Euro Road Trip Recommendations - Help!

[mozza42]

After much inspiration by the like of BR D and his guitar, and after much head scratching - I need some help!

I've got a few days' availability between roles and I really fancy a Euro road trip...

Part of me loves the Instagrammable beauty of something like the Stelvio Pass, or the Gross Glockner. But I don't want to shlep miles of boring motorways to get there.

Doesn't even have to be in the same area(s) if I'm risking not enjoying great driving roads/fantastic history/unmissable hospitality, and I think I'd probably trying to cram in doing loads of miles as well as trying to actually see some of the places I'm visiting.

Here's what I'm currently thinking, and why - but nothing's set in stone and I'm grateful in advance for any suggestions - I'd be staying in the 'to' destination each day.

Time
4.5 full days, from Sunday afternoon to Thursday evening - this is not flexible, sadly.

Departure point
Nottingham

Car
2018 Audi S5 Convertible - slow and flabby, nice noise and most importantly comfortable.

What I think I'd like to do

Day 1 - Drive to Reims

Seems an appropriate first stop, I'd like to see the old pit straight and the garages, maybe see if I can get in at a small Champagne producer (not fussed about Veuve or anything else exit through the gift shop

Day 2 - Drive to Stuttgart

Would like to visit the Porsche and Mercedes Museums. Going to a brewhouse for some steins and sausages feels like it might be enjoyable

Day 3 - Drive to Nurburgring

I think I'd really like to do this; I'm well aware of the implications of a smash whether I be smasher or smashee, and that's probably the only thing that's making me think it's not an essential part of a trip where I want to do more than just get to the 'ring and bust out a few mild laps/cook the brakes.

Day 4 - Drive to Bruges

Picturesque, nice little stop for some trappist thirst quenchers

Day 5 - Drive Home


I've already done the NC500, loads of times to Le Mans and I think a proper road trip shall satisfy the urge. So to the original ask for help - where do you reckon I should go?

Budget's fine, no real constraints but by the same token not fancy hotels at £1000 a night either.

[RizzoTheRat]

There's a lot of really good roads a bit further east from the Nurburgring ring if you want scenery and great driving, but not as much other stuff like museums, I did a great bike trip in the Rothaar mountains region a few years ago.

If time is more of a constraint that budget, consider the overnight Hull to Rotterdam ferry, it's obviously more expensive than Dover-Dunkirk/Calais, but basically gives you an extra day on your holiday as a 9pm sailing gets you on the continent at 7:30 the next morning.

If you're going via Dover, personally I prefer the Dunkirk ferry to Calais, it's a lot quieter, although the speed of the tunnel is pretty convenient too.

[K50 DEL]

mozza42 said:

After much inspiration by the like of BR D and his guitar, and after much head scratching - I need some help!

I've got a few days' availability between roles and I really fancy a Euro road trip...

Part of me loves the Instagrammable beauty of something like the Stelvio Pass, or the Gross Glockner. But I don't want to shlep miles of boring motorways to get there.

Doesn't even have to be in the same area(s) if I'm risking not enjoying great driving roads/fantastic history/unmissable hospitality, and I think I'd probably trying to cram in doing loads of miles as well as trying to actually see some of the places I'm visiting.

Here's what I'm currently thinking, and why - but nothing's set in stone and I'm grateful in advance for any suggestions - I'd be staying in the 'to' destination each day.

Time
4.5 full days, from Sunday afternoon to Thursday evening - this is not flexible, sadly.

Departure point
Nottingham

Car
2018 Audi S5 Convertible - slow and flabby, nice noise and most importantly comfortable.

What I think I'd like to do

Day 1 - Drive to Reims

Seems an appropriate first stop, I'd like to see the old pit straight and the garages, maybe see if I can get in at a small Champagne producer (not fussed about Veuve or anything else exit through the gift shop

Day 2 - Drive to Stuttgart

Would like to visit the Porsche and Mercedes Museums. Going to a brewhouse for some steins and sausages feels like it might be enjoyable

Day 3 - Drive to Nurburgring

I think I'd really like to do this; I'm well aware of the implications of a smash whether I be smasher or smashee, and that's probably the only thing that's making me think it's not an essential part of a trip where I want to do more than just get to the 'ring and bust out a few mild laps/cook the brakes.

Day 4 - Drive to Bruges

Picturesque, nice little stop for some trappist thirst quenchers

Day 5 - Drive Home


I've already done the NC500, loads of times to Le Mans and I think a proper road trip shall satisfy the urge. So to the original ask for help - where do you reckon I should go?

Budget's fine, no real constraints but by the same token not fancy hotels at £1000 a night either.

Can't really fault that route for a short trip.
A few suggestions from me.

Stuttgart is great, the 2 museums you mention are well worth seeing, the Merc one is much better than Porsche, use the public transport system to get around, it's easy and cheap. I stayed in the Hotel Spahr, but ISTR only a small parking area so maybe not good for you.

Hotel Pit Lane in Nurburg is lovely for the overnight stop there, it's also a short walk from the late Sabine Schmitz's family place - Pistenklaus, their steak on the hot rock is amazing, but book a table unless you want a long wait.

There are plenty of good viewing spots for when you're not having your own fun on track, happy to pop up GPS coordinates for the ones I've enjoyed if you wish.

You'll need to check what's actually happening at the ring on the day(s) that you are there, it is not always open to the public.