On the road with CarVia: An overview over our roadtrips

This article is also available in German language

Our sports cars are fantastically fast, our SUVs are ready for any adventure, and our electric cars let you drive sustainably – but where should you take your rental car? We've handpicked the most stunning roads in Europe for you. Here’s an overview of our road trips and why our recommendations are worth more than any Google review.

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Why are our roadtrips so special?

For those who have been following us since the beginning, you might remember that CarVia started out by organizing adventure weekends and getaway trips: from hotel stays, route guidance, and restaurant/activity recommendations to car rentals – basically a full package for a unique experience.

At the time, we even joined the holiday groups ourselves to ensure the perfect driving experience. Tens of thousands of kilometers later, we can confidently say that we probably know every pass and curve by heart.

Today, we’ve shifted our focus to car rentals and expanded our business with CarVia Carsharing in Munich. But we haven’t forgotten our roots. We still know exactly where to find the most beautiful roads in Europe and which spots are perfect for indulging and unwinding.

In our blog posts about road trips, we put our passion into words and onto your screens. We don’t just love cars – we love driving. So let us take you along on our travels.

Whether you're heading out in your own car or one from our premium fleet, the greatest joy comes when we can inspire you to grab the wheel yourself and become a curve chaser.

Our Roadtrips: Europe from Above

The most beautiful views in Europe often don’t lie right outside our front doors – that’s the unfortunate reality for many people around here. While the journey can be long, it’s rarely boring – at least, when you know which turns to take. And if you play your cards right, the journey itself can become just as (if not more) rewarding as the destination.

To save you hours of searching through Google Maps for possible landmarks, stops, and curves in between, or getting hopelessly lost on a confusing ChatGPT recommendation, we’ve got you covered with our road trips.

You’ll find a complete list of our travel recommendations here:

• Roadtrip through Europe
• France
• Alpine Passes & Dolomites
• Switzerland & France
• Germany
• Italy
• Inspired by Top Gear
• Switzerland

Below, we’ll briefly summarize the articles, so you know what you’re getting into. We’ll tell you how long the trip will take, which cities you’ll visit, and which passes and special roads you’ll encounter along the way. To make sure you’re always on the right track, we’ve included the respective routes as Google Maps links in each magazine post.

Roadtrip through Europa: Thank you, Schengen!

Our most extensive trip so far takes us across the entire continent. We connect the most beautiful cities in Europe, like Zurich, Milan, and Nice, with breathtaking alpine passes. We begin in Germany in the beautiful city of Munich – our hometown and the location of our headquarters – then travel to Austria via the German Alpine Road, continuing into Switzerland and on to Tirol.

Through the San Bernardino Pass, we take a scenic detour to Milan, always focused on spending our time in the finest hotels and best restaurants. From Lombardy, we head into the Piedmont region, where picturesque small villages hide away. You’ll spend the evening and night in Turin, from where you’ll depart the next day for the Col de Turini. After 5 days of winding roads and mountain passes through 5 different countries, you’ll arrive in Nice in the evening, our final destination on the Côte d'Azur.

We promise that this will be the shortest week of the year if you choose this road trip. For more details, recommendations, and the route description, check out our magazine post.

Roadtrip across France: la vie est belle

It seems we've fallen in love with the city by the sea because, as you’ll notice, Nice is a recurring stop on many of our road trips. And this one is no exception. This journey takes us through the stunning south of France, leading us over breathtaking mountain passes and immersing us in both culture and nature at its finest.

You’ll start in Marseille, explore the Luberon National Park with its endless lavender fields, wind your way through the curves of the Gorges du Verdon, and travel via Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and finally, Nice.

Of course, you’ll visit plenty of other famous landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Aix-en-Provence, Luberon, and the stunning Notre-Dame de Sénanque are just a few of the highlights awaiting you on the very first day.

Drive past vibrant purple lavender fields and take in their intense fragrance. Follow in the footsteps of Brigitte Bardot in Saint-Tropez before tracing Napoleon’s path along the legendary Route Nationale 7 from Cannes to Nice. Since this road trip both begins and ends in southern France, make sure to arrange your travel to and from the region in advance.

For even more tips on must-see stops, accommodations, and the full route, check out our magazine post here.

Alpine Passes and the Dolomites: So Close to the Clouds

This road trip isn’t just about taking you over the most breathtaking alpine and Dolomite passes – it’s also designed to introduce you to the essential routes through Europe’s mountain ranges in case you decide to extend your journey on a whim.

At 950 kilometers, our selected route is already quite extensive, so plan for about 3 to 4 days on the road. You’ll start your journey in Munich in the morning and eventually return there, making this one of the easiest road trips to organize – especially if you're already driving one of our cars.

Stops in Merano and Cortina d’Ampezzo are part of the itinerary, but the real highlight is how you get there. The Alps offer an incredible variety of scenic roads, but there are a few legendary routes you simply can’t miss.

Shortly after leaving Munich, you’ll wind your way through Kesselberg and Hahntennjoch before climbing over 2,700 meters via the iconic Timmelsjoch. If that road doesn’t excite you enough, we recommend an alternative route that takes you over the Stelvio Pass, the (old!) Brenner Pass, and the Penser Joch.

Curious about the rest of the journey? Check out our magazine post on the 17 most important Alpine and Dolomite passes for more details!

Switzerland and France: A Tragically Short Romance

Behind the wheel of one of our Porsche Cayman models, we set off on a European road trip and take you along for the ride. In this travel report, we’ll share how we departed from Munich, heading toward Lindau. Crossing Lake Constance into Switzerland, we soon reached the stunning Lake Lucerne.

