Are you looking for the best European road trips for families?
Europe has so much to offer, and not only for backpackers. Europe is perfect for family holidays. And the great thing about Europe, compared to North America, is the distance between towns and countries. That makes Europe a great place for a family road trip. So today, we’re sharing with you our best European road trips with family.
My husband and I have lived in Europe for more than 3 years and we did so many amazing trips. Now, it’s time to see what the old continent has to offer to families.
Here are a few of the best European road trips for families to inspire you to hit the road with your kids.
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1. Provence, France
Provence is a beautiful place to discover, and the best way to explore is by going on a road trip. What makes it especially great for families is the outdoor activities and hikes you can do along the way.
PROVENCE, FRANCE ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7 days
🇫🇷 European country: France
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Avignon → Aix en Provence → Cassis
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Interactive 3D treasure hunt in Avignon and boat visit to the Calanques in Cassis.
If you want a fun itinerary, visit Avignon, Aix en Provence, and Cassis on a 7-day Provence road trip. This road trip starts in Avignon, where you can visit the famous Palais de Papes.
The kids can participate in the interactive 3D treasure hunt, followed by a lovely lunch on the terrace.
For a fun afternoon activity, you can rent a canoe or kayak and do the descent on the River Rhone. Make sure to take water and wear a cap on hot days. From Avignon, go to Aix-en-Provence and hike up the Sainte Victoire Mountain or book a bike tour.
There’s a more leisurely hike, so younger kids may also manage this. If it gets too much, you can just enjoy the view and have a lovely picnic.
Finally, you could head to Cassis, where lots are going on. We suggest taking the little train through the town, where you can see the main sights; our kids loved waving to all the passersby.
We also really enjoyed taking the boat to visit the Calanques and finally ending our day on the beach with ice cream.
👉🏼 Book your Provence, France Tours here!
2. Normandy Coast, France
The country of France has many beautiful locations that are worth visiting, and the Normandy coast is one of the best road trips in Europe for families.
Normandy is a popular destination because of its wide range of attractions. There are numerous WWII sites located throughout Normandy if you are looking for an educational adventure in addition to exploring the area.
A ten-day family road trip along the Normandy coast would be a perfect amount of time to explore and participate in some fun attractions.
NORMANDY COAST, FRANCE ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 10 days
🇫🇷 European country: France
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Dunkirk → Belgium (Bruges & Plopsaland de Panne) → Honfleur → Caen → Courseulles sur Mer → Arromanches les Bains → Pointe du Hoc → Mont Saint Michel
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: WWII sites and the panoramic view of Mont Saint Michel
Start in Dunkirk by walking the famous beach, check out Operation Dunkirk and learn about the historic evacuation, and then head to the bunkers in Bray-Dunes to see the German fortifications still standing along the ocean.
From Dunkirk, you can take a couple of day trips across the border into Belgium. Spend a day exploring Bruges and another letting the kids go wild at Plopsaland de Panne, one of the best theme parks in all of Europe.
Drive along the coast to the beautiful port town of Honfleur and walk around the Vieux Port, admiring the colorful houses and enjoying a meal next to the water.
Drive into Caen for some of the best museums in France and continue on to the D-Day landing beaches and their museums for an unbelievable educational and historical experience in Courseulles sur Mer.
Spend a couple of days in Arromanches les Bains, roaming the remaining pieces of the temporary harbor still on the beach. Walk along the boardwalk and take in a movie at the 360-degree Cinema.
Head to nearby Pointe du Hoc and let the kids run through the craters in the ground left by bombs from WWII and see the staggering terrain that the American troops successfully overcame on D-Day.
End your Normandy road trip by visiting the famous Mont Saint Michel. Skip the tour bus and walk along the pathway; it is a beautiful area allowing everyone to stretch their legs while admiring the panoramic view of Mont Saint Michel.
The Normandy coast has something for everyone, making it an ideal family road trip destination.
👉🏼 Book your Normandy Coast, France Tours here!
3. Dordogne, France
The Dordogne is a beautiful area to visit with the family. This French department is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in southern France, and it is best explored on a road trip.
