This article offers the reader useful information about some of the prime roads that cover Europe.
Europe is an amazing continent, a collection of many nations and cultures that have developed over the centuries and if you are planning a road trip to mainland Europe, there are many routes that you could include in your schedule. Europe is a huge landmass of more than 10 million square kilometres and almost all of it has a network of major roads that connect with each other.
Here are a few popular European road routes to consider for your European driving holiday.
Ireland
Look no further than Ireland, with Dublin as your starting point, for an unforgettable holiday experience. Begin your journey by exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin, a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. Immerse yourself in the literary heritage of the city with a visit to Trinity College, where the ancient Book of Kells resides. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar, renowned for its traditional pubs, live music, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the rich history of Dublin Castle and wander along the picturesque River Liffey, crossing the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. Indulge in a pint of Guinness at the famous Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about Ireland’s brewing traditions and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar.
Beyond Dublin, Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes await, with the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the mystical Giant’s Causeway, and the scenic Ring of Kerry offering awe-inspiring sights. With its warm hospitality, captivating history, and natural beauty, Ireland, and particularly Dublin, promises an extraordinary road trip holiday in 2023.
Slovenia
Known officially as the Republic of Slovenia, this small nation is located in the southern part of Central Europe, starting at the capital city of Ljubljana, you can drive to the scenic beauty that is Lake Bled, which is a huge body of freshwater that is well worth a visit. Spending a couple of days exploring the lake, you can then drive to Kranjska Gora and enjoy a swim in Lake Jasna. Traverse the Virsic Pass and into Soca Valley, where they filmed the Narnia series.
The Netherlands
Located in northwestern Europe, Netherlands, or Holland, as it is also known, is a flat country that is very beautiful. You can take a ferry to Rotterdam from the UK and from there, drive to the capital Amsterdam, a city steeped in history. Then you can travel to The Hague, which hosts EU meetings and is the administrative city, while Amsterdam is the official capital city.
Italy & Greece
This is a very popular route through southern Europe. Set off from Rome and head to Trieste, where the border with Greece lies at Thessaloniki, while you can also visit the stylish city of Milan. Drive to Athens and then to Piraeus, where you can board a ferry to any of the Greek Islands. The Internet hosts a lot of resources in both countries, so you can plan your route in advance and even make hotel bookings. Many UK families drive to the Greek islands in the summer, travelling through France and into Italy and then Greece.
Venice To Istanbul
One of the most popular Danube Express train tours runs from Venice to Istanbul, which takes 11 nights and 12 days. You can drive the roads that run parallel to the railway tracks. Visit Trieste, Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Mostar, Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Sofia and Istanbul. A great drive for a summer holiday, you can hug the coastal roads, enjoying the stunning vistas.
Switzerland & Austria
Why not enjoy the Alpine scenery by driving through the Swiss Alps? Start in Budapest and drive through Vienna and on to Lake Bled, with Innsbruck just down the road. After a restful night in Innsbruck, you can drive to Zurich, stopping at Lake Como, then onwards to Milan and Verona. The following day, head off to Trieste, then to Ljubljana and finally spend a few days in the amazing city of Vienna.
Europe has a fine network of major roads that connect nations and with some careful planning, you can create an exciting route with many stops along the way. If, on the other hand, you prefer to spend a week or more on a luxury train, you can see Europe while relaxing in a luxury 5-star cabin on a luxury train. Whatever you decide, you should make bookings early, as we are not far away from the summer.