Are you planning a road trip to cover almost all important cultural aspects of Europe? We have come up with a self drive tour from Portugal to Finland and return covering almost every European Union country. This is not less than a refreshing break from the daily life. This exciting road tour of Europe will be of 25 days that starts from Lisbon till Helsinki and return to Lisbon. There, will be different routes we will take from Portugal to Finland and from Finland to Portugal while in return.

About this Self drive Europe tour Portugal to Helsinki and return

Route from Lisbon to Helsinki

Day 1

Lisbon 🇵🇹
Distance: 0 km

Day 2

Porto 🇵🇹
Distance: 313 km

Day 3

Santander 🇪🇸
Distance: 395 km

Day 4

Bordeaux 🇫🇷
Distance: 200 km

Day 5

Paris 🇫🇷
Distance: 580 km

Day 6

Brussels 🇧🇪
Distance: 320 km

Day 7

Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Distance: 210 km

Day 8

Hamburg 🇩🇪
Distance: 460 km

Day 9

Copenhagen 🇩🇰
Distance: 340 km

Day 10

Stockholm 🇸🇪
Distance: 520 km

Day 11

Tampere 🇫🇮
Distance: 180 km

Day 12

Helsinki 🇫🇮
Distance: 180 km
Day 1: Lisbon
Start your journey in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. Explore the historic neighborhoods, enjoy local cuisine, and get ready for the road ahead. Distance traveled: 0 km.
Day 2: Porto
Drive north to Porto, famous for its riverside charm and port wine cellars. Spend the day exploring the city’s old town. Distance from Lisbon: 313 km.
Day 3: Santander
Cross into Spain and reach Santander, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and cultural sites. Distance from Porto: 395 km.
Day 4: Bordeaux
Head into France to Bordeaux, a world-renowned wine region with stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Distance from Santander: 200 km.
Day 5: Paris
Continue to France’s capital, Paris. Visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. Distance from Bordeaux: 580 km.
Day 6: Brussels
Enter Belgium and explore Brussels, known for its historic squares, chocolate shops, and the Atomium. Distance from Paris: 320 km.
Day 7: Amsterdam
Travel to the Netherlands and discover Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and lively atmosphere. Distance from Brussels: 210 km.
Day 8: Hamburg
Cross into Germany and visit Hamburg, a major port city with rich maritime heritage. Distance from Amsterdam: 460 km.
Day 9: Copenhagen
Drive to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. Explore its charming streets, colorful harbor, and Tivoli Gardens. Distance from Hamburg: 340 km.
Day 10: Stockholm
Head to Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, spread across islands with beautiful old town and royal palaces. Distance from Copenhagen: 520 km.
Day 11: Tampere
Enter Finland and visit Tampere, a vibrant city known for lakes and cultural spots. Distance from Stockholm: 180 km.
Day 12: Helsinki
End your journey in Helsinki, Finland’s lively capital, with modern design and seaside beauty. Distance from Tampere: 180 km.

Route from Finland to Portugal

Day 13

Helsinki → Tallinn 🇫🇮 🇪🇪
Ferry (~2 hrs)
(Medieval Old Town)

Day 14

Tallinn → Riga 🇪🇪 🇱🇻
310 km, ~4 hrs
(Art Nouveau district)

Day 15

Riga → Vilnius 🇱🇻 🇱🇹
295 km, ~4 hrs
(Baroque Old Town)

Day 16

Vilnius → Warsaw 🇱🇹 🇵🇱
450 km, ~6 hrs
(Royal Route, old city)

Day 17

Warsaw → Wrocław 🇵🇱
340 km, ~4 hrs
(Colorful market square)

Day 18

Wrocław → Prague 🇵🇱 🇨🇿
270 km, ~3 hrs
(Charles Bridge, castle)

Day 19

Prague → Munich 🇨🇿 🇩🇪
380 km, ~4.5 hrs
(Beer gardens, historic center)

Day 20

Munich → Zurich 🇩🇪 🇨🇭
315 km, ~3.5 hrs
(Lake Zurich, Swiss Alps views)

Day 21

Zurich → Milan 🇨🇭 🇮🇹
280 km, ~3.5 hrs
(Duomo, Italian food)

Day 22

Milan → Monaco 🇮🇹 🇲🇨
320 km, ~4 hrs
(Luxury harbor, French Riviera)

