If you liked our last blog about the most scenic drives in Ireland, we have another special treat for you. While Ireland hosts some of the most scenic routes, if it’s versatility you’re looking for, you must delve into what the rest of Europe has to offer. Do you want to experience an unforgettable journey through mesmerizing landscapes, immerse yourself in historic architecture, and witness some of the most glorious scenery nature has to offer? Then you are sure to find a route here that is exactly what you’re looking for.
Norwegian Scenic Route – Gaularfjellet, 114 km
Norway has a wealthy of amazing landscape and the Gaularfjellet route is one of the most spectacular. It runs from Balestrand to Moskog and from Sande to Eldalsosen. From Balestrand you can make beautiful detours, including a boat trip that ends in close proximity to the Jostedalsbreen glacier. This drive is exciting and very versatile. On your journey, you will find narrow fjords, twisting roads that lead up steep mountain-sides, high mountains and sheltered valleys. Enjoy the glistening lakes, beautiful landscape and lively waterfalls. When you are in Nystølen, take a little break from driving and stroll down the “waterfall path”. Whether you walk the entire length of 25 km or just a short distance, you will enjoy a very tranquil experience.
Landmarks you may stumble across
- Eikelandsfossen – one of the mightiest waterfalls in the Gaula river system
- Hestad kapell – a little sun-browned church
- Utsikten – a viewpoint that offers fine views of the scenery along the road
- Vallestadsfossen – a mesmerising cascade with a total altitude of nearly 90m
- Sognefjord – world’s longest and Norway’s deepest fjord
Tips for driving in Norway
- Pack a snack – it might be a while before you find somewhere that sells food
- Watch out for road hazards – animals that may wander too close to the road or fellow tourists that may step onto the road
- Have cash for fuel – not every petrol station accepts credit cards
- Have a competent co-pilot – of course, you can do the trip on your own, however, it is easier and more fun with a co-pilot, providing they’re not backseat drivers!
The Romantic Road, Germany, 350 km
The Romantic Road was established when Germany desperately searched for a way to rebuild its tourism after the war. It stretches from Würzburg to Füssen and takes you on a historical path through Southern Germany. Depending on how many stops you want to make, the duration of this road trip can vary. For the average tourist, at least 3 days are recommended; however, if you are really into history and culture, you could easily spend a week or more on the road. Along the route you will find various opportunities to stop for a snack or to take photos. Explore churches, castles, small towns, beautiful scenery and of course, stop at a few beer gardens.
Attractions along the route include
- Würzburg Residenz – Residence Palace, a Baroque masterpiece and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site
- Romantic, medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a small town completely encircled by a town wall and visit the world’s only Christmas museum, where you also can buy Christmas products all year long – if that’s your thing!
- Augsburg Cathedral – has the oldest stained-glass windows in Germany
- Neuschwanstein Castle – one of the most breathtaking castles in Europe
Tips for driving in Germany
- Do not expect empty roads – Germany is densely populated
- Zipper rule – when traffic is congested, the normal right-of-way gives way to the “zipper rule”. That means vehicles from each lane must give way, one at a time
- Must-have car essentials – reflective jackets, warning triangle, headlamp beam deflectors
- Drive on the right side – on Autobahn you must take the right lane and are only allowed to use the left for overtaking
Basque Circuit, Spain & France, 483 km
The Basque Circuit is a loop around the Basque regions of Spain and France. It will take you through the Spanish and French “Pays Basque” across the majestic Pyrenees and the Wild Atlantic Coast. You will be rewarded with impressive landscapes, scenic mountain roads, forested hills, endless plains and picturesque villages. Start at Bilbao’s port, head south to Vitoria-Gasteiz and turn east for Pamplona. From there, the route leads through the Pyrenees into France. Take the D918 until you pick up the scent of the sea to Biarritz. Then head back west to Bilbao.
Attractions along the route include
- Guggenheim museum in Bilbao
- Cathedral Vitoria-Gasteiz – Gothic-style, Roman Catholic church
- Riviera feel of Biarritz – charming promenades, delicious Spanish cooking
- Yubiyuri and Deusto Bridges
Tips for driving in Spain and France
Spain
- Don’t keep your mobile phones in the driver’s seat – even when parked!
