5 Epic European Road Trips: Stunning Scenic Drives for Your Next Adventure

Europe boasts some of the world's most breathtaking road trips, from Austria's majestic castles and Germany's half-timbered houses to England's rolling hills, Switzerland's Alpine vistas, Norway's fjords, and France's vineyard-lined roads. As borders reopen post-COVID-19, road trips offer a safe, flexible way to explore. RV rentals are surging in popularity.

Here are five of our top European road trip recommendations:

Five Epic European Road Trips

1. The Amalfi Coast | Italy

The Amalfi Coast in southern Italy is renowned for its stunning shoreline, where terraced villages cling to hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The route runs from Sorrento in the north to Salerno in the south, winding past steep cliffs and vineyards. Essential stops include Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. This drive is among Europe's most picturesque.

Best time: March to May, during spring bloom before peak season.
Recommended days: 2 to 4
Difficulty: Challenging; requires confidence on narrow, winding roads.

2. The Scottish Highlands | Scotland

The Scottish Highlands offer unparalleled scenery. Embark on a loop from Glasgow to Edinburgh, heading north through iconic lochs and mountains. From Glasgow, visit Loch Lomond, then Fort William for Ben Nevis hikes. Continue to Mallaig via Loch Shiel, ferry to Isle of Skye, cross Skye Bridge, and stop at Eilean Donan Castle. Extend to Ullapool and Lochinver, or head to Fort Augustus for Loch Ness, Inverness, and Pitlochry en route to Edinburgh. Expect lochs, whisky distilleries, and Highland cows.

Best time: April to October
Recommended days: 5 to 7
Difficulty: Narrow roads and left-side driving; for experienced drivers.

3. The Romantic Road | Germany

This southern German route from Würzburg to the Alps near Neuschwanstein Castle features sweeping views, cathedrals, and castles. Highlights include Rothenburg ob der Tauber (a 13th-century gem), Nördlingen, Augsburg's cathedral, Hohenschwangau's castles, and Füssen. Extend to Munich for Bavarian culture.

Best time: Spring, summer, or fall.
Recommended days: 5 to 7
Difficulty: Mostly easy, with occasional narrow sections.

4. France Beyond Paris | France

Pair Paris with countryside exploration: Drive from Paris via Versailles (iconic palace), Chartres (UNESCO cathedral), Le Mans, Rennes (timbered architecture), Le Mont-Saint-Michel (medieval abbey island), Caen, and Rouen (Monet-famous cathedral), circling back.

Best time: April to October
Recommended days: 4 to 5
Difficulty: Easy navigation throughout.

5. Dublin to Galway via Kilkenny & Cork | Southern Ireland

Discover Ireland's southern gems: Dublin to Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and back. Highlights include County Kerry's Ring of Kerry, rugged coasts, mountains, and the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Experience castles, villages, culture, and history. Check Earthtrekkers for a detailed 10-day itinerary.

Best time: March to October
Recommended days: 5 to 7
Difficulty: Left-side driving on narrow roads; not for beginners.