Embark on a European Adventure with a Mercedes Van
Few places reward a summer road trip like Europe — the mix of culture, history, and scenery just doesn’t run out. For families, we’ve found that a comfortable Mercedes minivan and an English-speaking driver turn a long multi-country itinerary into something genuinely enjoyable rather than exhausting. Here are a few of the summer routes we send families on most often.
1. Discover the Charm of the French Countryside
Rolling vineyards, storybook villages, and centuries-old castles make the French countryside an easy favorite. We usually start in the Loire Valley, home to some of France’s most striking châteaux, with plenty of open ground for kids to burn off energy between stops.
From there, the road heads south to Provence, where lavender fields in bloom and long lunches outdoors set a slower rhythm. Our vans give the whole family room to stretch out and rest between stops, which matters on the longer driving days through this region.
2. Explore the Scenic Beauty of the Swiss Alps
Families that love the outdoors tend to fall hard for the Swiss Alps. Mountain passes lead to alpine villages like Zermatt and Grindelwald, and there’s no shortage of hiking, biking, or cable car rides to fill the days with.
Summer is peak season for gear, and our vans handle that easily — bikes, hiking packs, whatever your family needs for the trip comes along without a fight for space. And of course, no stop in Switzerland is complete without setting aside time for the chocolate.
3. Journey Through the Enchanting Scottish Highlands
The Highlands are rugged in a way that photos never quite capture. Starting in Edinburgh, with its castle and lively streets, the route climbs north toward landmarks like Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, with plenty of stops for a picnic along the way.
Winding Highland roads are far more relaxing from the comfort of a well-driven van, letting the whole family take in the scenery instead of watching the road. The history and folklore woven through this landscape make it a route that keeps both kids and adults engaged the whole way.
Unforgettable Adventures Await
These three barely scratch the surface of what a summer family Eurotrip through Europe can look like. Whether your family leans toward quiet nature or busy city streets, there’s a route here that fits.
A few more destinations worth considering for your own itinerary:
- The Amalfi Coast, Italy: coastal views and Italian cooking that lives up to the hype.
- The Black Forest, Germany: storybook scenery and villages that feel frozen in time.
- The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia: clear water and old towns with centuries of history.
- The Algarve, Portugal: beaches and coves worth building a whole day around.
- The Norwegian Fjords: dramatic landscapes for families who want their outdoors big.
A summer road trip across Europe, done right, leaves your family with more than photos — it leaves you with stories. Map out your route, pack the van, and let the next few weeks become the ones your family talks about for years.