By caravan from Hannover to Istria

This is where your trip begins. Make the most of the early morning to get out of the city before rush hour.

A peacefully located campsite on the Main river in Franconian wine country, easily reached with the caravan via motorway and flat country roads. A short walk takes you into the charming little wine town of Frickenhausen with its town walls. Ideal for settling in after the first long leg.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A well-developed campsite right on the warm Ossiacher See in Carinthia, perfect for cooling off after the drive. The approach via the Tauern motorway (A10) uses tunnels rather than steep passes and is well manageable with the caravan. In the evening you can swim from the gently sloping lakeshore and enjoy your first southern sunset.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The final leg to the coast. Use the morning and plan the border crossings into Slovenia and Croatia without time pressure.

A spacious coastal campsite north of Rovinj with pebble coves, pine shade and views of the offshore islands. From here you can reach the Venetian-influenced old town of Rovinj within a few minutes' drive or via the coastal cycle path. This site is your first fixed base for six nights, so you can arrive at ease and leave the caravan in place.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The Zlatni Rt forest park south of Rovinj offers shaded pine paths and several easily accessible pebble coves with clear water. An ideal spot for swimming and lounging on your first full holiday day. Drive there with the tow vehicle - the caravan stays at the campsite.

The old town crowds picturesquely onto a peninsula, crowned by the Church of Sveta Eufemija with wide views over the Adriatic. Narrow lanes, small galleries and fish restaurants invite an evening stroll. Park the car in one of the ground-level car parks on the outskirts and walk the last stretch.

The well-preserved Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century is one of the largest in the world and impresses even from the outside. Inside, an exhibition tells the story of Istria's ancient olive oil and wine production. A highlight for a morning before heading off to swim.

The Kamenjak peninsula south of Pula is a nature reserve with hidden coves, turquoise water and a wild charm. Perfect for snorkelling and swimming away from the busier beaches. Drive there by car along a gravel track - take it slow and steady.

This early Christian basilica from the 6th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dazzles with golden wall mosaics. From the bell tower you get a lovely view over the old town and the harbour. A peaceful cultural stop for the morning.

At Poreč market you'll find fresh fish, Istrian cheese, olive oil, truffle products and seasonal fruit. A good place to pick up ingredients for dinner at the campsite. Small stalls invite you to sample as you go.

Small excursion boats leave from Rovinj harbour for the nearby islands of Sveta Katarina and Crveni Otok, with calm swimming coves. A relaxed day on and in the water, with no need for the car. Tickets are available directly at the quay.

The artists' town of Grožnjan sits atop the gentle hills of the Istrian hinterland and is full of galleries, studios and stone-paved lanes. The approach follows winding but not steep country roads, easily manageable with the tow vehicle. A peaceful contrast to the coast, with views over vineyards and olive groves.

Perched on a hill above the Mirna valley, Motovun is famous for its town walls and the truffle forests surrounding it. From the town walls you get sweeping views over the woods where the prized truffles grow. Local restaurants let you sample Istrian specialities with fresh truffle.

A family-friendly campsite near the seaside resort of Rabac, with clear pebble beaches and a sheltered bay. Istria's east coast is greener and more protected from the wind, ideal for the second half of the week. From here you can quickly reach the hilltop town of Labin and other coves.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The well-known pebble beach at Girandella slopes gently into the turquoise-clear water and is well suited to a relaxed beach day. Cafés and sun loungers are right on site. Reachable on foot or with the tow vehicle from the campsite.

The old mining town of Labin sits on a hill above Rabac, with colourful façades, narrow lanes and viewing terraces over the Kvarner Bay. Small galleries and cafés make for a pleasant morning stroll. Park at ground level below the old town and walk up.

Excursion boats leave Rabac along the green east coast for secluded swimming coves and grottoes. A relaxed day on the water with swim stops and views of the island of Cres. Book tickets directly at the harbour.

Pula's historic market hall, dating from 1903, offers fresh fish and seafood downstairs, with fruit, vegetables and Istrian specialities outside. A lively spot for anyone who enjoys tasting and shopping. Pick up some Istrian olive oil and cheese for the rest of your stay.

A peaceful, little-visited bay on the southeast coast with easy access and clear water. A good spot to spend the afternoon after visiting the market. Drive there with the tow vehicle along a country road.

Rabac's waterfront promenade links several small coves and invites you to stroll, swim and enjoy an ice cream. A quiet day to gather your energy before the journey home. Everything is within walking distance of the campsite.

A shaded, pine-fringed bay right next to the campsite, ideal for one last long beach day. Use this quiet day to start packing up and getting the car ready. That way, you'll set off tomorrow without any stress.

For an overnight stop on the way home, the well-known site by the warm Ossiacher See is a good choice once again, with a flat approach via tunnels rather than passes. This way, you can comfortably split the long journey home into stages. In the evening, you can enjoy one more swim in the lake before continuing north.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here