Bisected by the rivers Dordogne and Vézère, the Dordogne is a land of amazing nature, medieval towns and castles, and intriguing prehistoric sites, perfect for exploring with kids of all ages.
The rivers are the place of fun water activities, while most historic sites offer kid-friendly attractions and treasure hunts in addition to the more classic visits.
This 5-day Dordogne road trip explores the most interesting sites of the Périgord Noir, which is Dordogne’s most visited area. This French road trip combines outdoor activities and sightseeing, and it is perfect for kids as driving distances are never too long.
DORDOGNE, FRANCE ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 5 days
🇫🇷 European country: France
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Saint-Léon-sur-Vézere → Saint Amand-de-Coly → Lascaux caverns → Sarlat-la-Canéda → Dordogne Valley (Beynac, La Roque Gageac, Château de Castelnaud)
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Exploring the medieval villages and castles of the Dordogne Valley.
Day 1: Visit the lovely towns of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézere and Saint Amand-de-Coly. The two villages are lovely, and they have a good size to explore on foot. Saint Amand-de-Coly is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Day 2: Visit the famous Lascaux caverns on a guided tour (book your tickets here), with free time in the afternoon to explore the neighboring village of Montignac or for a short hike in the Vézère Valley.
Day 3: Visit the medieval city of Sarlat-la-Canéda. Sarlat is the capital of Périgord Noir, and it is famous for being the place with the highest concentration of historical buildings per square meter!
Day 4: Explore some of the medieval villages and castles of the Dordogne Valley. We recommend the villages of Beynac and La Roque Gageac, and Château de Castelnaud, with many activities for children,
Day 5: Book a kayak tour or Canoeing through the Castles in the Dordogne River or a more classic boat tour.
👉🏼 Book your Dordogne, France Tours here!
4. Rome to Florence, Italy
If you’re keen on visiting Italy, a road to Florence is definitely one of the amazing family road trip ideas. This road trip will allow you to explore Italy’s best-hidden gems and spectacular countryside scenery.
Plus, you’ll also get to taste delicious local wine and see world-famous monuments. How much better can it get?
It only takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Rome directly to Florence. However, there are plenty of incredible towns and attractions in between these two cities that you can easily make a 7-day road trip out of it.
ROME TO FLORENCE, ITALY ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7 days
🇮🇹 European country: Italy
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Rome → Orvieto → Assisi → Cortona → Arezzo → Siena → Pisa → Florence
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Visiting world-famous monuments and tasting local wine.
Spend your first 2 days in Rome. Be sure to see the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain, or unleash your skills and participate in a pasta-making class. Then, on day 3, drive from Rome to Orvieto, a beautiful town with tons of vineyards for delicious wine tasting.
Afterward, move on to Assisi, an important pilgrimage site home to the stunning Basilica of St. Francis. You can easily visit both Orvieto and Assisi in one day.
On day 4, drive to Cortona, a small town oozing with history. It was also featured in the popular film Under the Tuscan Sun. Then, drive to Arezzo to see some beautiful Roman ruins.
On day 5, drive to Siena, home to a magnificent Duomo and the most beautiful square in Tuscany. Soak in the history there before moving on to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower.
Go to Florence afterward, and spend the last two days of your 7-day road trip there. Don’t miss the stunning Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers incredible city views.
A road trip from Rome to Florence will have you glued to the car window for all the stunning countryside scenery. Keep in mind that to rent a car in Italy, you will need an international driver’s permit.
👉🏼 Book your Rome and Florence Tours, Italy here!
5. Lake Garda, Italy
One of the best European road trips with family is around Lake Garda in Northern Italy. It’s the largest lake in Italy, and it is a very beautiful place. This was the first trip we did when I was pregnant with my oldest son. Great memories.
Around the lake, you can find many small and lovely villages. Furthermore, there are lots of mountains and beautiful landscapes.
Also, the total length of a trip around the lake is about 160 kilometers. And the distances between the villages are short. So, there are a lot of stops along the way.
