My road trip between Italy, France and Spain: 12 cities in 11 days
My Euro road trip from Italy between France and Spain, without a specific destination, the point is to visit at least 10 cities not served by low cost flights.
COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
Ready to Hit the Road
All my bags are packed and I’m ready to get in the car. Me and my anxiety, always a pair no matter where I’m heading. It’s funny, because no matter how many trips I’ve taken, there’s always a flutter of nerves that accompanies me before I hit the road.
It’s like my brain wants to keep me alert, just in case something goes wrong. This trip, however, feels different. I just got my driving license a month ago, and now I’m about to take on a whopping 3,307 kilometers of travel, navigating highways, toll booths, and city streets. It’s a little scary, to be honest, but I’m also excited. It’s that perfect balance of fear and thrill that comes with doing something new and challenging. Euro road trip, here I come!
Discovering Hidden Gems
I’ve planned this journey with the help of Google Maps and a little inspiration from Instagram. It’s all about discovering those hidden gems—destinations that haven’t been touched by the usual tourist crowds or budget airlines like Ryan Air. These cities are close enough to feel accessible, but still far enough to require a special trip. I’m looking for that kind of charm that makes these places stand out—where the history, the local food, the unique character, and the vibe are all things that make the effort of getting there so worth it.
I want to travel through regions that might not show up on the average tourist radar, places that whisper their stories instead of shouting for attention. On the road, I’ll explore some of these lesser-known destinations.
A Whirlwind Adventure
This will be a whirlwind adventure. I won’t be lingering in any one place for more than 24 hours. It’s an itinerant trip, a journey from one city to the next, constantly moving, constantly exploring.
The schedule might be tight, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve got my route set from Bologna, my home base, and the itinerary looks like this: 3,350 km, 40 hours of driving, 10 different hotels, across 3 countries. It’s just me, my car, and three suitcases stuffed with essentials for this adventure. I’ll be living the true Euro road trip experience, crossing borders and soaking up all the unique flavors each destination has to offer.
Facing the Challenge
To some, it might sound like madness—driving that much in such a short period of time, but for me, it feels like a challenge. A chance to push myself out of my comfort zone. It’s like I’m writing my own travel story, the kind that you can’t predict or plan perfectly. Sure, there’s a lot of anxiety mixed in with the excitement, but what’s life without a little bit of fear to balance out the thrill? Every road trip is a new adventure in itself, a challenge to conquer and enjoy.
Embracing the Anxiety
I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with anxiety. It has this sneaky way of creeping in before I do something big. But the thing is, every time I face it, I come out stronger. So here I am, about to conquer these 3,307 kilometers with nothing but a map, a car, and the hope that I’ll find some incredible stories along the way. I’ll get to discover new places, meet new people, and most importantly, I’ll get to learn a lot about myself through this experience.
On the road, I’ll be embracing the journey, anxiety and all.
The Beauty of Spontaneity
As I drive from city to city, I know I’ll have my moments of doubt. Maybe I’ll miss an exit, maybe I’ll get lost in a winding street, or maybe I’ll be too tired to keep going. But I’ll keep going because I know these are the moments that will make the journey unforgettable. The spontaneity of it all—the little detours, the random discoveries—that’s what makes travel so special.
Sure, I’m not staying in one place long enough to really get to know it deeply, but that’s part of the thrill. This trip is all about fleeting encounters, about soaking in as much as I can in the short time I have. It’s the kind of road trip where every unexpected turn adds to the magic.
My Euro Road Trip Stages
Day 1: Bologna – Portovenere – Nice
Day 2: Nice – Aix En Provence – Montepellier
Day 3: Montepellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse
Day 4: Toulouse and Japanese Garden of Toulouse – Biarritz
Day 5: Biarritz – Donostia San Sebastian
Day 6: Donostia San Sebastian – Zaragoza
Day 8: Tarragona– Port Vendres
Day 9: Port Vendres – La Ciotat
Day 10: La Ciotat – Nice
Day 11: Nice – stop in Piacenza – Bologna
My intention is to set off in the morning, reach the intermediate destination of the day by lunchtime, visit it and get back on the road so as to arrive before sunset. Park and forget about the car for the whole evening, walking and visiting the destination of the day.
The first few days will be tough because I have the intermediate stop that I have set out to visit, but from the fourth day onwards I will have 3 hours (maximum 4) by car and then I will be able to dedicate myself entirely to visits and relaxation.
Ready for the Challenge
So, here I am, about to embark on this massive road trip—excited, nervous, but ready. My heart’s racing a bit faster than usual, and my hands are gripping the wheel a little tighter, but I know this will be worth it. 3,307 kilometers, 10 hotels, 3 countries, 1 car, and the endless possibility of new experiences and stories to tell. And when I get to the end, I’ll have memories to look back on, a deeper understanding of the places I visit, and the satisfaction of knowing I took on something big and came out on the other side a little braver than before. This is what an Euro road trip is all about—embracing the challenge and coming out stronger for it.
Tackling a Road Trip with the Perfect Car Rental
Renting a car for a road trip through France and Spain might seem complicated, but thanks to Discover Cars, I found the perfect solution.
After comparing several offers, I was able to choose the ideal car at a truly competitive price, with no hidden fees and clear rental conditions. Booking in advance allowed me to save time and start my journey stress-free, knowing I had made the best choice. Plus, being able to read reviews from other travelers helped me select the most reliable option.
If you’re planning a road trip, it’s worth checking out—finding the right car can make all the difference between a complicated journey and a perfect adventure.
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