Self Drive Tours & Trips in Western Europe
Ever wanted to road trip Western Europe at your own pace? Self-drive means renting a car and moving between countries—could be France, Switzerland, Italy, or Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, or Spain and Portugal. You're stopping in villages tour buses skip, and adjusting plans for weather or interest.
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Ted • traveled in November
Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive - C
Christian • traveled in October
This was such an amazing tour! Great value! Hotels were amazing! I would highly recommend!
Down South, Self-drive - K
Kelsi • traveled in September, 2025
Great trip! Highly recommend!!
Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
10 best Self Drive Western Europe tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaWestern Europe travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Country Grand Alpine Summer Tour in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided
- Glacier Express & Porsche 911 Rail & Drive Experience
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
- Ultimate Iceland Road Trip - 10-Day Self-Drive
- Discovering Crete, Self-drive
- Down South, Self-drive
- Complete Iceland Circle with Snæfellsnes - 9-Day Self-Drive
- Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
- Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
High-performance driving awaits on Western Europe's most challenging routes in your Porsche, from German autobahns to Swiss Alpine passes. Your pre-programmed GPS guides you through Hohe Tauern National Park and along the Glacier Express Route, with luxury stays at The Chedi Andermatt and Grandhotel Kronenhof.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein Age Range Ages 25+ Operator EPIKdrives From
- US$11,603
The Porsche 911 powers you through Western Europe's most scenic routes. Your route takes in Italy's Stelvio Pass, Austria's Tyrol region, and Switzerland's Alpine passes, crossing the Landwasser viaduct and Rhine Gorge.
Duration 6 days Destinations Switzerland, Austria, Italy Age Range Ages 25+ Operator EPIKdrives From
- US$9,666
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations and hotels selected were excellent. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs.”
Becky, traveled in September
A VW Polo carries you through Western Europe's historic coast. The route winds from Lisbon through medieval towns to Porto's wine country, with stops at Atlantic beaches and UNESCO sites. Rest at 4-star Vila Galé hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Alter do Chão Municipality, Castelo De Vide, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Espinho, OvarSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,151
10% Off- US$1,035You save $115
Sicily Explorer: 11 Days from Palermo to Palermo, Self-Drive
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Sicily Self Drive tour is a total blast! It's like a mixtape of all the cool stuff - history, culture, scenery.”
Alfred, traveled in May
Sicily reveals itself by car, from Palermo's historic center to Taormina's Greek theatre. The island's diverse landscapes and cultures unfold at your pace, with expert guides at major sites. All-inclusive car package with unlimited mileage.
Duration 11 days Destinations Palermo, Taormina, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Marzamemi, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Agrigento, MarsalaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator TUI Italia From $2,265
15% Off- US$1,925You save $340
Duration 10 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Vik, Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Jokulsarlon, Hofn, Djupivogur, FaskrudsfjordurSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Snaeland Travel From
15% Off- US$1,862
Discovering Crete, Self-drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The car was ideal to suit our needs, and the hotels were lovely. There is excellent value for money, and I would use this operator again.”
Renee, traveled in April
Crete's ancient treasures await, from the Palace of Knossos to Toplou Monastery. Your Nissan Pixo takes you through scenic mountain passes and coastal roads, with comfortable stays at Hotel Olympic and Hotel Apollon.
Duration 8 days Destinations Heraklion, Knossos, Chania, Elafonisi, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Spinalonga, Sitia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Greece From $617
10% Off- US$556You save $62
Down South, Self-drive
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Each place surprised us more than the last, and every corner of Andalusia is worth seeing.”
Sofia, traveled in June
A Seat Ibiza carries you through 5 historic cities with unlimited mileage. From Seville's Royal Alcazar to Cordoba's Great Mosque, 4-star stays at hotels like Maestranza in Ronda await. Includes 7 breakfasts and comprehensive insurance.
Duration 8 days Destinations Seville, Jerez, Ronda, Granada, Cordoba Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $938
10% Off- US$844You save $94
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Western Europe
When is the best time to go on a Self Drive tour in Western Europe?
Western Europe's Self Drive tours offer different prime seasons depending on the region. Summer (June to August) works well for Iceland's Ring Road with its extended daylight and clear roads. Spring and fall (April to May September to October) are excellent for northern Spain's routes with mild temperatures. Portugal's roads welcome drivers from March through October. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The weather was perfect for exploring coastal routes like the Portuguese Riviera." Hotels like the Silken Puerta in Madrid or Hotel Hamar in Iceland's countryside align well with these seasonal patterns.
What vehicle options are available for Self Drive tours in Western Europe?
The range of vehicles matches different group sizes and road conditions across Western Europe. Iceland provides compact cars like the Volkswagen Polo for couples or small groups plus Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that fit 6-9 travelers. Spain and Portugal feature standard options such as the Seat Ibiza with upgrade choices available. A previous traveler notes "The car was ideal to suit our needs and the hotels were lovely. If you are over 69-year-old they will not let you be the driver."
How are accommodations arranged during Western Europe Self Drive tours?
Each route includes stays at selected 3-4 star hotels. In Iceland travelers often stay at properties like the Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik or Hotel Hofn in rural areas. Spanish itineraries feature places such as the Silken Indauchu in Bilbao. A TourRadar review states: "The hotels were of high quality with excellent breakfast buffets. There is excellent value for money and I would use this operator again."
What driving requirements are needed for Western Europe Self Drive tours?
Drivers need a valid license held for at least 12 months with age limits varying by country (69 in Iceland 75 in Spain). The minimum age is 21 and non-EU residents must have an international driving permit. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year for Spain tours."
What kind of support is available during a Self Drive tour in Western Europe?
Tours come with round-the-clock roadside assistance emergency contact numbers and detailed road books with GPS coordinates. Sicily's local representatives help with route planning while the Renaissance Tower Hotel in Zurich serves Swiss tours with local expertise. According to one traveler: "We had good communication with the organizers especially when we wished to extend our car rental."
What are the must-see highlights of a Self Drive tour in Western Europe?
The routes cover essential cities coastal areas and historic landmarks. Spain's highlights include Granada's Alhambra Palace Seville's Royal Alcazar and the mountain town of Ronda. A TourRadar participant shares: "Granada and Seville are truly amazing places to visit and the drive through Ronda offered spectacular mountain views." Notable stays include the Gran Luna Hotel in Granada and the Silken Al-Andalus in Seville.