Start your journey in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit the famous Marienplatz, which is the heart of the city and has a variety of attractions for all ages. Don't miss the Hofbräuhaus, the oldest beer hall in the city, and take a walk in the beautiful English Garden that covers more than 900 acres.
Travel to the charming city of Salzburg, famous for being the birthplace of Mozart. Visit the Hohensalzburg Castle, an iconic hilltop fortress that offers stunning views and interesting history. Take a stroll through the Altstadt (old town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and snap photos at the famous Mirabell Palace, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Travel south to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. Visit the Upper Town, which has many historical landmarks and buildings including the St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at the Botanical Garden and the Maksimir Park. Make sure to try some local Croatian cuisine.
Visit the beautiful natural wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its pristine lakes, waterfalls, and walking trails. Take a guided tour or explore on your own and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is lots of walking involved. This is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy the stunning beauty of Croatia's natural landscape.
Head to Split, a beautiful coastal city on the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the Old Town area. Walk along the Riva Promenade for beautiful views of the sea and sail around the nearby islands.
Travel to Austria's capital, Vienna. Visit the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial palace and still a political and cultural hub of the city. Explore the beautiful Belvedere Palace, a Baroque masterpiece that houses a fantastic collection of Austrian art. Take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater amusement park.
Visit the stunning Salzkammergut Lake District, one of the most beautiful destinations in Austria. Take a scenic drive around the lakes or go for a boat ride on one of the lakes. Hike or bike through the picturesque countryside and visit the charming villages in the area.
End your trip in Munich, and enjoy your last day exploring this beautiful city. Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairytale castle that inspired the design of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Walk through the Viktualienmarkt, a daily food market where you can find fresh and local produce. Lastly, visit the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest science and technology museum with over 28,000 exhibited objects.
Consider renting a car or taking a train for a faster and more comfortable trip. A rental car could cost around €75-120 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental period, and train tickets can be found for €40-80 per person, depending on the distance and time of travel. Keep in mind that driving in Europe can be challenging, especially in big cities, so make sure to research traffic rules and parking options beforehand.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the stunning city of Dubrovnik, Croatia or the historical city of Prague, Czech Republic. If you have less time, skip the Salzkammergut Lake District and add another day for exploring Munich or Vienna. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and sunscreen for sunny days.
The main airports for this itinerary are Munich Airport (MUC) in Germany, Salzburg Airport (SZG) in Austria, and Zagreb Airport (ZAG) in Croatia. Munich Airport is located about 17.7 miles northeast of Munich city center, Salzburg Airport is located about 2.5 miles southwest of Salzburg city center, and Zagreb Airport is located about 10.5 miles southeast of Zagreb city center.