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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Becky • traveled in November
The locations and hotels selected were excellent. At the last minute my husband ended up in a wheelchair for most of the trip. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Changing rooms so that he had a walk in shower, a room close to the elevator and assistance with luggage or whatever we needed. Thank you.
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive - R
Rick • traveled in October
It would have been excellent if not for a major problem with the car rental. You advertise the tour good for 18 to 99 years but in fine print you have to be 69 or younger? I was not advised until days before I was too old to tent(71). In the end I found a car on my own and was refunded the car portion but needless hassle and frustration sorting it out. Otherwise trip great!
Discovering Crete, 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
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Ultimate Iceland Road Trip - 10-Day Self-Drive
- Complete Iceland Circle with Snæfellsnes - 9-Day Self-Drive
- Heart of Spain, Self-drive
- Discovering Crete, Self-drive
- Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
- Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)
- Classical Greece, Self-drive
- Munich, Austrian Alps, Dolomites in a Porsche: Pre-set sat-nav guided
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$11,781
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.”
Ted, traveled in October
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 $1,168
10% Off- US$1,051You save $117
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
10% Off- US$1,724
A Toyota Aygo takes you around Iceland's Ring Road through volcanic landscapes. The route includes Reynisfjara's black basalt columns and Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Guesthouse stays in Vík and Höfn come with breakfast. You'll see UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park where tectonic plates meet, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where icebergs float before washing up on Diamond Beach.
Duration 9 days Destinations Keflavik, Reykjavik, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik, Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell, Svartifoss, JokulsarlonSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Snaeland Travel From
10% Off- US$1,533
Heart of Spain, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel accommodations were excellent. The whole trip was seemless.”
Jeanne, traveled in February
Your Seat Ibiza awaits to whisk you through Spain's cultural capitals, from Madrid's Golden Triangle museums to Segovia's Roman aqueduct. The 300km route leads to UNESCO-listed Cáceres, featuring Mérida's working Roman theatre, and winds through Salamanca's university quarter. Rest in comfort at 4-star Silken Puerta Madrid and Hotel Candido.
Duration 9 days Destinations Madrid, Caceres, Merida, Salamanca, Avila, Segovia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,324
15% Off- US$1,126You save $199
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 $627
10% Off- US$564You save $63
Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Hydra: 11-Day Greek Island Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is unique for anyone seeking to combine mythology, gastronomic delights, beaches, and relaxation.”
Your Greek adventure unfolds with arranged transportation between destinations. Domestic flights, ferry transfers, and private transport connect you to ancient ruins and coastal landscapes, all at your own pace.
Duration 11 days Destinations Athens, Piraeus, Santorini, Nea Kameni Island, Akrotiri, Oia, Heraklion, Knossos, Crete, RethymnonSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Private Tours Greece From $4,418
25% Off- US$3,314You save $1,105
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.