, Kigali; then the sublime Lake Kivu, before heading back into Uganda for the gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – stay at the jaw dropping Lake Mutanda if you can.

Three nights at different locations in Queen Elizabeth National Park follow, before a drive north for a couple of days in the lovely and buzzing African town of Fort Portal. Close the loop back in Entebbe.

Many of the main roads are Tarmaced, but when it rains some unsealed roads and the tracks in the parks can get very muddy – which can make this trip a proper adventure.

5. South Africa and Botswana

A 4x4 with a roof tent (Bresmedia)

Start and finish: Johannesburg, South Africa to Maun, Botswana Distance: 6,500km How? Hire a truck with a roof tent from Johannesburg Why? Everyone needs at least one big adventure in their lifetime Time needed: At least four weeks

Once a five-country journey through southern Africa might have been seen as more of an expedition than a road trip. But many overland-equipped 4x4 hire firms are now available, so this is certainly doable if you have the time – and a sense of adventure.

Start in Johannesburg before visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – stopping at Kuruman on the way – for a taste of the Kalahari Desert; then head into Namibia and north to the riverside town of Rundu. From there, head into Botswana and sleep out with the elephants in Chobe National Park; then see Victoria Falls in Zambia; Hwange’s wildlife and Matobo National Park’s scenery in Zimbabwe before returning to Botswana for a drive on to the Makgadikgadi Pan. Drop off your truck in Maun, then enjoy trips into the Okavango Delta.

You could spend a month on this adventure, and there are plenty of options to extend or modify the route. One warning, though, this trip takes some serious planning.

Road Trip: A Practical Manual

R oad Trip: A Practical Manual by Mike Breslin (Haynes) provides inspiration and expert advice for planning and driving road trips around the world – including 50 suggested routes

Read more about road trips:

The ultimate usa road trip, 7 tips for great road trip photos, road trip through central america, 5 of the best road trips in scotland, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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Road Trips in Africa

Road Trips in Africa offer an unparalleled sense of adventure, allowing you to experience the continent’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife at your own pace. From the iconic savannas of East Africa to the stunning beaches of the West Coast, Africa has so much to offer for road trippers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.

When planning a road trip in Africa, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to research the specific country or countries you’ll be traveling through, as road conditions and safety concerns can vary greatly from place to place. It’s also important to plan your route carefully and ensure that you have all the necessary supplies and equipment for your journey, including spare tires, jerry cans of fuel, and a reliable GPS.

One of the best things about road-tripping in Africa is the opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal. Many African countries are home to national parks and game reserves where you can see iconic animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitats. Some of the most popular destinations for wildlife viewing on a road trip in Africa include the Serengeti in Tanzania , the Maasai Mara in Kenya , and the Kruger National Park in South Africa .

But road trips in Africa aren’t just about the wildlife. They’re also a chance to experience the incredible diversity of cultures and landscapes across the continent. Whether you’re driving through the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria , or the remote villages of the Sahara Desert , there is always something new and exciting to discover on a road trip in Africa.

When it comes to food, Africa has some of the most delicious and unique cuisines in the world. From spicy North African tagines to flavorful West African stews, there is no shortage of delicious eats to be had on a road trip in Africa. And with the rise of food tourism in recent years, there are now more opportunities than ever to sample local delicacies and experience the rich flavors and aromas of African cuisine.

In conclusion, road trips in Africa offer a unique and unforgettable way to experience all that this incredible continent has to offer. Whether you’re looking to see wildlife, explore new cultures, or simply hit the open road and see where the journey takes you, a road trip in Africa is sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget.

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Your Unforgettable Africa Itinerary: Dream Trips from 1 Week to 3 Months

Doesn’t that name just get you excited for adventure!

Well it certainly does me and having just finished my 4th trip to this continent I’m a sold-up massive fan.

I know planning a trip here can be somewhat of a mind-bending experience… to say the least!

Where to go? What to do? How much time to allow?

There’s just so many questions to answer when trying to map your journey.

But don’t worry, help is at hand!

From Cape Town to Cairo, Marrakesh to Maputo, I’ve travelled a fair few countries in this diverse and dazzling land and now am bringing you my ideal itineraries that will have you enjoying an awesome Africa trip no matter whether you have 1 week or 3 months here.

Read on to discover the perfect Africa itinerary for your time frame…

PS. If you want to take a great tour through Sub-Saharan Africa, visiting all the hot spots in this epic part of the continent, then I highly recommend Absolute Africa.

I loved my trip with them so much that I’m currently offering all my readers an exclusive discount on their tours, meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for less!

Simply send Absolute Africa an email on [email protected] , quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Related Posts

• 34 Top Tips for Budget Travel in Africa
• The Ultimate Safari Gear Packing List
• 15 Safest Countries to Travel in Africa

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1 week africa itinerary – 1 diverse country.

Best Place to Stay Morocco: Les Matins Bleus, Essaouira

With just one week up your sleeve for Africa, it’s best to concentrate on 1 country that offers a lot.

Close to Europe, with short flights times, I really think Morocco makes the perfect choice for your 1 week Africa itinerary.

From the great cities of Marrakesh and Fez full of their photographic streets and pumping souks, to day trips in the Atlas Mountains , people-watching in the medina of Chefchaouen or exploring the coastline at Essaouira, you can do a lot with just 7 days here!

Morocco also gives travellers a good insight into the diversity of Africa – with Arabic, Bedouin, French and English spoken here and its people bringing a wide range of cultural backgrounds to the fore – this country provides a good introduction to the complex and layered diversity of this fascinating continent.

Plus you can’t go wrong with the food, or the mint tea of course!

Check out my top Morocco itinerary suggestions here .

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2 Week Africa Itinerary – Safari and Sea

Both Kenya and Tanzania are perfect countries to explore with a 2 week Africa itinerary – although if you’re on a budget I’d suggest just picking one country and sticking with it to avoid double visa fees and pricey flight connections.

Best Place to Stay in Tanzania: New Teddy’s Place, Zanzibar

Starting with Tanzania, 2 weeks in this country is ideal for experiencing some of Africa’s most scenic and spectacular safaris.

My favourites, and pick of the bunch, were the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, which I’d suggest allowing at least 3 days for if you really want to soak in their enormity.

Learn more in my post about why Tanzania’s Serengeti will blow your mind!

Picking up a tour last minute to these great game reserves can be done cheaply from the town of Arusha and you may want to hang a few days in this place to experience a bit of everyday Tanzanian life at the same time you try and score a bargain.

After you’ve had your wildlife fix, head to the coast and the country’s biggest city, Dar Es Salaam for a night, before hopping on the ferry to Zanzibar.

I’d allow at least 5 days for this stunning island – 2 nights in the capital Stone Town and 3 nights at the beach town of Paje on the east coast to dive, kitesurf or just relax!

And you can discover more about how to spend your time in this country care of my ideal Tanzania itinerary!

Best Place to Stay in Kenya: Distant Relative Eco-Lodge, Kilifi

When it comes to a 2 week Africa itinerary, Kenya is really hard to beat.

Like its neighbour Tanzania, Kenya has some incredible safari opportunities and some drop-dead gorgeous coastline too.

If you’re on a budget, consider limiting yourself to just one safari in Kenya (none of them come super cheap!) and with this in mind, it really is hard to overlook the mind-blowing magnificence of the Masai Mara.

Winner of the Best Africa Safari award (as voted by me!), the Mara is a paradise for its big 5 spots, stunning landscape shots and rich cultural heritage.

This place really does have it all and Milimani Backpackers in Nairobi provide some great value tours there for backpackers and solo budget nomads.

If you do feel like treating yourself to more than 1 safari, other great options in Kenya include:

• Amboseli National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Hells Gate National Park

Otherwise, check out my list of the 14 most spellbinding things to do in Kenya for more ideas, or have a look at these fab Kenya tours .

Once you’ve got your wildlife fix in Kenya, it’s time to head to the coast!

Kilifi and Diani Beach and my 2 favourite spots.

The first offers creekside relaxation in the amazing Distant Relatives Backpackers, with day trips to Watamu and Malindi all possible from this local town.

Diani is all about the white sand, turquoise sea and dreamy views.

Diani Backpackers offers a great budget place to stay here among the expensive resorts and you can still access the beach, boat trips and some great diving opps along with everyone else!

Sometimes, with a 2 week Africa itinerary, people like to combine Tanzania and Kenya by visiting the Masai Mara for their safari fix and then heading to Zanzibar for their beach time.

Cheap and short flights between Nairobi / Mombasa and Zanzibar make this more than possible.

Discover more in my ideal Kenya itinerary for a tight schedule!

LOOKING FOR A BUDGET TOUR IN AFRICA?

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour in Africa, with guides you can trust, then email me at [email protected] with some ideas about where you want to go and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Otherwise, check out this great range of safari options that cover some of the top wildlife attractions and national parks across the continent.

3 Week Africa Itinerary – Southern Explorer

With 3 weeks up your sleeve for Africa, you can really start exploring more than one country.

I’d advise combining South Africa, Botswana & Vic Falls in Zimbabwe as a great option for this timeframe.

SOUTH AFRICA

Best Place to Stay in South Africa: The B.I.G, Cape Town

Begin in Cape Town, one of the continent’s most alluring cities, and after 3 days of exploring its dizzy heights with this perfect itinerary , begin making your way along the South African coast.

Allow plenty of time for the Wild Coast, as well as the wine country and the Drakensberg Mountains if you can – with 10 days you should be able to see most of the best things to do in South Africa.

Reach Joburg and hop up to Kruger National Park for an amazing full day game drive in one of this continent’s most famous game reserves before heading onto Botswana – maybe via a short flight if you’re pushed for time.

Check out this top-rated private day-long game drive in Kruger (which includes a pick-up) if you’re looking for a great option.

Otherwise, if you’re hoping to travel South Africa on a budget, then these top hacks for a cheap safari there may help you.

In Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Chobe River National Park offer more sublime safari experiences.

Choose between them or hit up both (allow at least 4 days for both) if you have time.

VICTORIA FALLS

Best Place to Stay in Victoria Falls: Shoestrings Backpackers, Zimbabwe

From Chobe River, it’s then a “short” drive (in Africa terms) across the border into Zimbabwe where you can see the stunning Victoria Falls.

With all manner of crazy activities on offer here, adrenaline junkies should allow at least 2 nights to get their fix!

Learn more in my list of the 8 things to do in Victoria Falls , which are g uaranteed to get your heart racing

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1 Month Africa Itinerary – Northern Highlights

From one end of the continent to another, with 1 month for your African adventure, you can definitely explore the best that the northern end of this continent has to offer.

Best Place to Stay in Egypt: Ekadolli Nubian Guesthouse, Aswan

Egypt really is every bit as spectacular as you imagine and with so much to see and do here, I’d suggest allowing 10 days-2 weeks to explore the length and breadth of this fab country.

Begin in Cairo and give yourself 3 nights here to tick the Pyramids and the Sphinx off your bucket list, as well as see the Islamic and Coptic quarters of the city and one of the world’s best museums.

Learn more in my list of the 10 best things to do in Cairo

From Cairo, head to the Red Sea to get your beach fix.

The mega-chilled town of Dahab gets my vote for its awesome cafes, cheap prices and super diving opps.

Allow yourself 3-4 nights, although if you’re anything like me, you’ll be hardpressed to leave!

After the Red Sea, it’s time to crack on with the sightseeing.

First up, Luxor for the Valley of Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple.

The Luxor Museum and other sites of the West Bank are also highly worthwhile.

Allow 2-3 nights in Luxor (here’s a handy itinerary to help you) and consider taking a well-priced tour to get the best from your experience.

I highly recommend Emad, a very experienced tour guide with fantastic English and a cracking sense of humour! He can be contacted via Whatsapp on +20 100 151 3578.

From Luxor bag yourself a cheap cruise and sail down the Nile to Aswan, passing Efnu Temple and Kom Ombu Temple on the way.

Once in Aswan, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel cannot be missed!

Best Place to Stay in Sudan: The Nubian Rest House, Karima

Sudan might seem an unlikely choice on an Africa itinerary, but trust me you’ll be blown away when you get there just like everyone else.

Full of amazing historical sights, fascinating culture and some of the friendliest people on earth, a week here will give you an experience few travellers are lucky enough to get… yet.

Get to Sudan either by crossing overland from Aswan or flying direct to Khartoum from Cairo.

Allow 3 days for the capital and then split the rest of your time between the Nubian town of Karima and the splendid Meroe Pyramids.

Get more information in my perfect Sudan travel itinerary.

Best Place to Stay in Ethiopia: Mr Martin’s Cozy Place, Addis Ababa

After Sudan, you can either fly or cross overland into Ethiopia, my favourite country of ALL time!

Yes don’t get me started on how amazing this place is!

With 1-2 weeks you’ll have a good amount of time to see all the major attractions including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela , the mind-blowing landscape of the Danakil Depression , the Camelot of Africa – Gondar – and hike in the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains .

As well as sample the amazing food, coffee, music and dancing of this utterly unique place!

Learn all about where to visit in this amazing country care of my ideal Ethiopia itinerary

2 Months Africa Itinerary – The Best of South & East

2 months in Africa will give you a great opportunity to see the best of the Southern and Eastern parts of this continent and tick quite a few experiences off your bucket list while you’re at it!

Fly into Cape Town and enjoy a week exploring the attractions of this dazzling city as well as its many day trips.

There’s tons of details and tips available in my list of the best things to do in Cape Town.

From Cape Town head north into Namibia and spend a week checking out the Etosha National Park , Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon and Skeleton Coast.

Namibia is a large and sparsely populated country, which means distances between destinations can be significant, but it’s worth the journey because this country is like nowhere else on earth!

Discover more with my list of the 9 best places to visit in Namibia.

After Namibia, hop across the border into Botswana to check out Okavango and Chobe River National Parks, allowing yourself 5 days to take in their natural splendour.

It’s then just a “short” drive from northern Botswana across the Zimbabwe border and onto Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, this is absolutely one of the best things to see in Zimbabwe .

From rafting to canyoning, zip-lining to bungee jumping, this is the adventure capital of Southern Africa so it’s time to get your adrenaline fix at this iconic spot!

Cross the border at Victoria Falls and head onto Zambia’s most national park – South Luangwa –  for some seriously close encounters with hippos, elephants and more!

Give yourself 2 nights here, unless the animals freak you out so bad on the first night you can’t stay longer!

Best Place to Stay in Malawi: Thumbi View Lodge, Cape Maclear

Now it’s time to chill a bit, and there’s few better places to do it in this part of the world than Lake Malawi.

Pick one spot along its banks, pitch your tent and unwind!

I’d really suggest 7-10 days in Tanzania to take in as much as you can of this amazing country.

From world-class safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the stunning beaches and fascinating Swahili culture of Zanzibar, this is a country of contrasts that shouldn’t be overlooked.

I suggest a 3-day safari tour as a good option, followed by plenty of downtime both in Zanzibar’s capital Stone Town and its east coast resort of Paje.

Best Place to Stay in Rwanda: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel, Kigali

And finally, dive into the heartland of East Africa with a trip through Rwanda and then into Uganda.

Compared to the mostly dry and arid Tanzania, the lush, green countryside of these 2 countries can be a welcome surprise, although often the humidity is not!

Best stop in Rwanda is the capital Kigali where the important Genocide Memorial Centre is, but here’s 6 other epic things to do in this country too.

Best Place to Stay in Uganda: Fat Cat Backpackers, Kampala

In Uganda it’s all about the wildlife, so don’t miss out on any of the amazing national parks here including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The town of Jinja , the East Africa adventure capital and start of the Blue Nile falls is another must, as is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of course.

With all this on your plate, you’ll need at least a week to explore the best of this beautiful country.

Get more ideas in my list of the 10 best things to do in Uganda .

3 Months+ – Cape Town to Cairo

And with a 3 month+ Africa Itinerary open to you, you’ll have to time to do the most legendary of all legendary journeys – Cape Town to Cairo!

If you’re a fast mover then, I’d suggest following the 2 month itinerary above and then tagging on Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt onto the end (view my 1 month Africa itinerary above for best details on this northern section).

Otherwise, if you’re a slower mover like me, then a South Africa – Swaziland – Mozambique – Tanzania – Kenya – Ethiopia – Somaliland – Sudan – Egypt route takes in less countries, giving you more time in each!

This whole route can be done overland, although you’ll have to make provisions and plans for border crossings in advance.

I’d start in Cape Town and then work up the coast to Eswatini before continuing north, but depending on the time of year, you could just as well make this journey in reverse.

Check out the other itineraries in this post for more detailed information about each country in this epic voyage.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my full round-up of the best Africa itinerary for your time frame!

Of course, these are all open to mixing and matching too, but I thought splitting them up may give you the best idea of the possibilities that lie before you in this most wild and wonderful of continents.

So, when and where are you headed first?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

16 thoughts on “ Your Unforgettable Africa Itinerary: Dream Trips from 1 Week to 3 Months ”

Hello Stephie, While in Uganda you can tour various parks in 2 to 3 weeks.You can allocate Murchison 3 Days,Transfer to Kibale for Chimpanzee tracking 2 days,go via Fort Portal and connect to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can spend another 3 days,head to Bwindi National Park via Ishasha for Gorilla Tracking also 3 days,then proceed to Lake Bunyonyi in Southern Uganda for may be 2 days.Then you can return to the capital or proceed to Kigali which is 2 h-3 hours away and take a flight from there.Thank you for loving Africa.

Thanks Immaculate, this sounds like a jam-packed, action-packed itinerary that takes in the best of Uganda. I do worry it might be a bit rushed though. Probably leaving out Fort Portal would make it more manageable, plus relaxing at the lake at the end is a great idea. If you had to choose between Chimpanzee or Gorilla trekking, which would you go for?

I would choose Gorilla tracking anytime any day.The experience of tracking in the highlands of Bwindi in groups of 8 is worth the while.You need to be fit though.

Great, feeling pleased I’ve trekked with the gorillas, but not the chimps yet! Loved the challenge of the Bwindi terrain too 🙂

This sounds like such an incredibly bunch of itineraries! Full of so many amazing activities and things to do. Africa has so many incredible places that have so much to offer, each so different from each other. Great post!

It really does Bea. Thanks for your lovely comments and wishing you all the best. Steph 🙂

You are more than welcome to track the chimpanzees as well in Kibale National Park or Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.It’s a good experience too.

Wonderful, it’s definitely on list for when I return to Uganda

Hi, can all this be done by public transport?

Which itinerary are you referring to Larena? Most can

Thank You for sharing this kind of article. But I don’t think we could travel in 2021? What do you think of travelling in 2021? and I would like do a safari

I think travel in 2021 really depends on a lot on where you want to travel, how you get there and how the restrictions in your country are at that time. Fingers crossed this vaccine continues to look good and we can all start getting back to semi-normal 🙂

Really innovative and informative blog. Thank you for sharing such a powerful information. Reading it twice a day.

That’s great to hear! Thanks so much! Best, Steph 🙂

three month would be expensive for me, book a 1 week

Sure Xaid, do that 🙂

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15 Essential Africa travel tips for first-time visitors

Planning a trip to Africa? Here are the must-know Africa travel tips for first-time visitors including all the do’s and don’ts to know before you go.

You’re planning your very first trip to Africa, Yay- it’s absolutely an amazing experience and a great step that some travelers are still skeptical to take.

But at the same time, it can be daunting for a first-time visitor to Africa since you have no idea what to expect on a continent as big as Africa.

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If you’re not yet sure where to go first check out my post about the  best African countries to visit .

With this post, I’ve got you covered with the best Africa travel tips for first-time visitors.

Africa Travel essential. – Before you go to Africa, I recommend buying  this Lonely Planet travel guidebook  to learn more about Africa and its diverse culture. – Before heading out to Africa, it’s paramount that you have proper travel insurance. I recommend  buying World Nomads insurance  as it covers a variety of activities and can be used in a number of countries. – To get the best of Africa, book all your tours with  GetYourGuide  to be able to enjoy Africa like a local as you get guided by the most professional tour guides on the continent.

What to know and do before a trip to Africa as a first-time visitor

1. Check the visa requirements for each country

There is nothing like an “African visa” that guarantees you free entry to each African country because you have it.

Each country has different visa requirements that you should meet before going there.

Check with the nearest embassies of the countries you plan to travel to and find out all the requirements.

Some may be visa-free, others visa on entry, and others might need to be applied for in advance depending on the passport you hold.

2. Pick your destinations and make an itinerary

You can start by deciding on the countries or cities that have been on your bucket list but if you don’t know where to go yet, niche it down by deciding whether you’re all about historical sites, big cities, or wildlife.

You can check out the  best African countries to visit , the best landmarks in Africa , or the best National parks in Africa to draw inspiration on the countries or places to add to your Africa bucket list .

Try not to get overwhelmed by everything. The truth is that there is too much beauty in Africa and it is understandable if you want to see everything!

The ugly truth is that you’re likely not to see everything at once, so don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t.

My suggestion is to first note down all the regions in Africa; East, West South, North, and Central. Lower it down by deciding on which regions you want to visit.

Go a step further by selecting which specific countries you want to visit from each Region.

Then try to be realistic and see if it’s possible to visit all those countries at once.

If the list is too long, try to prioritize until you decide on the maximum number of countries you want and can travel to.

The number of countries to travel to solely depends on you: the time you have, the money saved for a trip to Africa, and how much you’re willing to compromise.

If you want to travel on a budget,  check out this post  that showcases how you can travel the world on a budget.

3. Do extensive research on the specific countries you’re planning to visit

It’s not enough to read about Africa as a whole, carrying out research on each individual country will be more efficient.

If you’re itinerary includes countries like Uganda, Botswana, and Egypt,  read these posts  to discover more about Uganda, these ones about Botswana, and  these ones  to learn more about Egypt before you go.

Some people assume that since they’re traveling to Africa, it will be hot by default which is not the case.

Even though most countries are relatively hot all year round, some places can be really cold depending on the time of your visit.

So don’t forget to check the weather in each country to pack clothes appropriate for that time of the year.

Related post: Things to know before backpacking Africa

4. Don’t try to see everything in Africa

Most first time visitors in Africa get overwhelmed by the beauty and end up wanting to see everything.

Well, unless you have the entire year allocated to touring Africa, it will be absolutely impossible to see everything.

Prioritize and see only places that are on your bucket list.

5. Pack everything you need for your African safari

It’s not a recommended practice to rely on buying extra things in the place you’re traveling to as you’re not aware of the price and quality.

So packing whatever is required will save you a tonne of money and space in your backpack or suitcase.

If you’re not sure of what to pack for your African safari, I wrote a complete essential guide to pack for Africa .

The guide comprises of things you should pack and what not to pack for an African safari. 

Don’t forget to carry sunscreen! Since most African locals don’t use sunscreen, it will be extremely expensive to buy it from there.

So pack your own not to spend a fortune or you can  shop it here at a fair price .

