Calais - 11 Days Itinerary

Drive to Cologne

Begin your road trip from Ghent, Belgium, driving towards Cologne, Germany.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the Belgian and German countryside.

Cologne Cathedral Visit

Explore the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Marvel at its towering spires and intricate stained glass.

Entry to the cathedral is free, but there's a small charge to climb the south tower for panoramic views. Dress respectfully.

Cologne Old Town Stroll

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Cologne's Old Town, admiring the colorful historic houses and enjoying the Rhine river views.

Don't miss the Fischmarkt and the Romanesque Great St. Martin Church.

Dinner in Cologne

Enjoy a traditional German dinner at a local brewery or restaurant in the Old Town.

Try Kölsch beer, a local specialty, and traditional dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork hock) or Sauerbraten (pot roast).

Drive to Rothenburg

Continue your journey through Germany, driving from Cologne to the picturesque medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, part of the Romantic Road.

Walk Rothenburg City Walls

Walk along the well-preserved medieval city walls of Rothenburg, offering unique views of the town's charming rooftops and narrow streets.

Access points to the wall walk are available throughout the town. It's a great way to get oriented and appreciate the town's history.

Explore Market Square

Discover Rothenburg's Market Square, home to the Town Hall and the Councillors' Tavern.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and admire the historic architecture.

Consider visiting the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum nearby for a unique insight into the past (entry fee applies).

Dinner in Rothenburg

Savor a traditional Franconian meal in one of Rothenburg's many cozy restaurants.

Try 'Schneeballen' (snowball pastries) for dessert, a local sweet specialty.

Drive to Füssen

Travel south through the scenic Bavarian landscape to Füssen, the gateway to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

Visit the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's fairytale creation.

Explore its opulent interiors and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.

Book tickets well in advance online as they sell out quickly. Arrive early to allow time for parking, shuttle bus/walk to the castle entrance.

Mary's Bridge Views

Walk to Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) for the most iconic panoramic views of Neuschwanstein Castle.

The bridge can get very crowded, especially in peak season. Be prepared for a short walk uphill from the castle.

Dinner in Füssen

Enjoy a Bavarian dinner in the charming town of Füssen after a day of castle exploration.

Drive to Innsbruck

Embark on a picturesque drive from Füssen into Austria, heading to the Alpine city of Innsbruck.

Golden Roof & Old Town

Explore Innsbruck's charming Old Town, focusing on the iconic Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), the city's most famous landmark.

The Golden Roof is best viewed from the street; there's also a museum inside (optional entry fee).

Nordkette Cable Car Ride

Take the Nordkette Cable Car from the city center up to the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps.

Wear layers, as temperatures can be significantly cooler at the top. The Hungerburgbahn section is designed by Zaha Hadid.

Dinner in Innsbruck

Enjoy an authentic Austrian dinner in Innsbruck's city center.

Try Tyrolean specialties like Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) or Gröstl (pan-fried potatoes with meat).

Drive to Salzburg

Depart Innsbruck and drive east towards Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music'.

Hohensalzburg Fortress Visit

Ascend to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles.

Explore its museums and enjoy panoramic views of Salzburg.

Take the funicular up to the fortress for a quick and scenic ride. Tickets can be purchased at the base station.

Stroll Mirabell Gardens

Wander through the beautifully manicured Mirabell Gardens and Palace, known for its Baroque architecture and 'Sound of Music' filming locations.

The gardens offer stunning views of the fortress and are free to enter.

Dinner in Salzburg

Dine in Salzburg's charming Old Town, perhaps near Mozart's birthplace, enjoying local Austrian cuisine.

Consider trying Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé dessert, if you have a sweet tooth.

Scenic Drive to Lindau

Depart from the Hallstatt/Salzburg region and embark on a picturesque drive through the Austrian and German countryside towards Lindau, a charming island town on Lake Constance.

Lunch in Lindau

Savor a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant on Lindau Island, perhaps trying some fresh fish from Lake Constance.

Explore Lindau Island

Wander through the charming old town of Lindau, visit the iconic lighthouse and Bavarian Lion at the harbour entrance, and enjoy the lakeside views. Discover historical buildings and narrow alleys.

Don't miss the Maximilianstrasse with its painted houses and the Old Lighthouse (Mangturm).

Dinner with Lake Views

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of Lake Constance, experiencing the tranquil evening atmosphere.

