Today, more and more travellers are attracted by the concept of van holidays. It's the best way to feel free, change scenery on a daily basis and travel at your own pace. Not to mention the practical aspect, with everything you need on board for sleeping, eating and storing equipment for activities. In Europe, it's easy enough to plan a roadtrip lasting a few weeks and crossing several borders. From England, why not set your sights on Slovenia, a Balkan country renowned for its breathtaking scenery? Here's a sample itinerary with stops that are sure to appeal.
1. A first stop at Dover before the crossing
From England, a van roadtrip inevitably includes a ferry crossing. You can set off from Dover, for example, and make the most of a trip to the south-east of the country to discover some of the country's finest treasures. Just 1 hour's drive away is the village of Rye, a real favourite in Sussex. Take your time wandering through the picturesque lanes and admiring the facades, before entering the artisan and antique shops. Mermaid Street is listed as one of the most beautiful streets in England, and there's always a good time when you're sharing a drink in one of the bars. The scenery in Dover is magnificent, with high white cliffs, patches of vegetation and the sea. The coastal paths are perfect for taking in the sights and capturing some superb shots. After these discoveries, it's off to France by ferry.
What better way to travel than in a comfortable van like the Malibu van, now manufactured at the new, modern factory in Ormo? in north-east Slovenia? This van, which has all the essential equipment for a roadtrip, stands out for its modern appearance, large living room, sleeping area, practical kitchen with extended work surface, flexible bathroom and plenty of storage space.
2. Discovering Strasbourg
Situated in the east of France, not far from the border with Germany, Strasbourg is a city not to be missed. You can take a leisurely stroll through its historic centre, home to its superb Gothic cathedral built of pink sandstone. Strasbourg also has a picturesque UNESCO-listed district, La Petite France, with colourful half-timbered houses, canals and Alsatian restaurants dotting the cobbled streets. The city has museums to help you understand its history, as well as some unusual places, such as the museum dedicated to objects linked to the vodou cult. Van enthusiasts who want to spend a few days in the area can also get out of town and explore the vineyards of Alsace. Wine tasting, discovering villages that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale, Alsace is a fascinating region.
3. A stopover in Munich
After a 5-hour drive from Strasbourg, the van roadtrip continues on to Munich. We start by exploring the monuments of its historic heart, Marienplatz. The city boasts a number of buildings that are a must-see, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Nymphenburg Castle and Königsplatz. As a cultural city, don't miss a visit to the Pincothek to admire art from the 14th century to the present day. In the evening, the Maxvorstadt district is the place to be for a drink or dinner in the picturesque surroundings. After stocking up on fresh produce at the Viktualienmarkt, the advantage of being in a van is that you can easily leave the hustle and bustle of the city to find more peace and quiet in the countryside. Just 30 minutes from Munich, Lake Starnberg is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. You can cycle or walk along the shores of the lake, hire a boat for a cruise or simply relax on the beach.
4. A few days in Salzburg
As we said in the introduction, a van roadtrip from England to Slovenia is an opportunity to cross several borders. Once you've arrived in Austria, head for Salzburg, the romantic city where Mozart lived throughout his life. You can start by visiting the house where this musical genius was born. Salzburg is an ideal stop-off point for lovers of history and architecture. The old town is sublime, and you can plan a visit to the masterpieces such as the Hohensalzburg fortress, Nonnberg Abbey, Mirabell Castle and its gardens, or St Peter's Abbey and Church. The Austrian city is also home to a number of museums. From the city itself, it's easy to see that it's surrounded by captivating natural landscapes and lush greenery. With a van, you can plan to go hiking and wake up to breathtaking views of the Tennengebirge mountains. Or stroll along the shores of the crystal-clear lakes of Salzkammergut.
5. Another bucolic lake in Slovenia
Our arrival in Slovenia continues with a rest on the shores of Lake Bled. This is one of the country's picture-postcard landscapes. A little Alpine paradise where you can commune with nature. From the summit of Mala Osojnica, you can see the grassy, tree-lined shores of the lake and its transparent waters. In the background, the high Alpine mountains, the old castle balanced on its cliff and the small island with the church. The place is so beautiful that you could spend hours wandering around, looking at it and taking photos. But there are other splendours in the area. Just 4km from the lake, the Vintgar Gorge, with its translucent water, rocky walls and abundant vegetation, is best explored by strolling along wooden footbridges. A stopover at Lake Bled is a real opportunity to see that one of Slovenia's strong points is its unspoilt nature.
6. Ljubljana and Velika Planina
There's so much to say about a van roadtrip in Slovenia. There are many possibilities in terms of sightseeing. Once you leave Lake Bled, a visit to the capital is recommended. Quite simply because it is one of the greenest and most pleasant cities in Europe. It is also very interesting from an architectural point of view, with medieval and baroque architecture. It's a very pleasant place to stroll around this human-sized capital. After walking the length and breadth of the city, we climb back into the van to head for Velika Planina. This green plateau offers countless opportunities for short walks and longer hikes in the heart of its verdant landscape. This is where you can visit Europe's largest shepherd's village, with its traditional huts. Green meadows, mountain flowers, cows tinkling their bells, traditional Slovenian dishes - all the ingredients are there for you to take in the sights, recharge your batteries and indulge yourself.