Here are some of the travel essentials you should not leave behind when traveling to Africa.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home as you travel to Africa –  A universal travel adapter : Since some of the countries in Africa use a different adapter, I’d advise you to buy a universal travel adapter to cater to all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have one yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling to Africa is the Power bank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. –  Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to in Africa, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.   This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag. – You can also read my  complete Africa packing list  to know everything you’ll need for an African safari.

6. Your security should be a priority

Even though Africans welcome tourists amazingly, this doesn’t mean that a few are not seeing you as their next target.

Pickpockets are very high, especially in big cities, so, be sure to keep your money and valuables safe.

Wear a cross bag instead of a handbag and if you have a small backpack, wear it from the front instead of the back.

However, this should not scare you away from visiting Africa.

Street theft is literally everywhere whether in Europe or America and Africa is no exception.

For security reasons, buy travel insurance and I recommend  World Nomads  as they’re highly trusted by almost all travelers.

Remember it is always better to stay safe than sorry by covering yourself with travel insurance.

7. Be ready for the culture shock

This can literally happen in any new country you travel to be it in Asia, especially in developing counties but the shock could be a little higher in Africa.

Here are some of the cultural shocks you might experience.

If you’re a mzungu ” white person”, some Africans are going to think you’re rich by default.

Don’t get me wrong here, you might even be struggling financially like I am but as long as you’re white, to some Africans you qualify to be rich.

This means a great number of people may walk up to you with intentions of getting something from you or offering help hoping that they will be tipped. If you fall for this, you’re likely to go back home broke.

Expect the stares from the locals (though not the long ones that last minutes.) The stares are harmless and should not worry you one bit.

You might find this weird at first but trust me, you’ll get used to it and it will all be normal.

Kids screaming “bye Mzungu” as they wave at you- as a way of saying hi. 

This could be one of the commonest traits across all of Africa. Kids are just innocent beings that get excited by seeing a white person.

Just be kind enough to wave back with a smile and you would have made their day.

8. Download Offline maps

Most of the areas in Africa especially in the remote villages will not have wifi or even worse, you won’t get any service at all.

So, before your trip to Africa, downloading offline maps and saving all the places from hotel locations, famous restaurants in the area, and the most popular destinations you want to see will make your trip easier.

Check out this post to see the best offline maps and other free travel apps that don’t need internet that you should download before your anticipated trip to Africa.

9. Poverty is real in Africa but not everyone is poor

The media and news channels have tried to portray Africa as a really poor continent but this doesn’t mean that everyone is poor.

The only issue is that the poor are actually poor and the rich are really rich.

There are just a few people that lie in the middle. So be ready to experience some level of poverty while you travel through Africa.

Related post: Safest countries to visit in Africa

10. Be ready to enjoy a different means of public transportation

In countries like Uganda, public transportation can be just chaotic from extreme traffic jams to somewhat careless drivers – the hustle never ends.

So if you’re up for a fun trip, try out Africa’s public transportation. The most commonly used ones are minibusses, tuk-tuk, boda-bodas, trains, and metro which are in a few countries like  Egypt .

If you’re not comfortable with public transportation, opt for private taxis. Services like Uber and Taxify are widely spread in some of Africa’s major cities, so it should be easy to get around.

Related post: Common Myths and Misconceptions about Africa that are not true

11. Find out the political situation of a particular country before you go

The question of safety might seem like common sense but it doesn’t mean that I will skip it.

As a first time traveler to Africa, it would be a bit hard and unpleasant to travel to a country when there is political unrest at that particular time.

So try to follow international news to know exactly the current political situation.

Pro tip*  As a first-time traveler to Africa, it’s not always recommended to travel during the election period. The election period brings out the determination and chaotic nature of people and the outcomes from the election are always unpredictable and yet again the aftermath worse. So, avoid traveling during the election period if you can.

 12. Beggars, street kids, and slums are real

All these are real challenges that Africa still faces, unfortunately.

You’re likely to find many beggars and street kids as you travel through Africa and you might want to help them.

The question is can you help all of them? Of course not, and don’t feel guilty about it because you and I know that you can’t help all the beggars and street kids across Africa.

But if you feel generous, you can give a few coins to the one you think needs it the most but if not, just smile at them and say “next time.”

13. Cash works better in Africa than credit/debit cards

Even though some of the high-end places in Africa accept cards, cash is still the highest form of transaction and actually, cards are not acceptable in most places, especially in rural areas.

Things might be different if you were used to transact using your card all the time. So carry enough cash or you can always get cash from the ATM machines.

14. Check whether the African countries you’re traveling to require a yellow fever card

Frequent travelers know that a yellow fever card is required in some countries but if you’re a  first-time traveler , you probably didn’t know that.

Some countries will require a yellow fever card before you enter their country and if you don’t have it, you’re likely to pay a lot of money to acquire it from the port of entry.

So it’s better to have it before your much anticipated African safari.

15. Ignore the negative and soak in all the beauty Africa has to offer

Regardless of how many negative things you’ve read about Africa, I still believe it’s the most beautiful and diverse continent in the world.

So ignore the little negatives and focus all your energy on enjoying Africa.

And instead of looking for 5-star hotels,  ignore the comfort and experience Africa like a local by going out of your comfort zone.

Final Thoughts on Tips for Visiting Africa

Now that you know everything you must know and do as a first-time traveler to Africa, it’s time to book your air ticket from here and also  your hotel from here  and wait for the d-day.

Are you visiting Africa for the very first time? Tell me if this guide was helpful and if you have any other questions, leave them in the comment section and I will surely get back to you.

More posts to help you plan your African trip

• Best countries to visit in Africa
• Best tips for backpacking Africa
• Safest countries in Africa
• Best National parks to visit in Africa
• Incredible adventures not to miss in Africa
• Famous landmarks in Africa

Was this post on Africa travel tips for first time visitors helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Really insightful post. I want to go to Africa however I’m saving up to visit a few countries in one trip on a guided tour. It’s really helpful to know to have cash on me instead of my card. I’ll bare this in mind for visiting Africa.

Hey Alexandra, It’s really good to know that this post was helpful to you! Yes, cash is King In Africa. Even though there are some places that accept cards, cash will always be important to make day to day transactions.

I hope you enjoy your trip around Africa.

Could you please explain what a traveler would need and where to get a yellow fever card? What does Africa require as far as paperwork on immunizations? What concerns should we have as far as drinking the water and eating food there? Did you get sick there? Thank you so much for your help!!

Hey Kimberly, thank you for the questions.

For which vaccines are required in Africa, each country has its own requirements but the most common one is the yellow fever vaccine and they’ll need a yellow fever card as proof that you took that immunization. You can get the vaccine from a hospital in your country before traveling to Africa and when you do so, the hospital will provide you with the yellow fever card.

As far as drinking water, I’d stay away from non treated water. In places that get a lot of tourists, they clearly indicate that either “this water is safe to drink or not” so you can either stick to bottled water or carry your own water filter. And honestly, I’ve never gotten sick from eating any kind of food – this is likely to go back to you as an individual whether you easily get food poisoning or not, but there is really nothing to worry about. You can also check out this post for things to pack for Africa.

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions if you still have more!

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Can You Drive Across Africa to Europe?

Can You Drive Across Africa? It’s certainly possible, but remember that certain areas are off-limits due to safety concerns. If taking on such a journey appeals to you, your best option would be either driving along the East or West coasts and connecting them – thus allowing for an extraordinary circumnavigation of this magnificent continent.

Are these answers satisfactory on how you cruise through the continent . For those interested in driving across Africa with a the vehicle, let me take you deeper into this wondrous idea. We will discuss all available and safe routes, and how much time it would cost. Now hop aboard, and let’s go explore together.

Table of Contents

How Long Would it Take to Drive Across Africa?

A Toyota Prado from Europe in Nairobi Westlands. Photo/Ahmed/Twitter

Depending on the route and your plans, it could take anywhere from one to three weeks. So what’s your plan for the trek? North to South or East to West? The motorcycle record from Cape Town to Cairo stands at seven days, but it is advised that you plan for a minimum of 10 weeks. Most travelers take three months up to a year to experience and explore throughout their journey.

Depending on where the trip starts, routes can be adjusted accordingly and cut down from the total estimated time. It would require a good 4×4 vehicle, an experienced driver and navigator, and reliable maps. Even with all that preparation, expect obstacles like broken roads, illegal checkpoints, and different cultures and languages to encounter along the way. A road trip across Africa promises incredible sights and adventures for those brave enough to undertake such a grand undertaking.

Is It Possible To Travel From Africa To Europe By Car?

Definitely, this February a man from the Netherlands claimed to have driven a Land Cruiser Prado through a six-day journey from Amsterdam to Nairobi, Kenya. This surprised many Kenyans and the photos went viral on social media showing a Land Cruiser Prado with a Dutch registered number plate in Nairobi. According to Google travel guides , it would take approximately 6 days and 22 hours) to travel the 9,617 kilometres journey, using the fastest route ever.

However, there are a few important things to consider before taking on this journey:

• You will need proper visas and permits and any necessary vaccinations depending on which countries your travel route passes through.
• Ensure your car is in good working condition and has the equipment necessary for long-distance drives, such as a spare tire, safety triangles, a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• Ensure you have enough fuel and food supplies to last the entire journey.
• Also, to ensure a safe trip, avoid anything illegal like smuggling drugs, steer clear away from locals who could lead to arguments or scuffles.
• Remain vigilant when entering conflict zones, and keep an eye on the forecasted weather conditions while travelling.

With these safety tips at heart, you can embark worry-free into the unknown, allowing you to navigate tricky situations. Don’t worry—it’s still safe, but it requires you to think differently and be prepared to adjust your standards a bit. You might even be able to offer a bribe or two along the way. 

How Much Does it C ost to Drive Around Africa?

On the Pan-American Highway, budget travellers typically spend between $30 – $150 per person daily. For two people driving from Cairo to Cape Town in a car over six months, expect to pay approximately $24,000, including shipping costs for the vehicle back home. Your spending can vary depending on your travel style. Those who use accommodation alternatives such as camping or Couchsurfing and avoid eating at restaurants can stick closer to the lower end of that range. In contrast, luxury hotel stays and fine dining may increase expenditure significantly.

Is It Safe To Travel Across Africa?

It is safe to Travel across Africa by car. Photo/Adventurism.tv.

Can you drive across Africa safely? Journeying in Africa is just like any other trip. However, brace yourself for a unique experience. Travelling across Africa by car is a secure option if you remain in the safer regions. You may have heard of tales from far-off places such as Sudan and South Africa , but rest assured that you can easily avoid any harm by taking some cautious steps.

Three options for crossing Africa

If you are looking to traverse the African continent, you have three viable options:

• A 10-week journey from North to South along the East Coast
• An 11-15 week adventure on the West Coast, depending on your route
• Or an extensive 11-week trip across DRC and lower regions of Central Africa.

Choosing the correct route depends on your individual goals and desires. Generally, traveling from North to South along the East coast is a smoother experience compared to other routes. You’ll pass through Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, which all have relatively developed roads. The biggest obstacle in this stretch may be Ethiopia due to its reputation for instability – make sure it’s safe before deciding to venture there.

While the West coast is slowly becoming more accessible, it can still be tricky. In the past, a journey through Algeria, Mali/Niger and Northern Nigeria was an exciting experience. However, today, I advise avoiding these routes at all costs due to the instabilities in the region, tourists being soft targets for criminal groups. Avoiding crossing the Sahara via this path is best for your safety during your travels. Crime levels are high, and a few animals are seen roaming around than in other parts of Africa.

Unfortunately, the journey from East to West is also no longer a great route due to ongoing conflict in central Africa. The northern route is also blocked off, so crossing through the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only option for experienced travelers. Zambia and Angola provide a more relaxed alternative for those new to international travel or travelling with families.

The answer to the question, ‘Can you drive across Africa?’ is yes, but it’s important to research and look out for potential risks. You may encounter situations that can cause your blood to boil and make your face turn red—like when a problem should have been solved in just five minutes but takes five hours instead. In these instances, locals often sport broad smiles, reassuring visitors with the phrase “This is Africa,” or TIA for short.

To get the most out of your visit, try to put aside all preconceived notions and come equipped with an open mind – don’t forget to leave your watch at home too. With the correct information and preventive measures, you can make this adventure a reality while staying safe and having a memorable experience. Traveling across Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will ignite your senses in ways you may have never imagined possible before. It’s an adventure unlike any other – it’ll be both raw and thrilling but, above all else: uniquely African.

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Besigye is a Ugandan writer and a teacher by profession. She loves adventure and travelling that's why she loves writing travel blogs.

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Any advices are more than welcome.

Never done it and never will. Hope you won't be doing this on your own. From what I've read it can be dangerous. Maybe first read the book: Swahili for the Brokenhearted by Peter Moore ISBN 90 2253812 5

thanks for the book - I know it and I'll purchase it.

No doubt there is some challenges and risks, but without them the life is not that interesting;-)

Wow, that's some trip! My brother went from Amsterdam to Cape Town in a vehicle, but that was an overland expedition with 15 other people, and they took 4 months to do it in.

Despite going with an organised tour they encountered innumerable issues and complications along the way. They had all the correct paperwork for the vehicle, insurances, visas, permits, jabs and malaria pills and whatever else was officially required according to all the respective embassies. Nonetheless, they had border problems, needed to pay baksheesh everwhere, encountered literal daylight robbery and other unexpected incidents. Added to this, they frequently needed to take detours from the planned route owing to local, sudden political events, roads washed away after the rains, dust storms and other weather related delays. Food and clean drinking water along the route was another day to day concern, as was the odd bout of 'tummy troubles'. Lots of punctures and the odd mechanical breakdown owing to the poor road conditions were other problems, not to mention the 'interesting' standards of driving and regard for rules of the road that they encountered in different countries. Take lots of spare parts!

You've a lot of preparation ahead of you, good luck and have fun.

And, do post a trip report here afterwards. I will really look forward to reading it.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Another World Adventures

Exploring west africa by road.

Original post: Another World Adventures

The countries of West Africa are some of the least visited on the continent but those who choose to make a trip will be rewarded in abundance by incredible scenery, rich welcoming cultures, stunning beaches, untamed wild jungles, magical music and bright colourful fashion. West Africa is a true gem of a destination.

By Larissa Clark, Founder Another World Adventures

I lived in Liberia, West Africa between 2012 and 2015 with stints in Sierra Leone and Ghana. It was the early days of setting up Another World Adventures and I feel really passionate about helping others discover this incredible part of the world.

Over the years I’ve written quite a few articles on travel in West Africa for magazines and today wanted to share a guest post by one of my favourite operators in the region – an overlanding company who take this region on with nothing short of wild enthusiasm.

Travelling overland in West Africa is the right way to go. I journeyed from Monrovia to Dakar with my husband in our 25 year old Nissan Patrol in 2013 so I know the route well!

I caught up with Al Goodridge in 2016 who leads their overland trips to get the lowdown on their first trip of the season which started in Dakar.

Enjoy his guest blog below and if you’re inspired to explore Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Togo, Gambia, Morocco, Mauritania, & Western Sahara then get in touch and I’ll send you their next route itinerary.

Diary from the Road: West Africa 2016

Our first trip of the season started in Dakar a few weeks ago after the long drive down from the UK. It’s great to be back in the region we know and love so well and running trips again after so long away due to the sad events of the past year!

A warm welcome to Janet, Wendy, Kathy, John, Theo, Tim, Mehmet, Baz, Sam, Martin, Steve, Ray, Roy and Adrian, it’s great to have you with us! Above are shots taken on Ile Goree, which many of our passengers visited as a day trip from Dakar.

Not far from Dakar we passed this truck being towed along. It looks like it’s seen better days and the truck towing him didn’t look to have been having a much easier time of it either! Fortunately the driver didn’t appear to have been hurt in the crash.

The first truck lunch of many to come! An easy drive day bought us to our first bush camp, and the first night of torrential overnight rain. It ought to have finished raining a few weeks ago, but the rains this year have come late and are lasting longer than normal. We’re hoping the dry season we plan our trips around comes soon. C’est l’Afrique!

Gambia is split in half by the River Gambia, and with no bridges over it, a lengthy wait for a ferry is an inevitable part of overland travel here.

Tendaba Camp is a real highlight of the time we spend in The Gambia, with a great selection of birds viewed from the camp and on the numerous boat trips our passengers took. A comfortable spot to settle into the relaxed pace of life!

Konteh Kunda School of Music have only just opened, and we were delighted to be one of their first groups to visit. Established to celebrate and promote the Griot tradition and musical talent, and to provide a school for foreign students, we were overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome we received and the energy of the music and dancing we witnessed. Above and below are shots of a Kora and Balafon performance soon after our arrival.

We danced for much of the evening to Djembe drumming, before witnessing an indoor performance from the family. Several of us also took part in Kora lessons.

A short drive down to the Casamance region saw us back with Simon and Khady in Abene. It was great to be back after so long and to see everybody again, and the Koumpo dance we witnessed on the first evening was as stunning as it has ever been!

The Koumpo is a forest spirit, particularly feared by local children, and often used to warn those in a village who may have digressed, such as children picking mangoes too early. A spike comes out of the Koumpo’s head, which he plants into the ground and spins around on – a truly stunning sight to witness!

Kafountine is a busy fishing port that attracts workers from far and wide. Dozens of boats come in on a good day, and the men unloading the fish are paid per crate, which explains their frenzied pace of work!

Some of the catch is sent to market by refrigerated truck, but the vast majority is smoked, or salted and air dried. Dried fish provides a main protein source for many of the countries which make up West Africa.

The beach in Abene gave a great afternoon’s relaxing, and Jase and Baz managed a quick surf!

Another night in Abene and another night of great music and dancing! We were joined by the same stilt dancer who’d given our previous groups such a great performance 18 months ago, but this time with a new costume he’d just finished making!

After a short stop in the main city of Casamance, Ziguinchor, we were back to the coast, visiting local villages by boat, looking for wildlife, and enjoying stunning sunsets.

We’re now in Bissau city, as relaxed and friendly as ever, enjoying some rest and western luxuries before the rough road east into Guinea begins. The heavy rains won’t have helped the roads, but should make for some stunning waterfalls!

Many thanks to Tim, Theo, Baz and Wendy for letting us share some of their photos!

Have your own adventure in West Africa with one of these trips to join Al and the team –

Freetown To Dakar : Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Senegal (Casamance), Gambia, Senegal

Dakar To Marrakech : Senegal, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco

Marrakech To Tangier : Morocco

Trips In Late 2016: From Senegal To Burkina Faso

The southbound journey is usually split into 3 trips, starting in Dakar, Senegal and finishing in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 

Dakar To Freetown : Senegal, Gambia, Senegal (Casamance), Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone

Freetown To Accra : Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Ghana

Accra To Ouagadougou : Ghana, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso 19th December 2016 to 16th January 2017 £1,150 pp + 400 euro kitty Available

Trips From Ghana To Morocco

The northbound journey is usually split into 3 trips, starting in Accra, Ghana and finishing in Marrakech, Morocco 

Accra To Freetown : Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone

Get in touch if you’re thinking about a West Africa Road Trip!!

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Epic Europe road trip across 47 countries

Have you ever wondered what is the most efficient way to visit all the countries in Europe by road? The answer is this epic European road trip that takes you to 47 countries in geographical Europe , and almost all of the European Union, whoa! 

Unfortunately, it skips the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland which you can easily do on a roadtrip either on a group tour , or independently.

If you were to drive this amazing road trip across Europe in one go, without stopping and without sleeping, it would take about 364 hours or 16 days to cover the route, and you would drive almost 27,000 kilometers.

But you wouldn’t go on this once in a lifetime European road trip and just drive through, you would want to stop, probably several times every day, to explore some of the most beautiful, heritage-rich, fascinating and delicious parts of the continent. You may even consider hiring a motorhome for your journey so that you can really take your time. 

Realistically, we would recommend completing this epic European road trip in probably a year, but 6 months would be enough to do justice to most of the key highlights.

We planned this road trip with a very cool and addictive app (yep, we stayed up till 2am playing with it!) called Roadtrippers which not only lets you plan a road trip but also shows you all the points of interest, accommodation & restaurants, photo spots, attractions, and more on the map. Use our bonus coupon code BTR5QTP for $5 off. Check out this list of gifts for road trippers to get all the gadgets you need.

Epic European road trip by the numbers

• Almost 27,000km of roads.
• Approximately 364h of driving time without stops.
• Over $1,600 in fuel spent.
• 47 countries, including 25 European Union members, Kosovo (which we count as an independent country despite the lack of recognition by the UN), the 3 countries in the Caucasus, Turkey and Russia, both of which are partially in Europe and mostly in Asia. Only 3 island countries would be missing, Malta, Cyprus and Iceland.
• More than 200 UNESCO sites would be within 50km of the itinerary.

In this unforgettable European road trip you will explore well-known but no less amazing cities such as Barcelona , Prague, London and Rome , and other up and coming ones such as Ljubljana, Bruges, Girona , Kiev, Tirana or Tbilisi. 

Of the 400 UNESCO listed sites in Europe , this road trip will get you within 50km to more than half of the continent’s most fascinating heritage, from Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia to Switzerland’s stunning mountain train journeys such as the Glacier Express or lesser known spots in tiny countries such as Andorra .

More standouts include medieval Kotor , Salzburg and Dubrovnik, the Vatican City, Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral, Brussels’ Grand Place, Budapest Castle, Mostar Old City, Casa Batllo , Lake Ohrid, and many more.

You could add about 100 more UNESCO sites if you take a detour to explore southern Italy and Sicily , central Spain or Germany , a country that is only bordered on this itinerary. 

It is also a great road trip for foodie lovers with stops in San Sebastian for pinchos and tapas, in Bologna for parmesan cheese and mortadella, in Lyon for refined French food, Copenhagen for forward-looking Nordic food and in Porto for seafood and codfish.

The route does not just cover mainstream destinations but will also take you to the lesser known parts of the continent such as the tiny country of Liechtenstein (one of the least visited countries in the world despite being located in the middle of Europe), Croatia’s Istria, Romania’s Transilvannia, and historical sites such as Chernobyl. 

European road trip essentials 1. Roadtrippers : Create the itinerary and navigate with points of interest marked along the way with Roadtrippers , such a cool app. Get it, it’s a no brainer. 2. Visas : We highly recommend iVisa , they are prompt and professional and offer lots of services. A Schengen visa gives you access to 25 countries, others have their own system, Russia will be the trickiest. 3. Car rental : Our choice is Rentalcars.com which aggregates car rental companies across the world. Make sure you can take the car across the border and check additional insurance and permits. Or buy a car and sell it at the end. 4. Travel insurance : Do not leave the house without, really, don’t. We recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing who include coverage for COVID-19 since August 2020. 5. Accommodation : Use Booking.com they offer free cancellation charge if your plans change. 6. Tours : An efficient way to see cities in a short period of time is to get a day tour. We love and use Getyourguide which allows you to cancel tours up to 24h in advance.

So where does this incredible road trip across all of Europe and the Caucasus take you? Let’s explore the main stops.

