5 Weeks in Central & Southern Europe
When we originally planned on travelling Europe, we booked ourselves on a Contiki tour. Who doesn’t love having their whole itinerary planned out for them? We were pleased that we could see a big percentage of Europe’s 50 countries without too much hassle!
Then the dreaded C-word hit, and our tour was cancelled.
Fast-forward two years, and ten weeks before the Christmas holidays were upon us, Jarryd floated the idea again of a Europe trip. We jumped right into planning mode, but this time decided to organise the itinerary ourselves, and we really feel like we hit the nail on the head!
This itinerary will have you traversing nine countries, exploring ancient cities, savouring regional delicacies, and discovering hidden gems through Central and Southern Europe. From the grandeur of Vienna to the warmth of the Mediterranean coast, our 5-week itinerary promises a whirlwind of unforgettable moments.
You’ll be visiting:
Geneva, Switzerland
Zürich, Switzerland
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Salzburg, Austria
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czechia
Bratislava, Slovakia
Budapest, Hungary
Zagreb, Croatia
Ljubljana, Slovenia (+ Bled)
Venice, Italy
Florence, Italy (+ Pisa)
Lanciano, Italy
Naples, Italy (+ Pompeii)
Rome, Italy
Let the adventure begin!
When did we visit?
Before we get into it, I think it’s important to say that we did this trip in December and January of 2022/2023. As teachers, this time of year gives us six weeks off from work because in Australia it’s our summer holidays. That means in the northern hemisphere, we were able to experience both Christmas and New Years abroad!
There are definite benefits to going at this time of year. Weather-wise, it’s definitely cold, but it’s not freezing. We were after the feeling of a white Christmas and definitely had that in the Bavarian mountains, which turned on the snow for us! Otherwise, this trip was a little more temperate.
Christmas and New Years are obviously very busy and expensive times of year for travel, however we found that prices and crowds were much lower after the first few days of January.
Thirdly, Christmas markets! These run all through the season and into January, and are a serious feast for all the senses! As both a huge Christmas lover (Nicola) and a partial Grinch (Jarryd), we both had an amazing time visiting these markets all across Europe, and would consider them a highlight of the holiday.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Europe’s Most Magical Christmas Markets here.
Could you do this trip at any other time of year? Absolutely! You’ll just need to factor in that weather, crowds and prices will obviously fluctuate.
Day 1 - Geneva, Switzerland
Now, truth be told, Geneva had never been on our radar as a must-visit city. The reason we started here? It was the cheapest flight into Europe from Perth. But we were pleasantly surprised!
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city, Geneva, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and international influence.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Discover the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain & relax alongside Lake Geneva
Stroll along the charming Old Town's cobblestone streets
Explore the United Nations headquarters
Indulge in Swiss chocolate & fondue
Walk along Promenade de la Treille, which boasts scenic city views & the longest wooden bench in the world
Climb St. Pierre’s Cathedral and be rewarded with beautiful views of the city and lake
See more information about our 24 hours in Geneva here.
Day 2 - Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and is seriously picturesque, filled with medieval architecture alongside its modern new town. Despite being a very large financial and urban hub, we found this city to be charming and very peaceful. We spent a lot of time meandering through the Altstadt (Old Town) and didn’t expect to love Zürich as much as we did.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Visit Lindenhofplatz, a historic lookout with panoramic views of Zürich and the Alps
Wander through the historic heart of Aldstadt, with its medieval buildings and narrow alleyways. Don't miss Grossmünster and Fraumünster, two iconic churches.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Lake Zürich promenade & Limmat River. You can also take a boat ride to admire the city's skyline and the Alps in the background.
Take a guided tour of the beautiful Zürich Opera House
Day 3 - 4 - Berchtesgaden, Germany
In the heart of Bavaria, this charming town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Berchtesgaden is a destination where nature, culture, and history converge, offering an unforgettable travel experience in the heart of the Bavarian Alps.
We could talk for DAYS about how beautiful Berchtesgaden is! This was, by far, our favourite destination on the trip. Now, we’ll be honest, without a car it’s quite a lengthy journey to get there (more on how we got around later), but we promise you it will be all worthwhile!
Highlights & Recommendations:
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Berchtesgaden National Park
See the iconic Königssee with its crystal-clear waters
Immerse yourself in history at the Eagle's Nest, Hitler's former mountain retreat (closed in winter)
Wander through the quaint streets of Berchtesgaden's Old Town
Take the cable-car up the Jennerbahn for stunning mountain views and potentially some snow!
Day 5 - Salzburg, Austria
You may know of this city due to its two largest claims to fame: the birthplace of Mozart or, more importantly, the filming location of The Sound of Music! The latter is the whole reason we visited.
We were only in Salzburg for roughly 24 hours, and the tour we went on was four of them, however an extra perk of this tour was we got to see a fair bit of the surrounding landscapes and some nearby towns, which wouldn’t have been possible if we were exploring on our own!
