Early last month, data scientist Randy Olson took an algorithm he devised for finding Waldo and used it to map out the ultimate U.S. road trip—a 13,699-mile, 50-stop journey that could be completed in nine non-stop days of driving. As it turns out, shortly after that wanderlust-inducing exercise, Olson also created a European version, a 45-stop itinerary that ensures the fastest route between each destination with the least amount of backtracking. The result, seen above, illustrates how you can technically cover 16,287 miles in 14 days—though to actually enjoy the sights, you should probably budget at least three months.
Fully aware that he won't be able to please everyone, Olson decided to base his itinerary off a Business Insider article, "50 Places In Europe You Need To Visit In Your Lifetime"— and then eliminated those that can't be reached by car.
Here are the stops in order:
Innsbruck, Austria
Munich, Germany
Pag, Croatia
Venice, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Vatican City
Amalfi, Italy
Gozo, Malta
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Santorini, Thira, Greece
Rila Monastery, Rilski manastir, Bulgaria
Istanbul, Turkey
Sighisoara, Mures County, Romania
Budapest, Hungary
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czech Republic
Krakow, Poland
Jägala Waterfall, 74205 Harjumaa, Estonia
Lapland, Finland
ICEBAR, Marknadsvägen, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Bergen, Norway
Copenhagen, Denmark
Berlin, Germany
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Keukenhof, Stationsweg, Lisse, Netherlands
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Inverness, United Kingdom
Ballybunion, Ireland
Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland
Cornwall, England
Stonehenge, Amesbury, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
Brussels, Belgium
Paris, France
Pamplona, Spain
Lagos, Portugal
Granada, Spain
Ibiza, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Luberone, Bonnieux, France
Nice, France
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Interlaken, Switzerland
Finally, here's an interactive version of the map and instructions for how to use Olson's code to optimize a custom road trip to your heart's content.
· Computing the optimal road trip across Europe [Randol Olson via Lifehacker]
· The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip, According to a Data Scientist [Curbed National]