This group I’m talking about are those who love to drive, petrolheads to be more precise. Blasting around the continent is their idea of a dream getaway to enjoy some routes through mountain ranges, valleys and other beautiful scenery and also what Europe has to give them in terms of demanding roads.

Even individuals with a ‘rep mobile’ and a European fuel card would enjoy such a trip and although it would be an advantage to take a car that matched the roads, having pretty much any modern car will still be enjoyable.

The following is a small selection of such routes to take that span over a few of Europe’s most break-taking countries.

Nufenen Pass, Switzerland by Andrew and Annemarie

Nufenen Pass

Situated just inside Switzerland and just short of the Italian border is the Nufenen Pass, one of the less used passes in the vicinity, but one of the most enjoyable and testing when it comes to the road ahead.

Going through a mountain range, you’ll experience a smooth, quiet road that gradually ascends through tight 180 degree turns as the range becomes more demanding. For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular lake at the peak where it can pay to make a stop and take it in.

Ruhestein to Oppenau

Sticking with mountain routes, Germany’s Black Forest offers various enthralling driving experiences, with one particular drive in the west between the towns of Ruhestein and Oppeneau.

This route is another great place to enjoy a drive with minimal traffic, whilst being able to race through the various easier corners and test your skills in the more challenging hair-pins. It can get quite steep at times, but offers much better scenery than the Nufenen Pass.

Taking a short cut will allow you to see Lutenbach Falls which is the highlight spectacle during the trip, with the views getting better and better as you get higher within the range.

Stelvio Pass by Kylie & Rob (and Helen)

The Stelvio Pass

One of the more famous routes to take for driving enthusiasts in Europe is the Stelvio Pass, which runs along the border between Switzerland and Italy and is one of the most demanding roads on the continent.

Hair-pin after hair-pin, the pass will invigorate the most experienced drivers, whilst showing a keen beginner what a real road is and will test their perseverance as they either descend or ascend the route that wraps itself around the mountainous geography.

Stelvio as a town has a few hotels to stop at if you want to explore the area further, with many different roads that will offer anybody with the slightest hint of petrol (or diesel) in their blood.

Like I say this is just a small selection of what’s possible and it can be a great way of tying together one large trip, for example, a trip down Route Napoleon could end up on the French Riviera and the likes of Nice or Monaco.

Of course it can be quite expensive to do such a break, but saving some money for the inevitable amounts of fuel you’ll need and some accommodation, it will be entirely worth it if you enjoy your driving.

About the author: Sam writes for European Fuel Cards who offer businesses diesel fuel cards for refuelling in and across Europe. 

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It has always been something that puzzles me, in that why would someone pay out a lot of money to go on holiday, and then spend the time basically repeating how they live their own lives at home.

Mount Olympus, Greece by Gabriel

Check out our list of top five unusual ideas of activities to do during a visit to Greece – throw the beach towel away and embrace all of what the country has to offer.

Mountain Biking

Many companies promote activities such as hiking across the many natural trails that Greece has to offer, so why not get on a mountain bike to explore the surroundings instead? If you do not wish to explore generally, there are several sites across Greece that have specific trails designed for mountain biking, and most of them are open all year round. Among the most popular sites is Mount Parnitha, which is on the outskirts of Athens.

This mountain can be a great resort in its own right, with a casino and several hotels among its many attractions.

Tactual Museum, Athens

One of only five museums of its kind in the entire world, Athens’ Tactual Museum is set up specifically for partially sighted people. The museum contains copies of many famous works of art an ancient artefacts, and people who can see are even offered the option of wearing a mask so they can experience the full spectacle of why the museum was built.

Climb a Mountain

We have already looked at mountain biking down a mountain, but how about climbing one? Situated midway between the cities of Thessaloniki and Larissa, Mount Olympus is one of the most challenging peaks in the whole of Europe. The mountain is accessible to most people, with the vast majority of the climb being a simple hike, although only trained climbers will reach the very highest peak.

As well as climbing the mountain itself, Olympus is surrounded by many charming villages that contain historical churches and other landmarks.

Paintballing

Paintballing has only recently caught on as a hobby in Greece, having been popular elsewhere for many years. Although perhaps not advisable during the height of summer, a visit to Greece can take an added twist of fun should you decide to go paintballing at one of the many centres popping up across the country.

Skiing at Delphi

While the southern resort of Delphi is best known for its mythical ancient ruins and thriving village, it also offers opportunities for skiing. This is perhaps best booked specifically as part of the holiday, unlike our other ideas which can be organised on impulse upon arriving in the country.