1. Dublin, Ireland

Your journey starts in the capital of Ireland, beautiful Dublin. Being the birthplace of Guinness beer, you’ll definitely need to taste the dark stout in one of Dublin’s 1,000 pubs like Temple Bar or The Brazen Head , Ireland’s oldest pub. 

If you plan on driving after your visit, just go to the Guinness Storehouse where you can dive into the 250+ year history and have a bite to eat. Jameson Whiskey also has its home in Dublin. 

Peer into Ireland’s Emigration history at World Travel Awards winner EPIC to see what it means to be Irish beyond the border. If you have some time left over pop into Dublin Castle which dates back to 1204 and has guided tours.  Ireland is also home to many great thinkers such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett and is even one of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature . Visit Trinity College where they all got their start.

2. London, United Kingdom

Next on your European road trip is the capital of the UK, London! With a rich history and loads of activities to take part in, you can experience art at museums like the Tate Modern or The National Gallery , have fun on the London Eye , learn something new at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park , have a pub lunch overlooking the river Thames, or try and see the Queen at Buckingham Palace . 

If you aren’t for visiting tourist sites like Big Ben , the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey or the bohemian Soho district, you can always try something a little different and experience one of these unique things to do in London like eating jellied eel or take a somber stroll around Highgate Cemetery. Make sure to make a stop at Borough Market for a super good vibe with loads of fresh produce and delicious meals!

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Leaving the island and riding north-east, you’ll soon get to friendly Amsterdan in the Netherlands. This bustling city is so much more than hash brownies, tulips and windmills as you’ll experience on a bike after parking your car. 

Cruise along the canals at your own pace and visit the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam like Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum , the artsy district of Jordaan, or dine way up high at A’dam Lookout .

A must-visit is Ann Frank’s House , where you will learn how this brave soul lived through a treacherous time. Apart from the multitude of historic sights, Amsterdam is also home to hip and up-and-coming neighbourhoods like gentrified Westergas and creative Zaandam’s Hembrugterrein. Walk the cobbled streets of De Negen Straatjes (‘The Nine Streets’) for some boutique retail therapy. 

4. Brussels, Belgium

As the administerial centre of the EU, Belgium’s capital can be viewed as quite a stringent place. Yet when you pass the iconic little boy peeing into the fountain at the Manneken Pis, you get a sense for the city’s lightheartedness. It’s this mix that makes it a fascinating place for all types of tourists. 

There is spectacular architecture like the Grand Place , Notre Dame Du Sablon , or the Instagrammable Atomium . See arts and culture at the Musee des Beaux-Arts d’Ixelles or Musee Constantin Meunier and gorgeous nature at Park Malou, Parc Georges Henri or Parc Du Cinquantenaire. 

But you cannot leave Brussels without going on a beer tasting tour while diving mouth-first into their famous fries and mussels. 

5. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world and most of the top places to visit in Luxembourg are all concentrated in the city center. This makes it a great day stop for your European road trip. Start slow by perusing the Old Quarter in Luxembourg City which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , as the night nears, take in a show at the legendary Philharmonic of Luxembourg .

Then make your way to any of the multitude of castles in the country (there are 130 in total) from Luxembourg Fortress to Vianden Castle . The castles you choose to explore will depend on the amount of time you have and whether you’d like to include a bit of nature on your visit or not. 

For nature we suggest the Mullerthal region where you’ll find Schiessentümpel Waterfall. You can even camp there for the night along the river Sûre in your car or spa at Mondorf-les-Bains if that’s more your style.

6. Liechtenstein

While an unlikely candidate, Liechtenstein is actually one of the least visited countries in the world . The main reason is because it’s a landlocked country, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, without an airport. This means it’s perfectly reachable by car, great for your European road trip!

A fun fact about Liechtenstein is that it hasn’t had a murder since 2014 and is therefore one of the safest countries in the world. As it’s so small, you can see the entire country in a day from castles like Vaduz , Burg Gutenberg or Obere Burg to jaw-dropping nature (400km network of hiking trails!) and even eat at a Michelin-awarded traditional Restaurant Torkel . This is a popular winter Europe road trip pit stop for ski fanatics.

7. Bern, Switzerland

The city where Einstein started dabbling in physics and the older enclave being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, Bern is a thriving city with a deep history and stunning sites. In fact you can visit Einstein’s former residence or the museum constructed in his name . 

If you’re a fan of treasure hunts, you could try to find all 11 Renaissance fountains in the centre of Old Bern. Saunter around the Rosengarten , take in the views at Gurten mountain, or see the symbol of Bern (and Toblerone ) at Bärengraben (Bear Pit) or BärenPark (Bear Park). 

With a rich culture, Bern has loads of great artsy festivals to take part in year round from the Summer and Winter Jazz Festivals to the Buskers Festival to July’s Gurtenfestival . If you miss the festivals, don’t worry, there’s more art at the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Art) which contains 51,000 pieces! The fascinating Zytglogge , a medieval clock tower with moving puppets, is always a fun stop over. 

If you’d like to go beyond the capital and are a fan of skiing or being pampered, I would suggest making a stop at either Andermatt or St. Moritz (stay for the night at Chedi, Andermatt ). Or change your mode of transportation and hop on the Glacier Express which connects St. Moritz with Zermatt and is a truly once in a lifetime experience.  

8. Central France

Traveling south from Switzerland (with a possible stop in Geneva before crossing the border), you’ll be cruising the central part of France passing by two exquisite regions: Lyon and Bordeaux. 

Lyon is steeped in a 2,000 year history and is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is also considered the foodie capital of France so you should make sure to eat your way around the city. 

Witness the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules and venture into Vieux (Old) Lyon with the largest renaissance old quarters in Europe. But don’t miss the modern Confluence district on the Presqu’île peninsula with its elegant bistros and upscale apartments.

There are museums of all kinds from fine art at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon to the Institut Lumière , an ode to the famed brothers who spearheaded the modern cinema. The architecture will leave your jaw agape, so be sure to pass by the Fourvière Basilica and Lyon Cathedral. 

Making your way toward the Bay of Biscay you’ll end up in one of the most praised wine regions in the world, Bordeaux. Wine enthusiasts better get a designated driver, because this stretch of your Europe road trip is bound to be the most fueled by alcohol. 

The choices of wineries to visit can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s best to first visit the spectacular ode to wine, La Cité du Vin. This is a mammoth 3,000sqm building with a 55m tower that looks like a giant decanter. It has around 10 hours of audiovisual info all about the history and future of the grape. You’ll also be able to get help picking which wineries to visit. 

Beyond wine, there are open spaces (Quais de Bordeaux, Jardin Public), shopping streets (Rue Sainte-Catherine), ancient architecture (La Grosse Cloche, Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux Cathedral) and so much more!

Those wanting to stop by Paris should do so after Luxembourg, as this is the quickest route to the capital and you will only be venturing further south from here. Read our Parisian articles to get more insight about the City of Love:

• Best Paris Bistros
• Autumn In Paris, A Perfect Weekend For Two
• Rooftop Bars In Paris With The Ultimate Best Views Of The City
• 5 Markets In Paris To Bargain-hunt
• Adorable Places For A Beautiful Picnic In Paris From Rivers To Gardens
• Secret Gardens In Paris To Find Romance And Nature

9. Northern Spain

Reaching the Bay of Biscay with a possible hangover, you’ll surely just want to take it easy on the beach. This is where San Sebastián comes in. Also known as Donostia, San Sebastián is a resort town hidden in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country and is known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. 

Playa means beach, and beach is what you will get, although not the kind of warm beach you find on the Mediteranean! Bring a sweater, even in the summer months San Sebastian can be pretty chilly.

Not only will you find beautifully soft sand, but also picturesque bayfront promenades, cobblestone roads of old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shopping, vibrant pintxo bars and world-class restaurants. 

San Sebastian is one of Spain’s foodie capitals along with Barcelona and Madrid and the Basque Country where it is located, has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other part of the country.

Think three-starred Arzak and Akelarre , one-starred Kokotxa and Mirador de Ulía or famous Nerua in the Guggenheim Bilbao. Or just have a picnic at Miramar Royal Palace ( Palacio de Miramar ) if your wallet is feeling a bit light. 

Taking the most epic coastal drive, you’ll enter one of Spain’s most spiritual centres at Santiago de Compostela. This is the end of the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route as well as the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. Legend has it that the apostle St. James was buried in what is today the UNESCO-listed old town. 

Even if you aren’t religious, you’ll find a spiritual resonance in the idyllic Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, particularly the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria . The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela , Praza do Obradoiro and Monastery of San Martiño Pinario are all epic and within walking distance. 

10. Coastal Portugal

Grab your surfboards because you are entering a country with some of the best waves in the world. Even if you don’t know how, Portugal is a great place to learn how to surf. It’s also a burgeoning place for digital nomads so you’re sure to bump into other European road trippers here on your journey. 

The three standout places you’re going to pass on the coastal route are Porto in the north, Coimbra in the center and Lisbon at the south. Porto is known for its dessert wine which you will know as Port. But beyond the sweet aperitif Porto offers stately bridges, the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district with cobbled streets and cafes, and grand designs from baroque São Francisco Church to the palatial Palácio de Bolsa .

Travel down to the coast and you’ll end up at the riverfront city of Coimbra. It is famous for its historic University of Coimbra that houses a baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina with a gorgeous 18th-century bell tower. You can set foot around the city’s old town to take in the calm atmosphere and visit the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha.

Drive south from the old capital (Coimbra) to the new one, Lisbon. This hilly coastal city has some spectacularly romantic views, particularly at sunset from São Jorge Castle where the pastel-colored buildings blend with the pink and purple hues of the setting sun. 

Nature blends seamlessly with historic buildings in Lisbon, so make sure to pass along the Torre de Belém , the Golden Gate-like Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos . Try to take a day trip to the protected Tagus Estuary. You can ride trams throughout the city and then relax on the beaches of Cascais, Costa da Caparica, or Estoril. 

11. Southern Spain

Now it’s back into Spain where you’ll witness a very different vibe and even peer over into Africa. The south of Spain is spectacular as you travel through Seville, Gibraltar, Granada, Valencia and finishing in Barcelona.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and has a rich Moorish heritage which is evident in the colourful tiles, the lobed arches and the iconic Giralda tower . 

This is the place to experience the stereotypically Spanish cultural activities – flamenco, tapas and toros (although we strongly oppose bullfighting and you should too). Spring is a particularly festive time to visit with Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the lively Feria de Abril ( Seville Fair ). Or just to stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir. 

Before you leave the area, consider a day trip to Morocco which you can take from Tarifa . Go on a guided tour which is usually cheaper than buying a ferry ticket, and add a new continent, just for the day. 

Gibraltar may be geographically located in Spain, but it was actually ceded to Britain in 1713 and remains a British Overseas Territory. This means that while Euros are accepted, the main currency is the British Sterling. 

Moorish architecture and the Rock of Gibraltar are the two most famous sites. Europa Point at the most southern tip of Gibraltar is where you can glance into Morocco, an entirely different continent. Try not to visit on a Sunday as most places on Main Street will be closed. 

Laying at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains is Granada, best known for its pristine examples of medieval architecture, particularly the Alhambra from the Nasrid dynasty . UNESCO-listed La Alhambra is massive and needs a full day to explore properly, especially to see the Generalife gardens . 

From past to future, you’ll then venture forth to Valencia, known for its City of Arts and Sciences . This futuristic structure, reminiscent of Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan or Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul , Contains a planetarium, oceanarium and interactive museum. 

As Valencia is a coastal city, you can also set your towel down in one of its beaches including those in the Albufera Park, which is actually a wetlands reserve with a lake and walking trails. This is also a fantastic place to try out authentic paella. 

Your last stop over in Spain will be the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona. There is too much to do in Barcelona and we have written about it extensively as it is our Editor-in-Chief’s home. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Barcelona on this leg of your European road trip, here is a massive list of articles you can save, from the best of Gaudi to the top wineries to some brilliant ideas for day trips…

Barcelona guides:

• A local’s guide to one day in Barcelona
• Barcelona itinerary – Where a Barcelonian would take you in 4 days
• Epic and fabulous, the best things to do in Barcelona
• The most unusual things to do in Barcelona – unique activities to cool places
• Where to stay in Barcelona – Best areas and luxury boutique hotels
• The Best Rooftop Terraces in Barcelona to watch the sunset
• Gaudi Barcelona most incredible sights
• Guide with Sagrada Familia tickets, sights, history and other info
• A local’s guide to seeing Casa Batlló inside and out
• A local’s guide to La Casa de les Punxes
• Tips to Prepare for your Camp Nou Tour
• A local’s tips for visiting Barcelona Bunkers del Carmel

Wineries near Barcelona & Food:

• Weekend wine escape from Barcelona – includes full itinerary
• Top wineries near Barcelona to visit – Best wine and cava tours
• Poblet Monastery in Conca de Barbera: How the church brought back wine
• How to make the most of your Familia Torres Winery visit
• Visiting Cava Codorniu Spain’s oldest family-run business
• Albet i Noya – the pioneer in organic winemaking in Spain
• A day out of Barcelona taking the Cava Llopart 1887 Gran Reserva Tour
• Learning about Kosher wines at Celler de Capcanes
• Disfrutar Restaurant, elBulli’s legacy freshly carried on
• Review of Lasarte, Barcelona’s first 3 Michelin star restaurant
• Review of ABaC Restaurant Barcelona
• Gaig Restaurant Barcelona: Traditional Catalan fine-dining since 1869
• The Proximity Food Movement in Barcelona – Beyond Organic 

Day trips from Barcelona:

• Perfect day trips from Barcelona for everyone as told by a local
• Things to do in Sitges where to eat and best beaches
• How to get from Barcelona Airport to Sitges? (and from Sitges to Barcelona Airport)
• Guide to Siurana, a legendary village on Priorat’s mountains
• Day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona by a local
• Things to do in Girona + 1 day itinerary

12. Andorra

Just like Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, Andorra is another one of the smallest countries on the planet. Landlocked between Spain and France, it’s a hidden secret that will add some spice to your Europe road trip. The “country in the Pyrenees mountains” is all about beautiful nature in any season. 

There are ski slopes to hit in winter, gorgeous hiking trails in summer and a variety of activities for everything in between. Topping the list is the Caldea spa complex that leverages the natural hot springs in the area to provide an entertainment destination with hydrotherapy and wellness in mind. 

We have written a complete guide to Andorra where you can explore all of the best things to do from savoring rustic food to a list of all the museums to the best places to go shopping and the top hotels to stay at. 

13. Southern France

Crossing the border, you’ll again venture into France, this time exploring the coastal cities along the Gulf of Lion from Languedoc to Provence all the way into Italy. 

Start at Montpellier, an underrated city with a rich history, beautiful architecture and bustling boutiques and sidewalk cafés among magnificent squares. It even has its own Arc de Triomphe . 

Montpellier’s lively vibe is attributed to some 60,000 students that call it home. Sip some Languedoc-Roussillon wines with delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine or climb the 658m Pic Saint-Loup. You may want to explore Toulouse, known as “The Pink City” due to its terra-cotta bricks, as it is another lively and gorgeous destination for a European road trip. 

After Montpellier, you can choose to explore the more popular port city of Marseille and Nice along the French Riviera, both in the Provence region, if you like more touristy and cosmopolitan destinations. The former is hailed for the epic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the latter pays homage to native artists Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall . 

It’s time to join the rich and famous in another one of the smallest countries in the world, Monaco. In fact, Monaco is the second smallest country after the Vatican and is only 2sqkm. Like Andorra and Liechtenstein, Monaco is a principality, meaning that a monarchy governs, currently ruled by Prince Albert II of the Grimaldi family.

The most well-known area in Monaco is its capital city, Monte-Carlo, synonymous with James Bond, Casinos, F1 and the rich and famous (because of its tax status). Expect a multitude of yachts docked at the ports along this country in the French Riviera housing all the beautiful people of the world. 

For more, check out our guide to Monaco . 

15. The Vatican

From the second smallest to indeed the smallest country in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church which is home to the Pope. 

Like Lesotho in South Africa , the Vatican is surrounded by the Italian capital, Rome. So if you’re visiting Rome, the Vatican is a must. Your time at the Vatican will be spent viewing ancient buildings, seeing historic art pieces and taking in the spirituality of Catholicism. 

Standouts include Michelangelo’s work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel , St. Peter’s Basilica which is the world’s largest basilica of Christianity, Renaissance art treasures at the Vatican Museums , Castel Sant’Angelo , Saint Peter’s Square and Gardens of Vatican City .

16. Rome, Italy

Buongiorno, you’ve reached the “beautiful country”! You’ve explored the Vatican and had your spiritual fix, so now it’s time to venture into the capital of Italy, Rome. While it wasn’t built in a day, you can try to see it all in 24 hours but we recommend spending much longer, Rome needs to be enjoyed not rushed. 

Ancient landmarks like the Colosseum , the Pantheon , the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine should all leave you speechless. 

Gaze at the famed Trevi Fountain as you pay homage to Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita or “take a little time for yourself…live dangerously” at the Spanish Steps like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck did in Roman Holiday . Then support the local artists and street vendors at Piazza Navona. 

What next? 

Eat, eat and eat some more by exploring all the Michelin-starred restaurants of Rome (there are around 20!). 

You can then ride directly up into San Marino, which we explore next, or you have the option for going south into Naples and then Sicily to take a detour around the Italian coast and see some of the most famous parts of the country which have recently reached Instagram stardom (Amalfi Coast, Capri, etc.). 

The beaches in Favignana, off Sicily

In Sicily you can hike up an active volcano at Mount Etna , explore the best Sicilian food , visit the Godfather filming locations like Savoca , or relax in the quaint towns of Syracuse or Taormina and its Ancient Greek Theater . Here’s an extensive travel guide to Sicily for those who want to set out into the island. 

17. San Marino

San Marino is a hilly microstate on and around Mount Titano that’s completely surrounded by north-central Italy. It’s as if time has stood still in this ancient republic, with much of its historic architecture still intact. 

The capital, sharing the same name as the microstate, is most well known for its medieval walled old town and narrow cobblestone streets. Once a year in July there’s even a Medieval Days festival which is a spectacle as the entire town dresses up and celebrates their history. 

At the top of Titano’s peaks sits The Three Towers which date back to the 11th century and are great viewpoints. If you have a drone, this would be the place to fly it! 

You may want to pop into foodie heaven Emilia-Romagna or Venice to see the iconic canals and the colorful glass island of Murano before moving onto Slovenia. 

18. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Well done, you’ve made it into central Europe! 

Start in Slovenia, a really beautiful country known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana (say “loo-blee-ana”) is a university city with epic green spaces. Tivoli Park is the first of these spaces that you’ll want to explore. It’s a well manicured park where you can take a break and wander to your heart’s content. 

Cross over the iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) and visit a few of the outdoor cafes that dot the Ljubljanica River. Then get cultured at one of the many museums like the National Museum of Slovenia or the Museum of Modern Art .

55km north-west from the capital is the epic Lake Bled, the iconic blue lake with Bled island at its center that houses the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary (Cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja). This is closer to the Austrian border though, so you may want to visit it later in your journey as you’re now going down to Croatia. 

19. Zagreb & Split, Croatia

While Croatia is quite large, you’ll be sticking to the south-west so that you can easily make it into Bosnia & Herzegovina and then Montenegro. This area is also the most well-catered for tourists due to its gorgeous beaches. 

Starting in the capital of Zagreb, you’ll get to stretch your feet as you explore the quaint Tkalčićeva Street with its outdoor cafes and car-free Jelačić Square in Lower Town which also has museums, shops and parks. Upper Town is more focused on Austro-Hungarian architecture like Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark’s Church.

Quirkier travelers can visit the Museum of Broken Relationships which is dedicated to breakups. Make sure to get a licitar, a traditional honey dough cookie in the shape of a heart and is Zagreb’s symbol. There’s no real to-do in Zagreb so let your feet guide you.

Moving onto the more touristy sites, you’ll venture on down to the coastal cities of Zadar and Split. Zadar, on the Dalmatian coast, is most well known for its Roman and Venetian ruins such as St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Donatus. 

Split on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea has some really beautiful beaches that get super packed in summer. The entire city center is like visiting a giant Roman palace, still going strong after 1700 years with additions and restorations. Game of Thrones fans will know all about Diocletian’s Palace, which is also UNESCO listed . 

20. Mostar & Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Moving onto your next country in the Balkans, Bosnia & Herzegovina came into the public eye in the 90s due to the Bosnian War. Today it’s a lively off-the-beaten track destination that is safe for visitors to soak in the diverse culture. 

Unlike tourist-heavy Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina is yet to have a tourist boom and therefore makes for a great destination for those who like a more intimate experience. 

You can start your journey in Mostar before heading into the capital of Sarajevo. Mostar is a quaint city that’s known for its iconic UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge) surrounded by mountains and greenery. Explore the alleyways on foot and find some hidden gems before walking up the hills for some panoramic views. 

Previously war-torn Sarajevo is now completely restored to its former glory where east meets west – think Vienna paired up with Istanbul. While not too touristy, it still caters for foreigners with information booths and guides to the many churches, mosques, museums, amazing cafes and vibrant nightlife. 

Stroll through the cobbled streets of Baščaršija and look out for the 100 “Sarajevo Roses” which commemorate those who lost their lives in the war. A walking tour is a must! And you should definitely educate yourself on the Bosnian War before heading into the country. Read up more about it here . 

21. Kotor, Montenegro

Back to the coast, you’ll head to the south of gorgeous Montenegro . This is the best place to go in the Balkans for sun, sand and sea as it’s way less packed than neighbouring Croatia. 

The quaint UNESCO-listed fortified city of Kotor is a great place to have a moment of respite as you wander through the cobblestone roads or perhaps walk up to St. George Fortress for a spectacular view of the idyllic bay below.

You could also choose to explore some of the many picture perfect beaches of Montenegro , take a day trip to the uber luxurious and iconic Aman Sveti Stefan , or make your way to the humble oceanside towns of Rose, Perast or Ulcinj. Montenegro also has a very unique local cuisine which is always fresh and super delicious.

22. Tirana, Albania

Similar to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania has a difficult and tumultuous past. After the fall of long term and extremely paranoid dictator, Enver Hoxha, the country has tried to rebuild itself as a center for arts and the freedom of expression. 

You’ll see graffiti all around the country, particularly in the capital of Tirana, where it is encouraged to turn the dreary blocklike buildings into a sign of hope for the future. 

The Bunk’Art museums in Tirana are a perfect example of this change, where underground bunkers built by the Hoxha regime were converted into exhibition and learning spaces. 

Beyond the beautiful Tirana, there is so much to see in Albania, from idyllic Albanian beaches to gorgeous castles (look for Rozafa, Prezë and Kruje Castles), or ancient architecture in Berat , Durres and the Greek ruins at Archeological Park of Apollonia – a UNESCO heritage site .

Need some more help? I have written articles on fun facts about Albania , the best food in Albania , as well as a complete travel guide to Albania and things to do in Tirana . 

