Planning a Grand Tour by Car: Distance, Days and Rest
A long drive is pleasant when the days are short enough to enjoy. Plan by hours behind the wheel, not by kilometres on the map.
What grand touring means
The Italian phrase gran turismo describes travelling long distances by road in comfort, and it gave its name to a whole class of car. See grand tourer. The idea matters more than the vehicle: the journey is the holiday.
Plan in hours
- Four to five hours of driving is a full day once stops are added.
- Put the longest leg early in the trip, when everyone is fresh.
- Schedule a rest day after every three days on the road.
Choose roads on purpose
Motorways cover distance; smaller roads are where the scenery is. A good day mixes both: a fast morning, a slow afternoon.
Book the anchors, leave the rest
Reserve the first night, the last night and anything that sells out, such as ferries in summer. Leave the middle loose enough to stay longer where you like it.
Before you leave
Check what each country on the route requires; see tolls, vignettes and low-emission zones. Tell your insurer where you are going.
Checked 2026-10-14