When you chase castles, cobbled streets, alpine peaks, and rich history across Europe, it becomes more than just a vacation—it becomes a story you’ll never stop telling. Here’s how we tackled an unforgettable multi-country road trip across Western and Central Europe—starting from the timeless charm of Paris and looping all the way back to Munich, carving through WWII battlefields, fairytale towns, and jaw-dropping natural wonders.
TOTAL DAYS
42
SEASON/MONTH
Spring/March-April
MODE OF TRANSPORT
Rental Car & Flight
PLACES VISITED
Western, Central, & parts of Eastern Europe
Paris to Normandy – Where It All Begins
📍Paris – We kicked off in the City of Lights. From the Eiffel Tower at sunrise to an evening cruise along the Seine, Paris was the perfect launchpad. Don’t miss:
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
- Croissants from a corner boulangerie
📍Normandy Beach & Omaha Beach – The road to Normandy is lined with history. Walking the beaches of Omaha and exploring the Normandy American Cemetery is humbling. A must for WWII history buffs.
📍Mont Saint-Michel – Rising like a mirage from the sea, this medieval abbey on an island is straight out of a dream. Time your visit with the tides!
Paris to Munich – The Bavarian Beat Begins
We flew from Paris to Munich to start the alpine leg of the journey.
📍Munich – The heart of Bavaria. Beer halls, pretzels, and a walk through Marienplatz made it the perfect urban recharge before hitting the road. Don’t skip:
- Hofbräuhaus beer hall
- Englischer Garten
- Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours away)
Munich to the Alps & Beyond – Scenic Peaks & Tiny Countries
📍Innsbruck, Austria – A postcard town surrounded by alpine beauty. Great for a ride on the Nordkette cable car or a stroll along the Golden Roof.
📍Liechtenstein – Blink and you’ll miss it—but it’s worth a quick drive-through and a stop at Vaduz Castle.
📍Grindelwald, Switzerland – A fairy tale village under the shadow of the Eiger. We rode the First Cliff Walk, hiked, and soaked in alpine views.
Nearby: Lauterbrunnen Valley (like a living postcard), Interlaken, and Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”).
Italy – Fashion Meets Mountains
📍Milan – Cathedral meets catwalk. We explored the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
📍Dolomite Mountains – Jaw-dropping. Drive through Val Gardena, stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and soak in one of the most scenic mountain ranges in Europe.
📍Venice – The city of canals never disappoints. Ride a gondola, get lost in alleyways, and admire St. Mark’s Basilica.
Croatia, Slovenia & Austria – Nature’s Masterpieces
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia – Turquoise waterfalls and wooden trails. This is nature’s Instagram feed before filters existed.
📍Bled, Slovenia – A dreamy lake with a tiny island church and a medieval castle overlooking it. Row to the island or take a traditional pletna boat.
📍Vienna, Austria – Classical music, grand palaces, and coffeehouses. Highlights include:
- Vienna Opera House
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Belvedere Museum
Some trips cross countries, others cross lifetimes — this one did both.
Central Europe – Castles, Spas & Tragedy
📍Budapest, Hungary – Split by the Danube into Buda and Pest, this city offered:
- Széchenyi thermal baths
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Parliament by night
📍Banská Bystrica, Slovakia – A lesser-known gem. Quaint town squares and mountains nearby. Great midpoint before hitting Poland.
📍Kraków, Poland – One of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Don’t miss:
- Day trip to Auschwitz (profound and emotional)
- Wawel Castle
- Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
From Gothic to Modern
📍Prague, Czech Republic – Charles Bridge at sunrise, Prague Castle, and old town magic. This city felt like a fairytale come alive.
📍Rotterdam, Netherlands – Modern architecture, cool cafes, and quirky museums. Totally different vibe from Amsterdam.
Nearby: Delft and The Hague if you want something more traditional.
The Western Loop
📍Rüdesheim am Rhein & Koblenz – Germany’s Romantic Rhine. Castles, vineyards, river cruises, and charming old towns.
📍Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bikes, canals, and stroopwafels. We wandered the Jordaan district and visited the Anne Frank House.
📍Brussels, Belgium – Home of chocolate, waffles, and the Atomium. Also try moules-frites and a Trappist beer or two.
📍Luxembourg City – Tiny, but packed with medieval forts, bridges, and scenic viewpoints.
📍Stuttgart, Germany – Car lovers rejoice. Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums are both here. Great last leg before closing the loop.
Back to Munich – Full Circle
Returned the car, savored one last bratwurst, and flew back to Sydney — full of stories, photos, and at least 12GB of Google Maps location history.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Dalai Lama
