Cruising the sunkissed Tuscan hills or the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps in a phenomenal supercar with the freedom to explore at your own pace – this is the true joy of embarking on a self-guided driving holiday.
Yet our luxury self-guided drives go far beyond simply offering an itinerary. On dates that suit you and with a supercar of your choice, you’ll embark on a fully curated bucket-list adventure encompassing scenic exploration, opulent accommodation and seamless logistics.
Read on as we dive into these upscale adventures to answer the important question: what is a self-drive tour?
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
So what exactly does a self-drive tour of Europe entail?
While every self-guided driving tour of Europe is as unique as its host country, a very visible thread runs through each: effortless luxury.
You select an incredible supercar from our fleet, then tour across the country, relaxing in gorgeous five-star accommodation and dining at renowned restaurants, with enriching excursions along the way.
Unlike our small group driving tours, our self-guided experiences offer the freedom and flexibility of solo travel. You decide which destination and travel dates best suit you, how you drive, when and where to stop – and enjoy it all with complete privacy.
Yet despite such freedom, your experience is completely frictionless due to a support team managing every detail. You simply arrive and enjoy.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Key highlights of a European luxury self-drive tour
We craft these experiences to be as rewarding as possible, so every day on your self-guided European tour brings something new. Here are just a few highlights you can look forward to.
First, choose from latest-release models from iconic marques including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Mercedes, McLaren and more. Next, enjoy your car’s incredible style, power and control as you drive along a route expertly curated for you – with a programmed GPS and detailed route book to accompany you.
Each day you’ll explore inspiring scenery and beautiful roads, before relaxing in opulence in the evenings. Your tour package includes overnight stays in exceptional five-star hotels, including hearty breakfasts and on-site parking. We offer handpicked suggestions for lunchtime and evening dining based on our extensive local knowledge, and of course you also have the freedom to discover your own local gems.
To further enhance your tour, we offer a variety of immersive experiences that bring the locality to life – perhaps a morning of truffle hunting in the Tuscan countryside, an exclusive wine-tasting afternoon, or an insider’s city tour, depending on your destination.
Everything is seamless
The true beauty of our self-drive tours is the perfect balance between freedom and the comforting ease of a fully managed experience. We take care of everything – all you have to do is arrive and start the adventure.
That means your vehicle, route and secure parking are all managed, while every boutique hotel is waiting to warmly welcome you. We also provide plenty of inspiration for dining, wining, relaxation and excursions. And for anything else, we’re always by your side – just a call away whenever you need support on your journey.
This is the very definition of seamless.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
The incredible cars and roads
Driving a supercar along a legendary driving road is one of life’s pinch-me moments. Few people will ever take an extended journey in an iconic car and fewer still on breathtaking routes that look and feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a movie.
Imagine it: you’re in a seductive Lamborghini Huracán Spyder, or perhaps a ferocious Porsche GT3 RS, each capable of jaw-dropping performance. While the high-end cabin is pristine and plush, your focus is on the beauty outside as you cruise through remarkable mountain passes, rolling hills and coastal roads.
This rare combination delivers unforgettable moments between you, your driving partner and the car, while the icing on top is being able to share the envy-inducing photos on social media to friends and family.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Luxury away from the drive
After a day of thrills and extraordinary beauty, there’s nothing finer than unwinding in an ultra-luxe boutique hotel. From historic villas and luxury castles to sumptuous spa resorts, we handpick only the best properties that elevate our self-drive European tours far beyond the ordinary.
The properties chosen are destinations in their own right, so you might wake to lakeside views framed by the Alps, spend your evening unwinding in a thermal spa, or enjoy a nightcap in a private lounge steeped in history. It’s all part of the seamless experience that makes our self-guided journeys so unique.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
Luxury self-drive tour FAQ
If you’re new to the concept of a self-guided driving tour, here are answers to questions guests often have about how they work.
Do I need to be an expert driver?
In short, you don’t need to be an expert, although you must be able to drive and hold a full license.
However, drivers of all experience levels will find great enjoyment in driving our modern supercars thanks to a comprehensive personalised handover process. Ahead of your first day of driving, our team will meet you in person and walk you through the car and technology, familiarising you with how everything works and how to adjust the car to suit you.
This can be extended to a test drive, where you’ll be offered tips on road positioning and how to get the best from your car. Even after you set off, we’re always on hand whenever you need us for extra peace of mind.
Will I be comfortable driving a supercar on unfamiliar roads?
Naturally, driving a supercar through a foreign country is not an everyday experience for most guests, so a little apprehension is understandable.
We anticipate this and follow a proven process so you can enjoy your adventure to the fullest. You will be reassured by a full handover to acclimatise you with the car, and given insights into the local roads and driving conditions. What’s more, modern supercars are far more user-friendly than in days gone by, and driving them is surprisingly simple – a ‘point and shoot’ experience. Additionally, we also carefully curate each route to maximise enjoyment and comfort.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
How much driving is required each day?
A self-driving tour of Europe is flexible to accommodate your driving preferences. When planning your tour, we customise the amount of driving to suit you. As a motoring enthusiast, you may be keen to squeeze in more time on the road, while luxury seekers may prefer to lean towards more leisure time.
Throughout your tour, we recommend taking regular full or half rest days, in which you can enjoy the amenities of your hotel or take an exclusive excursion. It’s your tour, and we cater to your requirements.
If you love the sound of a bespoke luxury tour, but aren’t particularly keen on driving, you may be interested in our exceptional tailor-made holidays.
What’s the difference between car hire and a UDT self-drive tour?
Regular car hire simply gives you a vehicle for your trip, while a UDT self-guided driving tour is a complete luxury experience. We manage everything including delivering you a supercar of your choosing, expertly planned routes, luxury accommodation and personalised dining recommendations. All while giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. This is so much more than just a set of car keys – it’s an unforgettable journey.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
A typical day on a luxury self-drive tour of Europe
While you can enjoy these unique tours across Europe’s most celebrated regions, let’s explore our bucket-list self-drive tour of Switzerland for a glimpse into a typical day.
On your first full day, you’ll wake up in a stately five-star hotel in Zurich – at whatever time suits you. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your own pace – perhaps taking coffee with a stunning city view – then make your way to your car.
Having been guided through a detailed vehicle handover, you’ll be itching to hit the road. The fun begins with cruising along a scenic highway beside Lake Lucerne, soaking in the breathtaking setting. You can stop for lunch at one of our recommended spots or discover a hidden gem along the way.
Then it’s time to enjoy your car’s superior handling as you conquer your first three scenic mountain passes, including the spectacular Susten and Grimsel. With your pre-programmed GPS, navigation is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy every last second of the driving.
As you arrive at the postcard-perfect alpine town of Andermatt, you’ll be welcomed into your lavish ski chalet. Here you can enjoy full use of the impressive Asian-inspired spa, or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in the shade of the soaring Swiss alps. For dinner, enjoy one of the finest Japanese restaurants in Europe or explore the town’s renowned dining options.
After a nightcap by the cosy log fires, you can retire to your plush room, knowing tomorrow you’ll do it all over again. Throughout your day, you don’t have to compromise, make big decisions or deal with different car hire and hotel providers in a foreign country – we take care of it all.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
See Europe in a whole new light with a spectacular self-drive tour
Wherever you want to explore, enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a luxury self-guided driving holiday with Ultimate Driving Tours. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the journey of a lifetime – book today for the next available tour season.
If you want to learn more about our self-drive European tours, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
Share Article
