Epic 10-Day Central Europe Road Trip: Hungary, Italy & Croatia Highlights

Day 1: Road trip & dinner

Debrecen to Alsóörs, Hungary on September 19, 2025

2:00pm

Depart Debrecen

Begin your 5.5-hour scenic drive west through the Hungarian countryside towards Lake Balaton and your cozy Airbnb in Alsóörs.

0HUF, 5h30m

7:00pm

Check-in at Airbnb Cottage

Arrive at your charming lakeside cottage near Tihany, a perfect base for exploring Lake Balaton.

0HUF, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner at Régi Idők Udvara Skanzen és Étterem

Enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes in a rustic atmosphere to unwind after your long drive. Reservation confirmed.

Approx. HUF6000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Breakfast & travel

Alsóörs to Monfalcone, Italy on September 20, 2025

7:45am

Depart Airbnb

Leave early to ensure timely arrival in Tihany for breakfast.

0HUF, N/A

8:30am

Breakfast at Vibe Caffe&Brunch

Start the day with excellent coffee and a delicious brunch in central Tihany, open from 8am.

Approx. HUF3000, 1h

10:00am

Local Bike Rental in Tihany

Rent a bike for an hour to explore the scenic Tihany Peninsula and its lavender fields.

Approx. HUF1500, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Monfalcone

Set off on a 5.5-hour drive crossing into Italy, enjoying shifting landscapes en route.

Toll and fuel approx. EUR60, 5h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at House31

Arrive before the 6pm check-in cutoff at your accommodation in Monfalcone.

Prepaid, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at La Rocca

Dine on authentic Italian seafood and local specialties in a cosy setting.

Varies, N/A

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Day 3: Lake Garda arrival

Monfalcone to Lake Garda, Italy on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Check-out from House31

Complete morning check-out then prepare for breakfast.

0EUR, N/A

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Chantilly

Enjoy freshly baked Italian pastries and coffee to fuel your day.

Approx. EUR5, 45m

10:00am

Drive to Lake Garda

Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Italy's largest lake, enjoying views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Toll and fuel approx. EUR20, 4h

2:00pm

Explore Lake Garda

Spend two hours walking and admiring lakeside sights before check-in.

0EUR, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at La Palme Camping Village

Settle in for a comfortable stay at a lakeside camping village.

Prepaid, N/A

5:00pm

Late Lunch at Ristorante Camping Le Palme

Enjoy traditional Italian dishes with lakeside views in a casual setting.

Approx. EUR20, 1h

6:00pm

Explore Local Area

Take a peaceful stroll around the lake and browse nearby local shops.

0EUR, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner on the Lake at Ristorante La Terrazza

Dine lakefront with spectacular views and authentic Italian cuisine.

Approx. EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 4: Travel & Florence

Lake Garda to Florence, Italy on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Check-out from Camping Village

Depart accommodation to begin your journey south to Florence.

0EUR, N/A

8:30am

Breakfast near La Palme or Sirmione

Grab a quick breakfast at Bar Caffè del Porto, featuring pastries and coffee.

Approx. EUR5, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Florence

Enjoy a 4-hour scenic drive through Tuscany en route to Florence.

Toll and fuel approx. EUR40, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Explore diverse Italian food stalls offering quick and authentic bites.

Approx. EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon Walking Tour of Florence

Discover landmarks like Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo on a guided walk.

Free or EUR20 guided, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Florence Accommodation

Relax at your hotel or Airbnb before evening plans.

Prepaid, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

Savour traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with excellent local wines.

Approx. EUR30-40, 2h

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Day 5: Art & Gardens

Florence, Italy on September 23, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with fresh espresso and pastries at historic Florence café.

Approx. EUR5, 30m

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Admire Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo; pre-book tickets for smooth entry.

EUR75 total for 3 tickets, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Enjoy authentic Tuscan dishes in a warm, rustic setting loved by locals.

EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens

Stroll through grand Renaissance gardens with sculptures and panoramic views.

EUR10, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee and Gelato

Refresh at Ditta Artigianale or nearby gelateria with quality coffee or gelato.

EUR8, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Cammillo

Savour traditional Tuscan dishes in a cosy restaurant near the Arno River.

EUR35, 2h

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Day 6: Pasta & wine experience

Florence, Italy on September 24, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a peaceful morning espresso and pastries before culinary activities.

Approx. EUR5, 30m

11:00am

Pasta Making Class

Hands-on cooking class learning to make Tuscan-style fresh pasta from scratch.

Approx. EUR70-90 per person, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch - Pasta Enjoyment

Relish the pasta you made, paired with local sauces and wine included in class.

Included in class fee, 1h

4:00pm

Wine & Food Tasting

Sample Tuscan wines with cheeses and cured meats at a local enoteca like Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina.

Approx. EUR30-50, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on Your Own

Choose a light meal or relax after a day of culinary indulgence.

Varies, Flexible

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Day 7: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Check-out and drive to Venice

Depart early for a 3-hour drive north to romantic Venice.

Toll and fuel approx. EUR30, 3h

11:00am

Arrive & Check-in Venice

Settle at your accommodation for a 2-night stay in Venice.

Prepaid, N/A

12:00pm

Lunch near Venice Canal

Try traditional cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at All’Arco, open from 11am.

Approx. EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Venice

Sightsee iconic landmarks including St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace, using vaporetto for convenience.

Approx. EUR20 for vaporetto pass, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner in Venice

Dine at Osteria alle Testiere with fresh seafood and Venetian specialities in an intimate setting.

Approx. EUR40-50, 2h

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Day 8: Venice sightseeing

Venice, Italy on September 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Florian

Experience historic café culture at St. Mark’s Square, open from 9am.

Approx. EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Murano and Burano Islands

Explore Murano's famous glassmaking and Burano's colourful houses via vaporetto boat.

Transport approx. EUR20, 4h

3:00pm

Return and Relax

Relax back in Venice or enjoy a serene Grand Canal boat ride.

Approx. EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Sample authentic Venetian dishes in a quiet location favored by locals.

Approx. EUR40, 2h

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Day 9: Croatia stopover

Venice to Croatia on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Check-out and drive to Croatia

Start your drive south to your one-night stay in Croatia, timing depending on exact location.

Toll and fuel approx. EUR40, 3h approx.

11:00am

Explore Local Croatian Town

Enjoy sightseeing or a walk around markets and harbours to soak in local culture.

0EUR, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch - Local Croatian Cuisine

Taste regional seafood, truffles, or wines at a traditional konoba tavern.

Approx. EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Rest & Leisure

Relax at your accommodation and enjoy peaceful surroundings before dinner.

Prepaid, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner in Croatia

Dine on fresh Adriatic seafood or traditional Croatian dishes locally.

Approx. EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 10: Return journey

Croatia to Debrecen, Hungary on September 28, 2025

8:00am

Check-out and begin drive home

Start your long 9-10 hour drive back to Debrecen, factoring in rest stops.

Tolls and fuel approx. EUR80, 10h

12:00pm

Lunch Stop

Take a break at a convenient highway restaurant or town for meals and coffee.

Approx. EUR15, 1h

6:00pm

Arrival in Debrecen

Complete your memorable road trip arriving home safely.

0HUF, N/A

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