EUROPEAN ROAD TRIPS
FIVE OF THE BEST It’s time to buckle up and hit the road for immersive, flight-free travel. We take the scenic route along five of Europe’s finest road trips Writer: Phoebe Harper
ROAD TRIPS ARE a phenomenon steeped in romance and adventure, offering the chance to set your own pace and savour the freedom of the open road. With itineraries that can be customised to suit your own preferences, Europe offers a wealth of sights that are accessible by car - from the heights of the Scottish Highlands to the Alpine passes of Switzerland, and on to the splendour of the French Riviera. Whether bringing your own or hiring a rental car, be sure to plan your trip well in advance and make regular pit stops whilst en route to avoid ‘Highway hypnosis’. For those who are carbon conscious, Europe is also home to the world’s first road trip catering to electric vehicles. Here are our handpicked five of the best, in order of distance. (Soundtrack optional.) 36 | Outlook Travel issue 06
1. ROAD-TRIPPING ALONG THE RHINE Route: Düsseldorf - Mainz Distance: 146 miles Savour a taste of Germany on a journey along the scenic banks of the Rhine Valley. Follow a route that snakes a path between forest-coated cliffs crowned with fairy-tale style castles. Encounter the formidable riverside cities of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn and steep fields that nourish some of Germany’s finest wine-producing grapes. Discover Gothic churches and picturesque timber-framed houses offering an authentic glimpse of Medieval Germany. Be sure to leave the car at the roadside to enjoy a river cruise along the breadths of the mighty Rhine. We recommend allowing roughly one week to accomplish the journey at a leisurely pace.