23. Ohrid, North Macedonia

Before venturing into the Land of the Gods, you’ll be making a stop at the sleepy resort city of Ohrid, Macedonia. You’ll come back to the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, a bit later in the journey. 

This is your chance to completely relax from the frantic sightseeing and driving – wine glass in hand, platter of cheese and cold cuts in front of you, while gazing deep into the vast expanse of UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid . 

If you can get off the view, take a stroll in Old Town, a boat tour around the lake or walk along the ancient Somoil’s Fortress and picturesque St. John the Theologian Church for more epic views. 

24. Thessaloniki, Greece

Cruising into Greece, you’re going to stay in the north, stopping halfway at Thessaloniki. This port city, straddling the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, is a glimpse into the country’s past. 

You can see Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remains, particularly if you venture into the upper town of Ano Poli . While parts of the city were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1917 , some ruins remain like Roman Emperor Galerius’ 4th-century palace. Munch on local street food koulouri Thessalonikis and pop open a local wine from the nearby Naousa appellation .

25.  Istanbul & Ankara, Turkey

You’re now on one of the longest stretches on your trip which is from Greece through Turkey and onto Georgia. You can space out your long drive by stopping first at energetic Istanbul and then in Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital. 

Istanbul is the confluence of East meets West, of Europe and Asia, all in one. The fantastically fascinating Old City will give you a glimpse into the past. 

Explore the Sultanahmet district which houses the Roman-era Hippodrome (think chariot races), Egyptian obelisks, the epic Blue Mosque and the jaw-droppingly beautiful Byzantine Hagia Sophia . Don’t miss the Grand Bazar for some local delights. 

Ankara is more about the present and has a thriving performing arts scene. This is your chance to dress up and go to the Opera, Ballet or see a show at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra . Before the show make sure to visit the grand Anıtkabir , the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of the Republic of Turkey.

26. Tbilisi, Georgia

After a very long drive through the Turkish countryside, you’ll finally cross the border to Georgia, which was once part of the Soviet republic. Today, due to providing 365-day visas on arrival, Georgia has become a digital nomad hotspot if you need to get some work done or meet like-minded travelers. 

Georgia is famous for its black sand beaches, the quaint Caucasus Mountain villages and Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century. 

Yet you’ll be stopping in the capital landlocked city of Tbilisi where you can wander through the maze-like cobblestoned roads of old town or hike up the scenic Narikala Fortress to see the blend of art nouveau buildings, Soviet Modernist structures and Eastern Orthodox churches. 

27. Sheki & Baku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, known as the Land of Fire and the birthplace of crude oil, is a place where East meets West, where Asia and Europe are both present but do not dominate, at once modern and a well-preserved history. 

Make a culinary pitstop in Sheki, a small but gorgeous historic town on the ancient Silk Road route. You can taste some of the best local Azerbaijani food like piti and halva in a Caravanserai before moving onto the capital. 

In Baku you will experience some of the most luxurious hotels in Azerbaijan like the Fairmont Baku Flame Towers , modern architecture like Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center , and ancient natural wonders like the volcanoes. 

Little known fact about Azerbaijan , it has 45% of the world’s mud volcanoes! For a closer look, read my article on the top things to do in Baku and Azerbaijan . 

28. Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, is your next stop on this epic European road trip. The imposing Soviet-era architecture will astound you and its history will amaze. Make a stop at the Matenadaran library , where you will find thousands of ancient Greek and Armenian manuscripts. 

Then head over to the vibrant Republic Square to watch the musical water fountains. Learn a bit more about Armenia’s past at the History Museum of Armenia with artefacts dating back to 3500 BC.

Note on feasibility : The itinerary considers that you return to Georgia from Armenia and then enter Russia by crossing the disputed territory of Abkhazia, however, at the time of writing, that is not possible. Instead, you should leave Georgia to the north at Kazbegi and enter Russia at Vladikavkaz and then retake the route. Thank you to Alastair Gill for pointing this out.

29. Sochi, Russia

As you may know, Russia is absolutely massive. In fact, at 17 million sqkm it’s the largest country in the world , by far. 

To put it in perspective, the 2nd largest country, Canada, stands at just under 10 million sqkm. In order to fit Russia into your road trip of Europe, you can travel to Sochi, along the Black Sea and far from the capital Moscow . Sochi is around the same distance between Armenia and the Ukraine. 

You may know Sochi best as the home to the 2014 Winter Olympics, but in summer it’s also a popular beach resort destination. The 1,937sqkm Forested Sochi National Park is a must for nature lovers. Interested in ditching the car and catching the train? I’d definitely recommend either the Golden Eagle on a once in a lifetime trans-Siberian journey .  

Note on safety and feasibility of this portion : At the time of writing, the itinerary passes through the disputed territory of Crimea. Entering Crimea from Russia is possible but, if you plan to continue driving into Ukraine, as shown in this itinerary, you would be entering Ukraine illegally. Likewise, crossing from Russia into Ukraine is currently difficult given the security situation. The safest and easiest way to drive from Russia into Ukraine involves driving farther north on the border between the two, possibly near Kharkiv or Sunny and then driving down to Odessa to continue with the itinerary. Thank you to Alastair Gill, Igor Gakalo and Justin Golden for share their experience.

30. Odessa & Kiev, Ukraine

Traveling along the Black Sea, you’ll cross the border over into the port city of Odessa. You’ll get to relax on one of the many beaches or watch a performance at the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater. 

Film fanatics will tick an activity off their bucket list as they climb the iconic Potemkin Stairs, immortalized in The Battleship Potemkin . Saunter along Primorsky Boulevard with monuments and mansions.

Next up is Kiev, an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center of Eastern Europe. It’s a pedestrian-friendly city with amazing public transport and a metro. So you can visit all the most beautiful monuments quite easily. 

Marvel at Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s most important landmark Pechersk Lavra , which is a complex of churches, bell towers and subterranean caves and contains a host of UNESCO heritage sites . Look up to see notable monuments like Maidan Nezalezhnosti or The Motherland Monument and then finish with a stroll in Hryshko National Botanical Garden .

Before crossing the border to Minsk, you should make a stop in Chernobyl, an historical destination where you can learn about humanity’s flaws, particularly the nuclear power plant accident from 1986 . 

You will need to go on a tour of the abandoned city in a hazmat suit, but it is safe due to stringent precautions. It is a sobering experience and definitely one that will stay with you. Learn more about Chernobyl from the recent HBO docuseries.  

31. Chișinău, Moldova

Adding Moldova to your European road trip will have you taking a bit of a detour. Instead of going straight from Odessa in the south to Kiev up north, you can make a pit stop in Chișinău between the two. 

The capital of Moldova is an up and coming destination, but still one of the least visited in Europe . It’s a pedestrian-friendly city where you can soak up the local culture at Piata Centrala, Stephan the Great Central Park or Valea Morilor Park. There are also a few landmarks to spot like the neoclassical Nativity Cathedral or the dome-topped Chișinău’s Cathedral Park.

32. Minsk, Belarus

Belarus is definitely not one of the most sought after European road trip destinations, but it surely has its own charm. At first it may seem like there is not much to do in the capital city of Minsk, but the attractions could keep you busy for about 2-3 days. 

Like most post Soviet Union countries, one of the top things to do in Minsk is to admire the Soviet architecture, particularly walking along Independence Avenue. 

Main structures include the Central Post Office , Palace of the Republic , Nyamiha Shopping Center, the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre and even an incredible Soviet bas-relief above a KFC. 

There’s also a quaint Old Town, shopping at a GUM (department) store, visiting Mir and Nesvizh Castles , and checking out the hip cafes and street art near trendy Kastrychnitskaya street. 

33. Vilnius, Lithuania

Another city where you can find astounding architecture is Lithuania’s capital Vilnius , a UNESCO heritage center . Architectural styles from all periods can be found here. And did you know you can go on a hot air balloon ride over the city? Amazing.

Strolling along the cobblestoned streets of Old Town you’ll come across the beautiful baroque Gate of Dawn and Basilian Monastery, neoclassical Vilnius Cathedral and Gothic St. Anne’s Church (and so so much more!). 

Get your green fix at Bernardine Park , open air museum Europos Parkas or atop the Hill of Three Crosses for panoramic views. Shop local at Hall Market and explore the multitude of museums.

34. Riga, Latvia

From one capital to the next, this time you’ll be visiting Latvia’s Riga, the largest city in the three Baltic states. 

You may be a bit tired of perusing all the amazing buildings of Vilnius, and Riga is just the right place as it’s a youthful city with a pumping nightlife, hipster eateries and thriving alternative scene. Maybe you’ll take home a bottle of Riga Black Balsam , a bitter but slightly sweet liqueur made in oak barrels.

Before partying it up, take in the old centre of Vecrīga, with its maze-like streets filled with restaurants, museums and nightspots, Medieval churches and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

But of course, there is more than enough architecture too to keep you happy from the vibrant House of the Blackheads to the world’s largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings, particularly those by “Riga’s Gaudí”, Mikhail Eisenstein . 

35. Tallinn, Estonia

Your final Baltic State before crossing over to Northern Europe is another cultural hub right on the Black Sea. Tallinn is for creatives. 

Starting at Telliskivi Loomelinnak (Creative City) where you’ll find Fotografiska (home to fine-art photography), venture onto PROTO Invention Factory for a look into the history of inventions and then end off at Kumu Art Museum which won European Museum of the Year in 2008. 

Cafe hop as you pass ancient monuments like Kiek in de Kök , Gothic-structured Town Hall or 13th-century St. Nicholas Church.

36. Helsinki & Rovaniemi, Finland 

Take the 2 hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Finland where you’ll end up in its capital, Helsinki. You can continue your cultural adventure by taking a walk along the Mannerheimintie, with its multitude of institutions like the National Museum , grand Parliament House and Kiasma contemporary art museum. 

Temppeliaukio Church is out of this world (think Auroville in Pondicherry or Iglesia El Rosario in El Salvador ) and Suomenlinna , a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands, is man-made marvel. Red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral is also stunning.

In Helsinki, take the option of a ferry ride to St. Petersburg and avail of the 3 day free visa option to explore Russia’s grandest city. 

You wouldn’t want to leave Finland without making a trip to Rovaniemi. Why? Because it’s the official home of Santa Claus! 

That’s right, the capital of Lapland is also home to one of the most beloved figures. There’s Santa Claus Village , SantaPark , Santa Claus Office and even Santa Claus Reindeer where you can meet the friendly helpers. Beyond all things Santa there is also lots to do from Arktikum Science Museum , Rovaniemi Art Museum , and of course Angry Birds Park !

Rovaniemi is also your chance to experience an authentic Finnish sauna, munch of some pulla (Finnish cardamom bread), and glimpse the Northern Lights. 

37. Stockholm, Sweden

Journey down the coast of Sweden along the Gulf of Bothnia all the way down to the Baltic Sea where you’ll find the capital, Stockholm. What many travelers to Stockholm might not know is that the capital city actually encompasses 14 islands with over 50 bridges. So the best way to see it all is to hop on the various ferries or sightseeing boats between the islands. 

Like most large European cities, Stockholm has its own old town called Gamla Stan which stands out for its cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings. 

Notable sites here include the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral (make sure to go inside), the Swedish monarch abode Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum (about the history of the Nobel Prize ). 

Get your Mama Mia on at the ABBA Museum , learn about all things nautical at the acclaimed Vasa Museum , or be more contemporary at Moderna Museet . Fashionista’s shouldn’t miss a visit to Södermalm (home to Greta Garbo) for “fika” (Swedish coffee break), boutique shopping, and massive photography gallery, Fotografiska . 

38. Oslo, Norway

Take in the gorgeous scenic landscapes of Swedish as you travel across the country into Norway. Shortly after crossing the border, you’ll arrive at the capital of Oslo. 

Here you’ll find vast green spaces and plenty of museums to explore. Nature is a key part of life in Oslo, so this is a great chance to get out and moving as you won’t want to miss the epic scenery of the forests, walking trails and mountains – all easily accessible by public transport if you want to take a break from driving. 

Take a coastal stroll on the Bygdøy Peninsula which has, apart from astounding natural scenery, 5 national museums including the Viking Museum . Saunter around Frogner Park which has some 212 sculptures from artist Gustav Vigeland (as well as an eponymous museum ). 

Another major artist with a dedicated museum is Edvard Munch . Learn all about sliding down snow at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower or see a show at Oslo Opera House . Make your journey complete with a tranquil trip around the Oslofjord.

We would also recommend you add 3 more weeks to your trip and explore the rest of Norway. Check out this website with 18 scenic routes in Norway .

39. Copenhagen, Denmark

Your epic European road trip continues back into Sweden with an extensive leg of the journey down into Malmö (where you should try their famed kebabs), crossing the epic Øresund Bridge and ending up in Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen. One glimpse at this beautiful city and you’ll see where famed fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen got his inspiration. 

Copenhagen has something for literally anyone from amusement parks ( Tivoli Gardens ) to trendy pedestrian streets (Strøget) to Michelin-starred cuisine (23 stars to 16 restaurants in 2020) to arts and culture galore. A short 10km ride to Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune you’ll find the oldest amusement park in the world called Dyrehavsbakken (“The Deer Pasture’s Hill”), also known as Bakken (“The Hill”).

Rent a bike and do as locals do, explore different areas from Christiania, an old commune, the historic waterfront of Nyhavn and of course the Little Mermaid statue. 

If you can, leave your car in Copenhagen and traverse the waters into the tiny island territory of the Faroe Islands – where the roofs are covered in grass , the sheep outnumber the people and the views are epic. This might inspire you to take a trip…

40. North and East Germany

Catch another ferry from Lolland in Denmark to Fehmarn in Germany. The Fehmarn Belt connecting these two destinations through an 18km underwater tunnel has also been approved , so keep on the lookout for its opening. 

You will be traveling the North of Germany through such cities as Hamberg, Bremen, Münster, Dortmund, down to the tip of the Rhine, then onward through several states from Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg which encompasses the capital of Berlin.

Here is where startup owners mingle with vegans, artists and hipsters, Berlin is the center of art and creativity in Germany and well worth a couple of days. 

While we only border Germany, you can feel free to venture into the country and explore as much or as little as you would like. Cruise straight through as fast as you can on the Autobahn blaring Kraftwerk ,enjoy sausages and beer and just take it all in.

41. Warsaw & Wrocław, Poland

After speeding on the Autobahn and living it up in hedonistic Berlin, it’s time to take it a bit slow as you enter Poland’s capital of Warsaw. 

Warsaw is a city to reflect on the atrocities of the Nazi invasion and the aftermath of World War II by visiting the many monuments dedicated to the mass destruction of the city and the people in it. Yet, like a flower through the cracks, the city has been restored to its former glory – a far cry from the rubble of the 1940s. 

Old Town and Łazienki Park are particularly beautiful and the many museums will keep you intrigued, like POLIN , Warsaw Uprising Museum or the Copernicus Science Centre (Poland is the birthplace of the famed mathematician who found the sun to be the centre of our universe). Make a pit stop at Wrocław on the Oder River, particularly the Market Square for some more culture, art and elegant architecture.

42. Prague, Czech Republic

Crossing over to the center of the Czech Republic, Prague is a beautiful city to go around on foot while exploring the unique baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the stunning medieval Astronomical Clock. 

It’s a place where art and creativity is thriving from puppetry to jazz, and was also home to writer Franz Kafka (he used to live in Golden Lane) and father of modern psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud . There’s even a statue of him hanging from a pole in Old Town.  

Sip some world famous Czech pivo (beer) while gazing at the Vltava river or go the full nine yards by taking a tour of the Czech Beer Museum Tour where you can bottle your own beer. Don’t forget to taste some pork knuckle and pickled cheese before exploring the thriving nightlife. 

43. Salzburg & Vienna, Austria

Cross yet another border and you’ll be in the birthplace of Mozart , Salzburg. It is known for having the best-preserved baroque architecture in the old town centre in Europe, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . If you have time visit The Eagles Nest in nearby Berchtesgaden, Germany for an amazing hike and epic views of the Bavarian Alps. 

Vienna is the next stop on your epic road trip of Europe, home to the United Nations and the cultural, economic and political center of Austria. It’s known as one of the most livable cities in the world and has a rich history of artists, intellectuals, culture and music. So there will be more than enough to keep you busy for a few days.  

44. Bratislava, Slovakia

Right on the border of both Austria and Hungary is Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. So it’s an easy choice to stop here between the two countries. 

Get your hiking shoes because this beautiful city has many nature trails on offer through vineyards, the Little Carpathian mountains, and overlooking the breathtaking Danube river. From fairytale castles ( Bratislava & Devin) to sky blue cathedrals to the revitalised Eurovea district , there is surprisingly a lot to take in when visiting Bratislava. 

45. Budapest, Hungary

Roll along the north of Hungary until you reach the Danube, which bisects Hungary’s capital Budapest. Interesting fact about Budapest is that it’s actually not one, but rather 3 unified cities. 

They are Buda and Óbuda on the west bank of the Danube and Pest on the east bank. Many consider Budapest to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and will be a surprising standout of your Europe road trip. 

If you don’t know where to start in this gem, try the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue. Peruse the gorgeous Parliament Building along the banks of the Danube, or Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica before descending into the infamous Faust Wine Cellars under Buda Castle. Then relax your muscles with a dip in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths or the Gellért Baths . 

46. Transylvania and Bucharest, Romania

While Transylvania is usually associated with Dracula, Gothic fortresses and churches and baroque buildings, it’s not as spooky as Bram Stoker makes it out to be. 

Most of your Transylvania itinerary will be centred around the castles like Bran , Peleș and Corvin , the UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful Sighișoara and exploring the Turda Salt Mine are equally impressive. 

But it is a rather large region of around 102,834 sqkm, so there’s a lot to cover. Hop over to the trendy student area of Cluj-Napoca for a taste of Romanian cool, explore the medieval walls and towers of Sibiu on foot or ski at Poiană Brașov.

Keep going south-east until you reach the capital of Bucharest. Once home to Vlad the Impaler and communist despot Nicolae Ceaușescu , it’s now in a boom with highrise towers and sleek glass facades. 

There is still a glimpse of the past among the newer lofty towers. Bucharest has the world’s biggest parliamentary building Palace of Parliament standing at 365,000 sqm and 1,100 rooms. Take a romantic stroll at Cișmigiu Gardens, the cobblestone streets of Lipscani (Old Town) and glimpse a replica of Paris’s Arcul de Triumf, an ode to its former nickname “Paris of the East”. 

47. Sofia, Bulgaria

Walking through the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria is like taking a time machine back to almost 2,000 years ago. 

Witness Sofia’s history of outside occupation through the Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet landmarks. The city’s history is deep and complicated where mosques have been converted into churches and monolithic soviet structures overshadow newly formed boulevards. 

While you can’t dip in, the Central Mineral Baths is a very photogenic spot with an informative museum. Adventurous travelers can ascend the 2,200m Vitosha Mountain. 

48. Skopje, North Macedonia

Coming back into North Macedonia, this time you’ll be visiting Skopje, the country’s capital and largest city. 

While being the center of politics, culture, economics, and academics, it is an ancient city dating back to 4000 BC with Neolithic remains at the old Kale Fortress. Probably the best thing to do in Skopje is to stroll along the Vardar river and do some quirky architecture and statue spotting (trust us there is a lot of that!). 

After all the walking, get some fuel at the old bazaar where you can also delve more into the culture of Skopje and visit the fort at the top of the hill. Then continue on to find some really quirky brutalist architecture and sip some thick coffee at the hipster Debar Maalo area. 

49. Pristina, Kosovo

Pristina might not be the most popular or well-known city in Europe, but once you start strategizing a trip here, you’ll notice that there is indeed a lot to do. 

One unique fact about Albania concerns Kosovo where 92.9% of the population is actually ethnic Albanian and Muslim. 

This ethnic differentiation between Muslim Kosovar people and the rest of Orthodox Serbia, the official UN country Kosovo belongs to has been the focus of tension for decades and tragically ended in the terrible Kosovo War . 

Sadly, because Kosovo has not been recognised as an independent country by the UN, these tensions continue and mean that parts of the country are under the supervision of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces . But fret not, traveling in Kosovo is very safe and attacks are rare.

Back to pristina, many of the things to do in the capital are interlinked with Albanian culture.  For example, you can taste some Albanian Rakia , see sculptures of Skanderbeg like the ones in Tirana , and pay homage to the devout spiritual leader at the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa (who was ethnically Albanian). 

You can socialise over a thick Turkish coffee, witness the medieval UNESCO Site in Gračanica or see one of the world’s ugliest buildings – the Kosovo National Library . 

To truly enjoy the most beautiful parts of Kosovo, take a detour to Peje and Prizren, two beautiful mountain villages where traditional architecture and rich Ottoman heritage have been preserved, they are real gems.

50. Belgrade, Serbia

You’ve been around the continent and visited almost every country and your final epic European road trip destination is Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. 

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has a tumultuous past of war and upheaval. It’s possibly this turbulent past that’s created it’s free-spirited present, particularly on the Bohemian avenue of Skardarlija and in the frequent splavovi (party boats) along the Danube and Sava.  You can end your monumental road trip of Europe with a bang in Belgrade by partying the night away. After sobering up, take in your final views from the Beogradska Tvrđava fortress , stroll around in deep thought at what you’ve accomplished at Kalemegdan Park and then jump into the water at Ada Ciganlija island.

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Roadtripping at your own pace is the best way to experience the real Africa. We help you create unforgettable holidays, combining the freedom of the open road with the ease of a well-planned itinerary. Reserve your 4x4 in Africa now, and drive your own adventure.

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Pascal (Switzerland) - Road Trip in Madagascar

We did the "grand circuit" and drove the car all the way our self. For the West coast we had an amazing pisteur (guide) with us. Definitely very useful if you are not that experienced with 4x4 driving, but also the navigation and especially showin...

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We always self-drive but if you have the chance to get a driver-guide like Cato (Moses) don’t hesitate to hire him. He made our roadtrip in Uganda unforgettable. His great mood, willingness to help and knowledge of the country definitely make a hu...

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After doing a self-drive in Kenya last year, I chose Roadtrip again this February for my Tanzania trip. Again, everything was super professional and smooth, how the handle secure payments digitally and provide you with a myriad of information abou...

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Roadtrip uganda.

Uganda is where we started our Africa travel agency back in 2011, and it holds a special place in our hearts. Often referred to as 'Africa condensed', Uganda offers the finest aspects of the entire continent in one small and stunning destination. Here, you can effortlessly drive to and from Uganda's one tourism gem to another in just half a day, making it a truly accessible and extraordinary destination.

Come face to face with mountain gorillas, track the chimpanzees in the forest, catch a sighting of a shoebill stork and spot tree-climbing lions. But there is more than wildlife. Experience culture in a traditional manyatta in Karamoja, hike the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, go wild water rafting on the Nile, and finish off with a blast in Kampala, the nightlife capital of East Africa. Uganda definitely makes for a great self-drive holiday in Africa!

