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Europe is a treasure trove of spectacular landscapes, beautiful cities, art, architecture, and vibrant culture. Whizzing past the long and winding roads of the continent is a good way to experience the best of Europe. The extensive network of roads makes driving comfortable across the continent.
From the foothills of the Swiss Alps and the fairy-tale castles of Germany to the world-renowned vineyards of France and the turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean, here are eight of the best European road trips to explore.
Cumbria’s acclaimed Lake District has long been one of the most popular regions for road-tripping. The national park—home to undulating hills of fertile farmlands, deep blue lakes, and quaint villages—offers some of the most spectacular sceneries in Northern England.
Explore beautiful little towns like Ambleside, Keswick, and Windermere, or enjoy picnic lunches as you embrace the captivating sights of the countryside.
Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast is one of the jewels in Europe’s glorious crown. The iconic sun-bleached villages cascading down the mountainside, rows of verdant lemon groves heavy with bright yellow fruit, and the glistening Mediterranean Sea presents the destination with its distinctive features.
One of the world’s most beloved road trip routes, Campania’s famous coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unrivaled beauty, winding cobblestone streets, wisteria-bougainvillea-draped boutique hotels, and awe-inspiring views. Begin your trip in sunny Salerno and meander through the idyllic little towns of Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Minori and Maiori, and the Isle of Capri, before ending in Sorrento.
The Dalmation Coast in Croatia is fast attracting tourists from around the globe for a thrilling road trip experience. Wind your way down the enchanting 700km-stretch of coastline towards the famous walled city of Dubrovnik from Pula. You can find some of the most iconic destinations, such as the Plitvice Lakes, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and the magnificent walled fortress of Dubrovnik.
Basque Country in Northern Spain is a road-tripping paradise with awe-inspiring landscapes like the snow-capped peaks. The route allows you to take in the beautiful sights of the Pico de Europa Mountains and the crescent-shaped beach of San Sebastian.
The cosmopolitan city of Bilbao is a good starting point. Bid farewell to the ultra-modern Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao as you head westward to the Bay of Biscay. Take some time to engage in world-class surfing or venture east to the picturesque resort town of San Sebastián.
Germany’s Autobahn offers a great behind-the-wheel experience. The national controlled-access highway system spans close to 13,000km, over half of which is speed-limit-free, allowing car buffs and lovers of speed to put the pedal to the metal.
Head north to Bremen to start your trip as you cruise to the bustling port city of Hamburg from the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne in western Germany. You can retire in Berlin relishing a cold glass of the famed German brew.
Explore the furthermost regions of Iceland on a sightseeing road trip. Route 1, also known as the Iceland Ring Road, loops the island in a full circle, allowing for stops at the most popular attractions, including Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the Dyrhólaey cliffs.
Begin your trip in Reykjavík and make your way south-east, stopping at intriguing sights like the Lake Mývatn area, where you’ll find the Krafla volcano, the crater of Hverfell, and the village of Húsavík. Explore north Iceland and the charming town of Akureyri.
Synonymous with undulating fields of fragrant lavender, centuries-old hilltop villages, and some of the world’s best wines, the South of France is a slice of sun-kissed heaven. One of France’s most explored regions, the province is dotted with little towns donning bustling markets, delicious cuisine, and world-class wines.
A road trip to Southern France introduces you to the gritty port city of Marseille, famous for its Afro-European souk-style markets and traditional bouillabaisse. Also, take the opportunity to see the pink flamingos and wild horses in Camargue.
The Atlantic Road in Norway is a must if you are looking for an experience of a lifetime. Winding its way around the west coast of Norway, this 8.3 km route covers some of the country’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Hailed as “the world’s most beautiful car journey,” the brief Atlantic Road road trip is a must if you are looking for an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.
The preferred start point of Bergen takes you past the majestic mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, 10,000-year-old fjords, dense forests, and towering waterfalls cascading into crystal clear lakes. Be sure to stop for a picnic and a lovely lunch against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas.
Road trips around Europe are ideal during the shoulder seasons of spring (April, May, and June) and autumn (September and October). The weather is mild, and the crowd is slimmer than during the summer vacation.
Guest post submitted by Bookmundi. Bookmundi is a Denmark-based, but global travel booking portal where you can effortlessly book day tours, fixed group departures, holidays, and vacation packages in 130+ countries around the world.
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.
