5 Month Road Trip
Our Trip was planned around the 90 Day Schengen Rule. Starting in England taking the Eurotunnel over to France, we travelled through Europe then made our way to the Balkans. Then headed back into Europe, travelling through Greece, before finally arriving in Turkey.
Want to read about our learning on the road & things we wish we knew before we left? Click HERE!
FULL BREAKDOWN INCLUDING SCHENGEN ZONES.
In Schengen
7 Days France - Switzerland
5 Days - Austria To Dolomites
12 Days - Slovenia
28 Days - Croatia
= 52 Days Schengen
Out Schengen
7 days - Bosnia & Herzegovina
14 days - Montenegro
21 days - Albania
*Alternatively you could extend your time in Bosnia, Montenegro & Albania to 90 Days. So then your 90 Days Restarts*
In Schengen
30 Days - Greece
= 82 Schengen Days Used in 124 days (180 Period Allowed)
*We saved 8 days incase we needed to do a speedy drive back to the UK*
Out Schengen
Turkey - 35 days
Our original plan was to do 3 Months Turkey/ Georgia so our Schengen days would restart and we could drive a different way back to Europe. But the weather quickly changed and we weren’t very prepared for how cold it was going to get. So we decided to ship our van from Turkey to UK instead - costing just £1,300!! Highly Recommend - ShipCars.co.uk
FULL ITINERARY BELOW!
England
We started our road trip on the Kent Coast Of England for 5 days, before taking the Euro-tunnel over to France. Being from England and never really ventured to this part of the country I was absolutely surprised by the blue waters and the seaside towns.
For The Full Itinerary Including Park Up Spots Click Here !
France To Switzerland
*7 DAYS IN SCHENGEN AREA*
After taking the Euro Tunnel, we hit the start of Europe in France. We have travelled France a lot so didn’t want to waste them Schengen days here. We did a quick whistle stop tour of Paris ( staying on a campsite outside the city so we could easily just jump a train in. Campsite: SANDAYA International de Maisons-Laffitte). Then headed to Switzerland where we spent the next 5+Days exploring one of our favourite places ever, Interlaken!
For Our Full Switzerland Itinerary Including Park Up Spots Click Here !
Wanting to spend more time in France? We 100% recommend The South Of France check out some of our favourite spots Click Here!
Austria To The Dolomites Italy
*5 DAYS IN SCHENGEN AREA*
The Dolomites has always been top of our bucket list - especially Pragser Wildsee. So we knew it would definitely be worth going off track for a few days and wow it did not disappoint!! We had to make this a quick stop off due to meeting family in Slovenia but would 100% recommend staying longer and checking out the surrounding towns/areas. We are already planning our next trip back!
On the way, we stopped via Innsbruck in Austria which was the perfect lunch stop to break up the drive and can say it’s worth a visit.
For Our Tips & Camp Spots for Pragser Wildsee - Domolites Click Here!
Slovenia
*12 DAYS IN SCHENGEN AREA*
What a country! We originally didn’t plan to spend much time here - mainly visiting Lake Bled & Ljubljana as we’d heard that wild camping was pretty strict and campsites weere pricey $. But then we heard about the mountains and after a little research we were on our way.
Adding Bovec to your itinerary is a must. The drive along the river is absolutely stunning and the views are just amazing.
Check out our full Slovenia Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Croatia
*28 DAYS IN SCHENGEN AREA*
To the coast! Just like Slovenia, wild camping was pretty strict and campsites were pricey $. However, thanks to the Park4Night app we managed to do 4 weeks in Croatia and still stay within budget. Croatia has everything to offer from beaches, national parks, old towns and a waterfall - it’s the perfect European dream.
We took the slow road and stumbled across the beaut Krk Island on way - somewhere we had never heard of and so glad we took the time to check it out. Krk Island has the most scenic drives, caves and secret beaches.
Check out our favourite bits in our Croatia Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Now It’s Time to head out the Schengen area!
*Top Tip! If you’re wanting to restart them 90 Schengen Days to make your trip longer, you can easily spend 90 Days in the next 3 countries - this will allow your days reset*
Bosnia & Herzegovina
*OUT THE SCHENGEN AREA*
We had heard mixed reviews about road tripping in Bosnia but have never felt more safe. If wild camping on a budget is your thing then this is your place. We barely touched the surface and just visited a few of the main areas on our way through to Montenegro, as we wanted to get to Greece/ Turkey whilst it was still Summer. We will definitely be back for a longer trip.
Check out our favourite bits - Bosnia Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Montenegro
*OUT THE SCHENGEN AREA*
A 14 day road trip was pretty perfect. We did miss out some of the coastal areas but read online a lot of them are pretty similar. Montenegro is one of them places where it is definitely worth visiting asap as its still not too popular and has so much to offer. Durmitor National Park is the best kept secret!
From the coast to the mountains, this was hands down one of our most scenic trips whilst on the road.
Check out our full Montenegro Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Albania
*OUT THE SCHENGEN AREA*
We spent 3 Weeks in Albania - mainly along the coast due to time constraints. We didn’t make it to the popular mountain town of Teth - this is something we will definitely be going back to do and if you have more time it would easily allow you to spend 4weeks+ in Albania.
Starting in Shkoder, we took a day trip to Shala River which is a little Asian dream in the middle of Albania. Then headed to the coast and wow, this was something else. The bluest waters we seen on our road trip, with opportunities to still park up and camp on the beach.
Check out our full Albania Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Greece
*30 DAYS IN SCHENGEN AREA*
Greece has a lot of ground to cover so we knew we needed to spend some time here. The mainland of Greece absolutely surprised us after not being able to find much online. It hands down had the best free camp spots.
During our time in Greece we also managed to visit some of the islands and if you haven’t heard it already MILOS is the BEST place ever!
Check out our full Greece Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
Turkey
*OUT THE SCHENGEN AREA*
At this point we were absolutely chasing that last bit on sunshine - starting our trip in Istanbul before heading to Cappadocia. Cappadocia needs to be on EVERYONE’S van life itinerary - waking up surrounded by hot air balloons, the views are just incredible and we struggled to leave.
Then there’s the coast of Turkey, which is just stunning - with inland lakes/ hot springs along the way.
Check out our full Turkey Itinerary including Camp Spots Click Here!
*Our original plan was to spend 3 Months Turkey/ Georgia but the weather quickly changed, so we decided to ship our van from Turkey to Uk instead - costing just £1,300!! Highly Recommend - ShipCars.co.uk*
For our packing list suggestions when travelling with a T25/T3 - Click HERE!