The one-tank casino run across Europe

The idea is both simple: a grand tour of Europe’s three most legendary casinos, all on a single tank of fuel. If you do the maths, it’s possible, but only with a bit of planning. 

Venice, Monaco and Baden-Baden are what are typically known as Europe’s three most important casinos, with the former being built before the US was founded as a country. Forget the supercar parade; this is a test of efficiency in a glamorous setting. 

The total journey spans 826 miles according to Google Maps, so to even attempt it requires a special vehicle. For this trip, we look to the Volkswagen Passat TDI. This is a car, after all, that holds a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel (1,626 miles, albeit with a lot of coasting) making it the ideal choice. Plus, its comfort is underappreciated.

The Azure Coast to the Adriatic

So we’re going to cheat a little at start the journey not from the UK, but from the Casino de Monte-Carlo. It’s a place worth stopping off, not just for the supercars out front but the poker and incredible interior design. It’s a world away from Vegas, with a different kind of atmosphere. Remember, no matter how different casinos are today, like an online Monopoly Megaways slot, it can all be traced back here (and to our next stop).

Compared to the Bentleys and Ferraris you’re surrounded by, the Passat will feel anonymous as you head off to the Italian Autostrada. The initial leg of the journey will be a 347-mile cruise along the coast towards Venice with some stunning views. It’s a gentle start, being under half the total journey. 

With the cruise control set and the engine humming at its most efficient RPM, the fuel needle should appear firmly stationary. In fact, we would ideally have three quarters of a tank left upon arrival, but we’d forgive you for taking a few detours along the coast…

Arriving at the water’s edge of Venice is quite a moment, and the Casino di Venezia is the oldest in the world. This is perhaps the most historical and cultured part of the tour, and it’s where you should spend much of your time.

Getting through the Alps

The drive from Venice to Baden-Baden is a little longer at 450 or so miles. Perhaps the biggest challenge to this entire trip will be getting past the Alps, which have many inclines that will bump up your RPM. Although there’s no real way around this, we do think it’s best to head out very early when the roads are quiet. This way, you can go extra slow up, and maybe coast down, taking this to the very limit.

Every acceleration must be smooth. As the car climbs, the digital range estimate begins to feel less like a promise and more like a taunt. Through Austria and into southern Germany is when it begins to flatten out. Once you can see your digital range estimate equalise firmly above the actual remaining journey, you could be forgiven for doing some overtaking on the autobahn…

Pulling up to the Casino Baden-Baden will feel like quite the achievement – not so much you as the car, but still… That’s a serious European road trip, and without a single visit to the petrol station. 

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