10 Day Euro Road Trip

Berlin, Germany

Krakow, Poland

Vienna, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Venice, Italy

 In July, I was lucky enough to catch up with my parents. They were over in Europe for a month, doing their own trip, and invited me to join them for some of it. I was still working in Newquay so booked 10 days off and flew over to meet them in Berlin. Because the goal was to fit 5 different cities into a 10 day trip our time in each city was cut short. However, we managed to fit in the highlights and get a good glimpse of each beautiful and unique city.

In Berlin we took a stroll down past the East Side Gallery, admiring the graffiti commemorating Germany's history. We stopped at Check Point Charlie, now manned by German sounding 'American Soldier's', walked under Brandenburg Gate, and caught a boat cruise down along the canal that divides and creates contrast between the old and the new buildings. 

As soon as we drove across the German border, and juddered along the heavily potholed road, we knew we were in West Poland. A few hours later we arrived in the beautiful Krakow. A city I was told by many to visit. Here we explored the Old Market Square, and Wawel Castle. We also managed to make time for a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine, definitely worth a visit. You explore a mere 3% of the vast salt mines, seeing statues and even a room built entirely out of salt including the stairs and chandeliers. Though it's not for the faint of heart, claustrophobic's may not cope well.

Next stop was Vienna, Austria. Here, we were hit by very changeable weather; storms causing us to seek out the safety of the Albertina art gallery. It was full of amazing pieces including those of Picasso himself. By late afternoon the storm had passed allowing us to take a dip in the Danube. 

Staying in Austria we ventured further west towards the German/Austrian border to the picturesque city of Salzburg. Known to many as where the Sound of Music was set. Of course the American film isn't actually that well known to the residents of Salzburg. Here we explored some of the surrounding lake districts and went up to Hitler's Nest where our view of the mountains was unfortunately clouded by lots of fog. I have to say Salzburg is the most photogenic place I've been yet.

Final stop was Venice. We were actually staying just outside of Venice and due to getting on the wrong train (towards Rome!) we only had a few hours before my flight back to London. A ferry to St Mark's Square and water taxi back along the Grand Canal made the short time in Venice well worth the effort. It was an emotional and tearful goodbye, 10 days is not enough. But I was fortunate enough to get to see my parents on the other side of the world!