By Steve from Destination Someplace

Have you and your other half ever fancied the idea of European road trip? Of course, you have! There isn’t much more thrilling than an open road and endless possibilities. And Europe has some dreamy locations along with great driving roads, so as The Boss* would say ‘roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair’, because with a little bit of planning ‘These two lanes will take us anywhere…’.

A European road trip will allow you the freedom to get to those out-of-the-way places not usually reachable if you go on an organized tour or use public transportation. Maybe stopping at that great looking roadside inn along the way, or at a local festival. You can go literally anywhere – The French Riviera, the Austrian Alps, the Italian Lakes, the Lowlands of Netherlands or the Spanish Steps – Anywhere!

In this article, however, we must start somewhere, and our starting place is beautiful Munich. Why Munich? Just North of the Alps, it’s slap bang in the middle of Western Europe, with easy access to great roads and with the whole of Germany to explore. It has Austria, Slovakia, Switzerland amongst others on its doorstep – so it’s a great place to start.

So, the itinerary starts as you land at the easily accessible Munich International Airport (MUC). Rent your wheels for a week and you are raring to go…

Here’s a suggested itinerary and some of the things you might see along the way.

Road Trip in Europe: Day 1 – Into Munich – approximately 30 minutes from the airport

Since the airport is so close by it would be remiss to not visit the capital of Bavaria, the wonderful Munich, home to the most famous beer festival in the world – the Oktoberfest, and a vibrant city to kick-start our road trip.

Munich is great for wondering around and drinking in the atmosphere, maybe take in the central square of Marienplatz, the heart of this city, and watch its famous glockenspiel figures perform their daily routine (every day at 11 am and at 12 pm, and additionally at 5 pm. in the summer months) for the international tourists that gather there. After that maybe a light lunch before visiting the Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in Germany for a stein of local beer and a side serving of ‘Oompah’ music.

In the evening, why not wind down for a romantic time in one of the chic restaurants in Munich’s Old Town and plan a little of tomorrow’s adventures.

>> Book your accommodation in Munich

Road Trip in Europe: Day 2 – Munich to Salzburg in Austria – approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Take a leisurely drive the next day to the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg in Austria, where you can take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress and be treated to some stunning views of the city, or head below ground and visit the famous salt mines. If you have the time, you could also visit the romantic ‘Mirabell Gardens’, and re-enact the famous scene were Maria and the Von Trapp children sing “Do, Re, Mi” in the Sound of Music movie.

After all that excitement you will have worked up an appetite, so why not finish the evening with some traditional Austrian food, finished off with a dessert with apple strudel – go on, you’ve earned it.

>> Book your accommodation in Salzburg

Road Trip in Europe: Day 3 – Salzburg to Vienna, Austria – approximately 3 hour 10 minutes

Day 3 takes us into Vienna, the classical capital of Austria. Famed for its classical musical heritage, and ‘old Europe’ atmosphere. Take it easy today, time for a little people watching from one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses or a visit to the famous Schönbrunn Palace with its stunning gardens, or even take a romantic trot around the cobbled streets in a horse and carriage.

As evening descends, seek a little out of the way restaurant away from the tourist areas to sample some real Bavarian food such as the world-famous Weiner Schnitzel, helped down with some aromatic and malty Viennese lager.

>> Book your accommodation in Vienna

>>Want to stay longer in Austria’s capital? Here’s an itinerary for spending 3 Days in Vienna during Winter

Road Trip in Europe: Day 4 – Vienna to Budapest, Hungary – approximately 2 hours 33 minutes

Budapest in one the jewels along the banks of the Danube, and it truly has everything, culture, fun, relaxation all wrapped up in an easily accessible city.

Today you could explore the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle for breathtaking views across Pest, have lunch on-the-go of traditional goulash in the Great Market Hall, or simply decide on a spa and pamper day by visiting one of the famous thermal baths such as the world- renowned Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

In the evening remember to visit the famous ‘Ruin Bars’ of Budapest for that extra cool vibe. You won’t believe how much fun you can have in abandoned buildings adorned with graffiti & ramshackle furniture. Try the iconic ‘Szimpla Kert’, or discover your own hidden, local gems.

