By motorhome across the Balkans to Meteora and Chalkidiki

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This trip is planned for 06 Sept – 26 Sept 2027.

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Day 1 · Mon 06/09 4:48 hr

From Nuremberg to Austria

Journey across the Alps

A relaxed travel day with just under five hours of driving.

The Arlberg can be tough going in a motorhome, so build in some buffer time.

Start

Nuremberg

This is where your trip begins. From Franconia you head south across the Alps into the Balkans.

333 km · 4:45 hr
Campsite

Panorama Camping Sonnenberg

A terraced campsite with sweeping views over the Walgau valley and the surrounding mountains. A great first stop after driving through Bavaria and over the Arlberg, with solid infrastructure and a restaurant. Ideal for a relaxed arrival.

32–42 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 2 · Tue 07/09 5 hr

Through Austria to Slovenia

Leg towards the Balkans

Around five hours of driving, after which an evening stroll by the lake is well worth it.

440 km · 5 hr
Campsite

Camping Bled

A spacious campsite right on the western shore of Lake Bled with its own pebble beach. From the site you can see the island church and the castle, and a circular path around the lake invites a stroll. A lovely place to break up the long drive.

35–48 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 3 · Wed 08/09 2:48 hr

Bled and on to Croatia

Alpine lake and motorway south

A short morning sightseeing session, followed by a relaxed drive.

You don't need a vignette in Croatia — instead there's a ticketed toll system.

2 km · 2 min
1
Sight

Blejski grad (Bled Castle)

Perched on a rock above the lake, Slovenia's oldest castle boasts a museum, a chapel and a magnificent panoramic view. The walk up takes around 20 minutes; with a motorhome you park below. A good morning stop before continuing your journey.

1:30 hr 15–18 € / person child-friendly
Website
206 km · 2:45 hr
Campsite

Camping Slapić

A peaceful nature campsite right on the crystal-clear Mrežnica River, perfect for swimming and cooling off. Family-run, with lots of greenery and shady pitches by the water. A good stopover on the way south.

26–34 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 4 · Thu 09/09 7:06 hr

Through Croatia and Serbia to Belgrade

Long Balkan leg

Expect additional waiting time at the EU external border.

In Serbia, tolls are ticketed and can be paid in dinars or euros.

A long leg — build in some breaks.

564 km · 7:03 hr
Campsite

Camping Dunav (Zabela)

A simple, quietly located site on the Danube east of Belgrade, useful as a stopover on the Balkan route. Don't expect luxury, but you'll find peace by the river and friendly hosts. A good starting point for heading further south.

20–28 € / night
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Day 5 · Fri 10/09 4:48 hr

From Serbia to North Macedonia

Onward through the Balkans

A second non-EU border, so have your documents and insurance card ready.

A vignette for North Macedonia is often sold at the border.

448 km · 4:45 hr
Campsite

Camping Sunny Lake (Lake Mladost)

A natural campsite on the shore of Lake Mladost south of Skopje, with swimming and plenty of peace and quiet. A good place to catch your breath before the final leg into Greece. Simple but clean facilities.

18–26 € / night child-friendly
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Day 6 · Sat 11/09 4 hr

Arrival in Greece – the monasteries of Meteora

Floating rock monasteries

After the border you're back in the EU toll system (tickets at toll stations).

Kastraki lies right beneath the rocks, so a short evening stroll is well worth it.

256 km · 4 hr
Campsite

Camping Vrachos Kastraki

A campsite with an unbeatable view straight onto the rock towers of Meteora, located on the edge of Kastraki. From the pool and many of the pitches you can see the sandstone pinnacles, which glow golden in the evening light. The perfect base for two nights.

26–34 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 7 · Sun 12/09 6 min

Meteora – Varlaam and the great monasteries

Monastery and views

Start early to avoid the crowds and the heat.

In the afternoon there's time to relax at the campsite or go for a short walk beneath the rocks.

2 km · 2 min
2
Sight

Varlaam Monastery

The second-largest of the Meteora monasteries sits atop a tall rock and is reached via a staircase. Inside you'll find magnificent frescoes, an old refectory and the historic winch once used to haul up supplies. The view across the valley is breathtaking.

1:30 hr 3 € / person child-friendly
Website
1 km · 1 min
3
Sight

Great Meteoron Monastery

The largest and highest-situated of the Meteora monasteries, with an interesting museum and a splendid main church. The climb up the rock-hewn steps rewards you with the region's most famous panorama. Ideal to combine with Varlaam on the same morning.

1:30 hr 3 € / person child-friendly
Website
Day 8 · Mon 13/09 5:48 hr

From Meteora to the Edessa Waterfalls

Waterfalls and a drive north

A lot of driving today overall, but the beach week starts straight after.

