Road trips to Europe’s most beautiful cities planned using free travel tool

Travellers can find charming towns, picturesque villages and tranquil coastlines within easy reach of Europe’s most popular city destinations with a new digital guide

City breaks are a beloved British pastime, but the true enchantment often lies just beyond the city limits. While the hustle and bustle of the metropolis makes for an exhilarating getaway, venturing out onto the open road can uncover hidden treasures that make for the most unforgettable European self-drive holidays.

Given the UK’s prime location for easy travel across Europe and the frequent availability of budget flights, road trips can unlock a realm of possibilities. Quaint towns, scenic villages and serene coastlines offer fewer crowds, more affordable prices and a slower pace of life – ideal for those seeking to unearth something off the well-trodden path.

To simplify the planning of these escapades, a new digital guide assists travellers in finding inspiring destinations within a comfortable driving distance of Europe’s most frequented cities. The Skyscanner Road Trip Planner provides clear, straightforward routes with handpicked highlights, while also estimating fuel costs, making it effortless to transform a city break into a memorable road trip.

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The user-friendly planner highlights the European cities where UK travellers most frequently rent cars, then suggests curated stops within a manageable drive. Trips are categorised by driving time, meaning users can fill a spare afternoon or a full week away, reports the Daily Record.

The app also boasts real-time routing and pre-planned itineraries. To help keep costs down, the tool also estimates fuel expenditure using the latest national petrol price averages from trusted sources like ViaMichelin and RAC, as well as the official efficiency figures for five popular hire-car models.

For those wanderlusters who can’t find what they’re after, Kayak is another travel search engine that offers deals on flights, hotels, car rentals and holidays. Expedia also provides flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and package holidays, with discounts available for members.

Visitors flocking to the stunning Italian city of Milan with Skyscanner come to marvel at the world-class fashion brands and iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. But just two hours away, visitors will discover the shores of Lake Garda (Sirmione) where they can recharge for thermal baths, medieval castles and lakeside strolls.

Spain also offers a lot more than just the Costa’s with the city of Barcelona steeped in history, Gaudí’s whimsical architecture and the sun-soaked charm of Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Just an hour and 40 minutes away, the Medieval town of Besalú offers a quieter atmosphere with a Romanesque bridge, cobbled lanes and ancient synagogue ruins.

Rome, a city steeped in history and culture, is one of the most visited destinations worldwide. It’s home to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel, which encapsulate all that Italy is renowned for.

Just an hour away from Rome’s bustling centre lies the tranquil seaside town of Anzio. This hidden gem combines stunning beaches with fascinating World War II history, making it an ideal spot for those seeking sun, sea and a touch of historical intrigue.

Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia, offers a rich tapestry of history, vibrant markets and awe-inspiring architecture, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. A short journey from the ancient city walls, you’ll find the village of Polonezköy, a serene countryside haven.

Originally established as a Polish settlement, Polonezköy is now famed for its lush forest trails, quaint rural ambiance and homemade jams. it provides a peaceful retreat without straying too far from Istanbul’s vibrant heart.

Skyscanner also allows users to compare rental cars across various providers, offering everything from compact city cars to larger vehicles suitable for road trips. It also allows booking of accommodation, with travellers being able to choose from budget-friendly stays to boutique and luxury properties.

Holidaymakers who have booked flights, hotels and more have left numerous glowing reviews on Trustpilot. One traveller said: “Always use Skyscanner to book flights, it is easy to navigate and usually has the best pricing.”

Another added: “I use Skyscanner a lot I can juggle through the days to find the best deals for the times I require and days. I find cheapest is not always best, also use the hotel checker to find places to stay.”

A third simply said: “The go-to website to book travel and accommodation.”

However, some shoppers were less impressed, with one explaining: “The website is okay. However, it often shows flight prices that don’t exist when you click through the link to book. This wastes my time.”

With over 14,400 five-star reviews on Trustpilot alone many customers are happy with the service. Another user said: “The best flight search engine I’ve used. Saves me time and money every trip.”