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Tanzania is Africa’s ultimate safari destination and a paradise for roadtrippers and adventurers. Where else in the world can you witness the wildebeest migration, learn from the Masaai, climb the snow-capped Kilimanjaro and swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean? Tanzania offers all this and more, wrapped in one adventurous and welcoming package.

The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar are justifiably popular, but there are so many more hidden gems to explore in Tanzania. Hire a 4x4 car with Roadtrip Tanzania and drive your own African adventure!

Roadtrip Kenya

Imagine a lone acacia standing boldly against a horizon that seems to stretch into eternity. Picture the Great Rift Valley with its expansive tea plantations, creating a mesmerizing patchwork. Envision the colours, smells and sounds of traditional tribal life. Welcome to Kenya - a beautiful and unique place for your African holiday.

There is no better place in the world to watch herds of elephants than in Amboseli National Park. And did you know that Masai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet? While travelling your Kenya self-drive route, make sure not to skip the beautiful coastline. With a stunning blend of African, Indian and Arabic culture, the Swahili coast feels wildly different from the rest of Kenya. 

Roadtrip Madagascar

Few places on earth offer such an intense kaleidoscope of nature and cultural heritage than Madagascar, and getting there is half the fun. Enjoy endless white sandy beaches, rain forests, baobabs, the remarkable Tsingy, and national parks that only see 100 visitors a year. Combine this with a melting pot of mixed African and Asian cultures and French cuisine, and you can understand why we happily obeyed your wishes of adding Madagascar as our latest Roadtrip Africa destination.

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Check out our Travel Blog and let our Africa specialists inform you about the best national parks, beaches and hidden gems in East Africa!

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15 of the best road trips in Europe

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Hit the road in Europe with these top driving routes © Miemo Penttinen - miemo.net / Getty Images

Be inspired to explore Europe by car this summer on one, or more, of these themed driving routes.

This summer, dodge airport disruption and enjoy the unique freedom a road trip allows while exploring Europe's wondrous landscapes, delicious regional food and drink and fascinating local culture and history.

These driving routes, grouped by theme – ancient sites, lakes, Mediterranean islands, vineyards, and breweries – were gathered from Lonely Planet contributors around the world as part of the Epic Road Trips of Europe   book.

So strap in and prepare to hit the road. Here are some of the top driving experiences across Europe.

Europe's best road trips through ancient history

Explore the archaeological sites of the peloponnese, greece.

Start: Ancient Corinth End: Nemea Distance: 395 miles (635km)

History and legend collide on this mountainous peninsula where you’ll find classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities and Venetian fortresses. Combined with dramatic peaks and deep gorges that give way to turquoise seas and deserted beaches, it makes a glorious spot for a road trip.

In the northeast corner of the peninsula sits Ancient Corinth , a mostly Roman city, home to Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the Golden Fleece. From here, you can take a route that combines historic, fortified cities with beaches and some of Greece’s most interesting wineries. Head for the sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea , hilltop Mycenae or coastal Epidavros with its 4th-century-BCE theater, one of the best preserved ancient Greek structures in the country. Then loop by the mountaintop Byzantine city of Mystras , Ancient Olympia , home to the original games, and the Lousios Gorge where you’ll find the cliffside Prodromou Monastery .

First time visiting Greece? Plan your trip with these top tips

See northeast Spain on this loop through the Costa Brava

Start: Girona End: Girona Distance: 118 miles (190km)

Mixing Greek and Roman ruins with medieval towns, the eccentricities of Salvador Dalí and a wild and rugged coast, Spain’s Costa Brava makes a fascinating, eclectic destination for a road trip.

Begin   by exploring Girona’s hilly medieval core with its web of alleys and Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches. From here it’s an easy trip to Besalú, its strikingly well-preserved medieval streets fanning out around the handsome 11th-century Pont Fortificat (Fortified Bridge). Heading east to Figueres things get decidedly more bizarre at the Teatre-Museu Dalí , a fittingly trippy tribute to the local hero and Surrealist artist. Dalí spent his later life nearby in Port Lligat near Cadaqués , a whitewashed village with a pretty harbor and bohemian vibe. South along the coast are the extensive ruins of the Greek city Empúries and its later Roman neighbor, while inland is Castell de Púbol, a 14th-century castle that was Dalí’s gift to his wife and muse, Gala.

Looking for more driving routes in Spain? Give these a try

Drive backcountry roads on the Croatian island of Hvar

Start: Hvar Town End: Jelsa Distance: 22 miles (35km)

Fought over by the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians, Hvar has long been a sought-after destination. Medieval walls topped by an imposing Spanish fortress enclose the Old Town, whose marble streets are lined with elaborate Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In high summer, Hvar attracts a party-hard international jet set, but outside the peak it’s a magical place that acts as the perfect gateway to crystalline waters and quiet villages.

Head for Stari Grad  on the north coast, a quieter town set on a horseshoe bay, to visit Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO Cultural Landscape whose stone walls and terraces of olives and grapes were laid out by the ancient Greeks. Drive backcountry roads through a patchwork of lavender and rosemary to discover isolated beaches and hidden coves, colorful former fishing villages such as Vrboska or Jelsa, and some of Croatia’s best wineries.

Traveling in Croatia as a family?   Here's what you need to know about visiting with kids

The best lakeside driving routes in Europe 

Follow switchbacks between lakes ohrid and prespa, north macedonia.

Start: Ohrid End: Oteshevo Distance: 34 miles (55km)

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania . Despite its UNESCO status and being home to a multitude of endemic species, it remains remarkably unvisited.

Begin in the ancient, picturesque city of Ohrid, continuously occupied since Neolithic times. Its Grecian theater, rediscovered in the 1980s and restored, hosts an arts festival each summer. As you drive south you pass fortresses and monasteries, teetering dramatically above the water. Leave Lake Ohrid on a series of switchbacks climbing up through Galičica National Park, where at the road’s highest point a trail leading farther up offers a view across both lakes. Descend to the tranquil Lake Prespa in time for dinner, stopping at one of the many small restaurants in Oteshevo that serve fish landed straight from the lake.

Travel around Lake Annecy, France

Start: Annecy End: Annecy Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Lake Annecy found fame in Paul Cézanne’s Le Lac d’Annecy painting, a post-Impressionist masterpiece that captures all the beauty, grandeur and violence of the landscape here. But nothing beats seeking out that drama yourself.

It takes just a lazy day’s driving to travel its circumference, along glimmering blue water with snowcapped Alps behind. Base yourself   in Annecy and explore the gorgeous Old Town and lively markets before setting off. Impressive Château Menthon is well worth visiting and has guided tours throughout the summer months. Stop at Talloires for lunch – it has a fine selection of restaurants and good swimming beaches – and then,   if you’ve still got the energy, hike one of the many trails that wind up to the peaks that surround the lake. Finish back in Annecy for a sunset drink with panoramic views across the water at the Hotel Belvédère.

Don't want to drive? Ride a bike around Lake Annecy instead

Take a dip into Finnish Lakeland

Start: Varkaus End: Anttola Distance: 86 miles (138km)

A quarter of the Finnish Lakeland region is water – there are at least 55,000 lakes here, making it the largest lake district in Europe. To drive in this area is to lose all distinction between the water and the road. From Varkaus, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the Järvisydän spa , offering every type of soaking and sweating you can imagine. It’s not all about relaxing though – as you drive across this watery landscape there is ample opportunity for swimming and canoeing, fishing and boat trips, or, in winter, skating and snowshoeing. Finland’s  "Right to Roam" means that camping is permitted just about anywhere, but the hotels might still tempt you. The Ollinmäki Wine Farm , just outside Anttola, has villas, fabulous food, homemade wine and nearby lakes for a final road trip dip.

Experience the best of Finland with this guide to the country's top experiences

The best drives around Mediterranean islands

Marvel at the incredible scenery of gozo's north coast.

Start: Ramla Bay End: Dwejra Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Gozo is the second-billed island in the Maltese archipelago, but for scenic appeal it easily rivals Malta proper. A drive along Gozo’s north coast reveals one of the country’s least built-up corners. Begin with a dip at Ramla Bay , a wide and largely wild beach not to be confused with the resort of the same name on the main island. Once you’ve brushed off its characteristic orange sand, take a coastal drive through the small harbor of Marsalforn, beyond which the route passes a surreal landscape of seaside salt pans. The road gets gravelly after it ducks round the inlet of Wied il-Għasri , but stick with it if you can along the clifftops to reach Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural sea arch to replace the famous Azure Window that collapsed in 2017. The location of the latter still makes a fitting trip finale, with sunset views beside the Dwejra Inland Sea.

Want to see more beaches? Here are Malta and Gozo's best

Summit Mount Pantokrator in Corfu, Greece

Start: Pyrgi End: Pyrgi Distance: 41 miles (66km)

Mt Pantokrator is the highest point in Corfu (2972 ft/906m), and a lap of its flanks brings generous mountain and coastal views as you round the northeast corner of the island. Start in Pyrgi village and proceed north and clockwise if you want to get the climbing done early. From Pyrgi the road zigzags up past olive groves through the villages of Spartylas and Strinylas. Here you can drive east on a road up to the summit of Pantokrator itself (a car with a nimble turning circle is an advantage) where there’s a small but richly decorated monastery under a rather unfortunate communications mast. Return to the coast at the resort town of Acharavi, and head east as the road snakes round lushly wooded bays and charming villages such as Kalami, with views towards Albania just two miles across   the water.

Plan your time on the Greek islands with this guide to how long you need there

Loop around the Italian island of Lipari 

Start: Lipari Town End: San Salvatore Distance: 17 miles (28km)

Lipari is the middlemost of the Aeolian Islands , and as you drive the encircling main road, each of the other volcanic islands puts in an appearance on the horizon. Lipari Town is reached by car ferries and faster hydrofoils from Sicily , and heading out north the route is a palm-lined corniche running along a yacht-filled bay. From the road skirting the shingle beach at Canneto, you’ll have views towards the islands of Panarea and – half-concealed behind it – the ever-smoking cone of Stromboli.

Past the pumice quarries at Lipari’s northeast corner, twin-peaked Salina lumbers into view, and after that, more distant Filicudi and Alicudi, if summer haze doesn’t obscure them. Last to appear as you turn the southwest corner is Vulcano. It’s visible from the main road, but for a close-up, end your drive at the viewpoint beside the Geophysical Observatory in San Salvatore, at Lipari’s southern tip.

First time in Italy? Here's what you need to know

The top driving routes through European wine regions

Linger for a drink in portugal's douro valley.

Start: Porto End: Miranda do Douro Distance: 222 miles (358km)

Portugal kept this one up its sleeve for a long time, but oenophiles have finally clocked on to the romance – and increasingly outstanding wines – of the Douro Valley . The world’s oldest demarcated wine region (in 1756, for the record) is a real beauty, with mile after mile of twisting, terraced vineyards that rise sharply from the Douro River.

Its true heart is the Alto Douro (Upper Douro), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive kicks off in the grand port lodges of Porto , gradually inching east to the Spanish border. En route expect to find an abundance of historic wine estates – Quinta Nova and Quinta do Crasto are names to remember. And you’ll want to linger at the Casal de Loivos lookout, where the gasp-eliciting view over the vines is the Douro reduced to postcard format. Allow five days to a week to do the drive justice.

Don't miss Portugal's other great food and drink experiences

Pause for wine tasting in the vineyards of the Lavaux, Switzerland

Start: Lausanne End: Château de Chillon Distance: 25 miles (40km)

Easily doable in a day trip from Geneva , this short but sublime drive takes in the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Lavaux vineyards , which stagger up from the northern shores of Lake Geneva in a series of sheer, stone-walled terraces that beggar belief. The road trip along Rte 9 begins in the higgledy-piggledy French-speaking city of Lausanne and takes in pretty lakeside towns like Vevey before swinging southeast to Montreux (of summer jazz festival fame) and Château   de Chillon , an extraordinary 13th-century fortress, brought to world attention in 1816 in Lord Byron’s poem "The Prisoner of Chillon". Painters William Turner and Gustave Courbet subsequently immortalized the castle on canvas. In the vineyards, pause at a cave to taste beautiful Chasselas white wines that are crisp, minerally and usually only produced on a small, artisanal scale. Lavaux Vinorama in lakeside Rivaz whisks you through the region’s 300 wines and offers insightful tastings.

Want to see more of Switzerland?  Follow these other spectacular road trips

Cruise this classic route through Chianti country, Italy

Start: Florence End: Siena Distance: 44 miles (71km)

Toscana simply doesn’t get more bella than this classic drive on the SR222 through Chianti country. Linking two great medieval cities, the road meanders languorously through gently rolling countryside striped with cypress trees, olive groves and vines. After an art and architectural feast in Florence , it’s time to head south to Siena , crowned by its magnificent cathedral   and 12th-century Piazza del Campo . In between are honey-colored hill towns, where life revolves around the town square, and is punctuated by the chiming of the campanile. Stop by enotecas (wine shops), open for tastings of the region’s revered red wines, including Chianti Classico, a sangiovese-dominated drop. The road   is technically drivable year-round but is perhaps at its most photogenic during the late springtime eruption of poppies and other wildflowers.

Here's how to experience the best of Tuscany

Europe's best driving routes for beer lovers

Drive the german beer loop.

Start: Cologne End: Düsseldorf Distance: 1130 miles (1818km)

Beer has been brewed in Germany for three millennia. It’s a major part of the country’s culture, with many regional styles. Begin with a delicate straw-colored kölsch in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral before heading southeast to Bamberg , home of interesting rauchbiers made with smoked malt. South, near the border with Austria , Munich is famous for its golden Helles lagers and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, while to the north, in former East Germany, the traditional beer style of Leipzig is gose , a tart beer flavored with salt and coriander. Nearby, Berlin is famous for Berliner Weisse beers, refreshingly low in alcohol, and often spiked with berry syrup. To the southwest, via Hanover and Saxony , Düsseldorf is the heartland of copper-colored altbiers – the name translates to "old beer", as this is one of Germany’s most historic brews.

Not ready to stop exploring?   Here are some other great driving routes in Germany

Visit breweries serving Trappist beers in Belgium 

Start: Westmalle End: Vleteren Distance: 347 miles (558km)

Explore Belgium while tasting beers from Trappist breweries, where monks have been creating flavorful beers for centuries before the contemporary focus on craft beer. Begin northeast of Antwerp at Café Trappisten , where Westmalle beers are matched with cheeses also made by monks from the adjacent Westmalle Abbey . Heading south through Brussels , beers from the Rochefort Brewery are partnered at local cafes with venison from the nearby Ardennes region. It’s then a 50 mile (80km) drive further south to Orval for their bottle-conditioned beer, a favorite of many craft brewers around the world.

To the northwest, a quick spin of the wheels through France brings you to Scourmont Abbey , the base for Chimay. At the Poteaupré Inn at the Espace Chimay visitor center, try the Chimay 150, originally brewed in 2012 to celebrate the brewery’s 150-year anniversary. From here, it’s then a two-hour drive north to Vleteren, to end the trip with some excellent beers from Westvleteren.

Spending more time in Belgium?   Here are the best places to visit

Taste the suds of southeast Ireland

Start: Dublin End: Cork Distance: 236 miles (380km)

Guinness in Dublin and Murphy’s in Cork are two of Ireland’s most renowned breweries, and linking these heavyweights is this itinerary visiting up-and-coming craft breweries in between. After touring Guinness’ historic St James’s Gate brewery, continue south for a hoppy Wildfire red ale from Wicklow Wolf Brewery , before making the 20-minute drive along the Irish Sea to the Wicklow Brewery. Sunday roast for lunch is always a good time to visit the brewery’s Mickey Finn’s pub. Continue through a patchwork of farmland to YellowBelly Beer in County Wexford . YellowBelly’s seasonal brews include unusual sours and farmhouse ales, while the Gallow’s Hill barley wine, found west at the Dungarvan Brewing Company , is ideal in cooler months. Complete a hop-fuelled Irish journey with a pint of Murphy’s stout at the Shandon Arms in Cork.

Here's how to find traditional pubs loved by locals in Dublin

This article was first published Sep 13, 2022 and updated May 13, 2024.

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The 12 best and most beautiful road trips in Europe

Fill up the tank, load up the tunes and get behind the wheel. The best road trips in Europe are waiting

If you’re anything like us, incredible road trips will be high on your bucket list. You simply can’t beat the feeling of speeding down the road, loading up the tunes and having your main character moment (whether you’re the one behind the wheel or not). 

The best part? Europe alone is home to a number of incredible road trips, from the mountainous views of Iceland to the deserts of Tirana. Pick your favourite road trip playlist or a cracking podcast, load up on snacks and hit the road. Here are the best road trips in Europe. 

RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The best city breaks in Europe for 2024 🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe 🏛️ The best museums and galleries in the world 🎨 The world’s exhibitions worth travelling for

John Bills is a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, our travel guides are written by experts all over the world. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best road trips in Europe

1.  Iceland Ring Road

Iceland makes an appearance on any self-respecting list of travel experiences. The Iceland Ring Road encircles the entire nation, covering 1,333 kilometres of road, a distance that can be traversed in 12 or 13 hours, depending on speed. Truth be told, you should take a week or so to do it properly, stopping to take in the majestic scenery that only Iceland can produce. Sigur Rós made a video of the whole thing backed by some typically gorgeous music, so head to a well-known internet video streaming site and start making plans. 

2.  Epirus, Greece

Driving around the winding mountain roads of Zagori sounds like a dream, right? These serpentine roads aren’t the easiest, but they are well worth it; think lakes, monasteries, stunning mountain villages and animals that are very much in charge of the place. There are several possible routes, so you might as well just get that driving licence sorted and let your whims do the rest.

3.  Pula to Dubrovnik, Croatia

If anyone tells you that Croatia is still a hidden gem, you should stop listening to them. Hrvatska gets mega busy throughout the summer, but spring and autumn remain brilliant times to visit, and what better way to explore the coast than by driving all the way down it? Start at Pula and snake your way down the coast to Dubrovnik, breaking up the 709km with stops in Rijeka, Zadar, Split and wherever else. Heck, you could even nip inland to explore the magical Plitvice Lakes National Park, and extend the last leg by heading into Bosnia and Herzegovina to see Mostar, Kravice waterfall and Blagaj for yourself.  

4.  Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

You can also call it the DN7C if you’d prefer. The Transfăgărășan is a stunning mountain road that traverses Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, the second-highest in the country but arguably the best known. Every spectacular second of the 150 kilometres offers up stunning views. The speed limit is 40km/h because of the relatively fragile ground, but going slow makes it easier to enjoy the surroundings. Bâlea Lake is pretty much at the top, and it doesn’t get much more beautiful than that. 

5.  Atlantic Road, Norway

Not all road trips need to be multi-day marathons. Sometimes, going out for a few hours of gorgeous driving interspersed with views (and a picnic, you gotta have a picnic) is all that is needed. Norway ’s Atlantic Road snakes around the west coast of the country, covering just 8.3km but encapsulating the old ‘quality over quantity’ cliche perfectly. The road has been described as the world’s most beautiful car journey, and we aren’t about to disagree.

6.  Tallinn to Tirana

Somehow, someway, Eastern Europe remains criminally misunderstood. The vague geographic notion doesn’t tell half the story, so why not drive from the north of the east to the south and see for yourself? From Estonia on the Baltic to Albania on the Med lies a conveyor belt of fascinating nations with beauty around every corner. It would take around 34 hours to drive the 2,945km without stopping, but you’d also need to be a cyborg. Head through the Baltic states before heading central into Poland , Czechia and onwards. 

7.  Autobahn, Germany

If you’re interested in an incredible European road trip, the chances are you’re already very aware of the Autobahn. Germany and all things automobiles go together like magnet and steel – hurtling down the Autobahn is one of Europe’s great behind-the-wheel experiences. You can’t actually go as fast as you like on this famous road, so pay attention to the various limits, lest you end up in serious bother. Start in Cologne and head north through Bremen and Hamburg before snaking back down to Berlin , covering more than 500km in the process.

8.  Northern Lakes, Italy

Okay, now we’re really entering the world of dreams. The magnificent lakes in the north of Italy have been big business for a long old while, but how about an extravagant road trip taking in as many of them as possible? You can start this one pretty much from the moment you land in Milan , picking up a rental and heading to Lake Maggiore and setting up shop before heading east through Lake Como, Lake Garda and all the rest. Take as much time as is humanly possible, you’re going to want to savour these spots. 

9.  Edinburgh to London, United Kingdom

You could tackle the entire length of Great Britain, starting at John o’Groats and driving 1,407km down to Land’s End, but the  very northern tip of Scotland isn’t the most accessible place. Instead, make a grand journey between the capitals of Scotland and England , starting in Edinburgh and heading south through the Lake District , the cities of the north, the meat of the Midlands and more. Just 647km sit between the two, so be sure to make this itinerary a winding one.

10.  Vienna to Belgrade

Europe has no shortage of great rivers, but the diversity of the Danube makes it the continent’s finest. The second longest in Europe, the Danube runs through four capital cities (Belgrade, Budapest , Bratislava and Vienna ), so why not get behind the wheel and hit up all four? Start in the latter and weave your way towards bouncing Belgrade, treating yourself to a night out in one of the continent’s most exciting cities as a treat. Better yet, if you have the time, why not follow the entire length of the river?  

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Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

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The Best Road Trips in Europe

Europe is perfect for an epic road trip! From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style.

Whether you’re road tripping in Europe for a week, a month, or a year, our top Europe road trip itinerary ideas will give you plenty of inspiration to get on the road.

We have lived on the road in Europe for over five years, and in our Europe trip planner, we share our top routes and itineraries, ideas about what do to and see, and accommodation recommendations. If you’ve got wheels there’s a European road trip here for you!

Europe Road Trip Planner

We have traveled every single one of these European roads in and on a variety of vehicles! Whether you ride a motorbike, drive Europe by car or you’re traveling in a motorhome or RV, you’ll find some of the best Europe road trip ideas here.

If you’re on a flying visit and or want a 3 month Europe road trip , we have the best Europe road trip itineraries for you. Our road trip planner Europe includes specific road trip routes, amazing hotel recommendations, and insider travel tips to help you plan a driving holiday in Europe.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Are you planning to rent a car in Europe? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip through Europe.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in France. We recommend Auto Europe for their large range of fully equipped vehicles, competitive pricing, and great customer service. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Europe Road Trip Map

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Europe . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

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Vienna to Innsbruck Road Trip

Vienna – graz – hallstatt – salzburg – zell am see – mayrhofen – innsbruck.

• May-October

We recommend starting your two week Austrian road trip in Vienna and concluding the itinerary in Innsbruck.

As you leave Vienna, beautiful and quaint Austrian towns and villages will greet you as you travel south toward the foodie city of Graz, the next major stop on your Austrian itinerary. From here, it’s north to Hallstatt, a small, alpine village situated on the western shores of Hallstätter See, also known as Hallstatt Lake, that offers iconic views and outdoor experiences. 