The waterfall park at Edessa makes for a welcome stretch of the legs.

A long leg — build in some breaks.

157 km · 2:50 hr
4
Nature

Edessa Waterfalls (Karanos)

Right in the heart of the town, the largest waterfall, Karanos, plunges around 70 metres into the depths, surrounded by a lush park. A path leads behind the water into a small cave, and there are viewpoints looking out over the plain. A refreshing stop on the way to Chalkidiki.

1:30 hr 0 € child-friendly
Website
202 km · 3 hr
Campsite

Camping Areti

A beautifully situated site on Vourvourou Bay with direct access to calm, shallow water and views of the offshore islands. Shaded pitches beneath pine trees and a great base for exploring Sithonia. Your first coastal base for two nights.

30–42 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 9 · Tue 14/09 24 min

Vourvourou Bay and the Diaporos islands

Turquoise bays

A rest day by the sea, well-earned after the long driving days.

Bring sun protection and water for the boat.

1 km · 12 min
5
Nature

Vourvourou Bay

One of Sithonia's most beautiful bays, with shallow, clear water and the small offshore Diaporos islands. From the shore you can hire boats or SUPs to paddle out to the islets' secluded beaches. Ideal for a relaxed beach day.

4 hr 0 € child-friendly
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1 km · 10 min
6
Activity

Boat trip to the Diaporos Islands

By hiring a small motorboat or joining a guided tour, you can explore the hidden coves and the blue lagoon around Diaporos island. The water is so clear you can see the bottom, and many of the anchorages are yours alone. A real highlight of the trip.

3 hr 60–120 € in total child-friendly
Website
Day 10 · Wed 15/09 18 min

Neos Marmaras and the mountain village of Parthenonas

Mountain village and coast

The mountain road up to Parthenonas is narrow, so drive with care.

In the afternoon, swim at Toroni beach.

16 km · 12 min
7
Town

Mountain village of Parthenonas

A lovingly restored stone village on the slopes of Mount Itamos, high above Neos Marmaras. Narrow lanes, old houses and sweeping views over the Toroneos Gulf make it a lovely spot for a coffee or a late breakfast. Access is narrow, so it's best to park below with the motorhome and cover the last stretch on foot or with the tow vehicle.

2 hr 0 € child-friendly
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5 km · 4 min
Campsite

Camping Castello

A campsite at the southern tip of Sithonia with direct access to a long, gently sloping sandy beach. A peaceful location and a good base for the beautiful bays of the west coast. Central for reaching Kavourotrypes the following day.

28–38 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 11 · Thu 16/09 18 min

The beaches of Kavourotrypes

White rock coves

Bring water shoes — access to the rock coves is stony.

Many Athos boat tours depart from Sarti.

18 km · 14 min
8
Nature

Kavourotrypes beaches

A chain of small coves with smooth white rocks and brilliant turquoise water on Sithonia's east coast. Hidden sand and pebble spots nestle between the cliffs, perfect for snorkelling and sunbathing. One of the most photogenic stretches of coastline in Greece.

5 hr 0 € child-friendly
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5 km · 4 min
Campsite

Camping Armenistis

A large, lively campsite on a gorgeous pine-lined beach near Sarti, with views across to Athos. Plenty of facilities, beach bars and enough space even for larger motorhomes. A great base for the east coast and the Athos boat trip.

32–46 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 12 · Fri 17/09 30 min

Boat trip along Mount Athos

The monastic republic from the water

The boat trip often takes half a day, so bring provisions.

There's time for the beach in the afternoon.

10 km · 15 min
9
Activity

Mount Athos viewing boat from Sarti

Since the monastic republic of Athos is closed to women and only accessible to men with special permission, the best way to experience it is from the water. The excursion boat sails at a respectful distance along the coast, passing the impressive monastery-fortresses that rise spectacularly above the sea. A unique view of one of the holiest sites in Orthodoxy.

5 hr 25–35 € / person child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Another night: Camping Armenistis
Day 13 · Sat 18/09 18 min

Rest day on Sithonia's east coast

Beach and relaxation

A deliberately unplanned day of rest.

Make the most of the tavernas for fresh fish and Greek cuisine.

9 km · 10 min
10
Nature

Sarti beach

A long, wide sandy beach with clear water and views out to Athos, lined with tavernas and cafés in the village. Gently sloping and great for swimming, plus a relaxed town centre for strolling. A day to recharge after an eventful week.

5 hr 0 € child-friendly
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Another night: Camping Armenistis
Day 14 · Sun 19/09 2:06 hr

Petralona Cave and on to Thessaloniki

Prehistory and the big city

A moderate driving day with an easily reached highlight.

