The Most Enjoyable Road Trip Routes in Europe

Nothing like being on the road! Especially if you are passing through Europe's delightful destinations, which will offer all kinds of beauties with their landscapes…

Portugal- Douro Valley Route

Portugal; With its thousands of years of history, maritime life and cultural values ​​that have survived to the present day, it is like a living example of history and art lessons. Douro Valley, which is 2 hours away from Porto, the heart of Portugal, is a treasure for travelers who want both a city and a gourmet holiday. The steep slopes rising on both sides of the Douro River, which passes through historical vineyards and wineries and flows into the ocean in Porto, are also the living place of the world's most important vineyards.

It is certainly very enjoyable to rent a car and tour the Douro vineyards and region, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. Get ready to fall head over heels in love with its terraced vineyards, wine houses and breathtaking views. You can complete the approximately 358 km route in 5-7 days, starting from Porto and ending in Miranda do Douro. Some of the wine houses you can visit in the Douro Valley are: Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta da Roêda, Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de La Rosa, Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Gricha⁠.

Tuscan Route from Florence to Orvieto

Of course, a single trip is not enough to visit Tuscany, the region of Italy with its surreal beauties, which is the dream of every traveler. Especially if you want to have a real Tuscany experience, wake up to the sound of birds and fall asleep under the stars, the 210-kilometer, 2-day route that starts in Florence and ends in Orvieto, covering the wine treasures of Chianti and classical Tuscan landscapes, is just for you!

Feast on fine art and Renaissance architecture in Florence before heading south to the wine country of Chianti on the route where you can explore Italy's two great medieval cities and the wine treasures of Chianti. Take a tasting break at Enoteca Falorni in Greve and stop for a taste of the region's famous bistecca (steak) at L'Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano. From here, follow the back roads to Siena, a stunning medieval city centered on an awe-inspiring Duomo and 12th-century square, Piazza del Campo. The next morning, head to Montalcino to stock up on Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy's best red wines. Just a short drive away, Val d'Orcia offers stunning Tuscan landscapes with its rolling green hills, cypress trees and hill towns. Lunch in Pienza, then continue via Montepulciano to Orvieto, a stunning hill town famous for its outstanding Gothic Duomo.

Swiss Alps Route

Switzerland means magnificent lakes and forest landscapes. Switzerland, one of the most prosperous and most beautiful countries in Western Europe with its fascinating nature, is a paradise to get cool air on hot summer days and to be alone with nature unfiltered. Unspoiled lakes, lush green meadows and chalets with chocolate boxes, especially the dazzling Alps with their stunning views, are among the must-see places in Switzerland.

The Swiss Alps route of approximately 612 kilometers from Arosa to Zermatt, which you can complete in approximately 7 days; With its magnificent peaks, stunning views, cable car rides and local charm, it awaits to provide unforgettable experiences. During your visit, if you wish, you can visit a farmer's market early in the morning for picnic materials, and at noon, you can have a pleasant day by feasting on a mountain top.

Lavender Route

Located between the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean and the Alps, Provence is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in France but also in the world, with its cultural richness dating back thousands of years and its sun-lit nature. The region offers its visitors a pleasant journey of 215 km between Coustellet and Plateau de Valensole, with its history, rich culture and nature, as well as local food. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, Sault and Prieuré de Salagon are must-sees on the route, which is filled with picturesque hill towns, ancient churches, beautiful valleys and fields of purple flowers.