5 Beautiful Road Trips to Experience in Europe This Fall

While the American road trip is legendary, the winding, picturesque roads of Europe offer a thrilling experience for adventurous drivers as well.

With Europe's extensive transportation network of high-speed trains and budget airlines, many travelers overlook the option of driving across the continent. However, those who choose to rent a car and explore will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the freedom to stop and explore charming villages that lack train stations or airports.

One more benefit of embarking on a European road trip? The distances between attractions and rest stops are typically much shorter than those in the U.S., allowing you to effortlessly navigate through diverse landscapes and cross national borders in no time. Late summer and early autumn, as the sweltering summer heat gives way to cooler fall weather, create the ideal setting for a dreamy road trip in Europe. So take a look at these five itineraries and get ready to plan your next getaway.

Northern Spain

Begin your adventure with a day immersed in Madrid's vast art triangle, followed by an evening indulging in the city's delectable tapas. The next morning, take your rental car and drive north on the A-1 towards Burgos, where you can admire the town's stunning cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, before continuing on to Santander. Breathe in the salty sea air as you stroll past the 20th-century Palacio de la Magdalena, taking in breathtaking coastal views.

Venture westward through Asturias and take a few days to "pueblo-hop," enjoying overnight stays in charming seaside towns like Cudillero and Llanes. Here, you can uncover hidden beaches and savor local specialties like sidra (a refreshing cider), rich local cheeses, and fabada asturiana (a hearty white bean stew). Be sure to visit the picturesque pink monastery and Enol lakes at Covadonga; although the mountain roads are steep, the journey is well worth it.

Take a moment to unwind at one of Asturias' most renowned beaches, Playa del Silencio. True to its name, this spot offers unparalleled tranquility, perfect for relaxing after a long day of driving. Simply park your car and hike down to the beach.

Conclude your journey in Santiago de Compostela, located in Galicia, where you can buy fresh fish at the Mercado de Abastos. Bring your selection to the nearby restaurant, where they will grill it for you for just a few euros.

TPG tip: Wine enthusiasts should consider an overnight stay in the Rioja region en route to Santander at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, part of the SPG luxury collection. This property, designed by Frank Gehry, boasts a wine spa and is set on a vineyard. Once the new award chart goes into effect on August 18, rooms here will be available for 60,000 Marriott Rewards points per night, with cash rates starting around €419 ($475) per night.

The Netherlands

While Amsterdam is a city you could explore endlessly (make sure to dine at the greenhouse restaurant, De Kas), the rest of the Netherlands is often underestimated. With its iconic windmills, serene canals, and picturesque Dutch villages, a scenic road trip through the Netherlands is best enjoyed by visiting several key cities and embarking on a series of short day trips.

For instance, a half-hour drive west from Amsterdam takes you to Haarlem, renowned for its vibrant tulip fields (just remember that tulips bloom at their peak in spring). The traditional fishing village of Volendam, with its colorful wooden homes, is another perfect spot to spend a day.

The journey to Rotterdam, a city that seems to be gaining popularity, takes just over an hour. With a district aptly named Cool, new, architecturally impressive buildings and free art galleries seem to spring up at an astonishing pace.

Day trips from Rotterdam can take you to the sandy shores of Scheveningen (and don't forget to visit The Hague); Leiden, which boasts the oldest university in the Netherlands and the birthplace of painter Rembrandt; Delft, known for its exquisite blue-and-white pottery; and Kinderdijk, celebrated for its 18th-century windmills.

Head northeast to Utrecht to discover Kasteel de Haar, the largest castle in the country. Keep moving east to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can experience a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to sandy dunes. Adventurous travelers can venture north to Hunebedden, Amsterdam's own Stonehenge, featuring 54 ancient stone graves.

Conclude your journey where the Dutch enjoy their holidays: on the island of Texel, where you may encounter seals and about 100 different bird species. When autumn arrives on Texel around August, birdwatchers can observe warblers, flycatchers, stonechats, and pipits starting their migration. To reach this Dutch Wadden island, you'll need to take a ferry, but you can bring your car along for the trip.

TPG tip: Kick off your Dutch road trip by booking a stay at the newly opened Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens. Nightly rates start at $130 or 25,000 Marriott Rewards points (this rate will remain unchanged when the new award chart is rolled out). Use the Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card to earn 6x points for every dollar spent during your stay. And don’t miss the chance to plane spot from the Panorama Terrace when you depart from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS).

Southern and western Ireland

Begin your Irish adventure with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Then, head south to the lush, rolling hills of Wicklow for a night or two. Your itinerary should include a visit to Wicklow National Park, the ancient monastic sites in Glendalough, and Powerscourt, one of Ireland's largest waterfalls.

Next, spend a night in the medieval town of Kilkenny. Explore the famous castle and stroll along the Medieval Mile, which showcases a full mile of historical landmarks. One of the highlights is the stunning stained glass at the Black Abbey.

Your journey continues to Cork. After kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, enjoy some time at The Lough feeding the ducks, browse the Old English Market, and gaze at the stars from the castle-turned-observatory, Blackrock Castle.

