Best road trip routes in Europe

Romania's most famous road climbs into the Făgăraș Mountains in a frenzy of hairpins to the glacial Bâlea Lake, with a tunnel through to the southern side. The high section is typically only open from around July to October, closing once the snow returns. Drive it midweek and early to have the bends to yourself.

A toll road of 36 numbered hairpins that crests above 2,500 m, with a spur to the viewing terrace facing the Pasterze Glacier and Austria's highest peak. It usually opens from early May to late October, weather permitting. Set off early for clear views before the afternoon cloud builds over the summits.

One of the highest paved passes in the Alps, the Stelvio stacks 48 numbered hairpins up the Eastern Alps near the Swiss border — a wall of switchbacks that's a rite of passage for drivers and cyclists alike. It's typically open from June to October. Be patient with the bikes and motorcyclists, and use low gears on the long descent.

A grand traverse of the French Alps from Lake Geneva down to the Mediterranean at Menton, stringing together many of the great cols including the Galibier and the Iseran. Several of the highest passes only open in summer, so the classic window is roughly late June to September. Allow several unhurried days rather than trying to rush it.

A signed touring route through Bavaria from Würzburg to Füssen, linking walled medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and finishing near the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. The driving is relaxed and the distances short, so it suits a leisurely week. Lovely in autumn, and magical in December for the Christmas markets.

From Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo through the pale, jagged peaks of the Dolomites, over passes like the Pordoi with some of the most photogenic mountain scenery in Europe. Manageable hairpins and frequent viewpoints make it a more forgiving alpine drive. Best from June to September, when the high passes are reliably open.

Almost all of mainland Europe drives on the right, so a left-hand-drive hire car makes overtaking and tolls far easier than taking your own. If you do take a right-hand-drive car, fit beam deflectors and be extra cautious overtaking. Ireland, like the UK, drives on the left.

Cars with UK plates need a 'UK' sticker (the old 'GB' sticker no longer counts) unless your number plate already shows the UK identifier on its own. Carry your full photocard driving licence, V5C logbook, and proof of insurance.

Tell your insurer you're driving abroad and check you have at least third-party cover for every country on the route; ask whether a green card is needed. European breakdown cover is well worth it for the peace of mind so far from home.

Many countries — including Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary — require a vignette (a road-use sticker or digital pass) bought in advance for motorways. Others, like France, Italy and Spain, use pay-as-you-go toll booths. Some alpine roads, such as the Grossglockner, charge a separate toll.

Several countries legally require items such as a warning triangle, hi-vis jackets for everyone in the car, and a first-aid kit; a few ask for spare bulbs or a breathalyser. Pack a kit that covers the strictest country on your route so you're never caught short.

Many European cities now have low-emission or restricted zones that need a windscreen sticker or pre-registration to enter, with fines for getting it wrong. Check each city before you arrive, and where you can, park on the edge and use public transport into the centre.