Europe by Car Holidays

In a world before cheap flights, most British people's international holidays were all about packing the car fit to burst and heading out on a road trip to Europe on a romantic getaway or family jolly (cue grainy, nostalgic image of buckets and spades on the beach and melting ice creams at a random stop off in France).

Europe by Car holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country France – Brittany – Trebeurden – Saint-Malo

    A Big Short Break in Northern Brittany - Sailing Trips, Shoreline Strolls & Seafood Suppers

    Hit the road along Brittany’s spectacular coastline on a five-day escape from Trebeurden to Saint-Malo

    5 days, from £1300 to £1650

  • One Country Spain – Canary Islands – Lanzarote – Macher – San Bartolome

    Lanzarote with the Family - Volcanoes, Coastlines and Island Life

    Treat the whole family to an eight-day getaway in Lanzarote, from Macher to San Bartolome

    8 days, from £1450 to £2150

  • One Country Sweden - Stockholm - Falun - Tallberg

    Exploring Stockholm and Dalarna - A Family Adventure to Sweden

    Embark on a week-long family adventure to Sweden, travelling from the buzzing capital to Dalarna’s natural landscapes by car

    8 days, from £1550 to £2000

  • One Country Portugal – Porto – Guimaraes – Pinhao

    A Classic Portugal Road Trip - Port Pours, Medieval Towns and Valley Views

    Hit the road on a week-long escape through Portugal’s riverside cities, medieval towns and wine valleys

    7 days, from £1650 to £2300

  • One Country Portugal – Guimaraes – Provesende – Coimbra – Monsaraz – Grandola

    Medieval Towns & Traditional Wineries - Road Trip Across Rural Portugal

    Drive across Portugal’s quieter interior on this 11-day road trip from Porto to Lisbon

    11 days, from £1650 to £2400

  • One Country Portugal – Lisbon – A Dos Cunhados

    Lively Lisbon and Coastal Calm - A Big Short Break in Western Portugal

    Pair the timeless allure of Lisbon with the scenic charm of A Dos Cunhados on this six-day sojourn in Portugal

    6 days, from £1650 to £2300

  • One Country France - Burgundy - Champagne

    From Burgundy to Champagne - Discover France's Best Wines

    Discover two of France’s best wine regions on this five-day trip from Burgundy to Champagne

    5 days, from £1700 to £2150

  • One Country France – Basque Country – Landes – Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux

    From the Basque Country to Bordeaux - A Road Trip Along France’s Southwest Coast

    Trade crowded icons for quiet charmers on this eight-day road trip along the tranquil shores of southwestern France

    8 days, from £1700 to £2500

  • One Country France – Normandy – Honfleur - Port-en-Bessin – Brittany – Cancale

    Oysters, Ocean Views and Old Towns - A Normandy and Brittany Road Trip

    Embark on a week-long road trip from Normandy to Brittany, discovering windswept beaches, soaking up local history and savouring coastal cuisine

    7 days, from £1700 to £2500

The good news is that given the likelihood of long-haul travel restrictions and long queues at airports for the forseeable future, Europe driving holidays are firmly back on the agenda.

Giving you absolute freedom to travel at your own pace and linger in each destination a little longer, these self-drive trips simply require a quick hop under the Channel on the Eurotunnel to Calais or a ferry ride from any number of ports in the UK to France, Spain, Belgium or The Netherlands, and the continent is yours to explore. To ensure you get the most out of your Europe road trip from the UK, our team of travel experts can help plan an itinerary that's tailor-made to suit you - whether you're a gastronomic globetrotter wanting to sample the best food and wine in each country; an active family looking for adventures; or a couple simply after quality time together with culture and history galore.

Maybe you want a week-long getaway that takes you through the pretty French countryside, stopping at bustling cities and with some relaxation on the coast thrown in for good measure. Or perhaps it's time for that sabbatical you always planned, hopping from one European country to another, ticking off bucket list destinations and experiences, with a healthy dose of hedonism and relaxation to balance it all out. Whatever your pleasure, we know the best private guides to show you around and can book you come seriously cool accommodation, from exclusive villas and private apartments to treehouses and boutique bed and breakfasts.

As well as our expert knowledge to help you plan your driving holiday to Europe from the UK, while you're on the ground you'll also have access to our clued-up Concierges. They live and work in their destinations, so can help you with anything from booking a last-minute sailing trip in the South of France to recommending the best place for pintxos (Basque tapas) in San Sebastian.

So, it's time to pack up the car, stock up on snacks and get your playlists ready (cassettes optional) - retro-style road trips to Europe are back.