A self-drive holiday in Europe is certain to appeal to those who love exploring countries to understand their true character. Likewise, Petrol Heads will enjoy taking their preferred vehicle off on an adventure. After all, a road trip can give us all a chance to experience a continent at our own pace.
In America (on the Friday before Memorial Day) National Road Trip Day is celebrated. At this time many people set off to see their families and embrace road trip season in the process. It’s a time to enjoy the journey to a destination before summer.
As summer is here now view some of the best journeys to experience during a self-drive holiday in Europe…
Mountainous Self-drive holidays in France
self-drive holiday in the south of France can take you on/off the beaten track – while experiencing the best of France. For instance, begin a self-drive holiday in the small port of Bordeaux. Here, you can admire over 300 ancient monuments or sample its famous white wines. After a good night’s sleep roll down to magical Montpellier via Toulouse (‘La Ville Rose’). Montpellier is for relaxing on unspoilt, beaches 11km from the pretty, pedestrianised city.
To hear stories of the 12th century Albigensian Crusade and heresy, experience a self-drive holiday in Southern France when motoring around Cathar Country. Start a circular, five-day road trip from the hilltop town of Carcassonne, to capture mountainous views, over 22 medieval monuments and castles on camera.
To relax in nature, motor through the unspoilt Ariège Pyrenees mountain range. Here, you can observe many beautiful butterflies and ancient farming methods within wild countryside. Some say that the Pyrenees is the best break for the mind, body, and soul. Others say it’s a beautiful place to tuck into some of France’s best cured meats such as liver pâtés, goose/duck confits and wine.
For more wine – when you’re not behind the wheel of course – head to Italy.
Coastal Self-drive Holidays in Italy
There are a good selection of self-drive holidays and driving routes in Italy where you can admire its blissful coastline. For instance, The Amalfi Coast is where to find the exciting Blue Ribbon Drive which flows the length of the Amalfi Coast. This 50 Km route keeps drivers on their toes from start to finish. They’ll drive round the edge of dramatic mountain cliffs, while overlooking shimmering Sorrento, then past volcanic hills which surround the scenic Bay of Naples.
When arriving at the seaside village of Positano, there’s a mix of high-end shops and family run restaurants to discover. Its worth mentioning that celebs are often found holidaying here. Celeb – or not – when exploring the Amalfi coast take a pit stop for a refreshing glass of lemonade -as Amalfi is famous for its supply of lush lemons.
For a self-driving holiday to find more characters, take the car ferry to Southern Ireland.
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland
For those who like a challenge (or watching wicked waves) the best self-drive holiday in Ireland races along its wild west coast. The Wild Atlantic Way starts in the remote Malin Head (rugged Co. Donegal) and finishes in the colourful harbour town of Kinsale, near charismatic Cork. Hugging 1,600 miles of coast, breaking this road trip into 14 sections makes it manageable. It’s one of the longest coastal routes in the world after all.
The Wild Atlantic Way glides past tall cliffs, beautiful beaches, and bays such as Clew Bay. Clew is home to 365 unique islands where you can hear stories of Ireland’s Legendary Pirate Queen. This makes it one of the most magical places in Ireland. While driving to Cork there’ll be more stories of fairies, folklore and St Patrick to hear about plus many Irish traditions to experience or adopt such as “Pattern Days” feast days.
P J Hayman provides cover for self-drive holidays
Know someone who’s planning a road trip? Make sure they travel, with confidence by suggesting Euro Plus. We can provide European motor breakdown cover for self-drive holidays and business trips in Europe if the vehicle is 15 years old or under (since registration).
Discover all the benefits of taking Euro Plus
For further information contact our friendly and knowledgeable team.
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