🚗 Stop 1: Rotterdam, Netherlands (Base) + Day Trip to Amsterdam

We started our trip in Rotterdam, Netherlands, since my boyfriend is from there, and it became the perfect base for our adventure. Rotterdam is such an underrated city! It has a unique blend of modern and historic architecture, an amazing waterfront (Rotterdam is one of Europe's biggest ports), and lots of beautiful parks and markets to explore. There’s so much to see and do, and it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands.

We also took a day trip to Amsterdam by train, which is super quick and easy to navigate. I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times before and already have a full Best Amsterdam Activities guide up on the blog. For this visit, we kept it pretty relaxed — walking along the canals, trying some great food, and sitting outside on a terrace with some drinks, soaking in the atmosphere before the bigger European road trip ahead!

Top Moments:

• An incredible dinner in Amsterdam at a cozy Italian spot called Fiaschetteria Pistoia

• Walking through Rotterdam’s iconic cube houses

• Sampling all the delicious food at the Rotterdam Markthal

Travel Tip:
The Netherlands is full of charming smaller towns beyond Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and the train system makes it so easy to explore. If you have extra time, definitely check out places like Utrecht and Breda!

🇫🇷 Stop 2: Strasbourg, France- 1 Night

Drive Time: 6 Hours

Strasbourg, France, was the perfect one-night stop before heading to Switzerland. We planned this stop to break up the drive but, I was honestly surprised by how charming this city was! The architecture is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful mix of French and German influences that give the city such a unique vibe. We explored the area around the Strasbourg Cathedral, which is definitely a must-see. The canals and waterfronts add to the charm, creating such a peaceful and scenic atmosphere as we wandered around.

We also tried Flammekueche (a traditional Alsatian dish), and it was delicious, think of it as a thin, crispy pizza with unique toppings like crème fraîche, onions, and bacon.

Top Moments:

• Trying Flammekueche for the first time (yum!)

• Strolling along the canals and waterfront; it has such a peaceful feel

• Visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral

Travel Tip:
Strasbourg is super walkable, so be sure to explore the Petit France for the most picturesque stroll. Wandering through the old town is the best way to take in all the charming streets, canals, and the stunning architecture.

🇨🇭 Stop 3: Zurich, Switzerland- 2 Nights

Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

I have a whole article on Zurich and all of my recommendations for exploring this gorgeous city here, so feel free to check it out for more details on my stay. This was the perfect two-day stop! Zurich is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Switzerland but still has that vibrant, big-city feel. We decided to stop here since it was close to the hike we wanted to do, and it felt like a great opportunity to experience the city before heading to some more beach-focused destinations.

Top Moments:

• Having a traditional fondue dinner

• Renting a boat at Lake Zurich for some water front exploring

• Trying Swiss chocolate (obviously!)

Travel Tip:
Zurich can be on the pricier side, so consider staying slightly outside the city center to save some money. The public transportation system is excellent, so it’s super easy to get around without needing to be right in the heart of the city.

🏞️ Stop 4: Kandersteg, Switzerland (Oeschinensee Hike)- 1 Night

Drive Time: 2 Hours

This stop was a breath of fresh air! We planned this part of the trip to check out the stunning Oeschinensee hike and decided to stay overnight in the nearby town of Kandersteg. This town is small (we’re talking only a few streets), but it’s charming in the best way with a great selection of restaurants and lodging.

We drove straight to the hike from Zurich that morning, arriving around 11:00 am. You can park at the base of the hike and take a tram up to the start of the trail (you can buy tickets right there). If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also an alpine coaster that you can buy tickets for to enjoy a scenic ride through the mountains! The hike itself is about 6 miles, a complete loop with some fairly significant elevation gain, so definitely wear comfortable running or hiking shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.

After the hike, we took the tram back down to the car and drove into Kandersteg, where we had a relaxing evening and got ready for our next adventure to Lake Como the following day.

Top Moments:

• Watching the cows roam around the lush fields

• Taking in the breathtaking lake views at the peak of the hike

• Riding the alpine coaster through the hills

Travel Tip:
Before you go, make sure the trail is open; depending on the season, it can sometimes be closed due to weather conditions, and other attractions like the alpine coaster may also be affected by the weather.

🇮🇹 Stop 5: Lake Como, Italy- 3 Nights

Drive Time: 4 Hours

Lake Como was an amazing place to have a car, especially since many of the towns are spread out around the lake and are really only accessible by water or car. We were traveling on a bit of a budget, so a boat tour wasn’t an option for us, but having a car made it super easy to get around to all the bigger cities and also discover some smaller, charming towns along the way.

