If you’re short on time but craving the open road, these European motorhome itineraries are perfect for a 3–4 night getaway.
Here at The Travel Hack we’re all about weekend breaks and short holidays so today we’re talking about the best European motorhome itineraries you could do during a long weekend break or a short holiday. These road trips would be incredible in a campervan or motorhome but can be adapted if you’re staying in hotels too.
All are accessible from the UK and packed with natural beauty, culture, and charm—without long-haul driving days. You can do these either from the UK or by flying to your destination and hiring a motorhome when you arrive.
Before we begin, let’s talk about the logistics for making a European road trip happen…
Getting There from the UK
- Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais): 35 minutes
- Ferries from Dover, Portsmouth and Hull: Frequent routes to France, Belgium, Netherlands
- Most routes begin within a 2–5 hour drive after arrival on the continent.
- If you don’t own a motorhome, don’t worry. It’s often cheaper and easier to fly to your destination and hire one once you arrive
Tips for a Successful Motorhome Mini-Road Trip in Europe
- Book campsites ahead (especially in summer)
- Use apps like Park4Night or Campercontact
- Have an EU travel kit (reflective vest, warning triangle, headlamp converters)
- Check low-emission zones in cities
- Make sure you have comprehensive motorhome insurance which includes travel in Europe
And here we go…10 of my favourite short European road trips that would be amazing in a motorhome!
Short European road trips
1. Normandy D-Day Beaches & French Countryside for History Lovers
Duration: 3 or 4 nights
Start Point: Caen or Cherbourg (ferries from Portsmouth or Poole)
Highlights:
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Omaha & Utah Beach
- Honfleur harbour town
- Local cider and Camembert tasting
Top Campsites: Camping Utah Beach, Camping Le Cormoran
Ideal For: History lovers, peaceful countryside drives
Normandy offers a rich blend of history, nature, and cuisine—all within a few hours of Calais or Cherbourg. Start your journey in Bayeux, home to the famous 11th-century tapestry. Then explore the D-Day landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. The American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer is a moving experience, offering a solemn reminder of the region’s past.
Next, head east toward Arromanches to see the remnants of the Mulberry harbours, then drive along the coastal route to the colorful town of Honfleur. Known for its picturesque harbour and art galleries, Honfleur is the perfect place to enjoy a seafood dinner with views of bobbing fishing boats.
Normandy’s inland areas are equally rewarding. Try local cider and Camembert from a farm shop in the Pays d’Auge, and enjoy scenic drives through rolling pastures and half-timbered villages.
Campsites like Camping Utah Beach or Camping Le Cormoran provide easy access to both coast and countryside, making logistics a breeze from your motorhome.
Ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed yet informative getaway, this short road trip captures the soul of northern France in just a few days.
2. Bruges and Ghent for Beer Lovers
Duration: 3 nights
Start Point: Calais (via Eurotunnel or Dover ferry)
Highlights:
- Explore medieval Bruges canals
- Ghent’s vibrant food scene
- WWI history in Ypres
- Belgian beer and chocolate tasting
Top Campsites: Camping Memling (Bruges), Camping Jeugdstadion (Ypres)
Ideal For: Foodies, beer lovers, culture fans, history buffs
Perfect for a long weekend escape, this Belgian road trip starts with the fairy-tale charm of Bruges. Stroll through cobbled lanes, take a canal boat ride, and sample world-class chocolate and waffles. Climb the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic city views, or unwind in a traditional café with a Westmalle Trappist beer.
Just a short drive away lies Ghent, a vibrant university town with a rich medieval past. Visit the majestic Gravensteen Castle, admire the altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, or relax in the Graslei harbour area. Ghent’s nightlife and creative food scene make it a youthful contrast to Bruges’ quiet romance and you’ll often find festivals, pop-ups and events on in the city.
For those interested in history, Ypres is a deeply moving detour. Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum and attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Round off your trip with a stop in Poperinge for a beer tasting at the historic St. Bernardus brewery.
