Europe Roadtrip: 1 week through Tyrol, Milano, Turin & Nice

This article is also available in German language

Embark on a journey through Europe that will make lifelong dreams come true. Together with our team of experienced guides, we at CarVia have identified what are probably the most beautiful routes between Europe's most attractive cities such as Zurich, Milan and Nice – including hotel recommendations!

Should you still need the car of your dreams for your road trip, take a look at our exciting fleet and check our availabilities online – easy and without obligations at all.

Table of Contents

Road Trip: 5 Days Across Europe from Germany

This 5-day, 5-night road trip takes you all the way to the French Riviera, covering nearly 1,300 kilometers one way! Along the route, you'll experience some of the most stunning mountain passes, finest hotels, and best restaurants across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. The breathtaking views alone are worth the trip – though the sheer driving pleasure might steal the spotlight.

We kick off this adventure in Munich, home to CarVia’s headquarters and the ideal starting point for your journey. But don’t rush – take your time to explore Bavaria’s vibrant capital before hitting the road. Visit world-class museums, the Englischer Garten, or Munich’s historic Old Town. Relax in one of the city's many hidden beer gardens, enjoy an evening at a top restaurant or a lively club, and soak in the atmosphere before setting off. If you want to get familiar with your car, a warm-up drive through the beautiful lake region around Munich is the perfect start.

If you’ve booked a car with us, you can collect it at our Rental Hub in the Motorworld or opt for delivery straight to your hotel. On departure day, our rental agents will walk you through all the key features of your vehicle to ensure a smooth and enjoyable drive. Feel free to take your own pre-rental photos alongside our standard damage inspection for extra peace of mind.

Once you're ready, it’s time to hit the road and experience one of Europe’s greatest driving adventures!

Day 1: Road Trip Through Southern Germany – From Munich to Austria

This first leg of the journey takes just over 3 hours under ideal traffic conditions. Leaving Munich, you’ll head south on the A95, then take the St2062 at Großweil before merging onto the B11. This scenic route takes you past the Kochelsee and Walchensee lakes, leading to the famous Kesselbergstraße – a dream for driving enthusiasts.

Before crossing the Austrian border, don’t forget about the mandatory toll for highways in Austria. Fortunately, you can now purchase it digitally for added convenience. From there, follow the E5333 and B2 to reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberau. After passing the Ettal Monastery, switch onto the St2060, which will guide you across the border to Austria, where you’ll be driving alongside the stunning Plansee lake almost all the way to Reutte.

Next, take the Fernpassstraße (B179), leading you into Tyrol and arriving in Lermoos. For a relaxing overnight stay, we highly recommend the 4-star Mohr Life Resort, where you can unwind in the spa and enjoy a delicious dinner with mountain views.

To ensure you don’t miss a single curve or take a wrong turn, we’ve provided the Google Maps route for this first leg of the trip – so you can simply follow along and enjoy the ride!

The German Alpine Road – Road Trip to Switzerland & Tyrol

Today, you’ll be crossing borders – quite literally! From Tyrol, your journey continues into Switzerland, covering four hours of scenic driving on one of Germany’s most spectacular routes: the Deutsche Alpenstraße (German Alpine Road). Known for its stunning mountain views, this historic route is a dream for road trip enthusiasts. Find our route for the day here.

Before heading into Switzerland, consider making a well-deserved stop at Lake Constance. Once you’re ready to continue, don’t forget to purchase a vignette for Swiss highways before merging onto the A1 past Winterthur toward Zurich.

Upon arrival in Switzerland’s financial capital, park your CarVia dream car (or your private vehicle) at your hotel – our personal recommendation is the Widder Hotel, right in the heart of the city.

Zurich offers world-class restaurants, art exhibitions, and an enchanting old town, while the shimmering Lake Zurich is perfect for an evening stroll. If you feel like taking a dip, visit one of the city’s popular "Badi" lakeside swimming areas before heading to bed—because tomorrow, another breathtaking leg of the journey awaits.

Over the San Bernardino Pass – Road Trip to Italy

Today’s drive is one of the longest on your journey – nearly five hours – but it takes you through some of Europe’s most spectacular roads. Leaving Zurich, you’ll briefly head toward Liechtenstein, before turning south into Italy. To stay on track, use the linked route guidance for easy navigation.

The highlight of today’s drive is the legendary San Bernardino Pass, an alpine masterpiece that climbs to over 2,000 meters before descending into Italy. If you’re behind the wheel of a Porsche 911, Audi R8, or even our Ferrari Roma, get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Your route starts beneath Lake Zurich on the A3 toward Liechtenstein, then follows the E43/A13 along the Rhine, before you exit the highway at Hinterrhein. From there, the San Bernardino Pass takes over, treating you to sweeping curves, thrilling elevation changes, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

After the pass, follow the road into Grono, where you’ll rejoin the A13, transitioning to the A2 at Arbedo-Castione for the final stretch toward Italy.