Next up is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend leaving enough time in your itinerary to explore the Baroque architecture of the city and visit the Salzburg Fortress for stunning panoramic views. From Salzburg, head to Zell am See, a charming mountain town surrounded by the unforgettable mountain peaks of the Alps. 

Zell am See is the perfect spot from which to drive the spectacular Glossglockner high alpine pass, a mountain road that twists and bends itself along the Alps mountains, providing panoramic scenery and an unforgettable experience.

Your journey will continue on to Mayrhofen, a popular skiing destination known for its vibrant nightlife, unrivaled winter sports, and stunning alpine scenery. 

Finally, finish your Austria road trip in Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol region. This Austrian city is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and is home to several impressive landmarks. Innsbruck is the perfect place to end your road trip and reflect on the stunning beauty of Austria.

• Driving the gorgeous mountain roads, when you feel like you’re on top of the world!
• Listening to Mozart in Salzburg, his birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Walking out 1,48 feet onto the Hallstatt World Heritage Skywalk for breathtaking views of the Hallstätter See.

Where to Stay

Vienna ⇒ Jaz in the City Vienna for its city center location, modern interior, and funky bar.

Salzburg ⇒   Altstadthotel Wolf-Dietrich  for its old town setting, luxury spa, and fantastic breakfast.

Innsbruck ⇒ Hotel Grauer Bär for its perfect downtown location, light and stylish rooms, and excellent customer service.

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• Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide
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Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Loire valley road trip.

Orleans – Blois – Tours – Angers – Nantes

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture, and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Taking a vineyard tour to taste the delicious white wines, like Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, and Sancerre, which are produced here.
• Visiting the world-famous Chateau Chenonceau, the only castle on the Loire built by women.
• Watching the iconic steampunk elephant strutt its stuff at Machines de L’Ile on the Ile de Nantes, an urban island in the Loire river.

Orléans ⇒   Empreinte Hotel & Spa for its riverbank location, beautiful bathrooms, and private spa.

Tours ⇒ Château Belmont  for its wonderful grounds, stylish bedrooms, and excellent restaurant.

Nantes ⇒ Okko Hotels Nantes Château   for its city center location, cool decor, and private parking.

Pyrenees Road Trip

Lourdes – cauterets – gavarnie – arreau – bagnares-de-luchon.

• May-September

This is a Pyrenees road trip and hiking tour all in one. With four easy-to-moderate classic Hautes-Pyrenees hikes en route plus an extra in Spain just over the border and some of the most spectacular mountains on the map of Europe at your feet, this is an amazing route. 

One of our go-to happy places, get our detailed seven day Pyrenees hiking tour guide, including an interactive map of hikes and the suggested route.

• Taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful Lac de Gaube on a hot summer’s day.
• Braving the nail-biting drive up the Pic du Midi and the incredible views from the Col du Tourmalet.
• Standing at the top of Pic de la Pahule with the entire Pyrenees mountain range at your feet.

Lourdes ⇒ Villa L’Orante  for its commanding views, beautiful bathrooms, and delicious homemade breakfasts.

Gavarnie ⇒ Hotel Le Taillon  for its location, views, and hearty mountain food.

Bagnares-de-Luchon ⇒ Le Castel d’Alti   for its elegant decor, heated jacuzzi and pool, and live music in the bar.

South of France Road Trip

Lyon – st croix du verdon – aups – cassis – aix-en-provence – bezier – carcassonne – toulouse.

• avoid July & August

A road trip in France is one of the best ways to see this beautiful country, and because France is so accessible, this is an easy 2 week Europe road trip from UK and the rest of Europe

Start in the foodie city of Lyon, a five hour drive south of Paris , before using the historic Route Napoleon to travel south. It’s one of the  best drives in Europe , free and incredibly scenic.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gorgeous little town and worth a stop before you take a jaunt around the stunning Gorge du Verdon.

Try some  wild swimming in the Lac de Sainte-Croix here before making your way to Aups for their authentic farmers market and Provencal vibe.

Stop at Cassis to explore the Calanques, huge gashes in the coastal cliffs, often only accessible by boat. Take a day trip out for a picnic and an idyllic afternoon of soaking up the sun and snorkeling.

Head north to the vibrant and pretty French city of Aix-en-Provence and spend an evening strolling through the charming squares and winding alleys of this elegant and cultured city.

Next up is the drive east across the hauntingly beautiful and off-the-beaten-track Camargue, before arriving at Bezier, famous for the nine locks of the Midi Canal.

Move on to Carcassonne, dipping into the Pyrenees en route to see the incredible Peyrepertuse Castle, before spending a few days marveling at La Cite, the Disneyesque medieval citadel of Carcassonne. 

The pink city of Toulouse is your last stop and what a road trip destination it is! Head into the old town for great food, live music, and a typically Occitan atmosphere of noise, heat, and fun. 

• Walking through the fragrant iconic lavender fields of Valensole in Provence (June is the best month).
• Kayaking to hiffen beaches in the stunning Calanques National Park from Cassis.
• Discovering the atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage site of the medieval citadel in Carcassonne.

Lyon ⇒ Mob Hotel Lyon for stylish design, contemporary dining, and live DJ sets.

Aix-en-Provence ⇒   Le Pigonnet  for its beautiful location and luxury with a touch of glamour.

Carcassonne ⇒ Hotel de la Cite   for the Citadel location, traditional character, and spa.

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• Motorhome Germany: Complete Touring Guide
• Driving from UK to Germany: Best Routes, Costs & Tips

The Fairy Tale Road

Frankfurt – steinau – marburg – kassel – gottingen – hamelin – bremen.

This central to north Germany road trip from Frankfurt does not technically start in the city, but Frankfurt is the perfect place to fly into and pick up a rental car. If you’re spending the night, make sure you visit the South Bank, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The Fairy Tale route, or Deutsche Märchenstraße , offers travelers a series of charming towns, half-timbered buildings, castles, beautiful parks, and museums, most of which reference one fairy tale or another from the story collection of the Brothers Grimm .   

The starting town of Steinau an der Strasse is straight out of their fairy tales, complete with typical half-timbered houses, twisting cobbled alleys, and the turreted Schloss Steinau which overlooks the whole town. Visit the Brüder Grimm Haus and Museum Steinau, both of which showcase the works of the brothers.

Take the back roads to Marburg and enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and slower pace for a few hours. Marburg’s altstadt is full of medieval houses and the hilltop Landgrafenschloss, a dramatic castle holding exhibits on sacred art and local history.

From Marburg, head to Kassel, where the Brothers Grimm spent their teenage years whilst working as librarians for the King of Westphalia, Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of the infamous Napoléon. Make sure to visit the Brüder Grimm Museum, and the Schloss und Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a tranquil green space and the largest hill park in all of Europe.

Gottingen is home to the University of Gottingen, where the Grimm Brothers once served as professors. Make for the traditional and atmospheric central market square, where the statue of Ganseliesel, the little goose girl of German lore, is one of the most kissed statues anywhere in the world. It is said that the kisser is rewarded with good luck, but maybe post-virus this practice will change!

Hameln (or Hamelin) is next up and one of the most famous fairy tale destinations in Europe. Hameln is the home of the Pied Piper, or Rattenfänger, who rid the town of rats in 1284, only to be cheated out of his payment.

The Pied Piper returned to Hameln a year later and lured away all the children. The story is re-enacted in the town center every Sunday between May and October and is a fantastic spectacle. The Weser Renaissance architecture of the Rattenfängerhaus and the Hochzeitshaus makes a fitting historic backdrop for the streets which are thronged with locals dressed the part, stalls selling food, and live music playing. 

Finally, on to the Hanseatic city of Bremen, your final stop. Good places to visit in Bremen include the traditional Marktplatz, which is located in the city’s charming altstadt, the 600-year-old Rathaus or town hall, the Roselius-Haus Museum, and the stunning St. Petri Dom, the 11th century gothic cathedral.

Another landmark can be found in the city’s central town square – a statue of the Bremen musicians and heroes of the Brothers Grimm story, ‘The Town Musicians of Bremen’.

• Watching the lively re-enactment of Hameln’s Pied Piper luring away visiting children.
• Exploring the altstads of towns en-route, where half-timbered houses and cobbled streets are common.
• Indulging in northern Germany’s hearty and tasty cuisine, like wurst , Germany’s delicious sausages, Bremer klaben , a yeasty cake of candied fruit and nuts, and kluten , a delicious dumpling.

Frankfurt ⇒ Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch  for its proximity to the airport and city center, fantastic spa, and beautiful surroundings.

Marburg ⇒ The Vila Vita Rosenpark  for its central location, excellent regional restaurant, and stylish bedrooms.

Bremen ⇒ Atlantic Grand Hotel   for its perfect riverside location, bike rental from reception, and ultra-stylish bathrooms.

Southern Germany Road Trip

Wurzburg – rothenburg – ludwigsburg – burg hohenzollern – fussen – oberammergau – linderhof – munich – chiemsee.

This route follows parts of southern Germany’s famous Romantic Road and the Deutsche Alpenstrasse and has a good mix of Alpine views, historic schloss and castles, and typical Bavarian towns and villages.

As you head south, enjoy the views of the magnificent Alps ahead.

You could rush around in a week but we think ten to fourteen days gives you enough time to visit a few other places of interest when you’re all castled out!

Visiting in the summer will provide you with sunshine and clear skies but if you can do this route in winter, then you’ll be rewarded with some of the best Christmas markets in the world, fairytale snowy landscapes, and schloss decorated for the festive season.

More of a palace than a castle, the  Wurzburg Residence  is a huge Baroque palace. Beautiful inside, the real draw here is the gardens, laid out in a typically formal French style.

From here, head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairytale Bavaria town packed with medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets.

Next up is  Ludwigsburg Residential Palace  one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany. Its sumptuous interiors, with gold leaf and painted ceilings, are on a similar scale to Versaille, and the Palace Theatre is pretty impressive. 

Schloss Lichtenstein  is a pretty little Neo-Gothic castle built in the romantic style. It may not have the scale of other castles but it’s charming and quirky, with amazing views.

Hohenzollern Castle  does have the scale, along with grandeur, Rapunzel towers, and a long royal history. It’s one of the most magical castles to visit in Germany . 

Hohenzollern Palace (also known as Sigmaringen Castle) sits 50km to the southeast, can be seen on the horizon for miles around, and is a real  hidden gem in Germany .

Our next stop is the daddy of German castles, Neuschwanstein. Just outside Fussen, in the village of Schwangau, Neuschwanstein is a truly stunning Cinderella-esque schloss built by the fascinating historical figure of King Ludwig II, who ruled Bavaria in the 19th century.

If you have time when  visiting Neuschwanstein Castle , take a walk out to Marienbrucke bridge where you can take the perfect images of the castle, the earlier the better! This castle gets very busy every day through the year, so make sure you  book tickets online  before arriving.

Next up, take in Oberammergau, home of the famous once-in-a-decade Passion Play. There is also a fantastic  public spa  here, which may be just the thing after a few days of driving. The Germans know how to do a spa and this is one of the best we’ve visited.  

If you’ve time to spare,  visit the Zugspitze , you’re only an hour away from Germany’s highest mountain in the northern Alps . This natural wonder is easy to summit, with the help of the cogwheel train and cable car; it is absolutely worth the detour, and the views are stunning. 

The next stop is  Linderhof Palace , our favorite of the German schloss. This beautifully symmetrical and elegant palace is arguably King Ludwig’s finest creation. Check out the grottos in the landscaped grounds; they’re pretty special!

Finally, drive on to Munich for the Nymphenburg Palace, one of the premier royal palaces in Europe with magnificent interiors and gardens. Spend a day discovering Munich  and if you’re  road tripping in autumn , you could also take in Oktoberfest, Munich’s famous beer festival. 

Herrenchiemsee Palace  is the last stop on this Bavaria road trip. Known as the ‘Bavarian Versaille’, this palace is in a beautiful location on Herreninsel, the largest island on the Chiemsee lake.

• Discovering the pretty medieval houses and architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
• Admiring King Ludwig’s before-their-time building innovations at his fairytale castles .
• Taking fantastic images of Neuschwanstein from Marienbruck at dawn, when the light is perfect and you’ll have the bridge to yourself. 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber ⇒ Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister  for its altstadt location, traditional Bavarian decor, and fabulous breakfast!

Oberammergau ⇒   Mammhofer Suites  for their family-run hospitality, central location, and kitchen access for self-catering.

Munich ⇒ Roomers Munich  for stylish design, superb customer service, and an excellent restaurant.

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

• Lonely Planet Greece
• The Rough Guide to Greece
• DK Eyewitness Greece: Athens and the Mainland
• Motorhome & Campervan Greece – Complete Guide

Mainland Greece Road Trip

Athens – delphi – galaxidi – nafpaktos – parga – meteora – mount olympus – thessaloniki.

The beautiful landscape of mainland Greece is dotted with ancient Greek monuments and temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, hot springs, roadside churches, lemon trees overhanging the roads, and traditional tavernas where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

This trip hits all the big highlights of Greece, taking you from the modern yet historic capital city to the most charming coastal towns before exploring the mountainous interior, all on one road trip.

You’ll visit the most important archaeological site in Greece, Ancient Delphi, and be in awe of the gravity-defying monasteries in Meteora, before making your pilgrimage to the most mythical of all sites in Greece, Mount Olympus.

• Looking across the magnificent landscape of Meteora, to capture that once-in-a-lifetime iconic image.
• Sipping a carafe of chilled Greek rose on the harbourside in Parga.
• Taking the hike up to the Acropolis in Athens in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.

Ancient Delphi ⇒ Fedriades Delphi Hotel , for its perfect location and fantastic Greek breakfast.

Parga ⇒ Villa Coralli apartments for its perfect location overlooking Krioneri Beach and 200m from the center of town.

Thessaloniki ⇒ Plaza Hotel in Ladadika, for its beachside location close to all the major attractions.

Peloponnese Road Trip

Athens – corinth – kalavryta – olympia – kalamata – the mani – sparta – nafplio – mycenae – athens.

This two week Peloponnese itinerary and road trip starts in the capital city of Athens. Spend a day or two in this incredible city, which is both ancient and edgy.

As you head west from Athens towards Ancient Corinth, you’ll cross the Corinth Canal, which splits the Corinth Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, and joins the Aegean and Ionian Seas, it’s worth making a stop to see what was a major feat of engineering back in the day.

Home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts, of Golden Fleece fame, Ancient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BCE. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BCE before building a new city in its place in 44 BCE, which became the provincial capital of Greece.

Next up, head to Kalavryta, known officially as the place where the Greek War of Independence started when Greece revolted against the Turks in 1821, and where 500 souls were massacred by the Nazis in World War Two. The latter event is depicted in the Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, a moving tribute to those residents and the story of the struggle between Greek partisans and the occupying forces.

The Diakofto-Kalavryta Railway is a vintage rack and pinion railway between the two towns. The route is incredibly scenic, passes through seven tunnels, and twists along the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge, clinging to its narrow ledge over the churning rapids below – make sure to fit this into your visit before moving on to Ancient Olympia.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is where the Games took place every four years, for over 1100 years! The Olympic Flame is still lit here for the modern Games. This beautiful, shady archaeological site is incredibly evocative – wandering through the ruins, it’s easy to imagine the ripped athletes and excited spectators of its heyday, amongst the magnificent temples and athletic facilities.

Our route has two options at this point – head inland for spectacular scenery and mountain passes, or take the coastal route around the middle peninsula of the Peloponnese through the wild and rugged Messinian Mani, with picture-perfect Kardamyli and the colorful harbor of pretty Gythio awaiting.

Your final stop is Nafplio, often called the most romantic city in Greece, and blessed with pretty streets, elegant neoclassical architecture, and interesting independent shops, bars, and tavernas.

• Hiking the incredible Vouraikos Gorge from Kalavryta to Diakofto, and admiring the limestone formations along the route.
• Driving the 59km Langada Pass across the Taygetos Mountains from Kalamata to gory Sparta and the Byzantine capital of Mystras.
• Walking along the Cave of the Lakes boardwalk to view the incredible rock formations and thirteen crystal clear subterranean pools formed by millennia of mineral deposits.

Athens ⇒ The Athens Gate Hotel for its central location, Acropolis view, and stylish decor.

Kalamata ⇒ Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites for its spa and pools, sea views, and large, bright rooms.

Nafplio ⇒ Amymone and Adiandi for its perfect location, gorgeous decor, and homemade Greek breakfast.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

• Lonely Planet Iceland
• The Rough Guide to Iceland
• DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland
• Iceland Road Trip – 26 Epic Things to See & Do
• One Day Reykjavik Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide
• South Coast Iceland: 18 of the Best Things to Do & See

The Golden Circle Road Trip

Reykjavik – thingvellir national park – geysers of haukadalur valley – gullfoss waterfall – reykjavik.

• June-September

Close to Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik , the Golden Circle is easily the most touristy thing to do in the land of fire and ice, and traditionally the first stop on Iceland’s Ring Road, so it can get very busy, especially in peak season.

Start early if you can, and hop onto the Iceland ring road (route 1), which takes you first past the Reykjavik waterfront, and then out to the three stops on the Golden Circle. It’s a short drive away from Reykjavik, and should only take about 40 minutes to get to the first stop, Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located right in Þingvellir (or Thingvellir) National Park , you can walk through the middle of the large area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have been splitting apart over the course of the centuries. This is one of the coolest things to do while you’re visiting the Golden Circle.

Don’t miss the other attractions in the national park where the Continental Divide is located. It’s home to Iceland’s first Parliament, where chieftains formed the first laws and court proceedings at what is known as the Lögberg, and has lots of trails and beautiful nature to explore if you have the time. You can even go snorkeling at Silfra, and see the divide in the tectonic plates underwater!

The next stop, about 60 kilometers from Þingvellir, is the two geysers at Haukadalur . These geysers are easy to visit because they erupt very regularly, so you’ll definitely see at least one eruption while you’re there. Strokkur is the larger of the two, but don’t get too close as the water really is boiling hot!

The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Gullfoss waterfall, just one of Iceland’s incredible waterfalls, of which there are 10,000!  The waterfall, located at the end of the Hvítá River, is absolutely gigantic and produces beautiful rainbows and light prisms from every angle.

There are viewing places galore here. A concrete path makes it easy to see the waterfall at various points, though there are clearly marked signs and ropes warning you where you should stop, as it can be very windy and slippery the closer you get to the edge.

After you’ve finished seeing Gullfoss, it’s about an hour and a half drive back to Reykjavik to complete the circle. There are add on’s which aren’t traditional Golden Circle stops, but you may want to take a lovely warm bath at the Blue Lagoon just outside the city, enjoy a slightly more natural thermal experience at the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, or head to the Kerid Crater if you’re in an off-road vehicle.

♥  Spending an hour lounging in the Reykjadalur Hot Springs whilst taking in the incredible scenery. ♥ Standing at the continental divide where Europe becomes North America, and being in awe of Iceland’s geology. ♥  Doing the Golden Circle in reverse and getting to Gullfoss before the crowds arrive.

Reykjavik ⇒ Sand Hotel for its city center location and Icelandic character and design.

• Lonely Planet Ireland
• DK Eyewitness Ireland
• The Rough Guide to Ireland
• Wild Atlantic Way: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• One Day in Dublin – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• Motorhoming in Ireland – A Complete Guide

Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Co. donegal – co. sligo – co. mayo – co. galway – co. clare – co. limerick – co. kerry – co. cork.

From Co. Donegal to Co. Cork and passing through counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way winds down the intricate coast of western Ireland and the edge of Europe.

Taking in the must-sees of Malin Head, the Killarney National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula, this is a truly epic Ireland road trip covering many of the Emerald Isle’s most beautiful spots .

This huge trip from the north to the south of Ireland is best done with time on your side. Three weeks is just about enough, four weeks or longer will give you time to explore more and perhaps participate in some activities along the way.  

If this is too long for you, then pick out one of the six regions that appeal the most and take a couple of weeks to cover that specific area. You can find out more about these from the official  Wild Atlantic Way  website.  

The Bay Coast stretches south from Erris to Galway Bay and takes in the wild beauty of Connemara, the incredible 365 islets of Clew Bay, pretty Georgian Westport, dramatic Downpatrick Head, and medieval Galway, our favorite city in Ireland .

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Ireland if you love wide open spaces, wilderness, and raw nature, one of the reasons we adore this bit of the Wild Atlantic Way.

A great alternative is to  road trip from Dublin to Galway , traveling the southern half of the Wild Atlantic Way in a huge circle, and visiting Waterford, Dingle, and Cork on the way.

Dublin is a great place to start your road trip with an easily accessible international airport and lots of car rental choices.  

• Watching the rollers crashing from the savage beauty of Malin Head in Co. Donegal.
• Tapping your foot, sipping a pint of Guinness, and enjoying a hooley (live traditional Irish folk music) in Galway.
• Taking the steep and winding road to Dunquin Pier on the Dingle Peninsula for a memorable photo opportunity.

Westport Co. Mayo ⇒ Knockeranny House Hotel and Spa  for sublime Clew Bay views, Irish hospitality, and elegant dining.

Rossnowlagh Co. Donegal ⇒ The Sandhouse Hotel and Marina Spa  for its stunning beachfront location, contemporary decor, and excellent spa.

Glengarriff Co. Cork ⇒ Eccles Hotel and Spa  for its snug and traditional decor, a superb restaurant specializing in local seafood, and proximity to the pretty village and harbor.

• Lonely Planet Italy
• Fodor’s Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between
• T he Rough Guide to Italy
• Italy Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Bucket List Italy Road Trip
• Northern Italy Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

• Tuscan Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• A Bucket List Amalfi Coast Road Trip
• Sicily Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips & Map
• Beautiful Puglia – A Road Trip Itinerary

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

• Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete Guide
• Driving to Italy from UK – Routes & Tips

Amalfi Coast Road Trip

Sorrento – positano – amalfi – ravello – salerno.

• avoid July-August

The Amalfi Coast road, the SS163, is a 50km spectacular stretch of tarmac, hugging the cliffs and coves of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and is surely one of the best driving roads in Europe.   

Like the roads around Portofino and the Cinque Terre, this is a car route only and the road is permanently closed to motorhomes and RVs.

In a car or on a bike, it is best driven early in the morning in the months of April, May, October, and November due to the monstrously high amount of traffic in the peak months.

You can do the entire road in a day and stop in Ravello for lunch, but two or three days will give you longer to enjoy the glorious views and pretty towns en route.

Start from easily accessible Sorrento and head south across the peninsula until you get to the coast at San Pietro. Your first view of the glistening sea and this epic road are pretty special, prepare to be wowed.

Stop at Positano, the quintessential coast road town and the image on a thousand travel magazine covers. Take a wander through the maze of steep streets, pastel-painted stacked houses, and steps to find charming hotels and restaurants alongside chic independent boutiques. 

Next up is Amalfi itself. This hugely popular holiday resort is the largest town along the coast road. The pretty seafront, with its cafes and glamorous boutiques, gives this town a great vibe.

Head west on foot to Spiaggia del Fornillo from Amalfi, a long stretch of soft sandy beach perfect for an afternoon’s relaxing.

