Epic 2-Week Europe Trip Itinerary: From The UK To France, Switzerland and Italy By Car
Exploring Europe by car is a fabulous adventure filled with fantastic opportunities, but planning the road trip can be quite a headache.
To make your life easier, I have planned this 2-week Europe itinerary based on my experience completing the trip.
It takes you on a whirlwind two-week drive from the UK to France, Switzerland and Italy and is the only travel guide you’ll need to plan your European trip!
See the beautiful town of Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps. Enjoy La Dolce Vita on the shores of Lake Como.
See the Palace of Versailles, go wine-tasting in Beaune and see the fairytale town of Strasbourg. Journey to the top of the world at Jungfraujoch in Switzerland and visit the charming castles on Lake Thun. This is a taste of the fabulous places you will discover in this Europe trip itinerary.
So pack your bags, dust off your foreign phrasebooks, and start that engine, because you are off to Europe!
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Driving from the UK to Europe - A Day-To-Day Itinerary
Europe Trip Map
Important things to know about driving in Europe
This is not an exhaustive list, but it does cover the basics.
- You can drive in Europe on your UK license - you don't need an international driver's license.
- You must have Swiss and French vignette stickers visible on your windscreen. You can buy vignette passes online.
- Tolls: Be prepared to pay many tolls. You can buy toll passes beforehand to speed up the process.
- France requires you to keep an unused breathalyser in your vehicle at all times.
- Have two red warning triangles and high-vis vests for all passengers in the car. It is not compulsory in many places, but having them in case you break down is a good idea. Better to be seen beside your vehicle than not!
- Keep your lights on - many countries – especially those in northern Europe – require your lights on all year round, all day long. Make sure you adjust your headlights to conform to driving on the right-hand side of the road.
- You will need a UK sticker on your car.
- Ensure you have your official V5 and insurance documents with you.
If you don't own a car and need to rent one for your European trip, I recommend looking at DiscoverCars.com.
Best time to do a road trip in Europe
You can do a European road trip at any time - even in winter - but make sure to winterise your tyres if you are going anywhere that will have snow.
The best times to visit Europe without the crowds are spring and autumn. The weather will be warm but not scorching, and the roads, hotels and attractions won't be as busy as in summer.
Two-Week Europe Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Folkestone - Calais to Strasbourg, France (one night)
The first part of your Europe trip itinerary will be catching the Le Shuttle in Folkestone and crossing the Channel (or under it) to Coquelles, close to Calais.
Once on the motorway, it's a straightforward six hours of driving on the A26 and A4 before you get to Strasbourg. There are service stops along the way for petrol and refreshments.
Once in Strasbourg, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring one of Eastern France's most charming towns before returning to your hotel for the night.
Best things to do in Strasbourg
- Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the largest Medieval churches ever built.
- Stroll through Petite France and marvel at the fairytale pastel and half-timbered buildings.
- Stop at one of the cosy bistros for a fleischnacka (potato pancake) or tarte flambée (Alsatian regional pizza)
- Take a tour along the canals on a Batorama boat.
- Explore Place Kléber, one of Europe's largest public squares and admire its stunning architecture.
- Discover one of Strasbourg's world-class museums.
- Pick up a souvenir on Grand Rue, one of Europe's most popular shopping streets.
You can read my Strasbourg travel guide to learn more: Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting For One Day?
Where to stay in Strasbourg
Budget: 2-star Ibis Budget Strasbourg Centre République. Scores 8.1 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid-range: 3-star Chambre d'hôtes La Célestine. Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Hotel D - Strasbourg. Scores 8.5 /10 from guest reviews. I stayed here and found it to be perfectly located to wander around town.
Luxury: 5-star Pavillion Regent Petite France. Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews.
Days 2, 3 and 4: Interlaken, Switzerland (3 nights)
The driving time between Strasbourg and Interlaken is three hours. Allow more time for your drive if you plan to make stops along the way.
If you want somewhere nice to stop between Strasbourg and Interlaken, I would suggest Lake Lucerne. It's the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland and has some terrific mountain views. Park up (don't forget to pay for a ticket - it's not free), then wander around town before stopping for a meal in one of the charming riverside restaurants.
