Family Self-Driving Tour of the European Continent: 20-Day Highlights
15 cities |
24 attraction(s) |
total distance 102596
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day12
Day13
Day14
Day15
Day16
Day17
Day18
Day19
Day20
Day1: Dover > Calais
3 attraction(s) ·
45 km
3
Calais Beach is located along the English Channel, stretching for 8 kilometers. It witnessed the first ever flight across the sea in human history, accomplished by pioneer aviator Louis Blerio. Today, you can admire large ferries crossing the English Channel, connecting the transportation hub of Dover in the United Kingdom with France.
Day2: Calais > Amiens
4 attraction(s) ·
123 km
3
Vast 13th-century Gothic edifice with 2 uneven towers, famous for lavish decorations & carvings.
1
km
4
Jules Verne lived in a tower-like house in Amiens for 18 years and wrote many works there, including the famous "Around the World in Eighty Days". Today, this renovated house still preserves its original appearance and is open for visitors to explore.
Day3: Calais > Amiens > Paris
3 attraction(s) ·
7865 km
Day4: Calais > Amiens > Paris
3 attraction(s) ·
7865 km
3
This American version of the famous Paris landmark stands at 65 ft., topped by a cowboy hat.
Day5: Paris
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
The Louvre Museum is the former residence of French kings, built in the late 12th century. After several expansions and renovations during different periods of reign, it has become one of the largest museums in the world. The Louvre is divided into eight sections, including Oriental Antiquities, Egypt, Greece, Etruria and Ancient Rome, Paintings, Sculptures, Art Objects, Islamic Art, and Medieval to 1848 Paintings.
Originally a medieval fortress defending Paris, the Louvre has played various roles throughout history. With a love for art, French kings sponsored artists and collected a large number of renowned Italian paintings. During the French Revolution, it was opened as a museum and continued to expand and collect more artistic treasures in subsequent historical periods. The Louvre houses around 400,000 artifacts, with approximately 40,000 on regular display. Visitors should prepare in advance and, based on personal interests, it is recommended to visit the Italian and French painting galleries, Ancient Egypt Civilization gallery, Ancient Greek and Roman art gallery, and Napoleon III's apartments. As one of the world's top three museums, the Louvre attracts numerous visitors and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
1
km
2
The Tuileries Garden, located between the Louvre and Champs-Élysées, has a unique and advantageous position. Its name derives from the tile factory that once stood here. Through the careful redesign and decoration by designer Le Nôtre, the garden became a typical French garden, although it was initially Italian-style. The Tuileries Palace in the garden was once the royal residence. During the French Revolution in 1880, it was destroyed and leveled, leaving its influence and constraints on the appearance of the park. Today, the Tuileries Garden is part of the Louvre, connecting the left and right wings of the museum, and serves as an open courtyard. It runs parallel to Rue de Rivoli and is adjacent to the National Image Museum of France. The museum got its name from the indoor tennis court added to the northwest corner of the Royal Garden, whose function has now changed. The "Orangerie" museum on the other side of the garden echoes it.
Day6: Chenonceaux > Amboise
2 attraction(s) ·
12 km
1
Chenonceau Castle is the only water castle in the Loire Valley, also known as the Ladies' Castle. It has a rich history and is famous for its elegant and perfect design. The castle is reflected in the water and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Inside the castle, visitors can admire famous paintings by various masters and the luxurious decoration of the bedrooms. The castle also features a replica of the medieval castle layout in the front courtyard, with a moat surrounding the old castle. The grand entrance gate, adorned with woodcarvings, showcases the crests of Thomas Bohier and his wife, Catherine Briçonnet, the creators of Chenonceau Castle. The crest of King Francis I, a salamander and a Latin motto, can be seen above the gate.
12
km
2
Gothic & Renaissance 15th-century chateau, with tapestry-filled rooms & panoramic terrace.