Ravello has to be one of the most romantic villages in Italy and is right up there on our list of favorite places in Europe. Perched high above the sea and overlooking immaculate terraced slopes full of vines, Ravello is home to lush Mediterranean planting and charming sun-dappled squares, and has to be one of the best spots in Southern Italy .

The 20km round-trip detour to Ravello from the main coast road is so worth taking. Visit Villa Rufolo, host to beautifully landscaped and dramatic gardens with superb sea views.

On to Salerno and the end of the Amalfi Coast road, or turn around and drive it again! 

• The glorious coastal views from the gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello.
• Taking a Limoncello tour and tasting this delicious local liquor where it’s made.
• Watching the fiery sun sink into the Tyrrhenian Sea at the end of a perfect day.

Positano ⇒ Hotel Marincanto  for its stunning cliff-hugging position, beautifully decorated rooms, and hands-on owners.

Ravello ⇒ Hotel Villa Maria  for its romantic dining terrace, old-world Italian charm, and fabulous breakfasts.

Vietri sul Mare ⇒ Palazzo Suriano  for its fragrance-filled terraced gardens, excellent homemade breakfasts on the terrace, and gorgeous decor.

Puglia Road Trip

Taranto – gallipoli – santa maria di leuca – lecce – ostuni – alberobello – bari.

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is a beautiful place for a 7 day road trip in Europe. With Trulli houses, a fabulous sandy coastline, and whitewashed villages, there is a lot to see and do here.

The abundance of fresh, local produce means you will eat and drink well on this road trip! We spent an  amazing seven days exploring beautiful Puglia  and fell in love with the region.

• Visiting the UNESCO Trulli houses at Alberobello for an other-world experience.
• Discovering Gallipoli’s atmospheric, oh-so-Italian old town and castle.
• Finding a salumeria (deli) and enjoy the local specialties over a lazy lunch.

Gallipoli ⇒ Palazzo Presta for its fabulous old town location, eclectic design, and excellent service.

Lecce ⇒ La Fiermontina Urban Resort for its contemporary art and sculpture, outdoor pool set in an olive grove and gorgeous rooms.

Alberobello ⇒ Tipico Resort for its superb location, fabulous breakfast and for being a Trulli!

Sicily Road Trip

Catania – syracuse – ragusa – agrigento – marsala – palermo – cefalu – taormina.

A coastal road trip around Sicily can take a few weeks or a few months, there is so much to see. From ancient, immaculately preserved temples to modern and vibrant cities like Palermo , via jaw-dropping natural wonders, this rich and diverse island is a world away from anywhere you’ve ever been before. 

Read our detailed guide to  road-tripping eclectic Sicily , which includes an itinerary along the island’s coastal ring road, and start planning your trip!

• Taking a hike above the clouds to the summit of Mount Etna and look deep into the rumbling magma below. 
• Being awed by the ancient Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
• Wandering the charming historic back streets of Ortigia, the old town of Syracuse.

Syracuse ⇒ Hotel Gutkowski for lovingly crafted and unique interiors, beachcomber chic, and a cool roof terrace.

Palermo ⇒ BB22  for its perfect piazza location, a cozy home-from-home feel, and palazzo style.

Taormina ⇒ Hotel Villa Ducale  for spectacular views, a relaxed vibe, and legendary cocktails!

Tuscany & Umbria Road Trip

Pisa – lucca – florence – san gimignano – siena – arezzo – cortona – pienza – montepulciano – assisi – spoleto.

• avoid August

Italy is a gorgeous country for a road trip , no area more so than Tuscany and Umbria, which are easily accessible by car from the UK and Europe. The rolling fields of vines and golden wheat, studded with tall cypress trees and creamy stone villas are iconic.

This is a truly epic journey packed full of culture, great food, wine, and fantastic roads. There is much to see and lots of interesting places to stop between the main route destinations, make sure to do your research before leaving home!

Pisa in northern Italy is a great place to start this road trip. The leaning tower is a bit cliched but has to be seen. Lucca is perfect to explore on foot, with narrow lanes opening onto charming piazzas lined with historic buildings.

Florence is the jewel in Tuscany’s crown. A surprisingly compact city with the imposing Duomo at the center, a must-see. Book well in advance for anything to do with the Duomo, it’s strictly ticketed and you won’t be able to buy a ticket on the day.

You’ll probably want at least two days in Florence to see everything at a manageable pace, although you can see Florence in a day if you plan well. Leaving Florence is the time to set your sat nav to ‘no autostrada’ and get off the beaten track in the Tuscan countryside …yes, it may take a little longer but it will be worth it!

San Gimignano, famous for its thirteen towers, sits high on a hill south of Florence. Between April and September, this thriving hill village is busy with tourists visiting the churches, palazzos, independent shops, and restaurants.

Onwards to Arezzo and then Cortona, one of the oldest and most scenic hill towns in Tuscany. Pienza is a delightful village and has perfect, interesting streets for wandering and admiring the 15th century architecture.

The drive through the  Val d’Orcia  from Pienza to Montepulciano on the SP146 is like driving through a film set! Sweeping curves, rolling vineyards, and photo opportunities at every bend; this is quintessential Tuscany.

From Montepulciano , follow the road around the tranquil Lake Trasimeno to Assisi, our favorite Umbrian destination. The imposing Basilica of St Francis can be seen hugging the hillside for miles around. Your last stop is the gorgeous hill town of Spoleto, stuffed with monuments, churches, and other historic buildings.

For us, this has got to be one of the best European road trips we have taken; for the fabulous ride (we did it on a motorbike, highly recommended!), the stunning landscapes, and the beautiful Italian hospitality.

• Taking the breathtaking drive through the Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano with photo opportunities galore and a glass of local red waiting for you!
• Discovering Siena’s perfectly laid out, beautiful fan-shaped Piazza del Campo.
• Climbing the dome of the Duomo in Florence for spectacular views, inside and out!

Florence ⇒ AdAstra Suites  for their stunning location, classy and interesting decor, and magnificent terrace.

Montepulciano ⇒ Palazzo Carletti  for attention to detail, gorgeous frescoed interiors, and central location.

Assisi ⇒   Nun Assisi Relais and Spa  – for its lavender-filled gardens, incredible Roman spa, and fabulous restaurant.

• Lonely Planet Norway
• Fodor’s Essential Norway
• The Rough Guide to Norway
• Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes
• Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!
• Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips
• One Day Oslo Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips
• Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations
• Flåm Norway: Visitor Guide & Tips

West Coast of Norway Road Trip

Bergen – loen – geiranger – trollstigen – kristiansund – trondheim – jektvik – bodo – tromso.

Taking in the iconic sights of Norway ‘s west coast, this route will take you through tunnels, over fjords, along the Atlantic Ocean Road, and the infamous Trollstigen Mountain Road.

This is a route for those that love the journey more than the destination; it’s all about the road – even getting to Norway is a road trip in itself!

Start in  beautiful Bergen , the city surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the lively Vagen harbor in Bergen’s old quarter, Bryggen.

From Bergen, take the E39 motorway north to Loen where you’ll find the awesome new  Loen Skylift  which takes you to the top of Mount Hoven for spectacular views of the white-blue Jostedalsbreen glacier.

If you prefer to get to the top under your own steam, then take the via Ferrata up and the zip-line down! Is sea-level activity more your thing? Then head for glacial Lake Lovatnet where you can swim and kayak.

At Hellesylt, you’ll take the ferry through Geirangerfjorden to Geiranger itself before picking up the RV63, the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Incredibly beautiful, this road was opened in 1936 and includes eleven hairpin bends and a 9% incline. Stop at the Ornesvingen viewing point for incredible vistas and again at the top to admire the Stigfossen waterfall.

Once you reach Andalsnes, head west and then drive north on the E39 to Vevang, and the start of the Atlantic Ocean Road, which runs across seven bridges and follows the islands between them like a silver ribbon. If you want to visit picture-perfect  Alesund  on the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north – if you have a few extra days, you won’t regret it!

Next up is Trondheim, Norway’s original capital city before you head to Jektvik. You can either take the E6 Arctic Highway all the way or around 80km north of Trondheim, and just after Steinkjer, pick up the FV17 and take in the glorious landscape and coastal views from the magnificent Kystriksveien Coastal Route.

This Atlantic road route will add a fair few kilometers, two days, and six fjord ferries to your journey, but the detour will be worth it if you have the time. You’ll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the ferry between Kilborghavn and Jektvik.

At Bodo, you can get a ferry out to the  Lofoten Islands  if you are making this a longer trip. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norway’s go-to place for adventure – you can even  swim with Orca whales  here! 

Mount Romvik, outside Bodo and with minimal light pollution, is a good place to see the Northern Lights.

Otherwise, keep on trucking to  Tromso , Norway’s party city. From here, you can head on to Nordkapp where the sun never drops below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July.

Hauntingly beautiful but incredibly busy, you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

You could also take a ferry to Svalbard and visit the polar bears, catch the  Hurtigruten ferry  back to Bergen or Oslo , or get on a flight to pretty much anywhere in the world. Wherever you end up, it will take you a while to forget what is surely one of the best road trips in Europe.

• Driving the thrilling and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes
• Crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the midnight sun and Northern Lights.
• Following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route and see the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture.

Bergen ⇒ Det Hanseatiske Hotel  for its harbourside location, dining options, and cozy decor.

Narvik ⇒ Narvik Mountain Lodge  for its truly spectacular location, traditional log cabin style, and amazing coastal views.

Tromso ⇒ Scandic Ishavshotel  for its harbor location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

Western Fjords Road Trip

Stavanger – preikestolen – kjeragbolten – trolltunga – flam – bergen.

This is an outdoor enthusiasts’ adventurous road trip ! If you’ve ever looked at those amazing images of people perched on tongues of rock, sheer cliffs, or precipitously balanced boulders whilst gazing out over stunning blue fjords, then this is the road trip for you. We did this Norway route by campervan , and it’s got to be one of our favorite travel experiences!

You’ll start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger before heading off to  hike to Preikestolen  (Pulpit Rock) which is 4km and can be done in half a day with an early start.

Next up is the  Kjeragbolten  hike, the site of a giant boulder wedged in a crevasse 1084m above Lysefjorden, where you can also base jump. This is a longer hike at 10km and you will need a full day to complete it.

Both hikes can get busy and you may have to wait if you want the obligatory photo, so allow plenty of time. If you’re not a confident hiker, consider taking a guided hike, you’ll learn lots on the way.

Everywhere you drive in Norway, you are surrounded by mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The scenery is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road. Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as the Ryfylke National Scenic Route, one of Norway’s eighteen official touring routes designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

As you drive through Norway you will motor through tunnels and need to get a ferry to cross a fjord. Allow several hours drive time longer than Google Maps suggests; this is a full day drive and you should start early.

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga (literally Troll’s Tongue) one of the best hikes in the world. The most challenging of the three, this hike is 20km distance across mainly flat terrain but can be tricky underfoot with changeable weather.  Hiking Trolltunga  is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared but is an absolute must-do on your Norway road trip.

Take a few day’s downtime in Flam, a small village right at the top of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and water this is a playground for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountain bikers.

From Flam, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flamsbana railway there, considered one of the most spectacular train rides in the world.

• Taking the incredible Flam Railway to Myrdal and cycle the Rallar Road.
• Standing on the edge of the Troll’s Tongue with the world at your feet.
• Discovering the imposing and dramatic Lysefjorden by boat.

Stavanger ⇒   Sola Strand Hotel  for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Odda ⇒   Vikinghaug Apartments for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Flam ⇒ Flåmsbrygga Hotel   for its superb central position, cozy traditional decor, and micro-brewery.

• Lonely Planet Portugal
• DK Eyewitness Portugal
• The Rough Guide to Portugal
• Road Trip Portugal – Two Incredible Itineraries
• Driving from Lisbon to Porto: Itinerary, Route & Tips
• Driving to Portugal from UK – Routes & Tips
• Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Porto – coimbra – nazare – sintra – lisbon.

Portugal is a tiny country but it packs one hell of a punch. This Portugal road trip itinerary can be managed in five days, but seven gives you the opportunity to revel in the cities of Porto and Lisbon and enjoy a beach stop en route.  

You could easily drive from Lisbon to Porto as a 7 day road trip in Europe from UK if you fly into Porto and out of Lisbon, or vice versa. One-way car rental is possible from either airport.

Porto is a lively and fun city, intimate and friendly. There’s a lot to do in  Porto  but walking over the mighty Douro river on the iconic Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and the historic port lodges, has to be top of the list.

Head south from here to the  less-traveled city of Coimbra , Portugal’s ancient capital. Stacked on the banks of the river Mondego, the Moorish old town is dramatic and atmospheric. This is a great place to stop at a bar for authentic live fado or Portuguese guitar music.

Halfway between Coimbra and Lisbon, take a short detour to Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Known for its monster waves and daredevil surfers, this is a great place if you like huge beaches and dramatic landscapes.

Heading south, Sintra, in the mountains of the same name, is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. Home to Portuguese royalty for centuries, the lush landscape is dotted with pastel-colored palaces, villas, and houses.

You can also take a  day trip to Sintra from Lisbon  if you’d prefer to base yourself in the city. Visit and decide for yourself!

Finally to wonderful Lisbon for picture-postcard panoramas and fabulous food!  This most Portuguese of cities serves up fantastic bacalhau, pastel de nana, and port from the Douro Valley. Head for the exotic Tropical Botanical Gardens and stroll amongst giant banana plants before visiting the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a haven of peace amongst the bustling city.

If you want to stretch your week in Portugal, you’ll find the beautiful Algarve region just three hours south of Lisbon. This stunning part of Portugal is famous for its incredible beaches and perfect climate. Make for the charming town of Lagos and stay at  Vivenda Miranda , a beautifully restored boutique hotel.

• Taking a port wine tour and tasting in one of Porto’s historic port wine lodges.
• Heading to a fado bar to hear the traditional and haunting music of Portugal played live.
• Tasting hundreds of delicious foods at the Mercado de Ribeira, Lisbon’s buzzy food hall.

Porto ⇒ Flores Village Hotel and Spa for its central location, roof-top bar views, and stylish design.

Coimbra ⇒ Sapientia Boutique Hotel  for the perfect location, stylish design, and warm hospitality.

Lisbon ⇒ Valverde Hotel for its gorgeous interiors, walkable location, and courtyard pool.

• Lonely Planet Spain
• DK Eyewitness Road Trips Spain
• The Rough Guide to Spain
• Spain Travel Guide
• Six of the Best Road Trips in Spain
• The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips
• Madrid in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• One Day in Barcelona – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide
• Driving from UK to Spain – Routes & Tips
• Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide

Andalucia Road Trip

Marbella – ronda – cadiz – jerez de la frontera – seville – cordoba – granada.

Andalucia epitomizes Spain for most visitors; vibrant, colorful, and passionate. This itinerary will take you to the major cities of Andalucia, bringing Spain alive.

If you’re looking for a longer holiday, it’s perfect for a 3 week European road trip itinerary with a bit of beach time thrown in,  even if you visit in winter .

This is a perfect road trip to start and finish in Malaga. Fly in, hire a car, and within a few hours, you can be on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, enjoying year-round sunshine.

In Marbella, spend a day soaking up the sun and visiting the charming old town. Make for  Taberna Casa Curro Marbella  where you’ll find great tapas and fruity Spanish wine.

Head north to Ronda and the stunning mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. If you have a few extra days, now is the time to visit the atmospheric cities of Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera.

Your next stop is  Seville , a city almost too good to be true, and everything you ever through Seville would be.

Cordoba  is home to the breathtaking Mezquita, or mosque-cathedral, started by the Moors and finished by the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. Seeing this alone would make a visit to Cordoba worthwhile.

Pass through Antequera and learn the local legend of the  Lovers Rock  before making your way high into the Sierra Nevada to Granada and the famous Alhambra. Make sure you book your  priority tickets online  at least three months in advance, this ancient palace of kings sells out quickly.

• Visiting the beautiful  La Casa del Rey Moro  in Ronda for unrivaled views of the Puenta Nuevo.
• Watching steamy live flamenco in Seville’s atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz.
• Being wowed by the incredible Moorish architecture of the Mezquita in Cordoba.

Marbella ⇒ Amare Beach Hotel  for its fun adults-only vibe and glamorous beach club. 

Seville ⇒ Casa del Poeta  for the beautifully renovated interiors, Barrio Santa Cruz location, and roof-top views to die for.

Granada ⇒ Hotel Santa Isabel la Real  for cozy rooms, spectacular Alhambra views, and a really special cooked breakfast.

Northern Spain Road Trip

San sabastian – bilbao – comillas – oviedo – ribadeo – a coruna – santiago de compostela.

• April-October

This Spanish road trip will take you through the beautiful and lush, aptly named Green Spain, hugging the north coast along the Bay of Biscay.

From the border with France and through the regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, you’ll see some of the most picturesque landscapes in Spain, enjoy amazing food, and crisscross the famous  Camino de Santiago .

Start in San Sabastian, a sophisticated city with a renowned restaurant scene, famous for seafood and pintxos (pronounced pinchos), which are similar to tapas.

Take a  gastronomic tour  for the best experience. Eat your fill and head west to Bilbao, home of the incredible  Guggenheim museum . The building itself is a work of art, with beautifully curved and sweeping architecture.

Head west, making sure to stop at the  cave of El Castillo  to see the 35,000-year-old drawings there.

Continue along the coast to the stunning Santillana del Mar, known as the town of the three lies; not holy (santi), flat (llana) or by the sea (del mar) .

This medieval town is beautifully preserved and worth a wander before you make your way to Comillas, further along the coast. Traditionally low-rise, you’ll find a pretty beach, a tiny fishing port, and a charming cobbled old center here.

Don’t miss El Caprichio, a Gaudi-designed villa.  If you have a few extra days, head into the  Picos de Europa , the small but perfectly formed mountain range.

Oviedo is the next stop and the starting point of the lesser-known Camino Primitivo (the oldest Camino). This compact and elegant city is another foodie delight, with a lively gastronomic scene.

Home to Spanish cider (who knew?), you’ll find traditional sidrerias along Calle Gascona, known as cider boulevard.   Visit in September for  Fiestas de San Mateo , a live theatre and music spectacular. If you go in October, you’ll be in the middle of the Asturias apple harvest.

A Coruna is up next, passing by the spectacular Playa de Las Catedrales en route. There is so much to do in A Coruna, a dynamic city that is home to a busy modern port, a relaxed beachfront resort, and an atmospheric old town.

The seafood here is some of the freshest and finest in Spain, with seafood tapas being a specialty. Take a walk out to the Tower of Hercules, the least-looking lighthouse we have ever seen!

Finally, you’ll reach  Santiago de Compostela , the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago, and your last stop. As you enter the town, you’ll see pilgrims covering the final few miles into one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, proudly displaying their vieira, the scallop shell badge that you’ll have seen along your route .  

Twisting alleys, dramatic squares, and historic religious buildings make up this labyrinth of a city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are too many must-sees to list so consider a  walking tour with a local  to make the most of the time you have in this gorgeous city.

• Eating delicious  pintxos straight from the bar in the Basque Country. 
• Walking along the boardwalks at Playa de Las Catedrales and marvel at the extraordinary natural arches.
• Exploring the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and make the climb to Las Cubiertas , the cathedral roof, for incredible views of the city and landscape beyond.

San Sebastian ⇒ Lasala Plaza Hotel  for a big dose of glamour, sea views, and a cool rooftop pool.

Oviedo ⇒ Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes  for its laid-back vibe, modern decor, and smooth service.

Santiago de Compostela ⇒ Parador De Santiago de Compostela  for its history, traditional decor, and HUGE breakfast buffet.

Switzerland

• Fodor’s Essential Switzerland
• Rough Guide to Switzerland
• DK Eyewitness Switzerland  
• Switzerland Road Trip: The Best Itinerary + Map & Tips
• One Day in Zurich – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Road Trip to the Alps

Zurich – bern – lausanne – geneva – montreux – nendaz – zermatt – interlaken – lauterbrunnen – grindelwald – furka pass – lucerne – zurich.

This two week Switzerland summer road trip will take you on a spectacular, circular drive through Switzerland’s iconic landscapes covering roughly 1000km south across western Switzerland to Geneva before heading east towards Zermatt and eventually back north to Zurich.

Starting in Zurich, your first stop will be Bern, found within the curves of the Aare river. Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and is known for its 12th century architecture that forms the old town or Alstadt . Your visit to Bern would be incomplete without exploring Lake Brienz, just north of the Alps, which offers breathtaking mountain views and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland .

After your trip to Bern, begin traveling south to Lausanne, Geneva, and Montreux, visiting Lac Léman en route. 

The following stretch of your trip will provide unrivaled views of Les Diablerets as you head towards Zermatt where you will be met with the iconic Matterhorn, a mountain in the Swiss Alps.

At this point, your road trip starts the route east taking you to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald where hiking, mountain views, waterfalls and plenty of exciting adventures await.

As you leave Grindelwald, make sure you save time for the Furka Pass as you head to Lucerne. Our Swiss road trip itinerary will continue north to our initial starting point, the city of Zurich.

• Driving the incredible Alps passes of Furka and Susten, high in the picturesque Bernese Highlands.
• Taking one of the many cog-wheeled trains or cable cars into the big mountains that Switzerland is famous for.
• Exploring the incredible Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen, an absolutely epic day trip!

Zurich ⇒ Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle for its very cool interiors, accessible location, and free bikes to help you explore the city.

Geneva ⇒ Hotel Mon Repos  for its excellent location, beautifully decorated rooms, and comfy beds.

Lauterbrunnen ⇒ Hotel Schützen Lauterbrunnen for its Swiss chalet style, cozy restaurant and terrace, and friendly service.

United Kingdom

• Lonely Planet Great Britain
• DK Eyewitness Great Britain
• Rough Guides Make the Most of Your Time in Britain
• United Kingdom Travel Guide
• UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes
• Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips
• North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips
• Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes
• Wales Road Trip – A Stunning Route & Itinerary
• A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest
• Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips
• Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?
• Belfast in A Day: Itinerary, Map & Tips
• Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Derry-londonderry – port rush – bushmills – cushendun – carrickfergus – belfast.

The wild and unspoiled  Antrim Coast  in Northern Ireland is made for a road trip. Peppered with fascinating places to see and exciting things to do, this route will appeal to outdoor adventurers.

If you are a  Game of Thrones fan , there are lots of  places along this route  which featured in the show or book a tour to find them all.

Start in the walled city of Derry-Londonderry, one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe and the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The walls, which are around 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town.

From here head north on the coast road, past the magnificent and unmistakable mountain of Binevenagh, and stop at Benone beach for a bracing walk along the sands. Don’t miss the Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff edge at the easternmost point of the beach.

Make your way to the pretty seaside town of Port Rush for a local ice cream and local craft shopping before meandering along the coast to Bushmills, home of the whiskey distillery. This is the perfect starting point for the gloriously breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO site.

