People often ask me, what has been my favorite destination over the years? It’s an incredibly tough question to answer, because every trip is such a unique experience! From belly-dancing lessons in Turkey to motorbiking all over Bali, from running with the bulls in Pamplona to dancing on tables in Mykonos, each trip leaves a lasting memory that I can never forget!
However, one of my favorite trips is one I planned totally on a whim. If you don’t know by now, I LOVE a good road trip. Flying is easy, but I just love hopping in a car, hitting the road, and truly experiencing every step of the journey. While the larger cities in Europe are typically the most popular with tourists, stopping along the way in the smaller towns really lets you immerse yourself into the destination.
While wedding planning has limited the amount of international travel lately (stay tuned for AMAZING honeymoon content from our trip to Asia!), I wanted to share this itinerary from one of my favorite trips to help map out your next adventure!
When most people plan a trip, they have a solid plan. For me? I book the flight 3 weeks in advance, then I wing it. Sounds crazy, yes – but planning a trip this way allows me to really dive into the destination once it’s booked, find new destinations I would’ve never discovered, and map out the best adventure. There are too many dreamy destinations in the world to narrow down ONE, so why not book a flight then figure it out? Hence how I found myself road tripping in a Sixt BMW for a couple weeks in Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and more. It was one of the most amazing experiences, and I highly recommend adding this journey to your travel list!
So many of y’all have asked about Slovenia, so I wanted to share my full itinerary. Every stop along the way made this trip SO special, so I highly recommend this route if you’re looking for your next trip! I had always dreamed of visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia – so after I booked my flight to Budapest and realized I could make it happen, I was completely ecstatic and I wanted to create the perfect itinerary to make the most of my Eastern Europe getaway.
Rather than listing a specific amount of nights, I want to list the stops so you can choose how many nights to spend in each city! I do recommend spending the most time in Budapest and Lake Bled, so if you’re going to stay more than 2 nights in each city, choose these two!
How To Get Around
The first step to planning the perfect road trip is to pick the perfect rental car. Renting a car in Europe is surprisingly easy, but there are a few tips to know before getting started!
- First of all, choose the right rental car. I partnered with Sixt for my road trip and had the absolute best experience. Their customer service was fantastic, and my car was safe, luxurious, and reliable.
- While you do not need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Europe, it doesn’t hurt to get one! I visited my local AAA in Dallas to register for one, and it was super easy!
- Pay attention to borders – Unlike crossing the border between Mexico and the US, you do not need to show your passport to cross borders. Instead, you need to purchase a new permit to enter each country. Before each border, there is often a gas station where you can easily purchase a permit for the next country!
- Gas is expensive – Before you get too excited about finding a rental for a steal, be sure to consider the price of gas will most likely be high – especially when you’re traveling through the Julian Alps!
To read more tips about my experience with BMW for Sixt, click here!
Stop 1: Budapest, Hungary
Budapest was the first stop (and the last), and honestly I could’ve spent a full week here! Budapest is often called the “Paris of the East”, and once you visit you will completely understand why. From the gorgeous architecture to the charming streets, the city is absolutely magical. One of the most interesting facts about Budapest is that the city was originally twin cities, Buda and Pest. While the two merged in the 1800s after the Chain Bridge was built, Buda and Pest each continue to have a unique flair separate to one another. I stayed on the Buda side of the city at the lovely Baltazar Budapest Boutique Hotel and loved it! Buda has more of a historic feel with tourist hotspots like the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, and the colorful architecture lining the cobblestone streets is so dreamy! In contrast, Pest is more of the modern side of the city with shopping, nightlife, the Jewish Quarter, and the famous ruin pubs!
Next time, I think I’ll stay on the Pest side, but you can’t go wrong with either! Click here to read my Budapest guide and my Baltazar hotel review. Be sure to schedule a dinner at Rezkakas, drinks and hookah at Szimpla Kert, and a day at one of the famous baths!
Check out my posts Budapest City Guide and Baltazar Budapest Hotel Spotlight to learn more!
Lunch Break – Graz, Austria
Since I spent a large portion of this route driving through Austria, I stopped in Graz for a quick lunch along the way! Graz is the second largest city in Austria and a UNESCO heritage site, so this charming city is definitely worth a visit! Stop by Old Town for a bit of exploring, then bring some coins and park your car along the River Mur and take the Schlossbergbahn funicular up to the Schlossberg for a lunch at Restaurant Schlossberg (or Starcke Winzerhaus if you’re looking for something more casual!) overlooking the city. Here you’ll find the best views of the city, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a taste of Austria before hitting the road for Bratislava. Fun fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger was born here and there is a little museum here to celebrate him!
Stop 2: Bratislava, Slovakia
Let me start by saying, Bratislava doesn’t get the credit it deserves. I don’t know if it’s the movies or if it’s simply overshadowed by other towns, but I loved Bratislava! I stayed at The Roset Boutique Hotel (formerly known as Tulip House), and my suite was HUGE and so perfect for my stay. The town was so historic and charming, and I loved visiting the historic sites and castles while I was there. The highlight was definitely having dinner in the UFO over the top of the Bratislava Bridge (note: if you’re scared of heights, the rooftop is much higher than it appears!). I spent two nights here and I feel like I saw most of the city! (Note: if you’re a vegetarian like me, most of the cuisine is very meat-heavy!)
