For many holidaymakers, the journey between European cities has long been seen as lost time — a necessary slog of motorways, train delays, or airport queues. But a growing number of travellers are rethinking that approach, choosing to break up long transfers with visits to historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and iconic landmarks along the way.
According to booking data from Daytrip, a platform specialising in city-to-city car transfers, the transfer itself is increasingly becoming part of the holiday. The company analysed summer bookings — predominantly from American tourists visiting Europe — to compile a ranking of the top ten stops travellers are adding to their itineraries between major destinations.
“The rankings reflect a growing preference for making the transfer itself part of the vacation,” Daytrip said. “Rather than spending hours simply getting from one destination to the next, travellers are choosing to break up long transfers with visits to historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks along the way.”
Daytrip's Top 10 European Sightseeing Stops
- Pompeii, Italy
- Óbidos, Portugal
- Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Aveiro, Portugal
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Ston, Croatia
- Stonehenge, England
- Bratislava, Slovakia
Topping the list is the preserved Roman city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site less than an hour by road from Naples, Sorrento, and Ravello. As summer temperatures continue to swelter across Italy — and much of Europe — Daytrip recommends braving the outdoors with sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water, as shade is limited. Venturing out early in the morning helps beat both the heat and the tourist crowds.
While the platform notes that no more than four hours is needed to see Pompeii’s main sites, travellers with more time can combine a visit with nearby Mount Vesuvius. A hike to the crater rim rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
The list also highlights several Portuguese destinations: the medieval walled town of Óbidos, the historic university city of Coimbra, and the canal-lined Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal.” In the Balkans, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers its iconic Stari Most bridge, while Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park and the walled town of Ston provide natural and historical appeal.
Further north, Stonehenge in England and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, round out the top ten. The trend reflects a broader shift in travel behaviour: rather than flying directly between major hubs, more visitors are opting for road trips that allow them to explore Europe’s lesser-known corners. For those planning their own summer itineraries, the ranking offers a practical guide to turning transit time into memorable stops.
