I am really trying to work out how to do this PPL thingy, on a shoestring. Not by choice, but everytime I think I have some money saved, a bill comes through the door!!!
Obviously I don't know all of your particular circumstances, but I will presume to make a couple of general statements:
(1) Private flying is one of the most expensive hobbies going. Sure, some countries (e.g., the USA, Canada) are less expensive than others (e.g. U.K., Switzerland); but in no country is it a cheap pastime.
(2) The cost of flying usually does not substantially decrease after obtaining a PPL. Yes, one rarely has the added expense of an instructor, but total costs remain fairly high; especially if one progresses to higher performance aircraft. You might be correct in thinking that "the hire of a plane the otherside will not be too much of an issue", because friends and family will be delighted to cover the entire cost of joyrides; but that is not usually how it works out, for most pilots anyway.
As many people on this forum can attest, those with a true passion for flight can usually find a way to prioritize their spending so that there is always enough left for flying: even if it is only enough to stay (barely) current with a half hour of circuits every month. However, for those without reasonably hefty disposable incomes, this requires significant sacrifices.
My point is that learning to fly is not an endeavour to be taken lightly, or with the assumption that all will be smooth sailing once the Holy Grail of the PPL is finally achieved. If you are challenged to finance basic flight training, it most likely would be difficult to pay for the cost of "European touring".
I don't mean to be unduly negative, but you may as well go into the flying game with your eyes wide open.