Highlights & Recommendations:
The Sound of Music tour, run by Panorama Tours. This was a lot of fun for both of us; a die-hard fan who grew up watching this on repeat, and someone who watched it for the first time a few weeks before we flew out
Try a traditional apple strudel
Explore the Mirabell Palace and its well-curated gardens
Take a funicular ride up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest and best-preserved medieval castles
We didn’t do this ourselves, but if we had a little more time we would have considered attending a Mozart dinner concert in the evening, where you can enjoy classical music and a delicious meal in a historic setting
Day 6 - 8 - Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s imperial splendour is second to none. We were breathless from the moment we emerged from the underground station and found ourselves face to face with the ornate Stephansdom Cathedral. Vienna is known for its historic grandeur and provided the perfect backdrop for us to spend Christmas.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Immerse yourself in the history of Schönbrunn Palace, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers
Try the Sachertorte, a delicious Austrian cake, at the Hotel Sacher (where it claims to have been invented)
Visit the Sisi Museum and learn all about the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria
Walk or take a tram ride along the Ringstrasse, a grand boulevard encircling the city, lined with historic buildings, including the Parliament, City Hall, and the Burgtheater
Enjoy some traditional Austrian cuisine (we recommend wiener schnitzel and tafelspitz) at Café Diglas or Griechenbeisl
Day 9 - 11 - Prague, Czechia
Prague made a lasting impression on us, standing out with its vibrant buildings, red-tiled rooftops, and enchanting ambiance. It was one of the rare cities that emerged from World War II with its medieval buildings still in-tact, which makes Prague an essential stop on your European adventure!
Highlights & Recommendations:
Witness the hourly show of the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval wonder that dates back to 1410. You can also climb the tower for phenomenal views!
Explore Prague Castle, which includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the picturesque Golden Lane
Enjoy Czech beer at a traditional pub, and savour local dishes like goulash and trdelník (chimney cake, yum!)
Discover the rich Jewish heritage of Prague by visiting the Jewish Quarter
Walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues and offering incredible views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle
Day 12 - 13 - Bratislava, Slovakia
Okay, so the whole reason this place ended up on our itinerary was because of that one scene in Eurotrip. HOWEVER, after visiting, we would actually consider this city unmissable! We loved it so much that we added an extra 24 hours and chose to spend New Years Eve here instead of Budapest, as we had originally planned.
As a side note, if you’re looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year, we highly recommend! The celebrations felt a lot more authentic than it probably would have felt if we were lost in a giant crowd in a bigger city.
With its intimate size and rich heritage, Bratislava is a perfect destination for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path European adventure.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Explore the iconic Bratislava Castle
Visit the beautiful Blue Church, known for its unique blue façade and intricate decorations
Try bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi - SO GOOD if you’re a cheese lover)
Climb to the top of Michael's Gate for panoramic views of the Old Town. It's the only preserved gate from the medieval fortifications
Take an elevator up to the UFO Observation Deck for stunning views of the city and the Danube River. It's especially beautiful at sunset. Or so we hear. We couldn’t see anything through a blanket of fog.
Go on a free (just pay a tip!) walking tour through the city. We did the Spooky Legends of Bratislava tour, which was super interesting.
Day 14 - 18 - Budapest, Hungary
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a food lover, an art connoisseur, or simply a traveller seeking a memorable adventure, Budapest is a city that leaves a mark on every visitor.
We originally intended to spend three days here, but shuffled things around so we could add more time. Budapest is divided into two historic sides, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River and joined into the city ‘Budapest’ in 1873. There is so much to see and do on each side of the river, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore!
Highlights & Recommendations:
Take a scenic cruise along the Danube River to see Budapest's landmarks from the water, especially captivating in the evening
Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Admire the fairytale-like towers of Fisherman’s Bastion
Explore the magnificent Buda Castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the Royal Palace, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Budapest History Museum (really interesting!)
Visit the New York Café, which claims to be the most beautiful café in the world
Day 19 - 20 - Zagreb, Croatia
When people think of Croatia, they usually imagine a picturesque Mediterranean coastal city with sparkling blue water. This is exactly how we pictured it too, until we visited Zagreb, Croatia’s capital , and we were very surprised to find Gothic and Austro-Hungarian inspired architecture in this quaint city!