Bello Milano: Your City Guide to Milan

Welcome to Italy, where you’re now surrounded by some of the country’s most picturesque lakes: Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Lake Maggiore. This is the perfect spot to take a break at a lively Italian café or lakeside restaurant, letting the stunning views sink in before continuing your journey.

Once refreshed, merge back onto the A2, exiting at Como to take the A9 and then the A8 toward Milan.

The fashion capital of the world is a striking contrast to the tranquil mountain landscapes you’ve just left behind. In Milan’s bustling center, you’ll find high-end shopping, legendary architecture, and an electric nightlife scene.

If you’re looking for a shopping spree, keep an eye on your credit card balance in the Via Montenapoleone district, home to the world’s top designer stores. As night falls, Milan transforms into a party hotspot, with endless bars and clubs – especially around the Navigli district, where picturesque canals set the scene for an unforgettable night.

Halfway through your epic European road trip, it's time to raise a glass to the journey so far – because the best is yet to come!

Next Stop: Turin – From Lombardy to Piedmont

After a restful night, it’s time to leave Lombardy behind and head into Piedmont, cruising in style in your luxury car. Your route (find it here) first takes you onto the A4, then onto the A26, before transitioning onto the SP142. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming Italian villages like Romagnano Sesia and Biella, both well worth a stop for a quick coffee or a leisurely stroll.

Since you’re in full control of your journey, feel free to deviate from the planned route and explore hidden gems along the way. While today’s drive is more relaxed compared to the previous legs of the trip, you’ll still encounter some exciting switchbacks after Mongrando, adding a final touch of driving fun before reaching the E25 and A5, which lead straight into Turin.

As evening falls, you’ll arrive in this vibrant, yet underrated city. Unlike Milan, Turin is far less touristy but equally captivating – especially for food lovers. The city is famous for its coffee culture, with legendary brands like Lavazza and La Tazza d’Oro based here. If you’re a fan of fine dining, keep an eye out for the region’s prized white truffles.

Turin’s centuries-old architecture makes wandering through the old town an adventure in itself, no matter the season. Take your time to explore its elegant streets, soak in the city’s atmosphere, and enjoy a relaxed evening.

For a centrally located stay, park your luxury car at our recommended hotel, NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina, and reflect on yet another unforgettable leg of your European road trip.

Col de Turini: A True Highlight – Road Trip through France

One of the most exciting moments of your European road trip awaits you today. The Col de Turini is one of the world’s most famous mountain passes, frequently featured in car magazines and TV shows. It’s also a legendary part of the Monte Carlo Rally.

This breathtaking alpine road connects the Côte d’Azur in France with Piedmont in Italy, making it a perfect route as you head toward Nice. However, be prepared – this will be one of your longest driving days, with over six hours on the road. Having a co-driver for this leg is highly recommended, but let’s be honest – road trips aren’t about getting from A to B as quickly as possible, but about experiencing the journey. And trust us, this journey is spectacular. Find the route here.

Route to Nice: The Final Destination

To reach Nice, your route begins southward on the E717, following it to Carmagnola before exiting onto local roads. Drive through Carmagnola, then continue on the SS20 until it merges into the SP41, followed by the SP23. After passing Borgo San Dalmazzo, take the SS21, which soon transforms into the SP255, where the first hairpin bends await.

Once you cross the French border, you’ll be on the M97, but with stunning mountain switchbacks and spectacular views, road names become secondary.

From Isola, follow the M2205 along the Tinée River, before turning sharply left onto the M2565 (Route de la Vésubie). This stretch is a driver’s dream, with smooth, flowing curves. To keep the excitement going, switch onto the M70 at Gordolon, which leads you to the Col de Turini – the grand finale of this epic drive.

After tackling the legendary turns of the Col de Turini, follow the D2566 until it merges into the D2204 at L’Escarène. From here, Nice is just a stone’s throw away, waiting to welcome you to the sun-kissed French Riviera.

The Journey Home via Vaduz, Liechtenstein

The return trip to Munich spans approximately 10 hours via the A13 – a long drive, no doubt, but also a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days and slowly transition back to reality.

To break up the journey, consider making one last stop in Liechtenstein. The charming capital, Vaduz, offers a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy a relaxed final evening. If you decide to stay overnight, the Park Hotel Sonnenhof is ideally located along your route. With its luxurious spa, you can fully unwind from the long drive before hitting the road home the next day.

If you’ve been driving one of our exclusive rental cars, we’re happy to arrange a pickup in Nice, should you prefer to fly home. Of course, if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye, you’re welcome to drive it back to Munich yourselfand enjoy one last thrilling ride.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this unforgettable road trip and had an amazing vacation filled with stunning scenery, epic drives, and perfect weather.

Feeling inspired for your next adventure? Check out our full fleet of dream cars on our website – whether it's a Porsche 911, an Audi R8, or something even more exhilarating, your next road trip is just waiting to happen!