Europe offers some of the finest driving roads in the world.
From dramatic mountain passes and vineyard-lined country roads to spectacular coastal routes and unforgettable fjord scenery, there is no shortage of extraordinary places to explore behind the wheel.
But with so many remarkable destinations to choose from, how do you decide which European driving holiday is right for you?
The answer depends entirely on what kind of motoring experience you’re seeking.
Do you crave technical mountain roads and exhilarating elevation changes? Prefer relaxed grand touring with exceptional food and wine? Dream of dramatic scenery on a truly epic scale?
The beauty of European touring is that there is something for every kind of motoring enthusiast.
Here is our guide to choosing the perfect driving holiday.
For Thrilling Mountain Passes: The Dolomites
If your idea of driving heaven involves sweeping climbs, dramatic hairpins and roads that seem purpose-built for enthusiastic motoring, the Dolomites should sit firmly at the top of your list.
Northern Italy’s extraordinary mountain landscape delivers some of Europe’s most celebrated driving roads, combining technical challenge with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Passes such as Passo Giau, Passo Pordoi and Gardena Pass have become legendary among motoring enthusiasts for good reason.
But a Dolomites driving holiday is about more than simply the roads.
Exceptional alpine hospitality, superb Italian cuisine, picturesque mountain towns and memorable luxury hotels create an experience that feels every bit as rewarding off the road as it does behind the wheel.
Perfect for:
- Drivers who love mountain roads
- Classic and sports car enthusiasts
- Couples seeking adventure with luxury
- Those wanting iconic European driving routes
For Elegant Grand Touring: Alsace & The Vosges Mountains
If your ideal driving holiday is less about dramatic hairpins and more about flowing roads, beautiful countryside and understated luxury, eastern France may be exactly what you are looking for.
The Alsace region and nearby Vosges Mountains offer some of Europe’s most rewarding yet often overlooked motoring.
This is classic grand touring at its finest.
Beautifully surfaced roads wind through forests, vineyards and charming medieval villages, with exceptional food and wine never far away.
The famed Route des Crêtes provides rewarding driving, while the broader region offers the kind of relaxed sophistication that perfectly suits classic motoring.
Perfect for:
- Drivers who prefer flowing roads over technical mountain passes
- Lovers of French food and wine
- Classic car owners seeking elegant touring
- Those wanting a slightly more relaxed pace
For Sunshine and Variety: Spain & Portugal
Portugal remains one of Europe’s most underrated driving destinations.
For those seeking dependable sunshine, quieter roads and a superb blend of scenery, hospitality and culture, it is a hugely compelling option.
A Spanish or Portuguese driving holiday offers tremendous variety.
One day may involve smooth inland mountain roads, the next dramatic coastal scenery, charming towns or vineyard landscapes.
Unlike some of Europe’s busier touring regions, Spain & Portugal often allow drivers to properly settle into the rhythm of the road.
Add excellent cuisine, warm hospitality and outstanding value at the premium end of the market, and it becomes easy to see the appeal.
Perfect for:
- Drivers seeking sunshine
- Couples looking for a more relaxed luxury experience
- Grand touring enthusiasts
- Those wanting quieter roads
For Bucket-List Adventure: Norway
If scenery is your top priority, Norway is almost impossible to beat.
This is not simply a driving holiday.
It is an experience.
Towering fjords, snow-capped mountains, dramatic ferry crossings, vast open roads and some of the most extraordinary scenery in Europe create a truly unforgettable journey.
Routes such as Trollstigen and the Atlantic Ocean Road have earned legendary status, but much of Norway’s magic lies in the roads between the famous highlights.
This is touring on an epic scale.
Perfect for:
- Drivers prioritising scenery
- Bucket-list travellers
- Grand touring enthusiasts
- Those seeking a truly memorable adventure
For a Shorter Escape: Scotland
Not every exceptional driving holiday requires crossing Europe.
Scotland offers some of the most spectacular touring anywhere in the UK.
Dramatic landscapes, sweeping roads, rugged coastlines and beautiful hotels make it an excellent option for shorter driving escapes.
For those seeking a premium motoring experience without the commitment of a longer continental tour, Scotland remains a superb choice.
Perfect for:
- UK-based drivers
- Shorter luxury escapes
- Scenic touring closer to home
- Classic and sports car owners alike
Do You Want Complete Freedom or Expert Support?
One final consideration.
Do you enjoy planning every detail yourself?
Or would you rather focus entirely on the driving experience while everything else is professionally handled?
Escorted driving holidays offer:
- Expertly curated routes
- Premium hand-picked hotels
- Mechanical support
- Tour management
- Financial protection
- A social experience with like-minded enthusiasts
For many travellers, this transforms a good driving holiday into an exceptional one.
Find Your Perfect Driving Holiday with Classic Travelling
At Classic Travelling, we create premium escorted driving holidays for those who believe the journey should be every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Whether you are drawn to the mountain passes of the Dolomites, the elegance of eastern France, the sunshine of Portugal or the extraordinary landscapes of Norway, we help you experience Europe’s finest roads exactly as they should be enjoyed.
The only real question is…
Where will you drive next?