Day7: Calais > Amiens > Paris
3 attraction(s) ·
7865 km
Day8: Calais > Amiens > Bordeaux
3 attraction(s) ·
724 km
Day9: Calais > Amiens > Bordeaux
4 attraction(s) ·
728 km
4
The Wine City is the newest landmark of Bordeaux, officially opened to the public in June 2016. Located on the extended line of Quai Chartron in the northern part of Bordeaux, this center of wine history and culture combines a museum and themed exhibitions. It includes permanent exhibition halls, temporary exhibition halls, audio-visual projection rooms, a library, workshops, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a wine cellar. The Wine City promotes wine culture and showcases the rich heritage of this historic industry.
Day10: Calais > Amiens > Bordeaux > Bayonne > San Sebastian
5 attraction(s) ·
933 km
Day11: Bayonne > Biarritz
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
2
This Ocean Museum, built in the 1930s, is beautifully decorated with intricate details found everywhere, from the ceiling's inlaid paintings to the wall murals and fountains. In the underground aquarium, visitors can catch a glimpse of the diverse marine ecosystem of the Golfe de Gascogne, as well as marvel at fascinating underwater creatures such as sawfish and seals. Additionally, visitors can also admire the city's architecture and the stunning view of the Notre-Dame Rock in the museum.
Day12: Calais > Amiens > Madrid
3 attraction(s) ·
1275 km
Day13: Calais > Amiens > San Sebastian > Madrid
4 attraction(s) ·
1276 km
4
During the Moorish rule, Madrid was not the capital of Spain. To defend the city, Mohammed I built a tower at the current location of the palace. Over time, the tower was renovated and eventually declared a castle by the Castilian king in the 14th century. In 1734, the castle was destroyed by a fire, and Felipe V ordered for it to be rebuilt in 1738. After 17 years, it was finally completed. The palace's architecture was inspired by the design of the Louvre in Paris, featuring a square courtyard and galleries. Carlos III, known as the "Greatest Mayor of Madrid," was the first king to use the castle as a royal residence.
The Madrid Palace is the largest palace in Western Europe, containing 3,418 rooms, each with its own unique features. It houses an extensive collection of exquisite paintings, antiques, weapons, ceramics, clocks, and silverware. The collection includes five violins made by one of the greatest stringed instrument makers in history, Antonio Stradivari, which are displayed in the music room of the Royal Library. In addition, the palace houses works by famous Spanish artists, such as Velázquez and Goya, as well as important paintings from the Italian Baroque painter, Caravaggio.
Although the Madrid Palace is still the royal residence, the king only occasionally uses it for official business. If both flags on the roof of the palace are raised, it means that the king is present.
Day14: Madrid > Seville
2 attraction(s) ·
6366 km
1
Retiro Park, located in the heart of Madrid, is a vast park covering 118 hectares of land with nearly 15,000 trees and two artificial lakes. It is considered the "lungs" of the city. The park was built in 1630 as a retreat for the king outside of the city. It gradually developed into an area that includes the Teatro Real, the Royal Ballet School, and the Palacio de Cristal. After several renovations and changes in rulers, King Carlos III opened part of the park to the public for recreational purposes. The park includes many attractions such as the Paseo de las Estatuas (Statue Walk), the Puerta de España (Spain Gate), the Rose Garden, the Monument to King Alfonso XII, and the Palacio de Cristal. The Statue Walk features statues of former kings, while the Spain Gate, built during the same period, is part of Gran Via. The Rose Garden is a unique garden that features a variety of rose species imported from various parts of Europe, although most were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, leaving only 4,000 bushes. The Monument to King Alfonso XII, erected in 1922, is located next to the largest artificial lake in the park and is the largest memorial in the park. The Palacio de Cristal, built in 1887, is one of the most beautiful sights in the park, along with the lake in front of it. It is now primarily used for modern art exhibitions. The lakes are home to various species of birds and reptiles. Retiro Park not only attracts many tourists, but it is also a popular spot for local residents to relax and unwind.
6366
km
2
Day15:
0 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day16: Calais > Amiens > Seville > Barcelona
4 attraction(s) ·
10240 km
Day17: Barcelona
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day18: Barcelona
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Antoni Gaudí's renowned unfinished church, started in the 1880s, with museum and city views.
Day19: Calais > Amiens > Barcelona
3 attraction(s) ·
7629 km
Day20: Calais > Amiens
2 attraction(s) ·
122 km