With short driving distances, excellent road infrastructure, and plenty of motorhome-friendly sites such as Camping Memling (Bruges) and Camping Jeugdstadion (Ypres), this trip is ideal for a cultural immersion without long hours behind the wheel.
3. Dutch Windmill and Tulip Trail for flower lovers
Duration: 3–4 nights
Start Point: Amsterdam or Hook of Holland
Highlights:
- Keukenhof Gardens (March–May)
- Kinderdijk windmills
- Haarlem’s historic centre
- Zaanse Schans open-air museum
Top Campsites: Camping Zeeburg (Amsterdam), Camping de Zuidduinen
Ideal For: Families, spring travel, cyclists and flower lovers
This vibrant Dutch road trip is best experienced in spring (March to May), when tulip fields burst into color and the air smells of blooming flowers. Start your adventure in the charming city of Haarlem, which serves as a relaxed base close to the tulip-growing region. Visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse which displays millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in artistic floral arrangements.
Next, head to the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases 18th-century Dutch engineering at its finest. Take a bike ride along the dikes or enjoy a guided boat tour through the picturesque canals.
From there, travel north to Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that recreates life in 17th and 18th-century Netherlands. With its working windmills, wooden houses, cheese farm, and clog-making demonstrations, it’s an immersive cultural experience.
Throughout the route, you’ll find well-equipped campsites such as Camping Zeeburg (Amsterdam) and Camping de Zuidduinen, many of which are cyclist-friendly. The relatively short distances make this trip perfect for leisurely driving with plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers!
4. Alsace Wine Route for Wine Lovers
Duration: 3–4 nights
Start Point: Strasbourg
Highlights:
- Fairytale villages: Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim
- Local wine tasting (Pinot Gris, Riesling)
- Vineyards and rolling hills
Top Campsites: Camping de l’Ill (Colmar), Camping Municipal d’Obernai
Ideal For: Romantic escapes, wine lovers, foodies
The Alsace Wine Route offers a delightful blend of French and German influences, medieval villages, and world-class white wines—all packed into a compact and scenic region. Start your journey in Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its timber-framed houses and gothic cathedral. Explore the historic Petite France district, then set off southward along the Route des Vins d’Alsace.
Make your way through charming villages like Obernai, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr—each more storybook-like than the last. These towns are famous for their pastel facades, cobbled lanes, and welcoming winstubs (Alsatian wine taverns). Don’t miss the chance to sample Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling directly from the vineyards that produce them.
Colmar, often described as a real-life fairy tale town, is a must-visit. Its canals and brightly coloured buildings provide a romantic setting, and the Unterlinden Museum houses the renowned Isenheim Altarpiece.
The region is dotted with motorhome-friendly camping options such as Camping de l’Ill (Colmar) and Camping Municipal de Kaysersberg. With short driving distances, rich cultural history, and culinary delights, this is a dream route for wine lovers and anyone charmed by picturesque European villages.
5. Luxembourg & Little Switzerland for Hikers
Duration: 3 nights
Start Point: Luxembourg City
Highlights:
- Hike the Mullerthal Trail
- Vianden Castle
- Echternach Abbey and lakes
Top Campsites: Camping Martbusch, Camping du Moulin
Ideal For: Hikers, peaceful retreats, off-the-beaten-path travellers
Often overlooked, Luxembourg is a hidden gem that’s ideal for a 3–4-day motorhome escape. Start your trip in Luxembourg City, where ancient fortifications meet cosmopolitan flair. Wander through the old town’s winding alleys, visit the Grand Ducal Palace, and enjoy panoramic views from the Bock Casemates.
Then head east toward the Mullerthal Region, affectionately known as Little Switzerland. This area is famed for its sandstone cliffs, dense forests, and dramatic rock formations. The Mullerthal Trail, with its well-marked paths and scenic lookouts, offers hikes for all levels. Don’t miss Schiessentümpel Waterfall or the labyrinthine rock passages near Berdorf.