For Thessaloniki, leave the motorhome at the site and take a bus or car to a park-and-ride.

86 km · 1:45 hr
11
Sight

Petralona Cave

This dripstone cave is where one of Europe's oldest human skulls was found, estimated at several hundred thousand years old. On the guided tour you wander through colourful chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, while a small museum explains the finds. A fascinating glimpse into prehistory.

1:30 hr 7–9 € / person child-friendly
Website
29 km · 22 min
Campsite

Camping Akti Retzika

A coastal campsite south of Thessaloniki with good access into the city and swimming in the Thermaic Gulf. A practical base for visiting Thessaloniki without taking the motorhome into the city centre. A peaceful spot by the sea.

26–36 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 15 · Mon 20/09 54 min

Thessaloniki and the White Tower

City by the sea

Thessaloniki is easy to explore on foot — build in a break on the waterfront promenade.

The motorhome stays outside the city centre.

13 km · 10 min
12
Sight

White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos)

Thessaloniki's landmark stands right on the waterfront promenade and houses a museum on the city's history. A spiral staircase leads up to the viewing platform with sweeping views over the bay and the old town. An ideal starting point for exploring the city on foot.

1:30 hr 6–8 € / person child-friendly
Website
1 km · 30 min
13
Sight

Ano Poli and the Rotonda

The upper town, Ano Poli, is the only part of Thessaloniki to have survived the great fires, with narrow lanes, Byzantine walls and panoramic views over the city. Along the way lie the early Christian Rotonda and the Arch of Galerius. A lovely afternoon walk back down to the waterfront.

2:30 hr 0 € child-friendly
Website

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)

Another night: Camping Akti Retzika
Day 16 · Tue 21/09 4 hr

Return journey – from Greece to North Macedonia

Homeward via the Balkans

The return journey begins, with easy legs under five hours.

Allow time for border formalities.

160 km · 4 hr
Campsite

Camping Sunny Lake (Lake Mladost)

A tried-and-tested stopover at Lake Mladost on the way back, peaceful and with swimming. A good place to end the first long leg of the journey home. The evening can be spent relaxing by the lake.

18–26 € / night child-friendly
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Day 17 · Wed 22/09 4:48 hr

Through Serbia to Belgrade

Balkan leg heading north

Another non-EU border, so have your insurance card ready.

Serbian tolls can be paid in cash or by card.

448 km · 4:45 hr
Campsite

Camping Dunav (Zabela)

A peaceful spot on the Danube as a stopover on the way back, practical and straightforward. A simple but friendly stop before continuing on to Croatia. An evening walk by the river is possible.

20–28 € / night
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Day 18 · Thu 23/09 7:30 hr

From Serbia to Croatia

Back in the EU

A slightly longer leg, but the sea awaits at the end.

After the border you're back under EU rules, with Croatia's ticketed motorway toll.

A long leg — build in some breaks.

596 km · 7:27 hr
Campsite

Falkensteiner Premium Camping Zadar

A well-kept campsite on the Adriatic near Zadar with direct sea access and good facilities. After the Balkan legs, the sea makes for a welcome stopover with swimming. Lovely pitches close to the water.

40–60 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 19 · Fri 24/09 4 hr

From the Adriatic to Slovenia

Coast and karst

A pleasant drive with a coffee break on the coast or in the karst region.

The last lake day of the trip.

343 km · 4 hr
Campsite

Camping Bled

One more stop at Lake Bled, this time on the way back, for a peaceful end to the journey. The lake is perfect for a swim and a stroll, and the backdrop of castle and island church is as lovely as ever. The final leg before the Alps.

35–48 € / night child-friendly
Website

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Day 20 · Sat 25/09 4 hr

Across the Alps to Austria

Heading home

A last night in the Alps, with a lovely evening by the lake.

A short, relaxed leg.

259 km · 4 hr
Campsite

Camping Seehof (Kramsach)

A family-run campsite on the Reintalersee in Tyrol, with swimming and mountain views. Ideal for spending the final night before heading home in a peaceful Alpine setting. Clean, cosy and easily reached from the Inntal motorway.

34–44 € / night child-friendly
Website
Day 21 · Sun 26/09 3:30 hr

From Tyrol back to Nuremberg

Arrival

The final leg, under four hours, for a relaxed return home.

Expect possible congestion before Munich, so allow a little buffer time.

287 km · 3:30 hr
Start

Nuremberg

Back at the starting point, your round trip comes to an end. From the northern Greek coast, across the Balkans and the Alps, you've made it back to Franconia.

This trip is planned for 06 Sept – 26 Sept 2027.

Copy it and move it to your own dates.

Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.