The road trip leads you along the Ring of Kerry, a scenic 111-mile drive through the Irish countryside, featuring castles that appear to be lifted straight from "Game of Thrones" and dramatic Atlantic cliffs.

If you're ready to stretch your legs, consider biking part of the route. For those with extra time, a visit to Valentia Island is a must, as it's connected to the mainland and offers breathtaking views. Alternatively, you can head directly to Killarney to explore the iconic Ross Castle and Killarney National Park.

Conclude your road trip in Shannon, ensuring you have enough time for a day trip to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. If you're an aviation buff, check out the Atlantic AirVenture, featuring an interactive flight simulator and an aviation museum.

TPG tip: Prefer not to drive back to Dublin? You can plan a multi-city itinerary, flying from a US hub to Dublin (DUB) and then returning from Shannon (SNN) directly to New York (JFK) or Boston (BOS) with Aer Lingus, which is now a Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner.

Northern Italy and Switzerland

Begin your journey with an afternoon discovering Milan's Duomo and the Navigli canal district. The next morning, drive to Venice, stopping for lunch in Verona, the legendary home of Romeo and Juliet. Take a leisurely stroll to the Arena di Verona, a well-preserved 1st-century amphitheater that's like a more intact version of Rome's Colosseum. In fact, it’s so well-maintained that concerts and plays are held here, weather permitting, with Shakespeare being a popular choice, for obvious reasons.

Although cars are prohibited in Venice's city center, you can park just outside and take a water taxi into the heart of the city, allowing you to spend a night or two soaking in this romantic locale. To escape the crowds, consider exploring the Cannaregio district instead of the typical San Marco area.

A self-guided tour of Italy's Prosecco region is a breeze. From Venice, make your way north to Conegliano. The route between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is dotted with wineries and vineyards, known as the Strada del Vino di Prosecco, or Prosecco Road.

Once you've savored enough bubbly (and rested, of course), head to the charming town of Bassano di Grappa, where you can order drinks from a unique takeout window at CuCù bar and enjoy chatting with locals al fresco. Afterward, it’s time to visit the lakes, starting with Riva di Garda, where you can climb the Torre Apponale for stunning views of the square and the glistening lake below.

After visiting the medieval castle in Brescia, head to Sulzano, where you can discover the charm of Lake Iseo and savor the authentic lakeside Italian lifestyle. September, when the summer crowds have subsided, is a particularly lovely time to explore Italy's lake towns.

Once you’ve ascended via the cable car to the citta alta (upper town) of Bergamo, make your way to Laglio or another village along the western shore of Lake Como. From there, it's a quick and easy drive into Switzerland.

As you cross into Switzerland, plan to spend the night in Lugano, where you can hike San Salvatore Mountain for breathtaking views of Lake Lugano. If you’re up for an adventurous drive, navigate through the Swiss Alps to the idyllic village of Grindelwald. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek the Gletscherschlucht, a glacier gorge just outside town, before making your way back to Italy.

TPG tip: US citizens can indeed rent a car in Italy and take it across the border into the non-EU country of Switzerland — just be sure to inform your rental company about your plans in advance to avoid any complications.

The south of France

Plan your road trip through the south of France during harvest season, which occurs in September and early October. Begin your journey by tasting the renowned wines of Bordeaux at the riverside La Cité du Vin wine museum, featuring an outdoor picnic area, tasting rooms, a wine shop, and engaging interactive exhibits.

From Bordeaux, head east to the charming wine town of Saint-Émilion. Here, you can stroll to various wine châteaux for tastings and tours. The quaint city center is easily walkable — it's particularly delightful to explore on foot.

France is home to numerous natural wonders, and the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy stands out as one of the most remarkable. Discover the area’s forests and hills by biking or horseback riding, and be sure to visit the Pech Merle cave. Spend the night in the medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which clings to limestone cliffs and offers stunning views over the Vallée du Lot (consider staying at the village-view Hotel Le St. Cirq or a cozy guesthouse).

After checking out, head south for lunch in Toulouse, then continue your drive to the fortified city of Carcassonne. With 52 towers making up the city walls, plan to spend a few nights here — there’s a lot to explore. Rent bikes to ride along the Canal du Midi, packing a picnic lunch for your adventure. In the afternoon, take a short car trip north to the village of Lastours, where you can hike up the hill to visit the four castles (the Belvédère viewpoint offers stunning views).

Driving east and then north will lead you to Avignon (remember the Picasso painting?), a lovely city situated on the Rhône river. The ruins of its most famous bridge stretch halfway across the river.

Conclude your journey along the French Riviera in an elegant beach town such as Nice or St. Tropez. The beaches at Cavalaire-sur-Mer or the quaint fishing village of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the glitzier, more famous locations.

TPG tip: Begin your adventure by flying to Paris on a new route like the Indianapolis (IND) to Paris (CDG) with Delta aboard the 767-300ER, which commenced on May 24. Alternatively, you can fly nonstop with Norwegian from Denver (DEN) to Paris (CDG) on their 787-9, a route that started this past April.

5 Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

Eager to begin planning your European road trip? Once you’ve secured your flights and mapped out your route, be sure to check these essential tasks off your pre-travel checklist.