Along the way, explore Vianden Castle, perched on a hill above the Our River. Its dramatic setting and restored interiors make it one of Luxembourg’s top sights. You can also take a chairlift ride for sweeping views over the countryside.
Camping spots like Camping Officiel de Clervaux or Camping Belle-Vue 2000 offer excellent facilities, often nestled within lush natural surroundings. With a rich mix of history, outdoor adventure, and surprising charm, this short road trip delivers more than you might expect from one of Europe’s smallest countries.
6. Germany’s Moselle Valley for Medieval Charm
Duration: 3 to 4 nights
Start Point: Würzburg
Highlights:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (medieval gem)
- Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen – walled towns
- Franconian wine and traditional Bavarian charm
Top Campsites: Camping Tauberromantik, Camping Romantische Straße
Ideal For: History lovers, scenic towns, fairy-tale architecture
Germany’s Moselle Valley offers an enchanting journey of vineyard-covered hills, fairy-tale castles, and meandering river views. Begin in Trier, Germany’s oldest city, home to Roman ruins like the Porta Nigra and a vibrant old town. After soaking up Trier’s rich history, follow the Moselle River eastward.
Stop in Bernkastel-Kues to wander medieval squares and sip crisp Riesling from the region’s terraced vineyards. The town is famed for its half-timbered houses and lively wine taverns. Then head to Cochem, dominated by the striking Reichsburg Castle perched above the river and you can take the guided tour for a step back in time.
If time allows, detour slightly south to visit Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most iconic and best-preserved castles, nestled in a lush forest valley. The scenic drive through the river valley is tranquil and dotted with postcard-perfect villages.
Motorhome travellers will appreciate well-equipped camping spots such as Campingplatz Rissbach in Traben-Trarbach or Camping Schausten near Cochem, both offering river views and excellent amenities.
7. Lake Como Mini Loop for Italian Elegance
Duration: 3 nights
Start Point: Milan or Como
Highlights:
- Bellagio & Menaggio via ferry
- Lakeside villas and gardens
- Italian gelato, risotto, and espresso
Top Campsites: Camping North Wind (Domaso), Camping Magic Lake
Ideal For: Couples, nature & culture, Italian elegance
A jewel of northern Italy, Lake Como offers dramatic alpine scenery, grand villas, and storybook lakeside towns. This can all be easily explored during a 3–4-day motorhome itinerary. Start in the charming town of Como, where you can stroll the waterfront promenade, take a funicular ride to Brunate for panoramic views, or admire the impressive cathedral in the old town.
From there, follow the lake’s western shore northward through Cernobbio and Tremezzo. Stop to explore Villa Carlotta, famed for its botanical gardens and neoclassical art collection. Continue to Menaggio, a pretty town with mountain views and excellent ferry connections. Take a passenger ferry across to Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake”, with its cobbled lanes, boutique shops, and stunning gardens at Villa Melzi.
Loop back via the eastern shore through Varenna and Lecco. Varenna is a peaceful contrast to Bellagio, perfect for a quiet lunch or a visit to Castello di Vezio.
There are a few campsites around Dongo, Domaso, and Lecco, such as Camping North Wind or Camping Rivabella, that cater well to motorhomes. Due to the narrow roads, smaller campers are preferable.
8. Swiss Alps Taster
Duration: 3 to 4 nights
Start Point: Lucerne or Interlaken
Highlights:
- Lauterbrunnen waterfalls
- Lake Brienz boat ride
- Grindelwald alpine hikes
Top Campsites: Camping Jungfrau, Camping Aaregg
Ideal For: Mountain lovers, photographers, nature seekers
Note: Swiss roads may include tolls and vignettes.
For dramatic mountain scenery and pristine alpine charm, a 3 to 4-day motorhome journey through the Swiss Alps offers a breathtaking taste of one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes.