This is especially great when doing a road trip as a family. Plus, some of the villages have historic structures, which is great to see with kids as well.
Furthermore, to make your trip to Lake Garda better, you can listen to songs on a road trip playlist.
GARDA LAKE, ITALY ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 3 days
🇮🇹 European country: Italy
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Peschiera del Garda → Desenzano del Garda via Sirmione → Limone Sul Garda → Riva del Garda
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Exploring the small and lovely villages around Lake Garda.
You can start your road trip in Peschiera del Garda. This is a wonderful town that is easily accessible from the city of Verona. You can find many shops in this town, and there’s a historic Venetian fortification that is great to see.
From Peschiera del Garda, you can go to Desenzano del Garda via Sirmione. Sirmione is a beautiful town that you can find on a peninsula.
Here, you can also see an amazing historic castle. Desenzano del Garda is also beautiful, and you can stay here for the first night.
On the second day, you can drive to Limone Sul Garda. This is a village with very colorful buildings that is wonderful to see. While driving here, you can enjoy views and stop at various small villages. Or book a guided tour to enjoy Limone Sul Grada.
On the last day of this road trip, you can go to Riva del Garda before returning to Peschiera del Garda.
Along the way, Malcesine and Bardolino are worth checking out too!
👉🏼 Book your Lake Garda, Italy Tours here!
6. Southern Spain Road Trip
Southern Spain, in particular the province of Andalucia, is a great destination for a family road trip.
Not only is the region famous for stunning ancient cities, worthy of exploring, but also for some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Spain is also an incredibly family-orientated country, so families are well-catered for.
Also, the roads in Andalucia are well maintained, with plenty of service stops to plan regular breaks for food, drinks, and, importantly, to use the bathroom. This is great to know, especially when renting a car in Spain.
SOUTHERN SPAIN ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7 to 10 days
🇪🇸 European country: Spain
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Seville → Cadiz → Tarifa → Marbella → Ronda → Malaga or Granada
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Exploring ancient cities and enjoying Europe’s most beautiful beaches.
This week-long road trip starts in Seville and finishes in Granada. It combines some of the region’s best beaches and historic cities. The route is approximately 600km, with a driving time of around 8 hours in total.
Although this route is doable in 7-10 days, you might want to allow more time, especially if you have very young children in tow, and stretch it into a two-week Andalucia road trip instead and stop for longer at each destination.
Begin in the UNESCO city of Seville and the historical center. Some of the highlights here are the Alcazar and exploring the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz.
From Seville, head south towards the coastal city of Cadiz. This city has a nice mix of seaside charm and a family-friendly beach, as well as Roman ruins and pretty cobblestone streets dotted with plenty of shady plazas.
Continue the beach theme along the coast, heading southeast, first to Bolognia Beach to climb the gigantic dunes and then onto Tarifa, the most southern part of Spain.
Tarifa is famed for wind sports, so if you’re traveling with action-loving teenagers, then they will love some of the water activities that happen here.
Continue following the coast along to Marbella. If you have time on your route, you can also stop off for a day trip to Gibraltar.
In Marbella, you’ll find the pretty old central town, twinned with a lively beach scene. The beaches here are very family-friendly, with abundant amusement parks, boat hire, and entertainment along the seafront.
From Marbella, head towards Ronda to see the impressive Puente Nueve, straddling the gorge. If you’re choosing a more extended road trip and have an adventurous streak, then do the Caminito del Rey walk.
From Ronda, you have two options, either head to Malaga to enjoy more beach time with kids or go straight to Granada. In Granada, allow a couple of days to do the city justice and not forget the majestic Alhambra.
👉🏼 Book your Andalucia, Southern Spain Tours here!
7. Gran Canaria Island, Spain
Gran Canaria, a small island in the Atlantic, has been dubbed a miniature continent due to its variety of microclimates and landscapes.
Even though you could drive around Gran Canaria in about three hours, you should spend a few days exploring it properly.
And this is best done on a road trip while enjoying nature and staying at campsites. Hiking families will find some great hikes on Gran Canaria that can be done with kids.
