{"id":7055,"date":"2013-03-25T16:24:35","date_gmt":"2013-03-25T15:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.economycarhire.com\/blog\/?p=7055"},"modified":"2025-01-28T11:16:50","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T11:16:50","slug":"hit-the-road-in-europe-a-driving-holiday-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/hit-the-road-in-europe-a-driving-holiday-dream\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dream Driving Holiday in Europe!"},"content":{"rendered":"

*Updated for 2025*<\/em><\/p>\n

With so much to see and do in Europe, you could spend every holiday exploring a different country and still not see everything it has to offer! Hit the open road<\/a> and take in some incredible sights and breathtaking landscapes at your own pace.<\/p>\n

Zest offers cross border options in many European countries, usually free-of-charge. Each provider has different regulations on which countries you can take your rental car into. This is labelled during the booking process.<\/p>\n

The route covers close to 2,000 miles in total, which work out to just shy of 150 miles a day. It would be better of course to have a few days here and there which are completely driving free and can be fitted in wherever you wish, so take a look at the suggested route and tailor it to your plans:<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
A beautiful city scape view of Lucerne and the lake, Switzerland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Calais, France to Lucerne, Switzerland<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong> 550 miles<\/p>\n

This is by far the longest leg of the journey, with a route that slices through France along the A26 to Rheims and onto Nancy before following the route all the way into Switzerland. There are a number of places you can stop along this scenic route but when lunch time swings around, the champagne vineyards just south east of Rheims provide a fantastic spot to stretch your legs. The journey will take around 7.5 hours in one stint, so when you arrive in Lucerne you will no doubt be ready to relax and drink in the views of beautiful Lake Lucerne.<\/p>\n

Lucerne, Switzerland to St. Moritz, Switzerland<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong>150 miles<\/p>\n

Exiting Lucerne in the morning, it\u2019s around a 2 hour drive to the Swiss resort town of St Moritz with a route that takes in the first round of alpine passes including the spectacular Julier Pass. With the mountains as your back drop, spend the rest of the day tackling some of the ski runs which are served by 57 lifts, go hiking in the Swiss National Park or perhaps even cycling, horse riding or white water rafting! Whatever activity you choose, you will be able to enjoy beautiful nature. Spend the night here and soak up the fantastic nightlife.<\/p>\n

\"Drive<\/a>
A view of Stelvio Pass in Italy during the summer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St. Moritz, Switzerland to Lake Garda, Italy<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong>180 miles<\/p>\n

Next stop is the gorgeous Lake Garda in northern Italy! Instead of the quicker A22 route, opt for the SS42 route which will take longer, but it\u2019s definitely worth it. Tunnels give way to picture postcard panoramas and roads filled with plenty of twists and hairpin bends making it an exciting journey. Tackle one of the world\u2019s most famous mountain roads, the Stelvio Pass and the Umbrail Pass too! Eventually you\u2019ll arrive at the dazzling Lake Garda which is just a stone\u2019s throw from one of Italy\u2019s most romantic cities, Verona so why not explore the likes of amphitheatres, castles and churches found there before relaxing on the shores of the lake with a vast variety of attractions.<\/p>\n

Lake Garda, Italy to Lake Como, Italy<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong> 95 miles<\/p>\n

From one Italian natural wonder to the next and onto Lake Como, a mere 93 miles by car so there\u2019s no rush with this leg; take it slow and soak up the fabulous scenery. Lake Como is the deepest in Europe and is overlooked by the Alps, completing the postcard scene. Take a ride in the funicular and enjoy breathtaking views and jump back in the car for the sole purpose of driving the Bormio pass, another spectacular section of tarmac.<\/p>\n

Lake Como, Italy to Lake Varese, Italy<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong> 50 miles<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve had your fill of Lake Como, it\u2019s on to the third and final lake of the trip; Lake Varese. Enjoy another drive filled with alpine passes and photo opportunities and once you arrive why not spend some time exploring the town of Varese too. It\u2019s not a \u201cmust-see\u201d on your average holiday bucket list, so it will be an authentic and unique addition to your time in the country!<\/p>\n

Lake Varese, Italy to Montreux, Switzerland via the French Alps<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong> 215 miles<\/p>\n

From here, it\u2019s the last stint of tarmac through northern Italy, headed in the direction of Montreux via the French Alps and of course the awesome Grand St Bernard Pass; an unforgettable blend of lush green valleys and craggy mountain faces. In Montreux itself, on the shores of Lake Geneva, there is plenty to keep you entertained such as a visit to Chillon Castle and a trip up to Rochers de Naye, a peak which boasts incredible views. A trip to Geneva is also worth considering.<\/p>\n

\"Beautiful<\/a>
A view of vineyards over Lake Geneva near Montreux<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Montreux, Switzerland to Calais, France<\/h3>\n

Distance:<\/strong> 500 miles<\/p>\n

From Montreux, it\u2019s sadly time to head home, but not before seeing some more of France, passing through Besancon and Dijon before eventually reaching Calais with a smile on your face!<\/p>\n

Rent a car with Zest for your next getaway!<\/h3>\n

Take the stress out of car rental with Zest. We keep you protected during your rental with excess protection included with every booking. We also have an industry-leading Top-up insurance available as an added extra.<\/p>\n

So, what are you waiting for? Put something in the calendar today and join thousands of other travellers using Zest!<\/p>\n

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