What better way to spend two weeks than on a road trip through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural hotspots? This 14-day adventure takes you from the charming streets of Slovenia to the historic heart of England, with stops in Italy, Switzerland, and France along the way. Whether you’re drawn to alpine hikes, Mediterranean beaches, or world-class cuisine, this route offers a little something for every traveller. Take your time at each stop, soak in the sights, and let the journey inspire your next great escape.
Seasonal Travel Tips
This road trip is a year-round delight, but each season offers a unique experience. In spring, wildflowers carpet the Alps and Tuscan vineyards, while summer brings lively festivals and beach days in Cinque Terre (book accommodations early!). Autumn paints the landscapes in fiery hues and is ideal for wine lovers, especially in Burgundy and Tuscany. Winter transforms Interlaken into a snowy paradise for skiing and Christmas markets in Bern and Lyon. Pack layers for changeable mountain weather, and always check road conditions in the Alps during winter.
Day 1: Ljubljana – Novo Mesto – Lake Bled
Start your journey in Slovenia, a country bursting with natural beauty and charm. Pick up your campervan in Novo Mesto, just a short drive from the lively capital of Ljubljana. Spend the morning exploring Ljubljana’s café-lined riverside and historic old town before heading west to the iconic Lake Bled.
- 1.5 hours driving
- Overnight: Lake Bled
- Why not fly in the night before and explore Ljubljana’s fantastic mix of Baroque architecture, green spaces, and local cuisine?
Lake Bled is beautiful in any season, with its fairytale island church and towering castle overlooking the turquoise waters.
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Slovenia
Try: Kremšnita (vanilla custard slice) at a lakeside café, and pair it with a glass of Ribolla Gialla, a crisp local white wine. For a hearty meal, sample štruklji (rolled dumplings) or kranski klobas (Carniolan sausage).
Cultural Note: Slovenians are polite and reserved. Greet locals with a smile and a friendly “Dober dan” (Good day). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, rounding up the bill is common.
Day 2: Lake Bled – Venice
Say goodbye to Slovenia and set your sights on Italy. Your next stop is the magical city of Venice, where canals replace roads and history oozes from every corner. Park your campervan near the ferry terminal at Venezia Tronchetto and hop on a vaporetto to explore the city’s labyrinth of alleys, grand palaces, and hidden piazzas.
- 2.5 hours driving
- Overnight: Venice
On your way, don’t miss the chance to visit Predjama Castle, a breathtaking cliffside fortress that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Venice
Try: Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at a bacaro bar, and sip on a spritz (Aperol or Campari) by the Grand Canal. For dinner, indulge in risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).
Cultural Note: Avoid touching produce at markets, ask the vendor to select items for you. Say “buongiorno” when entering shops or restaurants.
Day 3: Venice – Florence
Leave Venice behind, but keep the excitement alive as you drive to Florence, a city that effortlessly blends Renaissance art, architectural marvels, and Tuscan charm. Wander through the streets to discover the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery.
- 3 hours driving
- Overnight: Florence
Florence offers a wonderful collection of old and new, from medieval streets to modern cafés.
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Florence
Try: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak), lampredotto (tripe sandwich), and gelato from a local gelateria. Pair your meal with a glass of Chianti Classico.
Cultural Note: Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Italians appreciate a “buongiorno” or “buonasera” before ordering.
Day 4: Florence – Pisa – Cinque Terre
Today’s drive takes you to Pisa, where you can snap a photo with the famous Leaning Tower. Then, continue to the Cinque Terre, a collection of five colourful fishing villages clinging to the rugged Italian Riviera.
- 3 hours driving
- Overnight: Cinque Terre
Alternatively, if you’re not ready to leave Tuscany, spend an extra day soaking up the art and ambiance of Florence or Venice.
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Tuscany
Try: Focaccia di Recco (cheese-stuffed flatbread) in Liguria, and fresh pesto alla Genovese (basil pesto) with trofie pasta. In Cinque Terre, sample anchovies and Sciacchetrà dessert wine.
Cultural Note: Cinque Terre is pedestrian-friendly—park your campervan at designated lots and explore on foot or by train. Greet locals with “ciao” in the morning and “buonasera” in the afternoon.
