A 3-Week Europe Road Trip from the UK

23 June, 2025

A 3-week Europe road trip from the UK is the perfect way to explore multiple countries, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and experience the freedom of travelling at your own pace. Whether you’re driving a motorhome, towing a caravan, or pitching a tent, this type of holiday offers an unbeatable mix of adventure and relaxation. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to plan your journey — from crossing the Channel and preparing documents to route suggestions and campsite tools.

• Why 3 Weeks Is the Ideal Time Frame
• What You Need Before You Hit the Road
• How to Cross the Channel with a Caravan or Motorhome
• Three Amazing 3-Week Europe Road Trip Routes
  • Western Route: France and Northern Spain
  • Central Route: Germany, Austria and Northern Italy
  • Eastern Route: Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia
• Only Have Two Weeks? Here Are Some Shorter Options
• Plan Smarter with ACSI and Eurocampings

Why 3 Weeks Is the Ideal Time Frame

Three weeks gives you just the right amount of time to travel through several countries without feeling rushed. While shorter trips often require constant movement, a 3-week itinerary allows you to slow down and truly enjoy each stop. Many campers choose to spend at least two nights at each campsite — giving them time to explore local surroundings, rest, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, beach towns, or mountain villages, a 3-week road trip allows for both flexibility and depth. You can explore far-reaching regions like southern France or northern Italy without being on the road every single day.

What You Need Before You Hit the Road

Since the UK left the European Union, there are a few more things to consider before travelling across the Channel. First and foremost, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Many EU countries also require your vehicle to display a UK sticker — even if your license plate already shows “GB”.

For driving, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if you plan to travel through countries like Italy or Austria. Your vehicle insurance should include European cover, and it’s highly recommended to carry a “green card” as proof of insurance abroad.

Don’t forget road tolls and environmental stickers. Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia, for example, require motorway vignettes, which must be purchased and displayed on your windscreen. If you’re travelling with pets, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by your vet, as UK-issued EU pet passports are no longer valid.

How to Cross the Channel with a Caravan or Motorhome

Getting from the UK to mainland Europe is easy and straightforward. There are two main options: ferry crossings or the Eurotunnel. If you’re travelling with a larger vehicle like a motorhome or towing a caravan, all routes are suitable, though some may offer better flexibility or comfort.

The most popular ferry routes include Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, which are quick and run frequently throughout the day. If you prefer a longer, more relaxed crossing, you can take the ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland or from Portsmouth to Caen.

The Eurotunnel, which runs from Folkestone to Calais, is the fastest way to cross — just 35 minutes under the Channel. It’s especially convenient for motorhomes, as you stay in your vehicle during the journey.

Prices vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and booking time. Expect to pay between £100 and £300 one way. You can compare prices and book tickets on websites like aferry.co.uk or ferryscanner.com.

Three Amazing 3-Week Europe Road Trip Routes

Western Route: France and Northern Spain

This classic route begins with a ferry to Calais, then takes you through the beautiful regions of Normandy and the Loire Valley. Continue south to Dordogne for riverside towns and castles, and cross into Spain via the Basque Country, visiting cities like San Sebastián or even as far as Barcelona.

On your way back, you can travel through Provence or the French Riviera, making for a stunning coastal drive. This route offers a balance of beaches, countryside, and historic towns — perfect for families or couples looking to enjoy good food, wine, and relaxed camping.

Central Route: Germany, Austria and Northern Italy

Start by crossing into Belgium and continue through the scenic Moselle Valley in Germany. From there, head into the Black Forest, followed by a drive through Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. Northern Italy is easily reachable from there, with highlights such as Lake Garda, the Dolomites, and South Tyrol.

This route is ideal for nature lovers and active travellers. Many campsites in these regions are well-equipped with modern facilities and offer incredible mountain views. You can also explore cultural gems like Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Verona along the way.

Eastern Route: Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia

For a more adventurous experience, take a route through the Netherlands and Germany into Eastern Europe. Spend a few days in Kraków, Poland, known for its rich history and vibrant street life. Then continue to Prague in the Czech Republic, one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, and onward to Bratislava in Slovakia.

On the way back, consider a stop in Vienna or the Bavarian Alps. This route is less touristy, generally more affordable, and offers a different perspective on Europe. Campsites in Eastern Europe are often charming, family-run, and well connected to public transport.

Only Have Two Weeks? Here Are Some Shorter Options

If you’re limited to just two weeks, don’t worry — you can still enjoy a fantastic road trip. The key is to focus on fewer regions and spend more time in each location.

A France-only trip could include Normandy, the Loire Valley, and the Dordogne. If you’d prefer mountains, try a route through the Black Forest and Austrian Alps. For sun and sea, the north coast of Spain is a perfect destination — especially if you take a ferry to Brittany or Santander.

Plan for 2–3 nights per campsite, and avoid overpacking your itinerary. It’s better to enjoy a few places deeply than to rush through many.

Plan Smarter with ACSI and Eurocampings

No road trip is complete without the right planning tools. The Eurocampings.co.uk website gives you access to almost 10,000 ACSI-inspected campsites across Europe. You can filter by location, amenities, opening times, and more — helping you find the perfect stop wherever you are.

For mobile planning, the ACSI Camping Europe app is a must. It offers offline maps, GPS navigation, site reviews, and a smooth search function. It’s particularly useful if you’re travelling through rural areas with limited internet.

If you’re travelling outside peak season, consider purchasing the CampingCard ACSI, which offers discounts at thousands of campsites across Europe.

A 3-week road trip from the UK across Europe is one of the best ways to experience the continent — offering the perfect balance of exploration, comfort, and freedom. Whether you head west to the beaches of Spain, south to the Alps and Italy, or east into Poland and beyond, each route brings its own charm.

With the right planning, the right apps, and a sense of adventure, your camping road trip will be a journey to remember.