These days, a lot of people have already explored the big cities of France, Italy and Spain and this tour avoids them all and introduces you to the best that Central Europe has to offer!
Czech out the best of Central Europe! 15-day Road Trip Itinerary
With Zagreb, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague all being so close to one an other, a road trip taking them all in makes perfect sense yet is so often not thought about. Step behind the Iron Curtain and see the jewels in the crown of the old empires from the Soviet Union, to the Czechs, and before that the Austro-Hungarians. Each left their mark on these cities, ready for you to explore.
Afterwards, its time for a trip west as we enter Germany and take in some of the best sites of Bavaria’s Romantic Road before weaving our way down the Belgian and French border through the heart of wine country. steeped in history. This trip really has something for everyone!
The best thing about travelling in a Campervan or Motorhome is having the flexibility to go and stay where you want. Use this as a guide to help plan your next adventure.
Day 1: Ljubljana – Novo Mesto – Zagreb – Székesfehérvár
Pick up your motorhome in Slovenia’s amazing Capital of Ljubljana. After Pick up, head East towards Croatia’s Capital, Zagreb for Lunch before continuing to Hungary and its medieval Capital of Székesfehérvár
- 4 hours driving
- Overnight Székesfehérvár
- Why not fly in the night before and explore the fantastic city of Ljubljana?
Ljubljana’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Rent a bike through the city’s affordable BicikeLJ system and pedal along the Ljubljanica River. In Zagreb, don’t miss the Dolac Market for fresh local produce and a taste of Croatian daily life. Székesfehérvár’s medieval old town is best explored in the late afternoon when the golden light illuminates its historic buildings.
Day 2: Székesfehérvár – Budapest
Budapest is a must-see place on any European adventure and one that can be easily explored by foot or bus. A thriving city of history and modern delights, make sure you find a traditional restaurant for dinner and sample some Pálinka
Day 3: Explore Budapest
- 1 hour driving Time
- Overnight Budapest
- Use the hop on/hop off tourist pass to navigate the city easily
Day 4: Budapest – Bratislava
We say goodbye Hungary and hello Slovakia as we head to Bratislava. Like Budapest, this is another beautiful city along the mighty Danube, bordered by vineyards and the Carpathian Mountains. It is home to a lively old town known for its cafes and bars.
- Drive Time 2 hours
- Overnight Bratislava
Day 5: Bratislava – Vienna
After a short drive, spend the day exploring Austria’s Capital, Vienna. Home of Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud along with the Schönbrunn Palace and other fabulous landmarks, Vienna is a city that thrives in any time period and you will not find a finer Wiener Schnitzel anywhere in the world!
Vienna’s Naschmarkt is a foodie paradise, sample Austrian cheeses, olives, and pastries, or grab a coffee at a traditional Kaffeehaus.
- Drive time 1 hour
- Overnight Vienna
- Pro tip: Many museums offer discounted entry on the first Sunday of the month!
Day 6: Explore Vienna
There are many FREE walking tours available. Vienna is a sprawling city, so a hop on/hop off tourist bus is recommended here.
Day 7: Vienna – Brno – Prague
Leaving Vienna behind, we enter the Czech Republic, stopping for lunch at Brno before heading on to the mighty city of Prague.
- Drive time 4 hours
- alternatively, spend more time in Prague and skip Brno
Day 8: Explore Prague
Make sure you do a FREE walking tour while in Prague. Prague is the home of beer, why not try a beer spa while here?
Crossing Borders: From Bohemia to Bavaria
As you leave Prague’s fairy-tale spires behind, you’re not just crossing a border—you’re stepping into the heart of Germany’s rich cultural tapestry. The transition from the Czech Republic’s Bohemian charm to Bavaria’s storybook landscapes marks a shift in architecture, cuisine, and history. Erfurt, your first German stop, is a hidden gem where medieval half-timbered houses and Martin Luther’s legacy await. This stretch of the journey is where the Romantic Road begins, a route famous for its castles, vineyards, and Baroque masterpieces.
Pro tip: Stock up on Czech beer and trdelník (chimney cake) before you go, Germany’s Franconian wines and Bratwurst are about to take centre stage!
Day 9: Prague – Erfurt
Today we say hello to Germany as we make our way to Erfurt where Martin Luther once studied. Located at the crossroads of two ancient trading routes, Erfurt is home to a charming old quarter and makes a fantastic first greeting to German Culture.
- Drive time 4 hours
- Overnight Erfurt
Day 10: Erfurt – Wurzburg
Today we head to Bavaria and Wurzburg, the beginning of Germany’s famed “romantic road”. Wurzburg is best known for its lavish baroque and rococo architecture, most notably the 18th-century “Residenz palace”. Wurzburg also happens to be the birthplace of Franconian wine – like you needed another reason to visit this Bavarian gem!