GRAND CANARIA ISLAND, SPAIN ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 12 days
🇪🇸 European country: Spain
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria → Maspalomas → Palmitos Park → Tamadaba Natural Park
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Exploring the variety of microclimates and landscapes on the island.
Day 1 – 3, north-eastern Gran Canaria
Start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of the island. Then head to La Isleta and El Confital for an amazing rocky beach and great hikes.
Afterward, go inland to see one of the oldest pines on the island, the 240-year-old Drago de Pino Santo. Don’t miss Cueva de Cuarto Puertas, a complex of caves in the town of Telde.
Day 4 – 6, south-eastern Gran Canaria
You must go to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, for some great hikes or try the 6.8 km trail near Tejeda, Gran Canaria. This trail takes only 2 h and 27 min. Great for people who love to explore nature. Then head down to Maspalomas, where it’s best to spend a few days enjoying the natural sand dunes and the beach. You can even go for a camel ride here.
Day 7 – 9, south-western Gran Canaria
Visit the Palmitos Park. It’s a botanical garden, aviary, and zoo. Also, Parque Natural de Pilancones is ideal for bike rides. Don’t miss the natural reserve of Guigui for some beautiful scenery.
Day 10-12, north-western Gran Canaria
Tamadaba Natural Park is great for hikes and trails among pines and cliffs with great ocean views. Pop over to Charco Azul for some waterfalls and a picturesque pond. Go to Rural de Nuble Park for some spectacular views.
And visit the Reserva Natural Especial de los Tilos. Here you will find gorgeous hikes through a laurel forest by a river.
👉🏼 Book your Gran Canaria Island, Spain Tours here!
8. EN2 – Route 66, Portugal
One of the best family road trips Europe has to offer is the Estrada Nacional 2 or EN2 road in Portugal. Dubbed Portugal’s Route 66 and the longest in the country, this road that runs from the far north of the country to the far south is 739km long (459 miles).
Starting in Chaves in the district of Vila Real in the north and ending in Faro in the Algarve, this route is a great Europe road trip with kids.
The country changes with each passing kilometer, and there are some great things to do along the way with kids. There is even a fun passport to get from any of the Tourist offices along the route.
Just make sure to remember to get it stamped along the way.
The trip can be completed in a few days, depending on how well the kids travel by car and how long they want to spend at each stop.
EN2 – ROUTE 66, PORTUGAL ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 4 days
🇵🇹 European country: Portugal
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Chaves → Viseu → Coimbra → Evora → Faro
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Experiencing the “Portuguese Route 66”, a journey through the heart of the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Start in Chaves. Visit the thermal springs and public park close to the start of the EN2. Then travel south to Peso da Régua, where you can visit the Douro Museum to learn all about the winemaking industry of the area, or continue to Viseu, where you can visit a cathedral, churches, museums, and parks.
Day 2: Drive south from Viseu to Lousã, where there is a small wildlife park, ideal for kids. There is also a small castle above the town or a river beach to stop at if visiting in summer. You could visit the Serra da Estrela Natural Park if you stop overnight. If not, continue to Abrantes.
Day 3: Visit the castle in Abrantes overlooking the River Tagus before heading south to Evora, stopping in Mora to visit the freshwater aquarium.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you should visit the cathedral, Roman Temple, and for older kids, the Chapel of Bones. Just outside of town is the Almendres Cromlech stone circle.
Day 4: The longest day of driving, finish your road trip in Faro. There are many towns in the Alentejo to stop for lunch and to stretch your legs.
End your time either in Faro itself, or stay in any of the towns along the Algarve coast.
9. Road Trip through Southern Portugal
One of the best European road trips for families is the stunning southern region of Portugal, the Algarve. Start your 7-day road trip to Faro, where the only international airport is.
ROAD TRIP THROUGH SOUTHERN PORTUGAL SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 7-days
🇵🇹 European country: Portugal
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Lisbon → Alentejo → Lagos → Albufeira → Faro
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: Discovering the beautiful beaches, historic towns, and delicious cuisine of Southern Portugal.
