Arrive at Frankfurt Airport and drive to the Black Forest region, famous for its dense forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. Stay in a cozy cabin in the woods and enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic drives through the natural beauty of the region.
Drive to the Alsace wine region, home to picturesque vineyards and charming towns. Spend two days exploring the wine route, visiting medieval castles, and tasting local wines and cuisine. Highlights include the Riquewihr and Eguisheim villages and the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.
Drive to the Swiss Alps and stay in a cozy chalet in the village of Wengen. Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland region with hikes, cable car rides, and scenic train rides. Don't miss the views from Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe.
Drive to Salzkammergut, Austria's picture-perfect lake district. Stay in the town of Hallstatt and explore the region's crystal-clear lakes, charming villages, and stunning mountains. Highlights include a boat ride on Hallstätter See, a hike in Dachstein-Salzkammergut National Park, and a visit to the Eisriesenwelt ice cave.
Drive to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital city. Explore the city's world-famous thermal baths, historic buildings, and delicious food. Highlights include the Széchenyi Baths, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and a river cruise on the Danube.
Drive to the mystical region of Transylvania, home to rugged mountains, medieval castles, and folklore. Stay in the town of Brașov and explore the region's highlights, including Bran Castle (aka Dracula's Castle) and the fortified churches of Viscri and Prejmer.
Drive to the Ardennes region in Belgium, known for its lush forests, rivers, and historic towns. Stay in a cozy cabin and enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking. Don't miss the town of Dinant, known for its imposing citadel and stunning views over the Meuse river.
Drive to Brussels Airport and catch your flight home.
It is recommended to rent a car for this trip as it offers more flexibility and convenience to reach the various destinations. Total travel distance is approximately 3,700 km and estimated cost for gas is around €350. Train and bus options are available between major cities but may be limited for some of the smaller destinations.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Bavarian Alps in Germany or the Dolomites in Italy. If you have less time, skip a destination or shorten the stay in certain locations. Make sure to check opening times and book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel season.
The main airports included in this itinerary are Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Brussels Airport (BRU), and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Frankfurt Airport is located 12 km from Frankfurt city center, Brussels Airport is located 12 km from Brussels city center, and Budapest Airport is located 16 km from Budapest city center.