Best things to do in Interlaken on your Europe trip
- Take the funicular to Harder Klum.
- Visit Lauterbrunnen - a traditional Swiss village.
- Take the cog railway train up the mountain to Jungfraujoch.
- Enjoy Swiss cheese fondue.
- Take a boat trip on Lake Thun and see its castles.
You can read my Interlaken travel guides to learn more:
15 Stunning Day Trips From Interlaken to Discover the Best of Switzerland
5 Most Beautiful Castles to Visit on Lake Thun, Switzerland
Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen In One Day
Where to stay in Interlaken
Budget: 2-star Post Hardermannli. Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid Range: 3-star Hotel Lötschberg. Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Hotel Interlaken. Scores 8.7 /10 from guest reviews. I stayed here and found it comfortable and well-located for getting around town.
Luxury: 5-star Swiss Hotel Apartments - Interlaken. Scores 9.2 /10 from guest reviews.
Days 5, 6 and 7: Lake Como, Italy (3 nights)
The driving time between Interlaken and Lake Como is three hours and 20 minutes. Allow more time for your drive if you plan to make stops along the way.
Lake Como is one the most beautiful Italian lakes you could wish to visit and, 3 nights / 2 days on Lake Como will give you all the time you need to see it in all its glory.
Visit the enchanting villas and gardens dotted around the lake, hire a boat and cruise the waters, stroll around Bellagio and enjoy gelato and coffee in a lakeside bistro. It is an enchanting place to spend time and should feature highly on your Europe trip itinerary.
Best things to do on Lake Como
- Wander Bellagio’s cobbled streets.
- Shop on Salita Serbelloni, Bellagio’s most-photographed street.
- Visit the beautiful Parco di Villa Serbelloni.
- Rent a boat and discover the beauty of Lake Como from the water.
- Stroll around the grand surroundings at Villa Melzi or Villa Carlotta.
- Visit Enoteca Cava Turacciolo – Bellagio’s famous wine bar.
- Fall in love with the lakeside views of Lake Como.
- Watch Lake Como’s seaplanes take off and land.
- Tour the impressive Gothic Como Cathedral.
- Take the funicular to Brunate.
- See Lake Como by electric bike.
Where to stay by Lake Como
Budget: 2-star Ristorante Bellavista con Locanda. Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid Range: 3-star B&B e Residence Abbazia di Piona. Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Foresteria Lago di Como. Scores 9.6 /10 from guest reviews.
Luxury: 5-star MUSA Lago di Como. Scores 9.5 /10 from guest reviews.
Days 8 & 9: Chamonix, France (2 nights)
The driving time between Lake Como and Chamonix is four hours. Allow more time for your drive if you plan to make stops along the way.
Want to stretch your legs on the drive between Lake Como and Chamonix? Add Courmayeur to your Europe trip itinerary.
Often mistaken for being in France, Courmayeur is on the border with Chamonix and is one of Northern Italy's hidden gems. It is a beautiful alpine ski town, not dissimilar to Chamonix.
In late spring, when I travelled, the whole town was a riot of colour; the flowers were in bloom, and it was beautiful. I recommend stopping here before you drive through the long Mont Blanc Tunnel, which takes you to Chamonix in France.
Best things to do in Chamonix on your trip to Europe
- Take a Ride on the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
- Glide Over to Italy on the Skyway Monte Bianco
- Book a Chamonix Tandem Paragliding Tour
- Ascend Mount Brevant
- Take to the Skies in a Helicopter
- Hike the Trails in Chamonix
- Climb Via Ferrata
- Journey to a Glacier Aboard the Montenvers Railway
- Ride the Chamonix Alpine Toboggan Coaster
- Meet the Alpine Animals at Parc De Merlet
- Wander Around Chamonix Town
- Eat and Drink Fondue, Raclette and Local Beer
If you are wondering whether Chamonix is worth visiting, read my Chamonix travel guide to learn more: 12 Great Reasons To Visit Chamonix in Summer.
Where to stay in Chamonix
Budget: 2-star Hotel Le Chamonix. Scores 7.6 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid Range: 3-star Plan B Hotel - Living Chamonix. Scores 8.9 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Auberge du Bois Prin. Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews.