Würzburg’s Residenz Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t skip the palace’s hall of mirrors, it’s even more dazzling than Versailles!
- Drive time 2 hours
- Overnight Wurzburg
Day 11: Wurzburg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Bad Mergentheim – Heidelburg
With so many stops to enjoy along this famed route that heads off towards Austria, it was a hard choice picking the best places to spend a day along the Romantic Road, but once you visit them, you will see why these made the list. Finish your day in Heidelburg with its Renaissance architecture and 14th-century church. Spend the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight Heidelburg.
Day 12: Heidelburg – Luxemburg
Today we make our first major headway to the east as our journey takes us on to Luxemburg, one of the smallest countries in Europe. Spend the day exploring Luxemburg at your leisure
- Drive time 4 hours
- Overnight Luxemburg
Why not drive a little further and stop off in Bastogne and visit the WW2 memorial and museum from “The Battle of the Bulge”, made famous from Steven Spielberg’s and Tom Hank’s “Band of Brothers” and as the place of Hitler’s last drive West.
Day 13: Luxemburg/Bastogne – Reims
Today we head to Champagne country and the Burgundy Region of France. Reims is the worlds Champagne capital offering cellar tours and tastings like nowhere else on earth while nearby Epernay is the home of Moet and Chardon. This is the place to do some shopping at local prices!
- Drive time 2 hours
- Overnight Reims, Epernay or Chalons en Champagne
Reims is the gateway to Champagne country. Book a cellar tour in advance (many offer tastings for €20–€30). If you’re travelling by campervan, Camping Municipal de Reims is a convenient and scenic overnight spot just 10 minutes from the city centre.
Day 13: Reims – Paris
Enjoy a drive through the countryside as we head towards the city of Love. Paris is a place that you can lose yourself in no matter what your hobbies or interests. We recommend staying at Camping De Paris, a great campsite on the edge of the Seine offering a shuttle bus into the local Metro at Porte Maillot just a few stops from the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees. Camping De Paris is also just 45 minutes from Disneyland!
- Drive time 2 hours
- History Buff? Skip Paris and enjoy an extra few days exploring the battlefields of the past like the Somme, Waterloo, Verdun and Passchendaele before making your ferry.
Day 14: Explore Paris
- Download the Paris Metro App and plan your route
- jump on an open top, hop on hop off bus.
- why not visit Disneyland or the Palace of Versailles?
Day 15: Paris – UK
On your final day, take a leisurely drive back to Calais to catch your ferry. There are plenty of stops to make along the way before catching your ferry back to the UK.
- Drive time 5 hours with a ferry break in the middle
- Stop off at a castle right out of a fairy tale at Château de Pierrefonds
Why Central Europe is Perfect for a Campervan Adventure
Central Europe’s compact geography and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for a campervan or motorhome road trip. Unlike the crowded tourist hubs of Western Europe, this region offers a unique blend of hidden gems, affordable travel, and rich cultural experiences—all within easy driving distance. From the medieval charm of Bratislava’s old town to the baroque splendour of Würzburg’s Residenz Palace, each stop on this itinerary tells a story of empires, artists, and traditions that have shaped the continent.
Travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, like the Romantic Road’s fairy-tale villages or the vineyard-studded hills of Champagne. You can wake up to the sound of the Danube in Budapest, enjoy a picnic by the Ljubljanica River, or toast the day with a glass of Franconian wine in Würzburg, all while avoiding the hassle of packing and unpacking. Plus, Central Europe’s well-maintained roads, budget-friendly campsites, and scenic routes make it a dream for road-trippers.
For those who love history, architecture, or local cuisine, this itinerary delivers. Whether you’re savoring a Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, wandering through Prague’s cobblestone streets, or tasting Champagne in Reims, every day brings a new adventure. And with the flexibility of a motorhome, you can adjust your pace, linger in your favorite spots, or even add detours to lesser-known sites like Erfurt’s medieval quarter or Bastogne’s WWII memorials.
Pro tip: Use apps like Park4Night or CamperContact to find the best overnight spots, and always check local regulations for parking and camping. This trip isn’t just about the destinations, it’s about the journey itself, the unexpected discoveries, and the memories you’ll create along the way.
Ready to Hit the Road?
This 15-day Central Europe road trip is more than just a journey, it’s an immersion into the heart of the continent’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the fairy-tale streets of Ljubljana and Prague to the grand boulevards of Vienna and the vineyard-draped hills of Champagne country, every stop on this itinerary offers something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned road-trippers or a first-time explorer, travelling by campervan or motorhome gives you the freedom to chase sunsets, linger in charming towns, and create your own adventure. So pack your bags, grab a map (or your GPS), and get ready to experience the magic of Central Europe, one mile at a time.
Have you been to any of these destinations? Share your favourite memories or tips in the comments below! And if this itinerary inspired you, don’t forget to save, share, or pin it for your next adventure.