Start your trip in Interlaken, the adventure capital nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Enjoy lakeside views, stroll through the town’s quaint streets, or take a funicular up to Harder Kulm for sweeping views of the Jungfrau massif.
Next, drive toward Lauterbrunnen—a valley of 72 waterfalls and sheer cliffs that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. Park up and hike to Staubbach Falls or Trümmelbach Falls, where glacier meltwater thunders through mountain rock. If time permits, take the train or cable car to Wengen or Mürren, picturesque alpine villages with car-free charm.
Continue south to Grindelwald, with its majestic mountain backdrop and access to hiking, cable cars, and even summer toboggan runs. The road through this part of the Bernese Oberland offers constant scenic rewards, from lush green meadows to snow-capped peaks.
Motorhome campsites like Camping Jungfrau (Lauterbrunnen) or Camping Eiger (Grindelwald) are well-equipped and offer dramatic views right from your pitch. Expect impeccable Swiss cleanliness and efficiency.
9. Costa Brava Coast Drive for Beach Lovers
Duration: 4 nights
Start Point: Girona or Barcelona
Highlights:
- Tossa de Mar & Begur beaches
- Dalí’s Cadaqués & Portlligat
- Tapas, cava, and sea views
Top Campsites: Camping Cala Llevadó, Camping Mas Nou
Ideal For: Beach breaks, art lovers, sunseekers
The Costa Brava, with its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear coves, and whitewashed fishing villages, is a dream destination for a short motorhome break filled with sun, sea, and Spanish charm. Starting in Girona or Barcelona, head northeast toward the coastline, where medieval towns and turquoise waters await.
Begin in Tossa de Mar, a town that blends beach bliss with history. Wander the cobbled streets of the Vila Vella (Old Town), enclosed by a 12th-century fortress, before relaxing on its crescent-shaped beach. Then cruise north to Begur, a hilltop town with panoramic sea views and nearby coves like Sa Riera and Aiguablava which is perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
A highlight of the trip is Cadaqués, a whitewashed artist haven that once inspired Salvador Dalí. Visit his surreal former home in Portlligat, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the bay where fishing boats bob gently. The surrounding Cap de Creus Natural Park offers stunning hikes and coastal drives.
Top motorhome-friendly campsites like Camping Cala Llevadó and Camping Mas Nou provide easy access to beaches and charming towns. Whether you’re sipping cava with a sea view or discovering a hidden cala, this route captures the magic of the Mediterranean in just a few relaxing days.
10. Slovenia’s Lake & Cave Route for Adventure
Duration: 3 to 4 nights
Start Point: Ljubljana
Highlights:
- Lake Bled & Vintgar Gorge
- Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle
- Compact driving, lots of nature
Top Campsites: Camping Bled, Pivka Jama Campsite
Ideal For: Adventure seekers, lesser-known gems, families
Slovenia may be small, but this compact gem offers stunning natural beauty, fairytale lakes, and underground wonders and it’s all easily explored in a 3 or 4-night motorhome trip.
Start your journey in Ljubljana (so this is an easier one to fly to and hire a motorhome when you arrive), the country’s laid-back capital. Its leafy riverside, colorful buildings, and lively café culture make it a perfect place to stock up and soak in some charm before hitting the road.
First stop: Lake Bled. With its iconic island church, medieval cliff-top castle, and emerald waters, it’s a bucket-list destination. Rent a rowboat to reach the island, take a lakeside stroll, or hike to Mala Osojnica for postcard-worthy views. Just a short drive away is Vintgar Gorge, where wooden walkways snake through narrow rock walls over turquoise rapids.
Next, head southwest to explore Postojna Cave, a vast karst cavern complete with an underground train. Then head to nearby Predjama Castle, built dramatically into a cliff face. This surreal setting feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.
Campsites like Camping Bled and Pivka Jama Campsite make overnights convenient and scenic, offering facilities close to nature’s finest. Roads are well-maintained and distances short, meaning more time to explore and less time behind the wheel.