Day 23

Monaco → Barcelona 🇲🇨 🇪🇸
670 km, ~6.5 hrs
(Sagrada Familia, tapas)

Day 24

Barcelona → Madrid 🇪🇸
620 km, ~6 hrs
(Royal Palace, nightlife)

Day 25

Madrid → Lisbon 🇪🇸 🇵🇹
640 km, ~6 hrs
(Return to starting point)
Day 13: Helsinki → Tallinn
Take a ferry (~2 hrs) from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia. Explore Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town, known for its cobbled streets and historic charm.
Day 14: Tallinn → Riga
Drive 310 km (~4 hrs) from Tallinn to Riga, Latvia. Visit the famous Art Nouveau district, filled with beautiful architecture and cultural sites.
Day 15: Riga → Vilnius
Travel 295 km (~4 hrs) to Vilnius, Lithuania. Explore the Baroque Old Town with its rich history and stunning buildings.
Day 16: Vilnius → Warsaw
Drive 450 km (~6 hrs) to Warsaw, Poland. Discover the Royal Route and the historic old city with its vibrant atmosphere.
Day 17: Warsaw → Wrocław
Head 340 km (~4 hrs) to Wrocław, Poland. Visit the colorful market square and enjoy the city’s lively vibe.
Day 18: Wrocław → Prague
Travel 270 km (~3 hrs) to Prague, Czechia. See landmarks like Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle.
Day 19: Prague → Munich
Drive 380 km (~4.5 hrs) to Munich, Germany. Explore beer gardens and the historic city center.
Day 20: Munich → Zurich
Journey 315 km (~3.5 hrs) to Zurich, Switzerland. Enjoy views of Lake Zurich and the nearby Swiss Alps.
Day 21: Zurich → Milan
Drive 280 km (~3.5 hrs) to Milan, Italy. Visit the Duomo and savor authentic Italian food.
Day 22: Milan → Monaco
Travel 320 km (~4 hrs) to Monaco. Explore the luxury harbor and the French Riviera.
Day 23: Monaco → Barcelona
Drive 670 km (~6.5 hrs) to Barcelona, Spain. Visit Sagrada Familia and enjoy tapas.
Day 24: Barcelona → Madrid
Journey 620 km (~6 hrs) to Madrid. See the Royal Palace and experience the city’s nightlife.
Day 25: Madrid → Lisbon
Return 640 km (~6 hrs) to Lisbon, completing the loop back to the starting point.

This is an exciting 25-day road trip starting in Lisbon, Portugal, and ending back in Lisbon after traveling through many beautiful cities across Europe. You’ll explore vibrant capitals, charming old towns, famous landmarks, and scenic drives through different countries. If travelers want to combine this self drive Europe tour with Finnish Lapland for northern lights tour, a prominent Finnish tour company, finlandtour.fi offers northern lights tour services in Finland. 

What You’ll Do:

  • Drive through 15+ countries including Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, and back to Spain and Portugal.
  • Visit popular cities like Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Prague, Munich, Milan, Barcelona, and more.
  • Take a relaxing ferry ride between Helsinki and Tallinn.
  • Experience diverse cultures, historic sites, beautiful architecture, local food, and stunning landscapes.
  • Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour with your own pace and schedule.

Inclusions:

  • Rental car for the entire 25 days.
  • Ferry ticket for Helsinki to Tallinn crossing.
  • Accommodation bookings (if booked through the tour provider).
  • Suggested itinerary with daily driving distances and sightseeing highlights.
  • Road maps or GPS navigation assistance.
  • Customer support for trip planning and emergencies.

Exclusions:

  • Fuel, tolls, parking fees, and car insurance.
  • Meals, drinks, and personal expenses.
  • Entrance fees to museums or attractions.
  • Flights to and from Lisbon.
  • Optional guided tours or activities in cities.
  • Any damage or fines incurred during the rental period.

Who Is This For?

  • Adventurous travelers who love road trips and exploring multiple countries.
  • People comfortable with driving in different European countries.
  • Those who want flexibility to stop and explore off-the-beaten-path places.

How To Prepare:

  • Make sure you have a valid driver’s license accepted in Europe.
  • Plan your accommodation in advance.
  • Check car rental terms and insurance options.
  • Prepare for varying weather conditions and road rules.
  • Keep necessary travel documents handy.