Day 5: Explore Cinque Terre
Dedicate a full day to exploring the Cinque Terre. Swim in hidden coves, sample fresh seafood, and hike the scenic trails between Vernazza and Corniglia. This is a place where time seems to slow down, and every moment feels like a postcard.
Seasonal Tip
Summer is perfect for beach hopping, but spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter is quiet, with some trails and restaurants closed.
Day 6: Cinque Terre – Milan
Head north to Genoa, a bustling port city with a rich maritime history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water before continuing to Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital.
- 3 hours driving
- Overnight: Milan
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Milan
Try: Focaccia Genovese and pansoti (walnut sauce pasta). In Milan, don’t miss risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto) and panettone if visiting during the holidays.
Cultural Note: Milan is fast-paced—locals appreciate efficiency. Avoid lingering at café counters; sit at a table if you plan to stay awhile.
Day 7: Milan – Lake Como
Leave the city behind and drive to Lake Como, one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. Spend the evening by the water, watching the sunset paint the Alps in shades of gold and pink.
- 2 hours driving
- Overnight: Lake Como
For an extra dose of lakeside beauty, consider a detour to Lake Garda.
Local Flavours & Etiquette Lake Como
Try: Missoltino (dried fish), polenta e osei (polenta with braised bird), and Bellini cocktails at a lakeside bar.
Cultural Note: Lake Como is upscale but relaxed. Dress neatly when dining out, and greet with “buongiorno” or “buonasera.”
Day 8: Lake Como – Interlaken
Today’s drive is one of the most scenic of the trip as you enter the heart of the Swiss Alps. Your destination is Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland.
- 3.5 hours driving
- Overnight: Interlaken
Local Flavors & Etiquette in Interlaken
Try: Fondue, raclette, and rösti (Swiss potato dish). Pair with a local Rivella (Swiss soda) or white wine from Lavaux.
Cultural Note: Swiss punctuality is legendary—arrive on time for tours or reservations. Say “grüezi” (hello) in German-speaking regions.
Day 9: Explore Interlaken
Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes around Interlaken. The Schynige Platte hike is a must-do, offering panoramic views of the lakes and towering peaks.
Seasonal Tip
Summer is ideal for hiking and paragliding, while winter offers world-class skiing and cosy alpine lodges.
Day 10: Interlaken – Bern – Lyon
Bid farewell to the Alps and make your way to Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital. Stroll through the old town before crossing the border into France and continuing to Lyon.
- 4 hours driving
- Overnight: Lyon
Local Flavors & Etiquette in Lyon
Try: Quenelles (fish dumplings), coq au vin, and Beaujolais wine. Don’t leave without trying pralines (pink almond sweets).
Cultural Note: Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital. Greet with “bonjour” and “merci.” Tipping is included in the bill, but rounding up is appreciated.
Day 11: Lyon – Auxerre/Beaune/Dijon
Explore Lyon’s historic streets and bustling markets in the morning, then set off through central France. Stop in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.
- 4 hours driving
- Overnight: Beaune
Local Flavours & Etiquette in France
Try: Boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and Époisses cheese. Pair with a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Cultural Note: Burgundy is proud of its wine heritage. Ask for recommendations—locals love to share their favorites.
Day 12: Beaune – Paris
Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Stay at a campsite on the edge of the Seine, like Camping de Paris, which offers easy access to the city’s metro system.
- 3 hours driving
- Overnight: Paris
Local Flavours & Etiquette in Paris
Try: Croissants, steak frites, and macarons from Ladurée. Sip on a café crème at a sidewalk café.
Cultural Note: Always greet with “bonjour” before ordering. Say “au revoir” when leaving a shop, even if you didn’t buy anything.
Day 13: Explore Paris
Use the Paris Metro App to plan your day, or hop on an open-top bus to see the sights. Don’t miss the Palace of Versailles or Disneyland Paris.
Seasonal Tip
Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Summer is crowded but lively, while winter sparkles with Christmas lights and markets.
Day 14: Paris – UK
On your final day, take a leisurely drive to Calais to catch your ferry back to England. Stop at the fairytale-like Château de Pierrefonds along the way.
- 5 hours driving with a ferry break
This road trip is more than just a journey, it’s an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!
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