Drive to Interlaken

Depart from Lindau and drive towards Interlaken, Switzerland, passing through beautiful landscapes as you enter the Swiss Alps. The drive takes you past picturesque lakes and mountains.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your accommodation in Interlaken and have lunch at a local eatery.

Take some time to settle in.

Stroll through Interlaken

Explore the town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.

Walk along the Aare River and enjoy the atmosphere.

Interlaken is known as an adventure sports capital, but also offers charming shops and cafes.

Lake Brienz Panorama

Head to the eastern end of Interlaken to enjoy the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.

You can walk along the shore or find a nice spot to relax and take in the views.

Dinner in Interlaken

Enjoy dinner at one of Interlaken's restaurants, perhaps trying some traditional Swiss fondue or raclette.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Exploration

Take a short drive or train ride to the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its 72 waterfalls.

Explore the village and admire the towering cliffs.

Consider visiting Staubbach Falls, which tumbles gracefully over the cliff face.

Trümmelbach Falls

Visit the impressive Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, made accessible by a tunnel lift and paths.

Lunch in Lauterbrunnen

Enjoy lunch in Lauterbrunnen, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Alpine Village Visit (Mürren/Wengen)

Take a cable car up to one of the car-free alpine villages like Mürren or Wengen for stunning panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Enjoy a leisurely walk and fresh mountain air.

Relaxing Evening & Dinner

Return to Interlaken for a relaxing evening and dinner after a day of alpine exploration.

Drive to Colmar

Depart from Interlaken and drive north, passing through parts of the scenic Black Forest region in Germany before crossing into France to reach the charming town of Colmar.

Lunch in Colmar

Enjoy a delightful French lunch in Colmar, known for its Alsatian cuisine.

Explore Colmar Old Town

Wander through the picturesque streets of Colmar's Old Town, famous for its half-timbered houses, canals, and charming squares. Explore 'Little Venice' (La Petite Venise) and its unique atmosphere.

Consider a short boat tour on the canals of Little Venice for a different perspective.

Unterlinden Museum Visit

Visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece and a collection spanning from medieval to modern art.

Alsatian Dinner Experience

Savor an authentic Alsatian dinner in Colmar, trying specialties like 'tarte flambée' or 'choucroute garnie'.

Drive to Reims

Depart from Colmar and drive through the scenic Champagne region of France, arriving in Reims, a city rich in history and famous for its champagne houses.

Lunch in Reims

Enjoy lunch in Reims, perhaps near the city center, before starting your afternoon explorations.

Reims Cathedral Visit

Visit the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, where French kings were historically crowned.

Look for the 'Smiling Angel' statue and the stunning stained-glass windows, some designed by Marc Chagall.

Champagne House Tour & Tasting

Experience a guided tour of one of Reims' renowned Champagne houses, exploring their cellars and learning about the champagne-making process, followed by a tasting.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for specific times. Prices vary per house.

Dinner in Reims

Enjoy a final French dinner in Reims, celebrating the end of your journey through the champagne region.

Drive to Calais

Embark on the final leg of your road trip, driving from your last overnight stop to Calais, France.

Ensure your car is fueled and ready for international travel if you're taking the ferry/Eurotunnel. This assumes a starting point within a 2-hour drive of Calais, for example, from Ghent or another location in Northern France/Belgium.

Lunch in Calais

Enjoy a final French lunch at a local bistro or cafe in Calais, savoring regional specialties.

Look for establishments near the city hall for convenience and atmosphere.

Burghers & Hotel de Ville

Visit 'The Burghers of Calais' by Auguste Rodin and admire the grand architecture of l'Hotel de Ville de Calais, including its UNESCO-listed Beffroi.

The statues are an important historical monument, and the Town Hall's belfry offers a glimpse into local heritage.

Wine Shopping at Calais Vins

Stock up on French wines and spirits at Calais Vins, a leading duty-free store located conveniently near the port.

Take advantage of duty-free prices, especially if you're returning to the UK. Check customs allowances.

Calais Lighthouse Visit

Take a short detour to see the Calais Lighthouse and enjoy views of the port and coastline.

Climbing to the top offers panoramic views (check opening hours and access if you wish to go inside).

Depart from Calais

Head to the ferry terminal or Eurotunnel for your onward journey, marking the end of your trip.

Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures, especially during peak season. Have all your travel documents ready.