How to Plan an Amazing European Road Trip

Embarking on a road trip across Europe is a dream for many, but figuring out the logistics and creating an efficient route can prove challenging. Fortunately, Randy Olsen, a professor at the University of Michigan, has calculated the quickest way to travel around Europe while still visiting the key attractions.

This journey includes 41 cities, requires two weeks of continuous driving, and involves some ferry rides, covering a staggering 16,287 miles. To truly enjoy this extensive road trip, it's advisable to allocate several months to fully appreciate each destination.

This itinerary guides you to all the most Instagram-worthy spots in Europe, including the canals of Venice, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, as well as iconic cities like Paris and London, plus coastal gems such as Lagos, Portugal.

The complete list of cities you’ll visit on this European adventure includes:

Innsbruck, Austria
Munich, Germany
Pag, Croatia
Venice, Italy
Amalfi, Italy
Gozo, Malta
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Image courtesy of John Weinhardt on Unsplash

Santorini, Thira, Greece
Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
Istanbul, Turkey
Sighisoara, Mures County, Romania
Budapest, Hungary
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czech Republic
Krakow, Poland
Jägala Waterfall, Harjumaa, Estonia
Lapland, Finland
ICEBAR, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Bergen, Norway
Copenhagen, Denmark
Berlin, Germany
Amsterdam, Netherlands

A classic view of Amsterdam featuring bicycles on a bridge over the canals, framed by traditional Dutch houses on a sunny summer day in the capital of the Netherlands. Image by @ Didier Marti/Getty Images

A picturesque scene of Amsterdam showcasing bicycles on a bridge over the canals, flanked by historic Dutch-style homes on a bright summer day in the capital of the Netherlands. Photo by @ Didier Marti/Getty Images