Your 2026 Travel Bingo Card – Tick off the most European Countries in a single trip

With the Continent offering such a diverse range of cultures, cuisines and experiences on our doorstep, a quick ferry trip across the Channel can provide a taster to what is on offer. Our Travel Bingo Road Trip sees you visit five countries in just one 4-day trip.

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Sleep to the sounds of the sea – UK to the Netherlands

There are three cruise ship-style ferries that will take you to the Netherlands, from Newcastle to Amsterdam with DFDS, Hull to Rotterdam with P&O Ferries and Harwich to Hook of Holland with Stena Line. You can make the most of your time by sailing overnight and arriving in the Netherlands the following day. Cabins all have en-suite private bathrooms and there is a range of restaurants, bars, lounges and entertainment on board, for you to relax and start to enjoy your break.

Day 1 – I spy a windmill! The Netherlands

Drive off the ferry, past iconic windmills and into Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague (all within 50 miles of each other) to spend the rest of the day exploring one of the Netherlands most iconic cities. Rich in cultural heritage, the country has over 600 museums dedicated to art, science and history, it even has a Cheese Museum. And, with so many Dutch cities shaped by canals, there’s a chance to familiarise yourself with the country from a kayak or paddleboard.

Tip: Buy Stroopwafels to take home – pop one over your afternoon cup of tea or coffee (like a lid) to soften the caramel – yum!

Day 2 – Diamonds, Chocolates and Chips. Belgium and Germany

Chocolatier Burie © Jonathan Ramael

Drive to Antwerp in Belgium (2h20 from Amsterdam, 2h from Rotterdam), famous for being a world centre for the diamond trade. Don’t miss the Grote Markt (main square), with its 16^th century buildings including the City Hall and the Brabo Fountain, and the ornate Central Station. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town and have lunch in one of the many cafes or, as Belgium is the birthplace of French Fries, grab a portion of frites from the frituur. The city is also home to Rubens, the famed Baroque painter, for those keen to treat their eyes as well as their stomachs.

Tip: If diamonds are out of your price range, then Belgian chocolates make for a more affordable souvenir. You’ll have plenty of choice.

Head back to the car and drive south to spend the night in Trier (3h20 from Antwerp), one of Germany’s oldest cities and birthplace of Karl Marx.

Day 3 – Pop in to Europe’s richest country. Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium

Discover Trier’s Roman past, there’s baths, an amphitheatre and bridge to visit as well as the picture-postcard medieval old town and Karl Marx’s House – a museum dedicated to the writer’s life.

Germany is well known for its beer, so if you like beer then Trier is a good place to stock up. Trier is also in Germany’s Moselle wine region, which produces some great Riesling white wines.

Tip: If you’re seeking something rarer, then the Moselle also produces Eiswein, a type of dessert wine from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The wine can only be made if the frost comes before the grapes spoil.

Luxembourg City Old Town

After lunch drive the short distance to Luxembourg (45 mins), possibly Europe’s richest country per capita. Luxembourg City’s location is the show-stopper. The medieval fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is poised on top of sheer cliffs going down to theAlzette and the Pétrusse rivers. Discover the underground fortifications and stroll along the “Chemin de la Corniche” to be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city. 

Tip: Park in one of the Park and Ride (P+R) car parks and get public transport into the centre. Public transport in Luxembourg is free and so are most of the P+R car parks.

Drive to Dinant, in the Belgian Ardennes (1h35 from Luxembourg) to spend the night.

Day 4 – Dungeons and Dragons, Belgium and France

The Calais Dragon

Check out the fortified Citadel on an outcrop above the town, either climb the 408 steps or take the cable car up to discover the history of the town from 15^th century to the Great War, before setting off towards Calais.

Stop off in La Coupole, just south of St Omer (3h 10 from Dinant). The site was intended as a base for launching Nazi V2 rockets and now houses a History Centre & Planetarium, covering the development of the V2 rocket and the space race – the designer of the V2 rocket program went on to work at NASA.

Often overlooked, Calais is definitely worth a stop before boarding the ferry. Just 40 mins drive from La Coupole. Don’t miss a ride along the seafront on the unusual Calais Dragon, a mechanical dragon that acts as both an art installation and tourist attraction. Also, the art-deco Town Hall and 72 metre UNESCO belfry are worth a visit. Make sure you stock up at the hypermarket with goodies to take home before going to the port. Check updated government advice on which food products you can bring back into the UK before you make any purchases of meat and dairy products.

Tip: Stock up on Duty-Free either in the DFDS shop in Calais Port or once you get on board.

Check your Duty-Free allowance here.

Take the short, 90 mins ferry crossing from Calais to Dover with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries. Breathe in the fresh air or deck, have a bite to eat or upgrade your journey to a more premium experience and enjoy comfortable seating and complimentary soft drinks and snacks.