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The roads best travelled in Europe

Scenic coastal roads worth the drive

The Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland's most famous drive.

Linger over a pint in friendly fishing villages and admire the dramatic moors and ocean cliffs.

Best time to visit: May through October
Typical travel time: Eight days, seven nights

Head out of Dublin and into the quiet Irish countryside, where jaw-dropping coastal views meet ancient history. Navigate the rugged landscapes of Connemara National Park before arriving at the famed Cliffs of Moher and the lively pubs of Galway City.

We love the daily traditional music sessions at the pub Tig Coílí. Ramble the city’s medieval streets before heading off to the stunning Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. Stroll scenic paths and explore villages that catch your eye before returning to Dublin.

Ireland's Cliffs of Moher. Image credit: Tourism Ireland

Highlights

Inch Beach – A stunning stretch of sand with lovely views of the hills along the Dingle Peninsula. You'll find a small friendly café and a surf school.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery – Stop in for a tasting at this funky distillery in the heart of Dublin.

Fields of France

From the warm beaches and languid evenings of Nice to the fragrant fields of Provence, delights are endless.

Best time to visit: May through October
Typical travel time: Eight days, seven nights

You'll easily see why so many famed painters were inspired by this gorgeous region.

Set out from Nice and head for the sunny fields of Provence, calling in along the way for a café au lait in Picasso's home of Mougins.

Become blasé about incredible views of the Alps and the Mediterranean from Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Aix-en-Provence, before turning towards the brilliant colours of the Luberon landscapes.

Admire the ancient walls of Avignon before saying, as the locals do, au revoir. Until next time.

Avignon is worth a stop on your road trip.

Highlights

Abbaye de Sénanque – Discover this 12th-century abbey set deep in a valley outside Gordes.
Villefranche-sur-Mer – A hidden medieval street unfolds beneath the oldest part of this postcard-perfect fishing village.

Stunning Tuscany

An immersive drive that offers the best of Italy. Local markets, quiet villages, and endless landscapes fill the days.

Best time to visit: March through November
Typical travel time: Eight days, seven nights

Ideal for anyone with taste buds, this itinerary begins in Florence — home to famous art, the Renaissance Duomo, and the iconic Ponte Vecchio.

Stay in a villa and pass afternoons in villages whose names sound like pasta noodles. Each will be somehow older than the one before, with medieval walls and Roman fortifications.

Pause at Pisa for a photo with the Leaning Tower. Live like a local by shopping the markets for fresh produce before returning to your villa pool. Fantasise about a career change before returning to Florence.

Highlights

Chianti – Recognise every name as a wine you love. Don’t miss Avignonesi, one of Italy’s oldest wineries.
Michelangelo’s hidden drawings – Doodles of a genius line the walls of a secret room under Florence’s Medici chapels.

The Romantic Road

Meander through striking Bavarian landscapes studded with magnificent castles in a land straight out of a fairy tale.

Best time to visit: April through October
Typical travel time: Eight days, seven nights

Set off from humming Frankfurt and visit the gothic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, before walking the cobbled streets and charming ramparts of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Soak up the sights in Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, before setting off for Munich and its historic buildings and wild beer halls.

Bravely sample various Bratwurst, explore the dense evergreen Black Forest, and stop near the gin-clear waters of Lake Titisee.

Finally, reward yourself with a tipple at the wineries of stunning Gothic Freiburg.

Tuscany's endless landscapes are beautiful. Image credit: Getty

Highlights

Neuschwanstein Castle – This fairy-tale castle looks like it was plucked straight out of a storybook.
Munich – Residents in a former palace find a curious collection of medieval religious relics, including the supposed head of a disciple.

Driving in Europe

Danny Hooper, House of Travel Johnsonville has all the tips.

Go small: Compact cars make for much easier driving on small country lanes.

Planning: In a city at the start or end of the trip? Don’t include the car hire during your stay. It’s an easy way to avoid the headache and cost of parking.

Admin: Get an international driver’s permit from AA before you go. You may be asked for it.

Toll roads: Main highways are usually toll roads. Keep some cash or coins to pay these, in case your hire car doesn’t have an automatic pass. The main roads will get you from A to B fastest, but it’s worth taking the scenic route for diversity.

Pickup: Ask about GPS hire, which is really helpful if you don’t have access to smartphone data.

“We believe Europe is best discovered along its tiny lanes and scenic coastal roads. House of Travel Johnsonville's Danny Hooper picks four of his favourite roadies.”

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