We stayed in a smaller town called Laglio, which was more affordable than staying in Como or Bellagio, and from there we were able to drive to all the major cities. This stop was absolutely stunning; we had amazing food, explored all the small, unique towns around the lake, and saw some of the iconic villas and houses the area is known for. It was the perfect stop for gorgeous views and that dreamy European summer feel.

Top Moments:

• Taking the ferry to explore Bellagio and its Giardini di Villa Melzi

• Playing cards and hanging out at a wine bar called Re di Quadri in Menaggio

• Driving around the lake and stopping at cute towns and villas along the way

Travel Tip:
The lake is bigger than you might expect, and getting between towns can take longer than you think, especially if you're driving. Definitely plan ahead or check the ferry schedules before you go!

🏖️ Stop 6: Rapallo & Portofino, Italy- 3 Nights

Drive Time: 3 Hours

We stayed in Rapallo, Italy, because it was more affordable than Portofino or Camogli, but honestly, it ended up being the perfect spot! Rapallo has amazing beaches and beach clubs, so it was super easy to enjoy some relaxing beach days. The town is known for its fantastic food, especially focaccia (we had it every day!) and its delicious pesto.

We also took a day trip to Portofino, which was amazing it is such an iconic city with gorgeous views, beautiful shops, and that Italian charm. We took the ferry there and back and it was very easy to navigate, I would recommend looking up departure times before hand. One day was the perfect amount of time to walk around the shops and take a stroll up to Saint George’s Castle that had an amazing view of the town and ocean.

Top Moments:

• A day trip to Portofino to explore the stunning city and its shops

• Tanning on the beautiful beaches of Rapallo

• Having the best focaccia ever (a must have!)

Travel Tip:
In Rapallo, don’t miss out on the aperitivo when you order a drink, and you’ll often get a generous amount of food with it! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the local vibe without breaking the bank.

🌊 Stop 7: Nice, France- 4 Nights

Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

We stayed in the center of Nice, France, and it was the perfect spot to explore the city. The area is so walkable, and being close to the beach clubs and the blue waters that just gives you the ultimate European summer feel. We spent hours strolling around Old Town Nice, enjoying the charming streets and the incredible French food; croissants and crepes are a must!

We also took a day trip to Monaco. We drove there, and it was really easy to get to, but I’ve also taken the train before, and it’s just as quick and simple. While in Monaco, we checked out the F1 track and the iconic casino; it was such a fun little adventure! Back in Nice, the nightlife was lively, with bars and clubs offering a great mix of dancing and laid back options. We caught some of the prettiest sunsets, and honestly, it felt like the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

Top Moments:

• Tanning at the beach club one day and enjoying the sun and sea

• A day trip to Monaco, driving there (or taking the train) and exploring the F1 track and casino

• A night out at Waka Bar; perfect for dancing!

Travel Tip:
Since the beaches in Nice are rocky and not sandy, it can be uncomfortable to lie on. Invest in a tanning bed at one of the beach clubs for a more comfortable and relaxing day by the sea!

🇪🇸 Final Stop: Barcelona, Spain

Drive Time: 7 Hours (You can break this up and stay at a charming beach town on the Spanish Coast!)

We ended our travels in Barcelona, and it’s hands down my favorite city ever! We stayed here for about a month before I flew back to the United States, so I’ve got tons of recommendations. Be sure to check out my Full Barcelona Guide and Best Tapas in Barcelona Guide for even more tips! Barcelona is the perfect mix of beaches, art, nightlife, rich culture, and amazing food; I always will recommend a trip in your 20s!

Top Moments:

• Exploring the amazing tapas bars around the city

• Watching the sunset at Montjuïc; stunning views!

• A day trip to Sitges, a charming coastal town just outside of Barcelona

Travel Tip:
Barcelona can get really crowded, especially in the summer, so make sure to book tours, tickets, and dinner reservations ahead of time to avoid the chaos!

🗺️ Road Trip Tips & Recap

• Research tolls ahead of time: Some toll roads can get expensive quickly, so it’s good to factor that into your budget.

• Check city driving regulations: Some cities have strict low-emission zones (especially in places like France and Italy) that limit which vehicles can enter. Make sure your car complies to avoid fines.

• Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if you’re not from the EU: This is required in many European countries for non-EU citizens. (My boyfriend is Dutch, so luckily we didn’t need one!)

• Double-check your rental car terms: If you’re renting, make sure your rental allows you to drop off the car at a different location than where you picked it up; not all companies allow this without a fee!

• Parking can be tricky: Research parking garages ahead of time, especially in smaller towns and cities with tight streets.

• Carry some cash: Some smaller tolls, parking meters, and rural spots might only accept cash or local cards.

• Download offline maps: Service can drop when driving through mountains or rural areas. Google Maps offline downloads saved us a few times!