We are travelling to Greece in late August for 2 weeks and plan to spend another 4 to 6 weeks somewhere in Europe. 2 weeks of that extra time will be a long distance hike. Last time we were in Europe, we leased a car for 7 weeks with France's Renault Eurodrive program, which was fantastic! So this is my question for this trip. With the current refugee crisis in Europe, does anyone have firsthand current knowledge of driving a leased or rented vehicle around Europe, most likely in France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands? Is it as safe as in previous years? Would your car (and it's occupants!) be a target considering the large numbers of people on the move; some of them desperate? Or is this mostly media hype? We are considering public transport, but love the freedom of having our own wheels. Thanks.

I wouldn't rent a car in Italy.. Most places have terrible gridlock traffic and trains are cheaper and more time-efficient. I don't think the refugee crisis has caused and road problems though

Safety is a concern as things have changed. especially in Greece and Italy. Not just media hype - it's real.

Have you been there recently, Dayna?

We weren't thinking of driving in Greece, just on the mainland. And we've driven extensively in Europe and have been able to adjust our style to the local habits. Driving outside your home country isn't for everyone; for some it's too stressful.

can i come lol

Probably best to check with the Canadian embassy for each Country. I was in POrtugal, Spain and Italy for 6 weeks got back in late October. Your going to get so many opinions with respect to your query. I honety think the best and least fear based answers will be as I mentioned. Just my opinion... Have fun

Surely, you are joking.

Deb
Still looking for personal and firsthand knowledge of someone who's travelled there this fall and driven a car. Thank you.

We drove from Frankfurt, (Germany), Strasburg, Vienna (Austria), Hungry, Romania, Sibnik, Split, Dubrovnik (Crotia), Venice, LA Spenza took a train 3 Euro to Cinque Terra, Montreal and Vernazza (Italy), Monaco, Nice (France), then to Barcelona, Valencia (Spain), drove to France heading to Geneva (Switzerland), Salzburg (France), finally to Frankfurt (Germany). We bought an Europe map for our GPS and off we went. Highway is smooth no pot holes unlike it here in Canada. We went online to book our car rental from Gemut.com 18005216722 @$1329.18/5 weeks. There wasn't any problem or delay in traffic. Highway driving wasn't a problem. Honestly if you are heading to Italy the smaller the car the better so was in Vienna. In town the roads were narrow! The rest of the countries no issues.
GEMUT.COM
Home - Gemut.com

Thank you.

We're in Spain right now and have rented a car for the past week and had no issues aside from trying to find parking depending on our city. We're renting a car in Portugal tomorrow and not concerned. It's neither Greece nor Italy but still Europe and wouldn't let fear of an attack stop you from fulfilling plans you had for your trip!! We started trip in Morocco and had no issues at all either!

Thank you for the current feedback.