>> Book your accommodation in Budapest

>>Want to stay longer in Hungary’s Capital? Here’s A Simple Itinerary for a Weekend in Budapest

Road Trip in Europe: Day 5 Budapest to Bratislava, Slovakia – approximately 2 hours 10 minutes

One day 5 of your trip, after winding your way through the hills and forests of beautiful Slovakia, why not meet up again with the River Danube at charming Bratislava.

Here you can soak in the atmosphere of Bratislava’s Old Town, sip a coffee, or browse for souvenirs in the quint little shops. If you get the chance take a short hike up to Bratislava Castle, or a cruise along the Danube and stop to check out Devin Castle.

Or why not book a table in the restaurant in the famous 84.60 metres tall Bratislava UFO Tower for a well-deserved cocktail, coupled with some fine dining and stunning evening views across the beautiful Danube.

>> Book your accommodation in Bratislava

Road Trip in Europe: Day 6- Bratislava to Prague, Czech Republic – approximately 3 hours 17 minutes

Today you’ll arrive in the fairytale city of Prague, the stunning capital of the Czech Republic. Aptly nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” where a Bohemian surprise awaits around every corner.

Visit the old Jewish quarter with its complex history and great shopping areas. Remember to get a ‘selfie’ on the iconic Charles Bridge, and in the evening head down to Wenceslas Square for a great atmosphere and local brews and food.

>> Book your accommodation in Prague

Road Trip in Europe: Day 7 – Prague to Nuremberg, Germany – approximately 3 hour 18 minutes

Today you start to loop back to Munich taking in the picturesque Bavarian countryside, and pop into the beautiful city of Nuremberg, its history forever entwined with the dark days of World War II.

In Nuremberg you might want to walk the Old City walls or hire a bike and cycle them, or take a Pedalo on the Großer Dutzendteich, a pretty man-made lake. If you have the time, visit the shops and cafes along the typically Bavarian Weißgerbergasse.

>> Book your accommodation in Nuremberg

Road Trip in Europe: Day 8 – Nuremberg to Munich International Airport – approximately 1 hour 36 minutes

Today you can take a leisurely drive back to your starting point to drop off your car, knowing you have fully made the best of your European road trip. If you have enough time why not drop into the pretty town of Ingolstadt, which is right on your route and visit, appropriately enough, its museum of classic cars.

>> View the itinerary on Google Maps

>Want to stay longer in Europe? Here’s our favorite 6 Weeks in Europe Itinerary: By Land Travel Only

Top Tips for Great Road Trip in Europe

• Allow for flexibility in your itinerary when planning your road trip, to give you time to explore the off-the-beaten-track places along the way, or extend your stay if you find somewhere you fall in love with.
• Consider treating yourself to accommodation with a touch of luxury – you’ll have earned it after driving and exploring during the day.
• Immerse yourself in local activities such as cooking classes with a local or a historical tour to enhance your journey.
• Drive times are all approximations based on following the quickest route, so always build a little time into your plans for traffic delays etc.
• Familiarize yourself with the local driving rules and regulations in advance, and make sure you have the necessary documentation required.
• When driving into major towns make sure you are aware of any ‘low emission zones’ and try to avoid them if you can, as the rules regarding these zones can vary from country to country and town to town – so don’t risk a fine.
• If you hire a car, make sure it has all the necessary equipment required for your trip before you leave the hire office and hit the road. For example, you will need to carry snow chains in the winter months in Italy should your trip take you there. Some parts of Europe and some of the mountainous regions also mandate the use of winter tires. Always best to check if you are planning a trip in winter.
• Never let your fuel drop too low, always have a quarter of a tank in reserve. You don’t want to be running on fumes if you get stuck in a traffic jam.
• Ideally, if both of you drive, take turn at driving, that gives you both time to admire the scenery and stops you both getting too tired.

Most important – Enjoy Yourself.

Remember this is just a suggested itinerary, you can adjust this based on your interests and time frames. Make sure you book all you accommodation in advance, so not to waste any time when you are on your trip and check online for the opening hours of local attractions. Most of all enjoy your trip, be flexible, and stop along the way wherever takes your fancy. Who know what you might discover.

*Bruce Springsteen, also known as The Boss!

About the author:
Steve writes on Destination Someplace and likes to mix it up when he & Mrs A travel; so, it is planes, trains, and automobiles for us (along with ferries). On our website, we detail some of our experiences and have put together some tips to help independent travelers who are still young in spirit.

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