When most people think about road trips, the first country that comes to mind is usually America, but more people than ever have been getting behind the wheel to enjoy a driving holiday in Europe. Where better to spend your next overseas getaway than on the open road, driving through picturesque landscapes – after all, Europe is home to many of the world’s most beautiful locations.
If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve got you covered – together with Grange Used Aston Martin dealership, we’ve assembled a hand-picked selection of the best driving holiday destinations in Europe:
Italy – Stelvio Pass
High in the Eastern Italian Alps, you’ll find the Stelvio Pass. This road was once voted the best driving road in the world by Top Gear – and for good reason. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views, the Stelvio Pass is a must for any adventurous driving enthusiast.
The roads 48 switchback turns will test the skills of even the most experienced drivers, so it’s recommended that you pull over when it’s safe in order to focus – this will also give you the chance to really take in the sights.
Germany – Route 500
Germany’s Route 500 may be one of the country’s major roads, but it’s so much more than a means of getting from A to B. Located between the town of Baden Baden and the Swiss border, this stunning stretch of road will take you right through the Black Forest region of Germany. With vast stretches of pine forests and extraordinary mountain scenery to pass through, this driving experience is guaranteed to take your breath away.
It’s recommended that you start your drive early in the day however, this way you’ll miss out on the traffic that can build up rather quickly along this route.
Iceland – Route One
Route One in Iceland is an 800-mile long stretch of road which circumnavigates the entire island, allowing you to see all the things that make Iceland such a sought-after destination.
You’ll be able to take in a variety of amazing scenery, including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls and even ash deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll also be driving past volcanos and lava fields, meaning that you’ll likely encounter some tougher terrain. It’s recommended that you take this route in a sturdy vehicle, such as a Land Rover or other 4×4 so that you can easily handle the gravel sections of the road.
France – Route Napoleon
Driving along this iconic French road means that you’ll be following in the footsteps of one of history’s most famous figures. This 200+ mile route follows the same one that Napoléon Bonaparte took when he marched from Elba to Grenoble to overthrow Louis the 18th in 1815.
Route Napoleon runs all the way from Cannes to Grenoble in the south of France, taking you through the Alps Maritimes and the Alps – and you’ll find that both have a lot to offer in the way of stunning scenery and amazing views.
This road is a must for thrill seekers; with a collection of hairpin turns, cambered corners and fast straights, this route will definitely test your skills behind the wheel.
Austria – Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse or Grossglockner High Alpine Road winds down from the highest mountain in Austria – which should give you a good idea of just how spectacular this road is.
With 36 challenging hairpin bends and climbs to an astonishing 2,504 meters above sea level, this route has proved to be a big hit with motorcyclists and sports car fans all over the world.
Taking the 30-mile long road from one end of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road to the other will cost you €25 for a motorcycle and €35 for a private car. Here, you’ll pass the Alpine Nature Show Museum, Hohe Tauern National parkand Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe — home to the Pasterze Glacier.
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