There are lots of things to do in Faro, so you should stay at least one day there. Start off by visiting the Moorish castle to learn about the history.
The rest of the day, you can walk around the old town and walk the Ludo Trail or a Segway Tour in Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you might spot flamingos!
Next, head to Carvoeiro town. Stay two days and relax at the beach, take a boat trip, or rent kayaks to see the astounding Benagil Cave. Walk the Carvoeiro Boardwalk to Algar Seco and explore the rock formations and caves.
There is even a natural pool, but it is not recommended to let the kids swim in it as underwater currents can get very strong coming through under the rocks. From here, you can also hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail all the way to Marinha Beach.
Continue your road trip to Lagos, where you can spend a couple of days exploring stunning beaches and the old fort, and take the trip to the jaw-dropping rock formations at Ponta da Piedade.
There you can walk along the boardwalk or take a boat trip. Make sure you also visit Sagres cliffs and watch the surfers ride the waves from above. If you want to take surf classes, Lagos is also a great place for that.
For the last couple of days, head back east on the coast past Faro to the quaint coastal town of Tavira. There you can take a small tourist train over to Barril Beach on Tavira Island in Ria Formosa Natural Park.
At Barril Beach, there is a unique anchor cemetery that is fun to see for the whole family. You can also take a boat trip to another part of Tavira Island.
The town is also wonderful to walk around, exploring the remains of Tavira Castle and the Camera Obscura.
👉🏼 Book your Southern Portugal Tours here in Algarve!!
10. North Wales, England Road Trip
North Wales is a great place to start a UK road trip. Begin your journey in Snowdonia National Park, which offers incredible views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls.
NORTH WALES, ENGLAND ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 5-7 days
🇬🇧 European country: Wales (Note: North Wales is in Wales, not England)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Chester → Snowdonia National Park → Llandudno → Conwy → Caernarfon
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The rugged beauty of North Wales, with its majestic mountains, historic castles, and picturesque coastal towns.
If you don’t want to climb the highest mountain in Wales, take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to see spectacular views of Welsh scenery from the summit.
Next, travel to Conwy to see the beautiful medieval castle and visit some independent shops. You will fall in love with the beautiful scenery of this little town.
In less than 20 minutes, you can drive to the Great Orme headland. Again, you won’t need to climb there as you can use the cable car or park your car at the top.
On your way to Anglesey Island, which takes just one hour’s drive, stop at Aber Falls and hike to one of the best waterfalls in North Wales. This walk is very easy and takes only 30 minutes.
Then, go back on the road and follow the North Wales Expressway to visit the biggest Welsh island.
There are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches on Anglesey Island. Newborough Beach or Traeth Mawr are great places to relax during your European road trip with your family.
Make sure to spend at least one day driving around the island, as it is one of the most beautiful spots in North Wales.
Don’t miss Portmeirion, located one hour drive from Anglesey Island. You will not find anything like this anywhere in the country. This little town looks more like Italy than Wales. I suggest booking a Portmeirion, Snowdonia & Castle Tour.
The Italian village became one of the best-hidden gems in North Wales. Sub-tropical gardens and colorful buildings are lovely to see in the rainy Welsh climate.
👉🏼 Book your North Wales, England Tours here!
11. Northern Ireland
One of the best road trips for families worldwide can be found somewhere in Ireland. It’s called Northern Ireland.
The scenery is beautiful, between the lush green landscapes and coastline. Plus, the people are so friendly! From National Parks to museums, there’s also no shortage of fun things to do for a Northern Ireland road trip itinerary.
NORTHERN IRELAND ROAD TRIP SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 5-7 days
🇬🇧 European country: Northern Ireland
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Belfast → Causeway Coastal Route → Giant’s Causeway → Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge → Derry
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The stunning landscapes and historic sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway.
When planning a Northern Ireland road trip, Belfast is the best place to start to experience the city before driving up the coastline. Belfast is a great, walkable city with several restaurants, and the Titanic Museum is one of the highlights.