Give your trip to Greece a unique twist with our different and out of the box tourism ideas.

One of the leading Greece holiday websites is Touristorama. The website provides all the information you need to enjoy when you visit Greece and the surrounding islands.

The post Top 5 Unusual Things To Do In Greece appeared first on Best of European Union.

Photo by Gidzy

That’s why it’s such a good idea to get out there and enjoy your weekends this summer by seeing more of what the UK has to offer. A lot of visitors from abroad are drawn to Britain because of its gorgeous green countryside, rolling hills and quaint rural villages – something that many Brits themselves have barely scratched the surface of in terms of travel and discovery!

It’s worth taking the example of the biker community in Britain when it comes to seeing more of the unique spectacles of wild Britain. Bikers tend to be really active at the weekends and in holiday periods during the summer when they can get their bikes out and go roaming the countryside, enjoying the nice weather and taking in whatever sights they can find.

The journey

The key is to take pleasure in the journey. The fact is that holidaying in Britain is only partly about the destination and your trip may just take you through some of the most stunning parts of the country. Bikers always plan their routes with the scenery in mind and they often throw in a few stops along the way so that every journey is a little more rewarding and a little more of an experience.

Fit more in

Trips, holidays and weekends away are always more memorable when you fit more into them. The great thing about travelling around Britain is that you have a fantastic opportunity to explore from the moment you step out your front door – there is no taxi to the airport, no long wait in the departure lounge, no tiresome flight and transfer, there is only the open road and the promise of bucolic spectacle whatever the weather.

If the British climate can sustain a community of bikers committed to a fuller experience of the country in which they live, then anyone can enjoy the rivers, lakes, forests, moors, hills, valleys, cliffs and plateaus that Britain is famous for. It only takes a little research to throw up a whole host of possibilities whichever part of the country you live in, so next time you get the urge to travel and see new things, channel the spirit of the Great British biker!

Iain Rimmer is a keen biker, often writing on behalf of Club Promoto

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A dancer at Notting Hill Carnival, London, UK / extrageographic

With millions on track to the UK for the greatest show on earth, what are the non-Olympics alternatives for those fatigued with the Games?

Alan Turing’s Life and Legacy – The Science Museum

Though you mightn’t be familiar with Alan Turing you’re probably using one of his inventions as we speak. So as you know, Turing invented the computer. He is also the codebreaker who managed to shorten the Second World War by years. This exhibition pays homage to Alan Turing, whose short tragic life impacts on us all on a daily basis. Based in the excellent Science Museum in London, Codebreaker: Alan Turing Life and Legacy is a must see exhibition this summer.

Damien Hirst – Tate Modern

Whether you see Damien Hirst as the greatest artist of our generation or consider him part business man/ part showman, this exhibition is a must see on a trip to London. Held at the brilliant and beautiful Tate Modern, the artist’s greatest works are in abundance and a visit allows you to see all the meat, medicine and animals suspended in tanks of preserving chemicals you will ever hope for. It’s certainly worth a visit, whether you’re a lover or even a hater of Hirst.

Notting Hill Carnival

Since its beginnings in 1964, the Notting Hill Carnival has become a weekend of significant spectacle. Take part in the celebrations and watch the flats, dancing and ambitious celebration. It’s a vibrant celebration and one that celebrates multi-cultured of Britain in all its colourful glory. Sunday is the best day for family, but the whole festival is a feast for the senses.

Another London – Tate Britain

A wonderful exhibition that documents London’s period of change that was 1930 – 1980. With over 150 photos from some of the twentieth centuries top photographers, this is a must see exhibition to get an insight into the UK’s main city. From the photographers experience of UK immigration to the relationships the photographers had with the city as tourists and citizens, this is a must see and gives a fantastic sense of perspective on London. All the greats are on show, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Marc Riboud, Irving Penn, Bill Brandt, Dora Maar and Robert Frank.

Superhuman – Welcome Institute

What better time to look at man’s efforts into enhancing physical performance than just in time for the Olympics. From early prosthesis found in an Egyptian tomb to aids in sight, hearing and limbs, this exhibition focuses on the history of prosthetics. The exhibition has pieces of the wondrous as well as the weird and includes everything from silver noses attached to spectacles for women who disfigured from syphilis, to a piece on the rise of isotonic drinks.

With so much on in London in summer 2012, we’re pretty sure you might even get side-tracked from the Olympics.

Cormac Reynolds writes for specialist UK visa site Global Visas and lives in London.

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