Highlights & Recommendations:
Take one of the world’s shortest funiculars from the Lower to the Upper Town
Visit the unique Museum of Broken Relationships, featuring a collection of personal stories and artefacts from failed relationships
View the beautiful mosaic tiles on the roof of St. Mark’s Church
Walk down Tkalciceva Street, lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, perfect for people-watching and enjoying a coffee or meal
Explore the beautifully landscaped and peaceful Mirogoj Cemetery
Day 21 - 23 - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Wow. Slovenia is nothing short of beautiful. We were absolutely enchanted by the cobbled streets and Ljubljanica River, which cuts straight through the heart of the city and separates the old town from the modern.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Visit the iconic Ljubljana Castle, perched atop a hill with panoramic views
See the symbol of Ljubljana, the Dragon Bridge
Explore the bustling Central Market, where you can find fresh produce, local products, and traditional Slovenian snacks
Visit the central square and the stunning pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
Relax in Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest park, with beautiful pathways, gardens, and the Tivoli Castle
Day Trip: Bled
This picturesque Alpine town, centred around the pristine Lake Bled, is just a short drive (or bus trip) from Ljubljana, making it the perfect day trip! Firstly, the natural beauty of Slovenia will blow you away as you make the journey, but your jaw will drop when you reach the lake and look around at the snow-capped mountains and castle on the cliff.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle around the picturesque Lake Bled
Take a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island, home to the charming Church of the Assumption and the iconic wishing bell
Savor the famous Bled Cream Cake (Kremšnita) at a lakeside café while taking in the views
Day 24 - 25 - Venice, Italy
A unique, magical maze of canals, bridges and beautiful old buildings. It’s really a destination like no other.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Explore Piazza San Marco, the iconic heart of Venice, home to St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge's Palace
Experience a traditional gondola ride through Venice's winding canals, accompanied by the songs of the gondoliers
Cross the famous Rialto Bridge, an iconic symbol of Venice
Marvel at beautiful Murano glass in the many artisanal shops
Take a free walking tour and learn the history of this unique city
Day 26 - 27 - Florence, Italy
Florence, with its unparalleled artistic heritage and architectural splendour, seems to stand frozen in time amid a treasure trove of art, history, and culture.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Admire the magnificent marbled Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - you can also climb the Duomo for panoramic views of the city, which we loved! (be prepared for quite the climb)
Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the city still lined with shops
Explore the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most renowned art museums, housing an extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci
Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views of Florence and its iconic skyline
Just eat a whole lotta food
See more information about our 48 hours in Florence here.
Day Trip: Pisa
Less than two hours away from Florence, Pisa is a nice little outing filled with iconic architecture. We found it to be the perfect day trip, and felt as though we’d accomplished everything we wanted to see in half a day.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Explore the Campo dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa), and the Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)
Day 28 - 30 - Lanciano, Italy
Lanciano? We’re betting you probably haven’t heard of this town. This is where Nicola’s grandparents were born, raised and married, prior to moving to Australia, so we headed here to spend a few days with extended family. While we don’t expect people to make the journey out to this small town in particular, we highly recommend you take the time to visit somewhere off the beaten track in Italy. We had the most amazing time here experiencing authentic life in an Italian town that is seriously ancient (dating back to around 1100BC).
If you want to use these few days elsewhere on your trip, we suggest adding Sorrento to your travel itinerary instead, or using these extra days as a “buffer” in case you want to spend more time in one of the other cities listed.
However, if you’re interested in visiting Lanciano (we do recommend), read on!
Highlights & Recommendations:
Learn about the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano at the Church of San Francesco. It is one of the most famous Eucharistic miracles in the Catholic Church's history.
Explore the ruins of the Lanciano Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside
Wander through Lanciano's charming historical center, characterized by narrow streets, medieval buildings, and local shops
See if there’s a local festival or celebration on! We just serendipitously happened to be there for the Farchie festival, which was incredible to experience
See more information about Experiencing a Traditional Celebration in Regional Italy here.
Day 31 - 32 - Naples, Italy
Naples is chaotic and amazing. It’s definitely got a different vibe than any other city on this itinerary. With its well-preserved culture and a tumultuous ancient history, Naples is gritty but incredibly charming.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Ride the funicular up to Morghen and see the stunning views at the belvedere di San Martino, which boasts stunning views of Naples and Mt Vesuvius
Visit Castel Sant’Elmo
Explore the Lapis Museum and tour the old aqueducts underneath the city of Naples (SO interesting)
Savour a pizza margherita in the birthplace of this famous pizza; bonus points if you get it from L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Day Trip: Pompeii
The ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD, is an archaeological wonder. We were there from open to close, and despite exploring for 8 hours, there were still parts of the city we never got to see (a return trip, perhaps?). We tackled Pompeii self-guided, but met people on the train home who booked a tour led by an archaeologist. They got to see and hear about so many hidden-in-plain-sight gems that our rookie eyes completely overlooked. If we were to ever visit again, I think we’d do it with a guide!
Day 33 - 35 - Rome, Italy
What can we say about Rome that you haven’t heard a million times before? This timeless and romantic city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for very good reason! The ancient architecture and cobblestone streets have inspired artists for thousands of years, and there is so much to see and discover.
Highlights & Recommendations:
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
Explore the iconic Colosseum & tour the inside of the ancient ampitheatre
Visit Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the famous Sistine Chapel
Climb the Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps, and enjoy the bustling Piazza di Spagna
Marvel at the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple turned church
Eat plenty of gelato
Planning your own trip to Europe? Pin this post for later!
And just like that, five amazing weeks of travel is over! We hope you enjoyed this itinerary and would LOVE to hear from you! Does this sound like the perfect trip? What would you add or swap?
We will also be adding posts about each of these destinations in more detail, including information about where we stayed and how we got there. In the meantime, feel free to contact us below with your thoughts, feedback or questions, or message us on Instagram.