Classic Car Road Trips: Europe's Greatest Driving Routes

A classic car and a great road are made for each other. No screens, no distractions, just an engine you can hear, a gearbox you have to think about, and scenery that earns every mile. Europe is full of routes that feel designed for exactly this.

The routes worth planning a trip around

• Coastal corniches: the Côte d'Azur is the spiritual home of open-top motoring. See our Côte d'Azur city guide for where to base yourself.
• Tuscan hills: cypress-lined ridge roads and hilltop towns at a gentle, sun-warmed pace.
• Alpine passes: dramatic, demanding, and unforgettable in a willing classic.
• The British countryside: the Cotswolds and the Highlands reward an unhurried roof-down day.

Choosing the right car for the road

Match the car to the terrain. A nimble roadster shines on tight coastal roads; a comfortable grand tourer eats long Alpine days; a characterful small classic is pure joy on quiet country lanes. Our model guides describe how each car copes with real-world driving, not just how it looks.

All of these are self-drive trips by nature; the driving is the holiday. If you're new to it, read how to hire a classic car first.

Planning practicalities

• Confirm mileage allowances up front; road trips rack up miles fast.
• Build in slack: classics prefer a relaxed schedule and the odd cooling stop.
• Check cross-border terms with the owner if your route leaves the country.
• Pack light: boot space in a classic is often more decorative than practical.

Browse classic-friendly destinations in our city and region guides, then find a car near your starting point in search.

Pick your route, choose your car, and plan the drive of a lifetime.