Our first stop was in Lucerne, where we made a brief visit to the iconic Chapel Bridge under glorious sunshine. But with a tight schedule and many kilometers ahead, we kept our break short – just enough time for a quick snack and coffee. From there, we passed Lake Geneva and crossed into France, entering the Chartreuse Natural Park, where breathtaking mountain passes awaited us.

One of the highlights of this route was undoubtedly the Saint-Marcel-d'en-Haut Pass, which led us toward Grenoble. With its narrow alleys, grand plazas, and the majestic mountain backdrop, this city was a true gem.

Where did we finally rest for the night? How did the journey back unfold (perhaps via the legendary Klausen Pass)? And what dreams were left unfulfilled? Find out in our magazine article, where we reveal all the details!

Germany Road Trip: From Stuttgart to Munich

This journey through southern Germany may not cross any borders, but we guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable adventure. Starting in Stuttgart, the route winds southwest into the Black Forest. If the twists and turns of the road allow you a moment to take in your surroundings, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.

A stop at the Triberg Waterfalls is a must before continuing through the scenic Black Forest. Your first overnight stay awaits in the charming city of Konstanz on Lake Constance, where you can relax and recharge – because the next day is going to be intense. The highlight of the weekend will be crossing the German Alpine Road, one of the most scenic drives in the country.

On day two, you’ll spend the night at Lake Tegernsee, a perfect spot to unwind after a thrilling drive. In our magazine article, you’ll find additional excursion ideas to enrich your journey.

By day three, it’s all about experiencing Bavaria at its finest. Whether you choose to swim in Lake Starnberg, hike near Lake Tegernsee, or indulge in a shopping spree in Munich, you’ll end your road trip with plenty of incredible memories.

Italian Road Trip: Ciao, Bella!

Ah, beautiful Italy. If we had to choose a favorite, this might just be one of our most beloved routes. Compared to our Alpine Pass & Dolomites road trip, this journey through Italy is less about the thrill of the drive and more about soaking in the rich culture.

Together, we’ll explore stunning cities that have attracted travelers for centuries, including Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano. But it would be a crime not to stop for an espresso in the many charming Tuscan villages, enjoying the serene atmosphere under the shade of an old olive tree.

Keep in mind that this four-day route starts in Florence, so it’s best to arrive the day before and plan for an extra day on the way back to avoid rushing. Until then, sit back, enjoy amazing food, exquisite wines, and maybe even a glass of grappa in the evening.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, check out our magazine article for hotel recommendations, activity tips, and direct route links to ensure you never lose your way.

Swiss Alpine Passes: 13 Routes You Can’t Miss

Similar to our guide on the most stunning Alpine and Dolomite passes, this article doesn’t just focus on a single pre-planned route through Switzerland. Instead, we want to give you more flexibility – so if you’re still craving winding roads after hours of driving, you’ll have plenty more to explore.

Our journey begins early in the morning at the shores of Lake Zurich. Getting there is usually no problem – especially if you start from our rental hub in southern Germany, as you can reach Zurich in under four hours. Considering the 750-kilometer scenic route ahead, filled with breathtaking elevations and deep valleys, the drive is more than worth it.

On your way to Lake Maggiore, you have two options: either take the San Bernardino Pass or opt for a combination of the Oberalp Pass and the Lukmanier Pass. The highlight of Day 2 is undoubtedly the Gotthard Pass – one of the most important Alpine crossings, dating back to Roman times.

After a peaceful night in Bern, we’ll head through the Gantrisch and Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut nature parks before reaching Geneva, where we’ll spend the final night. But we don’t want to spoil too much – take a look at our detailed road trip guide, and who knows? Maybe the wanderlust will kick in!

Top-Gear-Roadtrip: simply a Grand Tour!

This legendary road trip is probably the most famous one on our list, as it follows the exact route taken by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond in the 2007 Top Gear episode "Driving in Heaven." Just like the three automotive sages, we’ll embark on a journey through Italy and France, chasing the most breathtaking roads Europe has to offer.

Starting in Nice on the Côte d’Azur, we set out in search of driving paradise. The first treat on the menu? The Gorges du Verdon, a spectacular road with even more spectacular views. A quick stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie will let you stretch your legs before the adrenaline kicks in again.

The very next day, it’s time to get back behind the wheel and take on the legendary Route Napoléon, leading us straight to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. That’s already two of the most scenic routes in France – but the crown jewel is still missing: the Col de Turini. No worries – that’s exactly what’s waiting for you the following day.

If you’re ready to chase the best roads in Europe, check out our full magazine article. As always, we’ve included exclusive CarVia tips and all route details to make your journey unforgettable.

CarVia Road Trips: Always Ready for an Adventure

The road trips described above are just a taste of the expertise we've gathered over the years since our founding. And rest assured—our collection of magazine articles on the most thrilling routes across Europe will only continue to grow. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next summer vacation, be sure to check back at the CarVia Magazine from time to time.

Of course, if you’re also curious to check out our fleet, we’d love to welcome you. Our selection includes affordable compact cars, comfortable SUVs – perfect for long-distance travel – spacious vans, and, of course, sensational sports cars for every budget. Whether you prefer a nimble Alpine A110, a Porsche 718 Cayman, or an absolute powerhouse like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Audi R8, or Ferrari Roma, we have something for every car enthusiast.

One of our most popular choices? The timeless Porsche 911 Carrera – legendary, stunning, and wickedly fast.