Top 5 Self-Drive Destinations to Visit in 2022: Iceland, Portugal, Croatia, Ireland & Italy
Iceland
It's best to enjoy Iceland at your own pace, and a self-driving tour allows you to cater your trip to your specific interests. Spend a week or more exploring the famous Ring Road, or combine highlights from multiple regions, such as the Westfjords, South Coast, or Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Most roads and sites in Iceland are public, meaning you can enjoy a mix of stunning landscapes. From east to west and north to south, from glacial bays to thermal pools, there's no shortage of exciting experiences to have in beautiful Iceland.
2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival & Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavik |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls & Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Ferry From Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords | Patreksfjörður |
| Day 5 | Southern Westfjords: Látrabjarg & Dynjandi | Ísafjörður |
| Day 6 | Ísafjörður or Hornstrandir Hiking | Ísafjörður |
| Day 7 | Scenic Drive from Ísafjörður to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 8 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching & Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 9 | Geological Wonders of Lake Mývatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 10 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seyðisfjörður |
| Day 11 | Seyðisfjörður to Djúpivogur | Djúpivogur |
| Day 12 | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 13 | South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 14 | Golden Circle & Departure |
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and enjoy some exceptional detours along the way. Stop to explore Lake Mývatn and soak in hot springs, or go hiking in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. This 14-day itinerary covers all the major regions of Iceland, except the Highlands. If you want, adjust the itinerary a bit or tack on a couple more days so you can truly see it all. Read More
Portugal
Because it's small in size, you can see most of Portugal in just three weeks with a self-drive experience. For example, just three hours takes you between Lisbon and Porto! In addition, the country has some of the best roads in the world that are easy to navigate. Therefore, you can enjoy your time without the typical stress of foreign roadways. But, most importantly, the country offers an impressive diversity of landmarks and sites to see. Visit vibrant cities, humble villages, unique landscapes, cultural and historical sites, white-sand beaches, and more.
Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora - 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon - Rental Car - Culinary Excursion | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day-Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Drive to Porto, via Óbidos | Porto |
| Day 5 | Get to Know Porto | Porto |
| Day 6 | Explore Porto & Northern Portugal | Porto |
| Day 7 | Drive from Porto to Évora - Private Tour | Évora |
| Days 8-9 | Explore Évora & the Alentejo Region | Évora |
| Day 10 | Drive from Évora to Lisbon - Depart Portugal |
This road trip is ideal for those wanting to experience Portugal's two biggest cities and the rural countryside at a relaxed pace. After strolling around Lisbon with a guide, make your way north to the UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby mountains and vineyards. Finish off in the medieval town of Évora with plenty of free time to explore the Alentejo, a vast region known for olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Croatia & Slovenia
The northwest Balkans feature two of Europe's most stunning nations: Croatia and Slovenia. Most of the region's highlights sit just off major roadways, so you can easily maximize your time. First, discover some of the quintessential scenery along the Dalmatian Coast and head inland to enjoy vibrant cities, national parks, castles, and more. Then proceed through Slovenia's wine valleys, towering mountain peaks, karst region, and famous Soča River Valley.
Self-Drive Croatia & Slovenia: Dubrovnik to Zagreb - 16 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Dubrovnik! | Dubrovnik |
| Day 2 | Explore Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic" | Dubrovnik |
| Day 3 | Discover Pelješac Peninsula and Ston | Korčula Island |
| Day 4 | Escape to Korčula's Old Town & Nature | Korčula Island |
| Day 5 | Korčula to Split | Split |
| Day 6 | Walk the Waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park | Plitvice Lakes |
| Day 7 | Plitvice to Piran | Piran |
| Day 8 | Uncover Piran, a Slovenian Gem | Piran |
| Day 9 | Coast & Karst | Štanjel |
| Day 10 | Roam the Soča Valley | Bled |
| Day 11 | Bled, Bohinj, Škofja Loka, Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 12 | Explore Slovenia's Capital, Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 13 | Kamnik & Velika Planina | Ljubljana |
| Day 14 | Slovenian Styria, The Land of Hops & Vines | Maribor |
| Day 15 | Kumrovec, Trakošćan & Varaždin from Zagreb | Zagreb |
| Day 16 | Departure |
Explore the magical coast of Croatia and experience the diversity of Slovenia during this 16-day journey. Make your way between two of Europe's biggest treasures, historic Dubrovnik in Croatia and the charming town of Bled in Slovenia. Along the way, stop to visit numerous cultural and natural sites, plus sandy beaches, hidden coves, crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and alpine peaks. Read More
Ireland
Home to some of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, Ireland is one of the best destinations for an epic road trip. Perhaps you've heard of the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching from southern Cork to Malin Head in County Donegal. With an extensive network of charming country roads, you can discover hidden corners of Ireland and enjoy its signature remoteness. A car allows you to see a more authentic side of the country, and you can stop to explore peaceful villages, historic manors, and stunning landscapes.
Wild Atlantic Way Self Drive Adventure - 14 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 2 | Tour the Rock of Cashel - Cork | Cork |
| Day 3 | Cork to Kenmare (the Sheep's Head Loop) | Kenmare |
| Day 4 | Beara Way & Gleninchaquinn Park | Kenmare |
| Day 5 | Ring of Kerry to Dingle | Dingle Town |
| Day 6 | Dingle Free Day | Dingle Town |
| Day 7 | Cliffs of Moher | Doolin |
| Day 8 | Explore Galway | Galway |
| Day 9 | Connemara National Park & Clifden | Clifden |
| Day 10 | Sky Road Cycle/Hike | Westport |
| Day 11 | Achill Island | Westport |
| Day 12 | Westport to Donegal Town | Donegal |
| Day 13 | Slieve League - Back to Dublin | Dublin |
| Day 14 | Departure |
Get ready for mile after mile of unforgettable memories! Enjoy a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastal route in the world. Savor the views of the rugged scenery and captivating coastline, and enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures. Explore Ireland's northerly points in County Donegal and make your way through the remote Northern Headlands and the picturesque southern peninsulas. Along the way, enjoy cities like Dublin, Cork, Kenmare, and Galway. Read More
Italy
Italy has some of the most scenic landscapes, ancient landmarks, and friendliest people in the world, making it a prime road-trip destination. With so much diversity and a lot to see, planning a self-drive itinerary can cater to any interest. Head to the coast to wander the beaches of the Italian Riviera. Explore the beauty of Lake Como, plus towns like Milan, Verona, and Venice. Or enjoy central Italy, with its rolling Tuscan hills and iconic sites and landscapes in and near Rome, Florence, and Naples.
Northern Italy Family Road Trip: 10 days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Florence | Florence |
| Day 2 | Florence to Chianti | Chianti |
| Day 3 | Explore Tuscany | Chianti |
| Day 4 | Chianti to Italian Riviera | Italian Riviera |
| Day 5 | Explore the Italian Riviera | Italian Riviera |
| Day 6 | Italian Riviera to Lake Como, Bellagio, Como & Villas Boat Tour | Lake Como |
| Day 7 | Explore Lake Como | Lake Como |
| Day 8 | Lake Como to Lake Garda, West Lake Garda & Sirmione Boat Tour | Lake Garda |
| Day 9 | Explore Lake Garda | Lake Garda |
| Day 10 | Depart Florence |
It's best to focus on one or two regions instead of trying to see everything, as Italy is a large country. There's the wine country of Tuscany, the medieval villages of the Chiani Valley. But if you have 10 days to explore one region, take your journey into your own hands with this ten-day itinerary, all that offer famous attractions, plus incredible food, dramatic coastal views, and history and culture that take you back in time. Read More
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