Luxury: 5-star Hotel Mont Blanc is the epitome of decadence in Chamonix, and I got to stay! You can read my full review here: Hotel Mont-Blanc, France: The Most Luxurious Hotel in Chamonix
Days 10 & 11: Beaune, France (2 nights)
The driving time between Chamonix and Beaune is three hours and 30 minutes. Allow more time for your drive if you plan to make stops along the way.
Beaune is the capital of one of France's best-known wine regions - Burgundy, but it's a town that is so much more than simply a stop for wine connoisseurs. It is a foodie's heaven, with artisanal shops selling cheeses, chocolates, meats, and wine, and it has an interesting history to share with visitors.
Best things to do in Beaune on your European trip
- Experience the delights of Beaune Wine Tasting.
- Book a Beaune vineyard tour.
- Visit the historic Hotel Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune.
- Explore the city ramparts.
- Step inside the Church of Notre Dame.
- Hire a bike and explore Beaune’s countryside.
- Jump aboard the Beaune Visiotrain.
- Learn about vinification at the Museum of Wine.
- Shop at the Beaune markets.
- Eat and drink at the best restaurants in Beaune.
You can read my Beaune travel guide to learn more: 10 Fun Things to Do in Beaune, France – The Wine Capital of Burgundy
Where to stay in Beaune
Budget: 2-star Ibis Budget Beaune. Scores 7.4 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid-range: 3-star Hostellerie de Bretonnière - Groupe Logis Hotels. Scores 8.1 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Novotel Beaune. Scores 8.2 /10 from guest reviews.
Luxury: 5-star Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa Beaune. Scores 8.6 /10 from guest reviews.
Days 12 & 13: Versailles, France (2 nights)
The driving time between Beaune and Versailles is three hours. Factor in more time for your drive if you plan to make stops along the way.
Best things to do in Versailles
I think we all know what to do in Versailles, don't we? Yes, visit the Palace of Versailles, home of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Wander around the lavish interior of the palace and stroll through the manicured gardens down to the lake.
In the evening, get tickets for the fireworks display that takes place between March and October - it's an event not to be missed with fireworks, music and bubble machines! You can read all about the fireworks display here: How To See The Spectacular Versailles Evening Fountain and Firework Show
Where to stay in Versailles
Budget: 2-star Royal Hotel Versailles. Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews.
Mid Range: 3-star Hotel des Lys. Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews.
Comfort Luxe: 4-star Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Hotel. I stayed here and loved it. Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews.
Day 14 - Versailles to Calais (Le Shuttle)
The driving time between Versailles and Coquelles, Calais is three hours and 20 minutes. Remember to allow extra time to arrive at Le Shuttle before your boarding time.
On the departure day, you could take breakfast in one of the outdoor cafes opposite the Palace of Versailles, or maybe have breakfast in bed as a last holiday treat.
If you have time, you could always drive the 45-minute journey to Giverny and see Monet's house and gardens or spend a few extra days in Paris to see the sights of the capital.
Is a trip to Europe worth doing by car?
Yes! Going on a European road trip is a fantastic way of experiencing several countries in one go. Driving around Europe lets you stop when and where you want to soak up the scenery. No more looking out of a coach or train window, wishing you could explore somewhere that you briefly glance at through the window.
Having a car also means that if you really don't want to come home, you could add another week to your Europe trip itinerary and visit some of the beautiful towns and villages in Northern France. Whatever the decision, so much of Europe is waiting to be explored!
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
Please PIN for Future Travel to Europe
Are you looking for further European travel guides? Please check out the following posts:
Central Italy: 10 Beautiful Hidden Gems Waiting To Be Discovered
Discover The Delights Of Southern Italy: 10 Beautiful Hidden Gems
Sicily’s Hidden Gems: 10 Sensational Places off the Tourist Trail
10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Spain in Autumn
10 Days in Portugal: A Perfect Portugal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
16 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in the South of France
9 Most Beautiful French Beach Towns Worth Visiting
The Perfect 3-Night Budapest Itinerary: Culture, Food, and History
Tromso To Lofoten: The Ultimate Bucket List Road Trip Itinerary
Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.