From Belfast, Carrickfergus is a coastal town that’s about an hour north of the city. The focal point of Carrickfergus is the beautiful castle, which has a fun section for families and amazing views.
If you’re visiting Carrickfergus with kids, you can’t miss Marine Gardens. It’s a huge playground with a pirate ship play structure and several play areas for kids of all ages.
From Carrickfergus, the route along Causeway Coast has the most amazing views. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant’s Causeway are two of the highlights along the coast.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is in the town of Ballintoy, and it’s an old fisherman’s bridge 100 feet above the water that has the most beautiful views of the coast.
Giant’s Causeway is like a huge, natural playground for kids. It’s filled with basalt rocks of varying heights and a fun story to go along with it.
While road-tripping along the Causeway Coast, be sure to stay in one of several villages to get a local feel for Northern Ireland.
Cushendall and Bushmills both have great options for places to stay while you’re sightseeing in Northern Ireland.
👉🏼 Book your Northern Ireland Tours here!
12. Turkey: A Road Trip between Europe & Asia
The country of Turkey combines the traditions of two continents. It thus offers diverse experiences for the whole family.
The family will start the 10 days Turkey itinerary in the cultural capital of Istanbul before venturing to the region of Cappadocia.
TURKEY: A ROAD TRIP BETWEEN EUROPE & ASIA SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 10-14 days
🇹🇷 European country: Turkey
🚗 Suggested itinerary: Istanbul → Troy → Ephesus → Cappadocia → Antalya
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: The blend of European and Asian cultures, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities.
Your family will also be visiting the coastal city of Antalya, the unique landscape of Pamukkale, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This road trip provides something for everyone with adventure, culture, history, and relaxation.
In Istanbul, you will be exploring both the European side and Asian sides of the city. It’s the only city in the world to sit on two different continents.
Spend the first 3 days in Istanbul, immersing the family in the great architecture, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the eye-catching souvenir shopping in the grand bazaar.
If fussy food taste isn’t an issue, take a daytime food tour. For something subterranean, go underground to the hauntingly beautiful Basilica Cistern.
Grab your car at the Istanbul airport and make your way toward the otherworldly region of Cappadocia.
A highlight of the trip for the whole family, you will spend the next 3 days discovering unique rock formations and picturesque valleys and indulging in a jaw-dropping hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Next, take the scenic drive to Antalya on the turquoise coast. Explore the old town and spend the day at the famous Konyaalti Beach. Try your hand at paragliding over the scenic shores.
Leave the Mediterranean Sea for more medicinal waters. Explore the Pamukkale thermal pools, known to heal many bodily conditions. End your road trip at the ruins of Ephesus just outside of the small town of Selcuk.
Either drop your car at the Izmir airport and fly home or drive back to the Istanbul airport to avoid pesky ‘different drop off’ fees.
👉🏼 Book your Istanbul, Turkey Tours here!
13. The Ultimate Best European Road Trip With Your Family
A 6-week European Road Trip, starting in the Northeast in Germany, then to the Southeast and back, ending in The Netherlands.
Covering 10 countries in total. Families will have a blast since this is a perfect way to introduce different cultures and food to kids, and there are plenty of different activities to be done on the route.
THE ULTIMATE BEST EUROPEAN ROAD TRIP WITH YOUR FAMILY SUMMARY:
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 3-4 weeks
🇪🇺 European country: Multiple (covering various countries in Europe)
🚗 Suggested itinerary: This comprehensive road trip covers multiple countries and highlights across Europe.
⭐ Main highlight of the road trip: An epic journey across Europe, exploring diverse cultures, historic landmarks, and natural wonders.
The first week you’ll be in Germany, starting in Hamburg. Go on a (self-)guided tour of this Hanseatic city. Then head South and visit Sinsheim, with its auto & Technik museum.
All those cars and planes with slides are fun for kids. End your week in Füssen with the Neuschwanstein Castle (the Disney castle).
The second week is in Austria, with lots of outdoor opportunities. Go hiking in the mountains and walk on Highline 179, a cool suspension bridge.
