Europe is home to a host of breath-taking destinations that are just perfect for a luxury getaway, with five-star hotels, fine dining restaurants and incredible sights and excursions all coming as standard. From the French Riviera to the Amalfi Coast, this historic continent really does have it all, and with iconic cities and picturesque coastlines to explore, it can be hard to imagine ever getting around to ticking them all off.
But many luxury seekers are now looking for different ways to visit Europe’s most iconic destinations and pack as much as they can into their itineraries without compromising on comfort. Exploring the best of Europe by luxury motorhome is becoming an increasingly popular choice, allowing you to get the most out of your time, stay in control of your own schedule and wake up somewhere new each and every morning.
Whilst you might be reluctant to give up that five-star hotel, today’s finest motorhomes boast some surprisingly high-end features that will mean you won’t miss it much at all. From heated flooring and state-of-the-art kitchen appliances to plush marble bathrooms, auto-configuring satellite dishes and retractable entertainment systems, you can still enjoy all the trappings of a luxury suite whilst on the road – and when you consider all the plus points besides, it’s a no-brainer if you don’t mind driving.
Before you head off on your travels, it’s wise to do some research and work out how the route will fit into your itinerary, although travelling by motorhome will mean you have the freedom to change things up as you go along – so, if you really fall in love with a particular spot, then you can extend with no fuss. You’ll also need to make sure you have the relevant documents, including visas, passports and your driving license ready to go; if you’re coming from the UK, then post-Brexit, you can spend a maximum of 90 days per 120 in each country, so do bear this in mind before you hit the road. And of course, a good motorhome insurance policy is a must.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next adventure, here are three routes to try this summer that will guarantee you a memorable trip.
The Autobahn, Germany
Germany might not be the most obvious destination for summer, but the Autobahn route makes it one of the best and easiest countries to tour by luxury motorhome and take in some impressive sights along the way.
Spanning 936 km in total, most road-trippers opt to start in Cologne and finish in capital city, Berlin, making stops at Dusseldorf, Munster and Bremen along the way. Cologne is a beautiful city in itself, with plenty to see and do, while Dusseldorf is worth allocating a few days to thanks to its thriving art scene.
You’ll also be able to take some time out to enjoy the historic sights of Hamburg, where you’ll find many iconic monuments, and marvel at the stunning royal architecture of Potsdam. In Berlin, the famous Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace and the Berliner Fernsehturm are essential sights to add to your itinerary, while the city’s war memorials, although sad, are worthy of your time and will certainly give you something to think about.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi coast route is not one for the faint hearted, and is characterised by steep cliffsides, narrow roads and hairpin bends – but if you’re up to the challenge, then you’ll be awarded handsomely in spectacular sights. Set against a backdrop of azure waters and bathed in sunshine from March to September, it’s truly a luxury lover’s dream, and from Sorrento and Amalfi to Positano, you can expect to make some major ticks off your travel bucket list.
Enjoying romantic al fresco dinners beneath lemon trees, sunning yourself on the region’s beaches and treating yourself to a day pass to a luxury rooftop pool at one of the coast’s finest luxury hotels, so you can cool off with a cocktail whilst enjoying incredible vistas are all on the agenda. A private boat trip to the opulent island of Capri is a must if you fancy taking a break from driving.
The Algarve, Portugal
With just over 800 km of scenic coastline, Portugal is a luxury motorhome tourer’s dream – and the picturesque Algarve is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely getaway whilst taking in the numerous pretty beach towns along the way. From the long, golden-sand beaches of Lagos to the luxurious dining scene of Praia da Luz, this sun-soaked region really does have it all, and enjoys great weather throughout the year.
Start in Tavira, where you can gorge on fresh, local seafood, and make your way west along the coast to Faro. The city itself isn’t particularly impressive, but the beaches certainly are – and from here, you can continue on to major resort town Albufeira, where the vibe is buzzy throughout high season and you’ll find a host of shops, bars, restaurants and things to do.
Onwards to Carvoeiro, where you’ll find some super-luxe clifftop dining spots enjoying awe-inspiring ocean views, you can round off your trip in the surfing hot spot of Sagres – where you can relax and unwind on the beaches, or try your hand at some water sports yourself.
