Europe Trip Recap: Where We Went

This was our first trip to Europe, and we were able to enjoy an unforgettable adventure, weaving together breathtaking cities and storybook landscapes during our two weeks there. From the charm of Amsterdam’s canals to the historic streets of Krakow, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, every stop gave us a new perspective on culture, history, and beauty. We capped it off with stunning mountain views in Füssen and Lucerne an itinerary packed with highlights that I'm excited to share with you. 

This is the first of a three-part series where I'll share:

1. Where We Went
2. What We Did
3. What We Learned

Traveling in Lay-Flat Business Class Seats

Before I tell you all about where we went in Europe, I have to first tell you about the amazing experience of flying to and from Europe in Lay-Flat Business Class seats! The eight hour flight was a lot of fun thanks to each of us having a comfortable cubicle to ourselves, seats that could be a recliner or a full flat bed, and three course catered food. We also were able to wait and have unlimited food and drinks in the luxurious flagship lounge before our flight! These seats normally cost $4,100 each, but we got them for free by booking them for 55,000 points! 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam was the perfect place to begin our trip. Thanks to its many canals it is called "the Venice of the North", and it has so many placed that you can travel to by boat. It was filled with historic architecture and so many fascinating places that have been crafted with intentionality for hundreds of years.,It also is a very vibrant city with hustle & energy around every corner. (Fun fact: Amsterdam has 900,000 residents and 1.1 Million bikes city-wide!)

We spent 2 days, 1 night in Amsterdam. Overall, I'm glad we went to and explored it, but it's probably not a place that we would return to for a second visit.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow had a lot of rich history and old-world charm, where every piece of the cobblestone streets seemed to tell a story. It offered a unique blend of beauty and depth that made it an enjoyable place to explore as an authentic, "non-touristy" destination.

We spent three days, two nights in Krakow. This stop had personal significance, because my wife's family is Polish and she was able to see, hear, and taste so many things that especially reminded her of her grandparents.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague felt like stepping into a time machine, with its dramatic skyline, medieval bridges, and historic atmosphere. It's one of the only cities in which war-time bombs have never fallen, so it's hundreds of years of history have been well-preserved.

We only spent around 20 hours in Prague, but wished we had more time. We loved the things we were able to see and felt like we only scratched the surface. This was also the point in the trip where we shifted from flying between cities to taking trains. This was to intentionally enjoy a leisurely pace and to be able to take in all the scenic views between our stays.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna impressed us with its grand architecture and a refined atmosphere which made the city feel both regal and inviting. Located on the Danube River there was so much to see and experience of the Austrian culture.

We spent three days, two nights in Vienna, and this was my favorite city out of all the places we went. I loved how bike-friendly the city was to navigate, it felt like the incredible architecture was endless, and there was an fascinating music-scene that we really enjoyed.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg greeted us with a picturesque charm, framed by the Alps and filled with an unmistakable sense of music and culture. Its blend of natural beauty and historic character made it seem like we had just entered into a movie. (The hills were alive with the sound of music!)

We stayed two days, one night in Salzburg and made the most of our time there. This was the beginning of a refreshing shift away from the major, historic metropolitan areas to more of the small-town charm, which my wife especially enjoyed.

Fussen, Germany

Füssen was a storybook village come to life, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and breathtaking scenery. Its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and scenic setting made it a highlight of our journey.

We stayed two days, one night in Fussen, and we can't wait to return here on a future trip. One of the best decisions we made was taking a train from Salzburg to Fussen that took us through some of the most scenic parts of the Bavarian Alps.

Lucerne, Switzerland 

Lucerne combined stunning lake views with the dramatic backdrop of the Swiss Alps, creating a setting that felt almost unreal. With its serene atmosphere and unforgettable landscapes, Lucerne was the kind of place that made us slow down and simply take it all in.

We were in Lucerne for four days, three nights before flying home from Zurich. This was a really relaxing place to be able to wind down. Our luxurious hotel balcony overlooked the lake, offered a full view of the Alps! As great as those things were, Lucerne didn't totally live up to the pre-trip hype after we had explored the mountains and enjoyed the views, because Switzerland is really expensive (Even though we covered it all with points) and the city wasn't easily walkable.

A Dream Became a Reality

Looking back on all of it, we are incredibly grateful. What seemed like a far-off dream or a once-in-a-lifetime trip was filled with memories and places that we were able to enjoy for free, thanks to our points! I'm so glad for all of the places we went and the pace we chose for this trip. In one way, that allowed us to do recon and discover the places and things we really enjoyed and that we want to return to.