Check out my posts Bratislava City Guide and The Roset Boutique Hotel to learn more!
Stop 3: Lake Bled, Slovenia
I’m packing my bags, and I’m moving here! Kidding, but this is hands down my favorite stop of the trip – and maybe one of my favorite destinations of all time. I saw a photo of Lake Bled about 10 years ago, and I was determined to find my way to this fairytale destination in the Julian Alps. Let me just say, it’s even more magical in person than it is in photos! Hard to believe, I know. Book a room at Vila Bled (formerly the summer home of Yugoslavian president, Tito) and spend your afternoon row boating across Lake Bled to the enchanting chapel in the center of the lake. Walk through Vintgar Gorge and soak in the gorgeous waterfalls, hike through Triglav National Park, enjoy the views from Bled Castle, and end the day with a glass of wine and a Kremsnita Cake at Cafe Belvedere. Vila Bled was one of those places that feels like you’re taking a step back in time, and it was one of the most serene destinations I’ve ever visited. It was simply magnificent, and I hope you will choose to visit this dreamy location!
Check out my Vila Bled Hotel Spotlight or my Lake Bled City Guide to learn more!
Pit Stop – Predjama Castle + Postojna Caves
As you depart Lake Bled, be sure to make a stop at Predjama Castle and Postojna Caves on your way. Predjama Castle feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, and it’s carved out of a mountain – definitely one of the most unique castles I’ve ever seen!
After exploring Predjama Castle, head over to the nearby Postojna Caves. While it may sound cheesy, I highly recommend taking the train tour through the caves. The views are stunning, and it’s a hidden gem you must see! (Note: there is an incredibly cool event space hidden in the caves – destination wedding, anyone?)
Stop 4: Ljubljana, Slovenia
If you road trip through Slovenia, no trip is complete without a stop in Ljubljana, the country’s capital. The city definitely has that Eastern European charm, and the colorful buildings lining the local river is the ultimate charm. Grab a coffee at one of the riverside bistros and enjoy the views. Slovenia is known as one of the safest countries in Europe, and the locals are incredibly friendly. I stayed at the Urban Hotel, and really enjoyed the cozy feel, modern updates, and friendly staff – plus the location was great for exploring the city! Fun fact: Did you know much of Waterford Crystal is manufactured in Slovenia? Get ready to stock up on many home goods when you visit the city!
Stop 5: Lake Balaton
If you’ve never heard of Lake Balaton, this is one of Hungary’s best getaways from the city! With crystal-clear water, rolling hills, wine-tasting, delicious restaurants and so much more, this is definitely a place to stop for a night on your route!
During my trip, I chose to stay in Siofok, which is known for attracting young tourists with it’s lively party/clubbing scene. Instead of turning my trip into a party destination, I chose to stay at the Mala Garden wellness hotel with Bali-inspired design to create a soothing and serene environment. I opted out of the nightlife and instead enjoyed R&R at the hotel, daily sunbathing on the dock, relaxing spa treatments, evening Aperol Spritz overlooking the lake, and dinners in the hotel’s delicious restaurant! Adding in a “beach-y feel” to the mountainous road trip was definitely worth it!
While I absolutely loved my hotel, if I did this trip again, I would stay on the other side of Lake Balaton to be closer to the local wineries!
Click here to read more about Mala Garden Hotel
Stop 6: Budapest, Hungary
After a loop around Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia, it’s time to travel back to Budapest! As I mentioned above, I chose to stay on the Buda side during my original stay – so this is a perfect time to stay in Pest to switch up the trip!
Finale: Long layover in Berlin
One of my favorite tips for traveling is to book a long layover during flights. While some people don’t love the additional travel time, I think it’s such a fun way to add a random destination to your journey. Best of all, flights are usually less expensive when you book this way! Extra city for half the price? Always a win! On my way back to the US from Budapest, I added an overnight stop in Berlin, Germany and I couldn’t recommend it more! The airport was close to the city and easy to navigate. I booked a room at a cute boutique hotel on Hotel Tonight and spent the afternoon exploring! If you’re only in Berlin for a day, I recommend taking a walk through Tiergarten Park – where on the way, you can pass The Brandenburg Gate and The Reichstag for a little cultural immersion. End the night with drinks at Monkey Bar! Monkey Bar was atop of the 25hours Hotel and Bikini Berlin with the best views of the city, amazing cocktails, and upbeat vibes! Plus it’s a great place to connect with other travelers – all with unique stories!
Travel Tip: Use the code “EFLOWERS11” on for 20% back after your first booking (up to $50) the Hotel Tonight app
** If you are looking to add more stops to my itinerary, I recommend: Vienna, Austria; Venice, Italy; or Zagreb, Croatia! **
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway or Eastern Europe has been on your bucket list for quite a while, I highly recommend this itinerary for your visit! Out of all of the places I’ve visited, this route has remained one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I did!