After the death of both of my grandparents, I came across their old passports and knew I’d love to keep them. I remembered they did an epic road trip for their honeymoon and wish I had spent time during their life to hear more about the stories and the exact itinerary of their trip. Since I don’t have that, I decided to look through their passports and do my best to recreate the route based on the passport stamps. Of course, I don’t really know where they went once they were in each country, but it is still fun to imagine them zooming around Europe, young, in love, and on their own, exploring the world in a way that I wish we still could.
Piccadilly Circus, London
The trip starts in the busy streets of London’s Piccadilly Circus. Enjoy a classic British tea, shop for a few trousseaus and take in all the incredible history of London.
Stay in Hotel Café Royal or the Londoner Hotel
Drive to Le Touquet, France. Along the way, you can stop in Canterbury for a tour of the famed Canterbury Cathedral and a quick punt on the river. Then stop and stretch your legs for a hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. Once in Le Touquet visit the Musee du Touquet and pick up fresh produce from the Covered Market. For a romantic and luxurious stay consider the Haec Otia B&B.
For the next week, meander through France’s beautiful countryside. Stopping in Dijon for noteworthy history, a meal at one of their numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, amazing wine and of course, plenty of Dijon mustard!
From Dijon make your way to Lyon which is a great place to spend a couple of days. Stay in a former convent at Villa Florentine or the historic Intercontinental Lyon Hotel Dieu. Both are beautiful and centrally located. You can stroll around Vieux Lyon (old Lyon), visit sites such as Saint-Jean Cathedral, Basilique of Notre Dame de Fourviere, and Lugdunum (an underground museum). For a relaxing afternoon, head to the Parc de la Tete d’Or.
After your time in France, you will head to Limone-Piemonte, Italy. Enjoy the spa and fine dining at Fiocco Di Neve and spend your days hiking and biking the area.
Next it will be time to head north again to Chiasso, Switzerland. Along the way you can stop in one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, Turin. Once you arrive in Chiasso, stretch your legs walking through the charming old town, visit the Parco delle Gole della Breggia, a nature reserve with beautiful views and hiking trails. And of course, enjoy some Swiss chocolate.
From Chiasso you will head back south to through the Italian countryside and the French coast for a couple days in Monaco. Make time to stop in Milan to see the iconic Duomo. Genoa is also a great place to visit with a historic port and old town. Once in Monaco, there will be no shortage of beautiful hotels to choose from.
From Monaco, explore southern France, then head north again through Geneva and start making your way east through Zurich before arriving in Austria.
Travel along Brenner Strasse, located in Austria, a picturesque and historically significant route that traverses the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps. As one of the major roads connecting Austria and Italy, Brenner Strasse is renowned for its stunning mountain views, charming alpine villages, and cultural attractions. Travelers along this route can marvel at the beauty of the Tyrolean Alps, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and winding rivers creating a postcard-perfect scenery. The road also passes through historic towns like Innsbruck, known for its impressive architecture, including the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace. Additionally, Brenner Strasse offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
You can stay in Salzburg. While there, walk through the Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Every summer is the Salzburg Festival where you can attend a classical music performance.
After your time in Austria, you will travel north through Germany. Depending on when you hit the road, you can stop in Munich, only a couple hours from Salzburg, or go further north to Essen or Cologne. There are so many picturesque towns to stop in along the way, it will be hard to choose where to rest.
Once you cross the border from Germany into the Netherlands you can head towards Wernhout, a quaint village in the province of North Brabant. Stop by the Kalmthoutse Heide, a stunning heathland and nature reserve known for its hiking and diverse flora and fauna or visit the Arboretum Kalmthout, a botanical garden with a vast collection of plants from around the world.
La Touquet, France
Continue your journey south into France and reach Le Touquet again, a charming seaside resort town on the Opal Coast. Spend a relaxing day at the beach or explore the town’s architecture including the iconic Le Touquet Lighthouse and the Art Deco-Style Le Westminster hotel.
Lympne, England
Crossing back over the English Channel you can stop in Lympne, England.
In Kent’s scenic countryside, Lympne is filled with historical allure and natural beauty. From Roman ruins to medieval relics like Lympne Castle, history buffs find much to explore. The Port Lympne Hotel offers a unique and luxurious stay if you need a place to rest for a few days.
Prestwick, Scotland
Continuing your journey north to Scotland, make your way to Prestwick. Prestwick, Scotland, a historic coastal town in South Ayrshire. Famous for its historic connections to golf, including the renowned Prestwick Golf Club, the town attracts enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond golf, Prestwick offers scenic coastal walks along its sandy beaches, showcasing stunning views of the Firth of Clyde. Visitors can explore the town’s charming streets lined with shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, immersing themselves in its warm Scottish hospitality. With easy access to nearby attractions like Culzean Castle and Ayr’s vibrant cultural scene, Prestwick provides a wonderful base to explore the area.
Here’s to amazing road trips and 70 year marriages <3