As you head west, make sure to stop at the picture-perfect harbor of Ballintoy and test yourself at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

Take in the conservation village of Cushendun, steeped in character and folklore before heading on to Carrickfergus Castle. This imposing Norman castle stands on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and is one of the best-preserved medieval structures on the island of Ireland.

Belfast is your final stop; don’t miss the fantastic Titanic Quarter, historic Crumlin Road Gaol, and the buzzing nightlife of the Cathedral Quarter. Check out this detailed post for more  things to do in Belfast .

If you have longer, start in Belfast and head in the opposite direction. From Derry-Londonderry head across the border into raw and wild Co. Donegal and pick up the Wild Atlantic Way. This makes for a great island of Ireland 2 week road trip in Europe.

• Discovering the Giant’s Causeway, a truly spectacular natural wonder.
• Crossing the iconic Peace Bridge in Derry-Londonderry and then walking the ancient city walls.
• Taking a black cab mural tour in Belfast for a unique cabbie’s take on local politics and the troubles.

Londonderry ⇒ Bishop’s Gate Hotel for its perfect location, fascinating history, and tasteful decor.

Bushmills ⇒ The Bushmills Inn Hotel  for its homely peat fires, great Irish breakfast, and proximity to the Giant’s Causeway.

Belfast ⇒ Ten Square Hotel  for its superb central location, fantastic grill restaurant, and contemporary decor.

Norfolk Road Trip, England

Norwich – wroxham – winterton – cromer – hunstanton – sandringham – king’s lynn.

• Distance 175km
• Duration 5-7 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

This delightful coastal road trip will take you through the county of Norfolk to the Norfolk Broads, old-fashioned English seaside resorts, and onto the beautiful and unspoiled North Norfolk Coast .

Summer road trips in the UK are best if you want sunshine, but visit the UK in winter for more cost-effective travel and you’ll enjoy incredible beaches, big skies, and perfect solitude, especially when you road trip in Norfolk , England.

From the historic and pretty city of Norwich , head east towards Wroxham, the self-styled capital of the Broads. The dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads were created when peat digs flooded in the 14th century.

This area is now a national park and a haven for wildlife and birds. Take a Broads cruise, hire a boat, or head off for a long walk along towpaths and through fields, where seeing flapping sails in the river is an everyday occurrence.

Nearby is the loud and bright town of Great Yarmouth , a traditional bucket and spade destination, with great nearby beaches and lots to do – you certainly won’t get bored here!

From the Broads, head east to explore the pretty towns and incredible beaches of the Norfolk coast . Winterton-on-Sea is a perfect place to see seal pups in the winter. Further north is the popular seaside town of Cromer, renowned for its lively pier.

From Cromer make a short detour south to the stunning Jacobean  Blickling Hall , home of Anne Boleyn.

Continue along the coast road to Blakeney and practice your crabbing skills from the harbor. Make a stop at the beautiful and huge Holkham Beach, where the ending of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ was filmed.

Onwards from here to Hunstanton, another bucket and spade destination , which is close to the medieval and Hanseatic port town of King’s Lynn . 

From here it’s a short drive to  Sandringham , home of the Queen. There are lots of things to do here, including visiting the house, gardens and country park.

If you have time, head to 12th century  Castle Rising  before making your way to the Hanseatic town of Kings Lynn. The town’s heritage is reflected in the fine merchants’ houses which stretch down to the river between cobbled lanes and the elegant Custom House that overlooks the harbor.

• Walking on Holkham Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
• Traditional, delicious and fresh fish and chips from No 1 Cromer .
• Discover the stunning historic estates of Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall.

Norwich ⇒ The Georgian Townhouse   for its informal vibe, lively bar and restaurant, and contemporary decor.

Thornham ⇒  The Lifeboat Inn  for its romantic retreat-style location, open fires, and really seriously good pub grub.

King’s Lynn ⇒ Bank House  for its prime location, Grade II exterior, and go-to, lively brasserie.

North Coast 500 Road Trip, Scotland

Inverness – wick – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – applecross.

• Distance 830km
• Duration 2-3 weeks
• Drive Time 12 hours

A favorite of motorhomers and campervanners, this iconic Scottish road trip is a 516 mile route that wends its way around the spectacular north coast of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. 

Passing through the remote and wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the spectacular west coast, the North Coast 500 route delivers dramatic roads with spectacular views and is one of the must-do road trips in the United Kingdom .

• Hiking to beautiful  Sandwood Bay Beach , for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
• Whale watching from Gairloch, where you might also see porpoise, dolphins, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and maybe white-tailed eagles. 
• Driving Bealach na Ba, the legendary Applecross Pass, and one of the best (but also most dangerous) roads in the UK.

Inverness ⇒ Kingsmills Hotel  for its traditional Scottish decor, lively bar, and spa.

Wick ⇒   Mackays Hotel for its award-winning service, great restaurant, and ideal location.

Gairloch ⇒   Shieldaig Lodge Hotel  for its wonderful lochside location, traditional hunting lodge style, and seriously good breakfast.

Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons, Wales

Snowdonia – portmeirion – barmouth – new quay – pembrokeshire – gower peninsula – mumbles – brecon beacons.

• Distance 256km
• Drive Time 7 hours

Small but perfectly formed, the glorious country of Wales is a road tripper’s dream. With soaring mountains and valleys, miles of golden sands, craggy headlands, and some incredible roads, head to Wales for an adventurous and eclectic road trip.

Start your road trip itinerary in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park, or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri in Welsh, in north Wales for drama, huge skies, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Perfect as a base for a few days, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town in a beautiful valley, full of companies offering outdoor adventures, shops selling outdoor gear, and pubs and restaurants full of hikers talking about the day’s activities.

Your next stop is Portmeirion, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in Wales. Portmeirion is best known for Portmeirion Pottery (now made in Stoke-on-Trent) and its role in the 1960’s cult TV show The Prisoner . Look beyond the obvious though and enjoy local walks, tropical gardens, and interesting architecture.

Families with love Barmouth and its location on the west coast has to be one of the most beautiful in Wales. Steeped in a history rich with connections to the shipping and slate industries, this is a good old-fashioned seaside resort with a west facing beach ideal for sea swimming and watersports. 

Head south through coastal mid-wales to the vibrant seaside town of New Quay, following the Coastal Way along the length of Ceredigion Bay. Popular with tourists for its picturesque harbor and sandy beach, New Quay is an ideal base for water sports like sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking, and canoeing – you’ll find lots to pack in for a couple of days.

Next up is Pembrokeshire, famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches, and remote islands. The coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most stunning places in the UK. 

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, and it’s an activity you must try. The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling, and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun. There is also lots of opportunity for swimming, paddling and generally messing about on the water.

Your next stop is the spectacular Gower Peninsula in south Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famous for its breathtaking coastline, 30 or so unspoiled beaches and coves, and coastal walking, including the gorgeous Rhossili Beach and the dramatic Worm’s Head, whose long ridged back rises straight from the sea.

Stop at Mumbles, a traditional seaside town, and walk along the bustling prom, where rollerbladers weave between pedestrians, and ice-cream parlors tempt.

Make a detour to the infamous Top Gear road, the Black Mountain Pass, as you head into the Brecon Beacons, or Bannau Brycheiniog in Welsh, for more fantastic hiking, especially if you tackle Pen y Fan, and incredible views.

• Driving the Black Mountain Pass and the Gospel Pass through the Brecon Beacons.
• Paddleboarding at the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire.
• Visiting the puffins and wildlife of Skomer Island.

Snowdonia ⇒ Ty Gwyn Hotel in Betws-y-Coed for its great location, friendly welcome, and traditional decor.

New Quay ⇒  Rooms @ The Dolau Inn for its location close to the beach, cozy rooms, and Welsh hospitality.

Pembrokeshire ⇒   Heywood Spa Hotel in Tenby for its luxury facilities, comfortable rooms, and great location.

European Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for planning a European road trip.

• Search for affordable flights to Europe with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Europe with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Europe with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Europe with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries around Europe are Ferryhopper
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Indie Campers
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Europe

• Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know
• How to Plan a Road Trip – Your Complete Guide
• 19 Helpful Long Distance Driving Tips
• Road Trip on a Budget: 36 Tips to Save Money in Europe
• The Best Printable Road Trip Checklists
• 150+ Road Trip Songs: Your Ultimate Driving Playlist
• Podcasts for Road Trips: 26 to Keep You Entertained
• Road Trip Snacks: 32 Ideas for Your Next Trip
• 113 Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Trip
• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Europe. If you’re traveling to Ireland , your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay (UK citizens do not need a passport to visit Ireland, which is in the Common Travel Area).
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• Most of Europe drives on the right, except the United Kingdom which drives on the left.
• Most European countries, especially those with mountains, have rules about snow tires and snow chains. Make sure you check these rules if you’re taking a road trip to Europe in colder weather.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your European road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.
• Many cities across Europe have low emissions zones, which can be easy to stray into accidentally.  The Urban Access Regulation in Europe  website has information on a country and city-by-city basis, to help you plan your trip. They also share links for purchasing LEZ and ULEZ stickers online.
• Make sure you’re aware of the specific rules for each European country that you intend to visit. Some have obscure rules about driving in flip-flops or eating road trip snacks at the wheel! You can find more information about the rules of the road and what to carry in your vehicle  here .
• Although it is strongly advised, you are not required to have breakdown cover. UK registered vehicles may be able to add this to an existing policy or take out a policy for the duration of the trip. If you’re hiring a car to road trip around Europe, make sure to check breakdown arrangements with the car rental company.

Looking for more Europe itinerary ideas? Check out these top posts…

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Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

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Which Popular Destinations Drive on the Right Side of the Road?

O ne of the most important facts for anyone planning a road trip outside of their own country is knowing which side of the road to drive on. Some nations follow right-hand traffic (RHT or keep right), while others adhere to left-hand traffic (LHT or keep left). Surprisingly, the majority of countries and continents today drive on the right side – approximately two thirds of the world’s population, or 163 different nations – while only a small handful of nations follow left-hand traffic rules. Those countries that do stick to left-hand traffic are predominantly former British colonies . Here we look through some of the top travel destinations that follow right-hand traffic, in case you’re ever in doubt.

The United States

While the United States was once colonized by the British, they follow different driving rules, driving on the right side, with the driver’s seat on the left. We don’t really know how this rule came about, although some have hypothesized it was an act of rebellion following American independence from British colonialism . Another possible theory is that the rule developed out of animal drivers, or teamsters, who drove animal products around on wagons, and sat on the left rear horse in order to keep their right hand free to lash the horses in front. In this position, the driver would want to remain on the right side of the road so he could see drivers coming in the opposite direction while maintaining control of his vehicle.

Historically parts of Canada used to drive on the left side of the road, while other areas, including Montreal and Quebec, drove on the right, in line with the United States. In the early 1900s a rule was passed to ensure all Canadian drivers remained on the right, so drivers across the entire country were adhering to the same handbook. Sharing the same driving rules as the United States also made life easier for those planning to cross the border from Canada to the US , or vice versa.

Most of Europe

The majority of European countries – except for the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta – drive on the right side of the road. Rumor has it right-side driving began in Paris under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte , who was famously left-handed, and preferred to have his fighting hand ready to attack any oncoming rivals. A standard, Europe-wide rule for right-hand traffic was established in 1920 following the Paris convention, aimed at making life simpler for those crossing from one European country to the next. Sweden and Iceland were the most recent countries to adopt right-hand traffic during the 1960s, and have remained that way ever since.

Mainland China

Curiously, mainland China follows the right-hand traffic rule, while Hong Kong, a former British colony, adheres to left-hand traffic rules. Undoubtedly this can make travelling between the two areas tricky to navigate, which is why many travelers choose to hire a driver rather than make the switch themselves. Taiwan moved to driving on the right in 1946 after the Republic of China took hold, while the former Portuguese enclave of Macau continues to drive on the left.

Russia follows the same right-hand traffic rules as many of its neighboring countries. Driving on the right is part of historical tradition in Russia; in 1752, Empress Elizabeth (Elizaveta Petrovna) officially sanctioned a law for drivers to remain on the right, and the rule has been maintained ever since.

Most of Africa drives on the right side of the road – approximately 41 different countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt and Cape Verde. However, areas of Southern Africa that are former British colonies follow the left-hand traffic rule, including Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana and Uganda.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

A new railway could link Africa to Europe (fairly) soon

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Flying from Europe to North Africa might take a few hours, but in some years there could be a completely new route – involving a high-speed railway.

Plans are being discussed for a new underwater tunnel that could connect Spain to Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

The ambitious project could see the north African country, which is hosting the football tournament with Spain and Portugal , connected to Europe for the first time.

Currently, the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies said it was figuring out the financial and strategic elements required to actually build the tunnel.

So far, we know that the distance of the underwater portion of tunnel would span 28km, while the deepest point would be 475m below sea level (1,550ft) .

The journey would connect Punta Paloma, in southern Spain to Malabata, east of Tangier in northern Morocco.

The Spanish Society for Fixed Communication Studies across the Strait of Gibraltar (SECEGSA) predicts that the tunnel could facilitate travel for 12.8 million passengers per year.

It could also become a vital trade crossing, potentially transporting 13 million tonnes of cargo, according to SECEGSA .

The tunnel may connect existing railways between Spain and Morocco, including Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed railway, built in 2018.

While flights from Spain to Morocco currently take around two hours, the driving route goes up to 12 and includes a ferry.

With this new tunnel, the seamless new journey would take around five hours.

While this might sound like an exciting new project in aid of the upcoming World Cup, a rail network like this has been discussed for almost 100 years.

Plans for a rail network for the Strait of Gibralter – a narrow strait that connects the landform between Africa and Europe via ferries – was first introduced in 1930.

But engineers discovered that the seabed material was made up of extremely hard rock, making it impossible to form a tunnel between the two using technologies at the time.

Talks of the tunnel restarted in 1979, when the Spanish and Moroccan government appointed a joint committee to work out the logistics of the plan.

Since then, no work was carried out in aid of the tunnel, but with Morocco winning the World Cup bid, plans have resurfaced.

It also looks more possible thanks to the opening of Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed railway which connects Casablanca to Tangier, the first of its kind in Africa.

It might sound like 2030 is ages away but it’s actually only two World Cups away – with North American countries, USA, Canada, plus Mexico, hosting the 2026 one.

The 2026 tournament marks the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries, which will be true of the 2030 tournament too.

The pan-North American World Cup will feature 16 cities across the continent.

Games will be held in 11 locations across the USA; Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.

MORE : Travel chaos for Bank Holiday revellers heading home from weekend getaways

MORE : These are the secrets of the Channel Tunnel as the historic hole turns 30

MORE : This Airbnb is held up by 8,000 balloons, just like the house in a classic Pixar movie

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Travel Blog

Let’s go ride a bike, or learn more about them, at these events.

The wind in one’s hair, gradually unfolding scenery at eye-level, and the rhythmic rotation of the pedals— there’s a special kind of freedom that comes from riding a bike. From lazy days where the way is the goal to long-distance rides over mountain ranges, here are just a few things to do from the seat of your trusty two-wheeled companion or with it in mind.

Visiting a trade show could help you determine which type of cycle fits you best. Some of the most important fairs coming up include:

Trade shows

Willingen, Germany: The BIKE Festival Willingen, a fair organized by BIKE magazine, bills itself as Germany’s largest mountain bike festival, with some 130 manufacturers present, along with test bikes and a bike park May 24-26. Online: tinyurl.com/59vt39ae

Frankfurt, Germany: The VELOFrankfurt fair, centered around the themes or urban mobility and an eco-friendly lifestyle, takes place May 25-26 at the Eissporthalle. Online: velo-frankfurt.de

Frankfurt, Germany: The much bigger Eurobike event is the place where manufacturers both small and mighty come to show off their latest wares. Three days for tradespeople in the branch exclusively are followed by a bike festival open to all July 6-7. Online: eurobike.com/frankfurt/en.html

Cycling shows

Birmingham, England: The National Cycling Show presents the chance to try and buy bikes, parts and lifestyle accessories. It takes place at the N.E.C. June 15-16. Online: nationalcyclingshow.com

Auto-free days

On certain Sunday afternoons, along what’s normally a busy stretch of highway, towns of a tourist region will all band together to create a so-called auto-free day. Along a stretch of road kept off-limits to motorized vehicles, local businesses, clubs and volunteer organizations will set up stands offering sizzling sausages, cooling drinks, coffee and cake or other treats. Many such days out can be reached by train, making it a true car-free day from start to finish.

Merzig – Konz, Germany: SaarPedal presents the chance to explore the scenery along 25 miles of the Saar River Valley from 10 a.m-6 p.m. May 19. Online: tinyurl.com/mr4c7hha

Worms - Oppenheim, Germany: Rheinradeln offers a 16-mile stretch of road running through the Rheinhessen wine region from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 26. Online: rheinradeln.de

Bad Mergentheim - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: This 30-mile route through the Tauber Valley offers as its starting (or end) point one of Germany’s most intact and beautiful medieval cities.

Join the club

The ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club), or German Cyclist’s Association, is a club for bicycle riders that promotes the use of a bike as a means of both everyday transportation and recreation. The club’s activities include holding organized rides for members, affixing codes on bicycles to help the police in returning stolen property to its rightful owner and advocating for cyclists’ rights and interests. Members can opt to take part in a hospitality exchange service known as Dachgeber, or Roof Provider, in which ADFC members provide simple accommodation to their fellow members free of charge and can take advantage of the same. Online: adfc.de

Watch a race

Italy: While not the country’s most famous race (that’s the Giro d’Italia), one that could be fun to spectate, or with proper training take part in, is the Nove Colli, or Nine Hills. Considered one of the most prestigious of all Granfondo (long distance) races, participants must pedal a distance of 127 miles over terrain both flat and mountainous within 12 hours. The spectacularly scenic route passes along mostly closed roads in the Emilia-Romagna region. The race’s 2024 edition is scheduled for May 19. Online: novecolli.it/en-GB

France: For the first time ever, that most famous of all bike races, the Tour de France, will not end in Paris. The route has been changed to avoid the other huge event to take place there this summer -- the Olympic games. The first race day, known as the Grand Depart, will get underway in Florence, Italy, on June 29. A total of four stages will be held in Italy before the race hits French soil. Major Italian cities the tour will pass through include Rimini, Cesenatico, Bologna, Piacenza and Turin. The race will end in Nice on July 21. Online: letour.fr

Wax nostalgic

Just as there are rallies and meet-ups for classic auto drivers, the cycling world too has its events in which races or looking like part of the smart set 60 years ago takes place from the seat of a vintage bicycle. Places to sport one’s flair might include the Velo Retro, set in the English Lake District. From May 31-June 1, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary year with its program made up largely of group rides on old steel frame bikes, punctuated by frequent stops for eating, drinking and socializing. The event takes place May 31-June 2. Online: veloretro.co.uk

One of the best-known vintage cycling events is L’Eroica, in which non-professional riders set off on their old bikes, smartly dressed in vintage style, to follow one of five different routes all starting and ending in Gaiole, a town in the Chianti wine country in the province of Siena. Tour lengths range from 20 to 80 miles. The event will take place Oct. 5-6.

The popularity of the above-mentioned event inspired its organizers to stage similar rides through other parts of Italy and around the world. European rides scheduled for 2024 include those in Valais, Switzerland (June 15), Valkenburg, Netherlands (June 28-29) and Eltville, Germany (Aug. 24). Other rides within Italy are planned for Montalcino on May 26, Buonconvento on June 27 and San Candido on Sept. 7. Online: eroica.cc/en

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More From Forbes

4 small towns in ontario with european vibes to visit this summer.

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Stock photograph of a street in downtown London Ontario Canada with St Peter's Cathedral Basilica in ... [+] the background at twilight blue hour.

If you are not flying to Europe this summer but still want to experience charming towns , rich history, impressive architecture, cobblestone streets, and natural vineyards, look no further than Ontario .

Canada's second largest province, covering more than 415,000 square miles, is packed with delightful small towns with charm around every corner. Ontario is an east-central Canadian province with vibrant multiculturalism, diverse landscapes including waterfalls and rivers, and adorable shops and cafés perfect for an afternoon tea or iced cappuccino on a patio.

These four towns with European vibes all make a great road trip and weekend getaway, whether you live in Ontario or are driving across the border from the United States.

Merrickville

The Lock House in Merrickville; Ontario

Merrickville is just a one hour drive from Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, as well as the Canada-US border. It’s been called one of Canada’s most beautiful villages and has more designated heritage buildings than any other Ontario community of this size, which helps with it’s European vibe. Merrickvile has been dubbed ‘the Jewel of the Rideau’ and is located along the stunning and famous Rideau Canal, it’s a chill place to go boating and explore nature. It’s also the perfect destination to celebrate culture and history including the Merrickville Lockstation. These unique locks are situated along the south side of the river in an excavated channel and are the largest of four blockhouses built along the Rideau. Don’t leave without shopping at adorable boutiques filled with unique treasures created by local artists.

View of the City Hall and central square in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. This government building is ... [+] a National Historic Site of Canada.

For a European fairytale destination spend the weekend in Stratford . Admire Victorian features of Stratford City Hall, the location of the city’s municipal buildings since 1857 and a National Historic Site of Canada. The pretty red brick building and clock tower is comparable to those in Europe, except this one has a Canadian flag. Stratford is located along the banks of the Avon River and is world famous for their captivating Stratford Festival. People head to Stratford from around the world to experience world class theatre and music. Known for celebrating the arts, Stratford has galleries, museums, delicious restaurants, and one of a kind shops. A road trip from Toronto to Stratford is about two hours.

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Picton ON, Canada - July 7, 2018: The Regent Theatre, opened in 1922, sits in the core of downtown ... [+] Picton. The small town was named for Sir Thomas Picton who was killed at the the Battle of Waterloo.

For European charm look no further than Price Edward County’s beautiful Picton . Picton is the largest community in The County, an island in Lake Ontario made up of small hamlets and villages. Picton is a delightful town and home to the famous Regent Theatre with a history dating back to 1918. This enchanting theatre has live performances across a variety of genres. After a stroll through town browsing art galleries and shops, enjoy a meal at an outdoor patio. Prince Edward County has many wineries you can tour for views reminiscent of the Tuscany countryside and it’s a two hour road trip from Toronto.

London, ON, Canada - November 13, 2017: photo of the interior of the Historic Covent Garden Market. ... [+] Established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of London Ontario’s most treasured cultural landmarks.

Nope, it’s not in England, this London is in Ontario. In fact, Canada’s London has a Covent Garden Market too. Established in 1845 and located downtown, it’s open daily with food, various services, a weekly local farmers’ market, and cultural festivals. Although London’s population is closer to a medium sized town, London still has that small town vibe and it’s possible to travel from one end of the city to the other pretty quickly. Check out the theatre scene, galleries, and museums including the Museum of Ontario Archaeology to learn about the archaeological discoveries and artifacts, technology, and culture of First Nations peoples. London is located in the Southwestern part of the province about halfway between Toronto and Detroit, USA.

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