What are the best countries for luxury road trips in Europe?

France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Croatia are popular choices. Each offers scenic routes, high-end hotels, and exceptional dining.

Can I customise my entire itinerary for a luxury road trip?

Yes. At Awake & Wander, all luxury road trips are tailor-made. We build your route, hand-pick your hotels, and include experiences based on your interests.

Do I need to drive myself or can I hire a driver?

You can do either. We offer both self-drive options and chauffeur-driven experiences. It depends on how hands-on—or hands-off—you want to be.

What kind of car can I hire for a luxury road trip?

From convertible sports cars to luxury SUVs and electric prestige models, we provide a range of premium vehicles to match your route and style.

Are luxury road trips suitable for families or groups?

Absolutely. We can create road trip itineraries for couples, families with children, or small groups—each with tailored accommodation and experiences.

What’s included when I book through Awake & Wander?

You’ll receive a personalised itinerary, full financial protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, and support throughout your trip.

When is the best time of year to go on a luxury road trip?

Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds, but we plan trips year-round depending on the region. Summer is best for mountain drives, while winter suits Alpine escapes.

Can I visit more than one country on a single road trip?

Yes. Many of our clients enjoy cross-border routes—like France to Switzerland or Italy to Austria. We handle all the logistics and paperwork.

What if a hotel or supplier goes out of business before my trip?

You’re protected. All our tailor-made trips include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance for peace of mind.

How do I get started planning my road trip?

You can either call us on 01495 400011, use the holiday enquiry form on our website, or start building your trip directly online. We’re here to help at every step.

Luxury Road Trips: Plan Your Ultimate European Escape

Driving through Europe is one thing. Planning luxury road trips across Europe’s most iconic regions is something else entirely. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the winding coastal routes of the Amalfi Coast, a high-end road trip unlocks a world of indulgent experiences and breathtaking scenery. This isn’t just travel—it’s freedom, comfort, and exclusivity combined.

Luxury road trips are about more than the journey. They’re about tailored stops, hand-picked stays, and moments you’ll remember for a lifetime. Whether you’re gliding through the Alps in a convertible or cruising through Provence in a luxury SUV, it’s the thoughtful details that transform a holiday into an unforgettable escape.

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we create bespoke road trip itineraries that start with your dreams and end with lifelong memories. This guide will walk you through the best destinations, routes, and stays for a road trip unlike any other—because where every journey begins with you, the only limit is the open road.

Why Choose a Luxury Road Trip in Europe?

Europe is designed for exploration. The continent’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and luxury accommodation options make it the ultimate canvas for luxury road trips. Unlike a single-destination holiday, a road trip offers the freedom to set your own pace while indulging in five-star experiences along the way.

Imagine starting your morning in a historic chateau in the Loire Valley, enjoying a private wine tasting, then driving a scenic route to your next stop along the French Riviera. You are free to curate every moment, with each leg of the journey tailored to your style and preferences.

Luxury road trips combine flexibility with a sense of occasion. You’re not limited to one destination; you can enjoy multiple countries in a single journey. Each border crossed adds a new layer of culture, cuisine, and scenery. It’s an adventure that blends spontaneity with refinement.

A bespoke road trip through Europe can include:

Hand-picked hotels offering spa treatments and Michelin-starred dining
Scenic driving routes with panoramic coastal and mountain views
Private experiences, from vineyard tours to art gallery visits
Personalised concierge support for smooth travel logistics

When you choose Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, you get more than just an itinerary. You receive expert guidance, curated stops, and the reassurance that every detail has been considered. From luxury cars to the most sought-after hotels, we ensure your holiday is crafted around what matters most to you.

Top Routes for Luxury Road Trips in Europe

This stretch of southern Italy’s coastline is one of the world’s most beautiful drives. With its colourful clifftop villages, lemon groves, and sparkling sea views, the Amalfi Coast is the ultimate destination for those seeking elegance with a dash of Mediterranean magic.

Start in Naples, drive through Positano and Ravello, and end in Sorrento for a road trip packed with scenic turns and authentic Italian culture. Stop along the way for gelato, strolls through hidden piazzas, and sunsets that defy description.

Where to Stay: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel – Ravello

Suspended between sky and sea, Caruso is a former 11th-century palace perched on Ravello’s cliffs. This luxurious hotel boasts terraced gardens, an infinity pool with panoramic views, and suites that blend heritage with indulgence. It’s a place where every moment feels cinematic.

If you're looking for an escape that feels tailor-made, we’ve got exclusive offers and options for the Amalfi Coast—just ask us.

Drive from Nice to Saint-Tropez, pausing to explore Cannes, Antibes, and hidden coves along the way. The Côte d'Azur is famous for its chic energy, art deco architecture, and sparkling Mediterranean shoreline. A luxury road trip here mixes fine dining with fashion and a splash of seaside glamour.

