©: Nockalmstrasse (c) Helge Bauer, nockalmstrasse.at
Breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable stays await you.
Road trips are the ultimate way to explore Europe: open roads, borderless travel, and a tapestry of languages, traditions, and views. Whether you’re winding through vineyard-covered hills in Italy, climbing Alpine passes in Austria, or hugging the coastline of Portugal, each journey offers more than just scenery — it offers stories.
To turn your European road trip into a truly meaningful adventure, there’s no better place to stay than a Heritage Hotel. These are not just accommodations; they are pieces of history. From manor houses and noble estates to ancient monasteries and traditional inns, Heritage Hotels of Europe give travelers an authentic and memorable experience.
Let’s explore some of Europe’s most scenic road trips, and where to stay along the way.
Italy – A Drive Through Art, Wine, and Rolling Hills
Few places in the world offer the road trip magic of Italy’s Tuscany region. Start in Florence, a treasure trove of Renaissance art, then drive south through Greve in Chianti, San Gimignano, and the Val d’Orcia.
The countryside here is a palette of olive groves, vineyards, and golden hills. Whether you’re stopping for a wine tasting or exploring a medieval walled town, the road itself is part of the experience.
Road Trip Highlights:
- Chianti Wine Route
- Siena and San Gimignano
- Val d’Orcia landscapes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Montepulciano’s underground wine cellars
Discover our charming heritage hotels in Italy for an unforgettable stay.
Austria – Through the Alps and Imperial Elegance
Austria is a country of grand mountains, baroque cities, and storybook villages. A perfect route begins in Vienna, continues through Melk Abbey, winds through the Salzkammergut lake district, and heads toward Salzburg, the city of Mozart.
For mountain lovers, take the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road — a masterpiece of engineering and views, reaching up into the snow-capped Alps.
Road Trip Highlights:
- Vienna’s Ringstrasse and palaces
- Lakeside villages like Hallstatt
- Grossglockner Alpine Road
- Salzburg’s historic old town
Stay at our authentic heritage hotels across Austria, from imperial cities to alpine retreats.
©: View from Edelweiss-Spitze (c) Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse
Portugal – Coastline Drives and Timeless Towns
Portugal is ideal for summer road trips. Start in Lisbon and follow the coastline south through Cascais, Évora, and on to the Algarve, or head north through the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most scenic wine regions.
Every turn in Portugal reveals something new: from whitewashed villages to dramatic Atlantic cliffs, medieval castles, and romantic tiled façades.
Road Trip Highlights:
- Lisbon’s old quarters and viewpoints
- Douro River vineyards
- Évora’s Roman and Moorish heritage
- Algarve’s hidden coves and cliffs
Explore Portugal’s roads and stay in our historic heritage hotels in Lisbon.
Albania – A Coastal Escape with Unexpected Beauty
Begin in Tirana and drive south along the Albanian Riviera, passing through Vlorë, Himarë, and Sarandë, all the way to Butrint, a UNESCO archaeological site. The Ionian Sea will be your constant companion, along with warm hospitality and untouched beaches.
Road Trip Highlights:
- Wild beaches of the Ionian coast
- Llogara Pass scenic drive
- Ancient ruins at Butrint
- Authentic cuisine and hospitality
Stay at our unique heritage hotel in Albania — a true hidden gem.
Germany – From Romantic Roads to Black Forest Trails
Drive the famous Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen, passing medieval towns and fairytale castles. Or explore the Black Forest, where spa towns and deep woods make the perfect slow-travel escape.
Road Trip Highlights:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Black Forest scenic roads
- Beer gardens and timbered towns
Book your stay in one of our heritage hotels in Germany and dive into timeless traditions.
Malta – Island Drives Across Time
Drive across Malta to discover its layered history. From Valletta to Mdina, and through cliffside viewpoints and fishing villages, you’ll cover centuries of culture in just a few miles.
Road Trip Highlights:
- The fortified city of Valletta
- Azure Window (Gozo) and Blue Grotto
Megalithic temples older than the Pyramids - Mdina, the “Silent City”
Relax in our historic heritage hotel in Malta, where tradition meets elegance.
Why Choose Heritage Hotels for Your Road Trip?
Each destination in Europe is a chapter in a bigger story — and where you stay can be part of the narrative. At Heritage Hotels of Europe, you don’t just sleep somewhere. You sleep within history.
Ready to discover Europe’s most beautiful road trip routes and stay in places that tell a story?
Browse our collection of hotels and let your next road trip be about more than the road — make it a journey through Europe’s living history.