Europe Trip Recap: What We Did

Our two-week adventure through Europe was filled with not only unforgettable places, but also incredible experiences, exploration of the rich history, and taking in breathtaking scenery. From canals in Amsterdam to the heights of the Swiss Alps, each city had its own features that we were able to enjoy as we experienced the culture. Beyond the recap of places that we went, here's a recap of some of the best things that we were able to do in each of those locations!

Amsterdam: Anne Frank House & Canal Tour

Our journey began in Amsterdam, where we stepped into history at the Anne Frank House, one of the most moving and powerful museums in Europe. Walking through the hidden annex gave us a sobering glimpse into World War II history and left a lasting impression.

To balance the heaviness of the morning, we explored the city’s charm on a classic canal tour. Cruising past 17th-century houses and iconic bridges gave us the perfect introduction to Amsterdam’s beauty. A canal tour is one of the best ways to experience the city’s atmosphere, because it's actually known as "the Venice of the north".

Krakow: Auschwitz & Town Square

Krakow was an emotional experience as we visited Auschwitz, a place that reminds the world of the horrors of the Holocaust. Walking through the preserved camp was a sobering and powerful experience, one that we’ll never forget.

After such a weighty day at Auschwitz, we spent the next day in Krakow’s Town Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The lively atmosphere, street performers, and stunning architecture provided a perfect contrast and showcased the resilience of Polish culture. That was particularly enjoyable to my wife since her family has Polish family roots.

Prague: Exploring by Scooters & E-Bikes

Since we were only in Prague for one day, we made the most of the time by exploring the city’s historic sites on scooters and e-bikes, which made it both fun and efficient to cover more ground.

From the Astronomical Clock to Charles Bridge to Prague Castle, we zipped through winding streets and cobblestone alleys, soaking in centuries of history along the way. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Prague, renting scooters or e-bikes is a great way to explore.

Vienna: Biking & Mozart Concert

In Vienna, we once again hopped on e-bikes to explore the city. Pedaling past elegant palaces, coffee houses, and wide boulevards gave us a real taste of Austria’s capital.

The highlight was attending a Mozart string quartet concert in a small royal rotunda where Mozart himself once performed. Surrounded by music in such an intimate setting, it felt like stepping back in time and experiencing Vienna’s cultural soul.

Salzburg: Fortress, Mozart, & The Sound of Music

Salzburg gave us a blend of history, music, and cinematic magic. We started with a trip to the fortress perched high on the mountain, offering sweeping views of the city below. From there, we visited both of Mozart’s homes, gaining insight into the life of one of the greatest composers in history.

Of course, Salzburg wouldn’t be complete without a nod to The Sound of Music. We visited the famous Sound of Music House and enjoyed a special performance celebrating the movie’s 60th Anniversary. It was the perfect way to connect Salzburg’s historical past with the more recent cultural phenomenon.

Füssen: Castle, Lake, & Local Shops

In Füssen, we stepped into a storybook scene with a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle that inspired fairy tales worldwide - This is the castle that inspired the famous Disney Castle! 

Beyond the castle, we spent time riding e-bikes around the lake and exploring the charming local shops in town. The slower pace of Füssen gave us time to enjoy the simple beauty of Bavaria.

Lucerne: Lake Views & Mount Pilatus

Lucerne was one of the most stunning stops of our trip. We stayed in a gorgeous place with a balcony view overlooking Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, the kind of view you never want to leave.

We also experienced the famous Golden Circle Tour of Mount Pilatus, which included a boat ride, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and a gondola descent. It was the perfect mix of adventure and breathtaking Swiss scenery.

Zurich: A Final Stop

Before flying home to the U.S., we made a quick stop in Zurich. While our time was brief, we enjoyed wandering the streets, soaking in the atmosphere, and getting a small taste of Switzerland’s largest city.

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! Beyond covering business class flights, incredible lodging, and our train travel, we also used our points to cover all the expenses (Food, excursions, event tickets, etc). This would've been a $25,000 trip and we got the whole thing completely for free thanks to Travel Hacking! If we can do it, you can do it, and I'd love to help you: Start Travel Hacking today!