You can fill your days with beach clubs, perfumeries, and open-air markets. Or take the slower road into the hills above the coast for quiet vineyard visits and sweeping views.

Where to Stay: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes

This legendary hotel offers a blend of French sophistication and relaxed indulgence. Known for hosting Hollywood royalty, it features private cabanas, exquisite dining, and personalised service that defines Riviera luxury.

We have access to Riviera road trip packages and custom stays to match your style—speak to us about what’s possible.

If dramatic mountain views and crisp alpine air sound appealing, the Swiss Alps offer one of the most scenic luxury road trips in Europe. Start in Zurich or Geneva, then head into the heart of the Alps—stopping in places like Interlaken, Andermatt, and St. Moritz.

Drive winding roads with glacier backdrops, stop for lunch at mountain lodges, or hop onto a cable car to experience snow-capped serenity even in summer.

Where to Stay: The Chedi Andermatt – Andermatt

This five-star gem merges Alpine charm with Asian-inspired elegance. With its high-end spa, outdoor hot tubs, and fine dining, The Chedi Andermatt is a sanctuary in the mountains. Every detail is curated, from the scent in the hallways to the softness of the linens.

Our luxury Alps packages include scenic route planning, seasonal highlights, and hotel stays like The Chedi. Just ask what’s available.

Drive from the windswept beaches of San Sebastián to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja. Northern Spain offers a different flavour of Europe—less crowded, deeply cultural, and deliciously authentic. This route blends modernist cities with medieval villages, perfect for travellers who appreciate a little mystery with their luxury.

Enjoy pintxos in Bilbao, art in Santander, and wine tastings under the Spanish sun. The route is drivable in under a week but deserves far more time.

Where to Stay: Hotel Marqués de Riscal – Elciego

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this bold and beautiful hotel is a work of art in its own right. Surrounded by vineyards, it offers tastings, spa experiences, and rooms with views of endless vines. It’s the perfect pairing of design and indulgence.

Whether you're after wine lodges or hidden coastal gems, our luxury Spain road trip options come with hand-picked extras and bespoke offers.

Planning Tips and Vehicle Choices for Luxury Road Trips

Luxury road trips succeed when every detail is aligned with your travel style. The car you choose, the time of year you travel, and even the luggage you pack all contribute to the overall experience. Here’s how to plan a seamless, stylish, and stress-free adventure across Europe.

Choose the Right Vehicle

Your car isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the journey. The right vehicle enhances comfort, performance, and style, especially when you're spending several hours a day on the road.

Top options include:

Convertible sports cars for coastal drives like the French Riviera
Luxury SUVs for mountain roads and all-season comfort
Electric prestige models for eco-conscious touring with cutting-edge tech
Chauffeur-driven services if you’d rather relax and take in the view

We can arrange bespoke vehicle hire tailored to your route, style, and level of driving confidence. Let us know what you envision—we’ll do the rest.

Time Your Trip Well

Timing matters. You’ll want to avoid peak traffic and take advantage of seasonal highlights. Here's a quick guide:

Spring: Best for wildflowers and mild weather in southern Europe
Summer: Ideal for Alpine drives and Nordic escapes
Autumn: Perfect for wine regions and forest drives
Winter: Best for ski resorts and snowy scenery, especially in the Alps

We help plan around local events, road closures, and climate trends to ensure smooth driving and maximum enjoyment.

Pack Smart and Stylish

Space is limited, so pack light but purposeful. Choose layers that suit multiple climates, as altitude can affect temperature. Consider wrinkle-resistant fabrics, a compact but chic travel wardrobe, and your best sunglasses for top-down drives.

Don’t forget:

Plug adapters and chargers
Offline maps and local guidebooks
Travel insurance documents and ID copies

We’ll supply a custom packing checklist and destination notes as part of your travel pack.

Add Personal Touches

Whether it’s a private picnic in a lavender field or a photographer waiting at a scenic overlook, we’ll suggest ways to make your road trip truly yours. Think of these additions as your signature on the journey.

Because when you travel with Awake & Wander, every journey begins with you.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury Road Trips

Luxury doesn’t always mean popular or predictable. Some of the most rewarding luxury road trips take place far from the tourist trail—where quiet landscapes, under-explored villages, and unique experiences redefine what it means to travel well.

Here are a few refined alternatives to the classic routes that still deliver on style, service, and spectacle.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia’s Adriatic coast offers a sun-drenched route that rivals Italy’s glamour without the crowds. Start in Dubrovnik, then wind north through medieval towns like Ston, Split, and Šibenik. The roads hug the coast, offering unobstructed sea views and access to quiet beaches along the way.

Luxury stop: Stay at Villa Dubrovnik, a serene cliffside retreat with modern suites, a private beach, and rooftop dining that makes the most of Adriatic sunsets.