- Flashing headlights doesn’t mean you can go – if the Spanish flash their headlights, they’re warning you that they’re about to overtake, not letting you go into the gap in front of them
- Don’t drive in flip flops or sandals – Spanish police are known to fine people for driving whilst wearing sandals or flip flops
France
- In France, you pay your tolls when you leave the motorway
- Must haves – reflective jackets, warning triangle, headlamp beam deflectors
- V5 Document – The original registration document of your car is needed when driving in France – not a copy!
The Amalfi Coast, Italy, 718 km
The Amalfi Coast has been coined as Italy’s most scenic coastline. The views along the way are absolutely spectacular. This trip is jam packed with opportunities to stop in some of Italy’s most romantic cities, a perfect drive for couples, or newlyweds on their honeymoon. There’s virtually no bad time of year to travel the Amalfi Coast as it hosts a year-round Mediterranean climate. Start your trip by driving from Rome to Ostia Antica, travel from here to the Naples. In the Naples enjoy the fine dining, art and electric nightlife it has to offer. Make sure to stop off at Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried under volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. From here, make your way to Sorrento and marvel at the scenic byways. Then, drive to the picturesque city of Positano.
From Poitano, venture to the historic harbour town of Selerno. Here you will find three sections to the city, each representing a different era – as you pass through each; you are essentially driving through the evolution of Selerno. Amazing, right? Finish your road trip by driving north to Tivoli. Tivoli offers the most magnificent backdrops for photos, you almost get a sense that you’ve traveled back in time, long before Instagram!
Attractions along the Route Include
- The River Tiber, Ostia, Rome
- Palace of Cacerta, Naples
- Lungomare Trieste, the seafront promenade of Salerno
- The Tivoli Theatre. Tivoli
Tips for driving along the Amalfi Coast
- Beware of car sickness – there are a lot of twists and turns on this route, so if you are susceptible to car sickness, make sure to take preventative measures
- Be very cautious in following the speed limit correctly; Italy are very strict when it comes to speed limits
- If at all possible, plan your road trip to fall on a Sunday as trucks are prohibited on Sundays, meaning less traffic for a more relaxed drive
Travel Insurance
If you do end up making plans to drive across Europe, make sure you have travel insurance for your trip.
Travel insurance is important, if you become ill or have an accident you are prepared. Remember that you’ll also be covered against all other mishaps that might befall you during your trip, such as lost luggage or cancelled/delayed flights.
Choose single trip travel insurance if your trip is likely to be your only travelling of the year, or go for annual multi-trip travel insurance if you’re likely to do more travelling during the year too.
Whatever policy you choose with Insure My Holiday, you are assured of a high standard of cover at a low price.
Key benefits of our Gold Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €5 Million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €2,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €1,600
- Delayed Departure Cover of €200
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €4,000
- Abandonment Cover of €4,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €500
- Personal Accident Cover of €55,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €1,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €10,000
- Hijack Cover of €1,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €750
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €300
Key benefits of our Platinum Plan travel insurance
- Medical Expenses Cover of €10 Million
- Personal Luggage Cover of €3,000
- Personal Money and Documents Cover of €2,000
- Delayed Departure Cover of €400
- Cancellation or Curtailment Cover of €6,000
- Abandonment Cover of €6,000
- Missed Departure Cover of €600
- Personal Accident Cover of €95,000
- Personal Liability Cover of €2,000,000
- Third Party Supplier Insolvency Cover of €2,000
- Schedule Airline Failure Cover of €2,000
- Legal Expenses Cover of €20,000
- Hijack Cover of €2,000
- Catastrophe Cover of €1,000
- Credit or Cash Card Fraud Cover of €500
All are as generous or more generous as you will find with any other travel insurance provider, so it all adds up to even more great reasons to choose Insure My Holiday for all your travel insurance needs.
Just get a travel insurance quote now to see how much you can save!
