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Rotterdam, Netherlands
Your starting point. Top up supplies, check the car, and hit the road south. The A15 motorway will take you swiftly toward Germany.
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Cologne, Germany
A great first overnight stop on the way south. Visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral and grab a Kölsch beer in the Altstadt. Easy highway connection onward to Austria.
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Munich, Germany
Stop in Bavaria for the English Garden, world-class beer halls like Hofbräuhaus, and stunning Alpine scenery on the city's doorstep. A convenient gateway into Austria.
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Salzburg, Austria
Mozart's birthplace is a Baroque gem nestled between mountains. Walk the Getreidegasse, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress, and enjoy Mozartkugeln chocolates before pushing south.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia's charming capital has a castle-topped old town and a vibrant café scene along the Ljubljanica River. Don't miss a day trip to stunning Lake Bled just 55 km away.
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Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia's capital is often overlooked but rewards visitors with a lively Upper Town, great museums, and excellent local food markets. A perfect lunch or overnight stop on the way south.
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Split, Croatia
Split's old town is literally built inside Diocletian's Palace — a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. Enjoy fresh seafood on the Riva promenade and use it as a base to explore nearby islands or Krka National Park.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia
The 'Pearl of the Adriatic' stuns with its limestone old town and medieval walls. Walk the complete city walls for panoramic sea views and take a cable car up Mount Srđ at sunset.
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Kotor, Montenegro
A walled medieval city nestled inside a dramatic fjord-like bay — one of the most scenic spots in the Balkans. Climb the fortress walls for breathtaking views over the Bay of Kotor.
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Tirana, Albania
Albania's colourful and fast-changing capital is one of Europe's most underrated cities. Visit Skanderbeg Square, explore the lively Blloku district, and try traditional byrek and tavë kosi.
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Ohrid, North Macedonia
Ohrid sits on one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes and is often called the 'Jerusalem of the Balkans' for its many ancient churches. The old town, St. Naum Monastery, and the lakeside sunsets are unmissable.
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Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria's capital surprises with its mix of Roman ruins, Soviet architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Serdica ruins, and the buzzing Vitosha Boulevard.
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city has a beautifully preserved old town with colourful Revival-era houses and a Roman amphitheatre still used for concerts. A relaxed and artsy stop on the way to Romania.
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Bucharest, Romania
Romania's grand capital blends Belle Époque architecture with communist-era grandeur — the Palace of Parliament is the world's second-largest building. The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) has great nightlife and Romanian cuisine.
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Brasov, Romania
A medieval Saxon city ringed by forested mountains in Transylvania. Visit the Gothic Black Church, explore the old town walls, and take a short drive to the legendary Bran Castle, associated with Dracula.
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Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Transylvania's cultural capital is a youthful, vibrant university city with a strong café culture and great local food scene. St. Michael's Church and the Central Park are lovely spots to explore before crossing into Hungary.
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Krakow, Poland
One of Central Europe's most beautiful cities with a magnificent medieval market square and Wawel Castle. A deeply moving visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial (80 km away) is highly recommended.
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Berlin, Germany
Germany's electric capital is the perfect final stop before heading home. Walk the remaining East Side Gallery murals, visit the Brandenburg Gate, and enjoy world-class food and nightlife in Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg.
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Rotterdam, Netherlands
Welcome home! The drive from Berlin is roughly 6 hours on the A2 motorway. Unpack, rest, and relive your incredible Balkan adventure.