We have multiple options for Croatia coastal road trips and exclusive rates at hidden villas and luxury seaside stays. Ask us what’s possible.

The Romantic Road, Germany

This fairytale route connects over 20 picturesque towns between Würzburg and Füssen in Bavaria. Think cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and castles that look straight out of storybooks. While the name is charming, the service and luxury accommodations available along the route are equally impressive.

Luxury stop: Hotel Das Rübezahl in Schwangau offers sweeping views of Neuschwanstein Castle, with fine dining, a spa, and boutique alpine rooms.

Our hand-picked options in Bavaria include guided heritage tours, wine tastings, and castle stays you won’t find in standard packages.

The Scottish Highlands

For UK travellers wanting a no-fly luxury road trip, the Scottish Highlands offer wild beauty, dramatic landscapes, and a strong sense of solitude. Explore the North Coast 500 or venture inland to hidden lochs, whisky distilleries, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Luxury stop: Stay at The Torridon, a five-star hotel on a private estate with loch views, fine dining, and personal outdoor guides for hiking, boating, or wildlife watching.

We offer full planning for Scottish luxury road trips, including high-end self-drive or chauffeur options with curated stops and dining experiences.

Travel with Confidence: Your Protections with Awake & Wander

Planning luxury road trips is exciting—but knowing you're protected makes the experience even more enjoyable. At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, your safety, peace of mind, and financial protection are built into every booking.

Here’s what sets us apart.

Full Financial Protection

We are proud members of Protected Trust Services (PTS). This means all payments you make are safely held in a secure trust account until your trip takes place. No part of your money is ever at risk.

We also hold an ATOL Licence, which protects air holiday packages. Should any travel component fail or a supplier cease trading, you’ll never be left out of pocket or stranded abroad.

Your holiday is not just well-planned. It’s well-protected.

Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI)

Every tailor-made holiday includes Supplier Failure Insurance. This extra protection covers non-ATOL elements such as accommodation, transfers, or experiences—even if those suppliers go out of business.

You won’t need to chase refunds or rearrange plans. We take care of everything behind the scenes so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)

Flights are covered too. Our packages include Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, which ensures you're reimbursed or rebooked in the rare event that your airline ceases operations before or during your trip.

That’s one less thing to worry about.

Dedicated Personal Service

From the first call to the final farewell, our expert advisors are with you every step of the way. We don’t rely on call centres or faceless systems. You'll always speak with someone who knows your journey inside out.

We handle all the bookings, paperwork, and last-minute changes—so you don’t have to.

Where Will the Road Take You?

Your ultimate European escape doesn’t need to come with compromise. With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, your dream road trip is handcrafted to match your style, pace, and priorities.

From the first scenic bend to your last sunset dinner, we’ll tailor your luxury road trip to include the best destinations, hotels, and routes—along with the confidence of full financial protection.

Need suggestions for the perfect itinerary? Prefer to customise every stop? Whether you want to get behind the wheel or let someone else do the driving, we’ll make it happen. And if you’re ready to start building your adventure, you can now design and book your bespoke holiday directly on our website.

But if you’d rather leave the planning to someone who knows the road ahead, we’re only a call or message away.

📞 Call us on 01495 400011

Or head to the holiday enquiry form on our website

Because at Awake & Wander, every journey begins with you.

What are the best countries for luxury road trips in Europe?
France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Croatia are popular choices. Each offers scenic routes, high-end hotels, and exceptional dining.
Can I customise my entire itinerary for a luxury road trip?
Yes. At Awake & Wander, all luxury road trips are tailor-made. We build your route, hand-pick your hotels, and include experiences based on your interests.
Do I need to drive myself or can I hire a driver?
You can do either. We offer both self-drive options and chauffeur-driven experiences. It depends on how hands-on—or hands-off—you want to be.
What kind of car can I hire for a luxury road trip?
From convertible sports cars to luxury SUVs and electric prestige models, we provide a range of premium vehicles to match your route and style.
Are luxury road trips suitable for families or groups?
Absolutely. We can create road trip itineraries for couples, families with children, or small groups—each with tailored accommodation and experiences.
What’s included when I book through Awake & Wander?
You’ll receive a personalised itinerary, full financial protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance, and support throughout your trip.
When is the best time of year to go on a luxury road trip?
Spring and autumn are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds, but we plan trips year-round depending on the region. Summer is best for mountain drives, while winter suits Alpine escapes.
Can I visit more than one country on a single road trip?
Yes. Many of our clients enjoy cross-border routes—like France to Switzerland or Italy to Austria. We handle all the logistics and paperwork.
What if a hotel or supplier goes out of business before my trip?
You’re protected. All our tailor-made trips include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance for peace of mind.
How do I get started planning my road trip?
You can either call us on 01495 400011, use the holiday enquiry form on our website, or start building your trip directly online. We’re here to help at every step.