Europe

Few places let 4WDers cross country lines like Europe – a region steeped in history and filled with new landscapes at every turn.

From ARB’s office in Prague, our journey wound through Italy’s towering Dolomites, France’s rolling hills, and Spain’s sun-soaked vineyards, before ending in Morocco, where the golden dunes set the stage for some serious off roading.

With a fleet built for adventure and a crew ready for anything, we tackled iconic terrain and made memories to last a lifetime.

Want to experience the journey yourself? Watch the adventure unfold on ARB’s YouTube channel and click below.

WATCH HERE

DAY 1: DOLOMITES → LYON

The journey kicked off in the high alpine terrain of the Italian Dolomites, weaving through the dramatic landscapes of Piz Boè, Sassolungo, and Sassopiatto. The mountains offered not only winding roads but also a breathtaking background for photos.

In the afternoon, the convoy departed west towards Lyon, crossing the final Alpine mountain range through the Fréjus tunnel.

ARB Tip: When in the Dolomites, stock up on Italian cheese, wine, and pasta. If you’re taking a bike with you, it’s the perfect region to switch from 4 wheels to 2 for a day or two.

DAY 2: LYON → BIDART (ATLANTIC COAST)

After an early morning start, the convoy moved southwest into France, exploring the volcanic terrain of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. Continuing west, they reached the Atlantic coast just in time for a sunset photoshoot and dinner.

We got to enjoy some Italian specialties like parmesan and ‘gnocco fritto’ (fried dough) during this adventure.

ARB Tip: Take a swim in the ocean or try surfing! Yes, the water is fresh, but the region of Biarritz, Bidart, and Hossegor in France is a surfer’s paradise!

DAY 3: BIDART → VALLADOLID

The next destination was the region of Valladolid, known for fertile land, farming, and the tradition of winemaking.We headed towards the winery Dehesa De Los Canónigos, where we ended the day with a wine tasting, winery visit, and dinner.

After more than 2000 kilometers behind us, it was time for a proper rest.

ARB Tip: If you’re planning to camp in your vehicle in European countries, prepare in advance. Camping is only possible in special campsites, which may have limited space. Wild camping is mostly not allowed.

DAY 4: VALLADOLID → JAÉN

The first opportunity for some dirt tracks finally arrived!

After departing south, we entered the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park in northern Andalusia. The park is protected, so the entrance is limited and only admissible with a local guide. The route began in La Carolina and ended in Andújar, with a memorable crossing of the legendary Jándula Dam — much of which was built by hand using stone from the surrounding hills.

We stopped in Jaén for the night, planning the next day’s crossing to Morocco.

ARB Tip: If time allows, stop in Spain’s capital Madrid on the way and enjoy some sightseeing.

DAY 5: JAÉN → TANGIER

Smelling the salty winds in the air, we spent the day traveling to the very tip of Spain, the port of Tarifa, where we took a ferry to the Moroccan city of Tangier.

We made a short break at the Consuegra Windmills – 12 historic windmills, located next to the medieval fortress Castle of La Muela, making for a striking historic and visual landmark. The mills gained fame through Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes; in the novel, the hero mistakes windmills for giants, linking the scene to the landscape of tall sails.

From Tarifa’s beaches, the African continent was already visible across the water. After the crossing, we concluded the day with dinner in a traditional Moroccan restaurant in Tangier’s old town.

ARB Tip: Choose the port for the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar depending on your final daily destination – the 2 departure ports are Tarifa and Algeciras.

DAY 6: TANGIER → AGAFAY

In order to reach off roader’s mecca, the White Beach, we needed to cross the entire western part of Morocco. With short stops in Casablanca and Marrakesh, we ventured into the stark beauty of the Agafay Desert, where we hit the dune and rock tracks before dark. We had the opportunity to camp in a desert camp – during the local dinner, we enjoyed some traditional music and dance.

ARB Tip: Once in Morocco, you won’t be able to avoid the Tagine – the traditional dish, which name refers both to a traditional Moroccan stew and the earthenware pot used to cook it. The pot has a unique conical lid that helps retain moisture during slow cooking, making the stew incredibly tender and flavorful. The dish consists of meat (typically lamb, chicken, or beef), vegetables, and a variety of spices. It’s slow-cooked to perfection.

DAY 7: AGAFAY → AGADIR

We woke up early to catch the sunset over the dunes, but right after came the adrenaline: the sand tracks of Tamri and the breathtaking coastal drive to Agadir, all building anticipation for the final push to White Beach – a remote off roading paradise near the edge of the Sahara.

We made a short lunch stop in the coastal village of Sidi Kaouki, known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches.

The off road extremists among us finally got what they came for – the endless bare land to discover with their vehicles.

ARB Tip: Haven’t tested the sea yet? This part of Morocco offers plenty of opportunities for a swim or an entire day spent at the beach. Many famous spots on the way to Agadir will attract your attention.

DAY 8: AGADIR → WHITE BEACH – GRAND FINALE

Stretching over 40 km along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, White Beach offers firm, drivable sand, rocky headlands, and desert wadis — a playground for any serious 4×4 enthusiast. It’s wild, beautiful, and challenging — a true overlander’s mecca. And the ARB crew made the most of it.

From testing recovery gear and suspension setups, to tackling soft sand and working as a team, the group experienced the full spectrum of off road challenges — and came out smiling. It was the perfect finale to an epic journey.

To top the experience, we even had the opportunity to ride camels and try traditional tea with a real Bedouin.

All too soon, it was time to head home — tired, dusty, but full of stories and friendships.