After Austria comes a week in Slovenia, go swimming in Lake Bled, hike the Vintgar Gorge, and wander around Ljubljana. End your week in Ptuj with a visit to the castle.
After Ptuj, Zagreb in Croatia is not that far away. There’s so much to see and do in Croatia. Your fourth week will be packed. After Zagreb, visit Zadar, Krk island and Pula. All beautiful old cities to explore, but don’t forget to go for a swim in the sea.
The fifth week is for Italy and Switzerland. Explore Trieste and go hiking in the Dolomites. Stare at the beautiful mountain vistas at St. Moritz and sample cheese at the Emmentaler Schaukäserei.
Week 6 is devoted to France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Feel like a knight at castle Haut-Kœnigsbourg, see the changing of the guards in Luxembourg-city, go kayaking on the river Ourthe and explore Maastricht, one of the most beautiful Dutch cities.
GETTING READY FOR A EUROPE ROAD TRIP?
🚗 RENT YOUR CAR: You can rent a car directly from the airport you arrive at. I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars or Expedia. Or maybe you want to rent a campervan to explore Europe even more.
📱 GET YOUR INTERNATIONAL eSIM CARD: Airolo offers great deals for international eSIM cards when you travel outside your country of residence.
🚗 LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IN EUROPE: Before heading to Europe, why not take a quick online tutorial by Tripiamo? Learn more here.
🎟️ BOOK YOUR TOURS: Viator and Get Your Guide are two great websites for finding fun and unique tours around the world. It can help you make a memorable bucket list trip.
👌 LEARN A FEW WORDS IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE: Rosetta Stone is a great app for learning a new language.
📱 DOWNLOAD A FEW APPS: The GoWhee app has unique recommendations for kid-friendly activities, lodging, and restaurants. AllTrails is our go-to app for looking at trail reports and seeing if the trail is kid-friendly.
FAQ: Best European Road Trips With the Family
When Should You Plan A Family Road Trip in Europe?
The weather and climate change from country to country across the continent, but the summer months are usually great weather-wise. Some southern countries may get pretty hot, like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
But summer is also when there are more tourists and kids are out of school, so there are more people and higher prices. My favorite time to visit Europe is in May or September.
The weather is usually great but not too hot, and it’s not too crowded. If you plan on traveling during the winter months, try to go to Southern countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
What is the best way for a family to travel around Europe?
When you’re traveling with younger kids, I recommend renting a car. Renting a car has lots of advantages. Not only does a rental car provide the comfort of having your own space during travel, but it also gives the family more freedom in planning routes and stops during your family trips to Europe.
How do I plan a European road trip?
Planning a European road trip can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Decide on your route and budget: Before planning, decide where in Europe you want to go and how much you are willing to spend.
- Choose your vehicle: After deciding where you’re going and how much money you have to spend, it’s time to pick out your mode of transportation. If you plan on staying in one area for a while, consider renting a car or campervan to explore conveniently and more freely.
- Book accommodations: Once you have chosen your route and mode of transportation, it’s time to book accommodations along the way. Look into hotels, hostels, Airbnb, or camping sites, depending on what fits best into your budget and needs for each area.
- Research tourist attractions: Make sure to research local attractions before arriving at each destination to experience all the hidden gems along the way!
- Get travel insurance: Purchase travel insurance before departing! This will give you peace of mind knowing that unexpected events (like medical emergencies) are covered during your travels abroad.
Final Thoughts: Best European Road Trips With the Family
Road trips are a great way to explore new cultures and have memories that will last for a lifetime.
Our 13 Best European Road Trips For Families will allow families of all ages to experience something extraordinary.
Whether it’s visiting the canals of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, catching breathtaking views of Italy’s Cinque Terre coast, or taking a tour of Switzerland’s Berner Oberland region, these unique road trips give travelers the freedom to create their adventures and discover hidden gems at their own pace.
With so much history and culture to explore, embark on one or more of our 13 best European road trips for families today!
Which of those European family road trips would you do?
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