A Tiny Sample of a Whirlwind Journey

Back in 2017, before we became dog parents, we embarked on a whirlwind 4-month adventure across 12 countries in Europe, capped off with a 3-week detour in China. Fast forward to 2025, and we’ve found ourselves drawn back to some favourites, including Germany (for its enchanting Christmas markets), Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, and China.

Switzerland tops our list for sheer, jaw-dropping beauty. Every view is postcard-perfect, making it impossible to take a bad photo! While it’s undeniably expensive, it’s worth every penny if you can fit it into your budget. Highlights like the Bernina Express and a trip up to the Matterhorn station are musts for anyone visiting this stunning country.

Not far behind is Iceland, which took our breath away with its dramatic natural beauty. Visiting during the early spring melt meant being greeted by countless waterfalls, while the Ring Road offered endless vistas and wildlife sightings. A summer trip is definitely on our bucket list for a deeper dive into this incredible destination. Be prepared, though—most food is imported, making dining options pricey compared to other countries.

Prague, Czechia, is a favorite for good reason, but we also ventured beyond its charm to Kutná Hora for its eerie yet fascinating Ossuary (bone church) and Český Krumlov, a town shrouded in mysterious beauty. The Czech mastery of pork hocks, pickles, and hearty comfort food served on share-worthy platters kept us very comforted!

Greece is another place we’re excited to revisit, with plans to explore its lesser tourist visited islands next time. Our previous visit included an unforgettable 4-day tour of ancient Olympic historic sites, where the incredible ruins rivaled the country’s stunning landscapes.

Finally, Budapest, Hungary, stole our hearts with its striking architecture, affordability, and fun-filled activities. The cherry on top? .70 cent beer! (at the time), a guaranteed way to win us over! While the city’s famed hot baths left me more than slightly skeptical (think human skin cell soup), I may be willing to give them another try if it means another visit to this incredible city.

13 Countries vs Four Months

Hungary

Iceland

Austria

Czechia

France

Switzerland

Where we went.
Austria, China, Czechia, Greece, Hungary,

Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein (no UNESCO sites), Portugal, San Marino

Switzerland, United Kingdom (visited UNESCOS in UK gallery), Vatican City.

Greece

UNESCO Sites visited: Austria; Vienna, Palace of Schönbrunn, Graz, Hallstatt and Salzburg. Czechia; Cesky Krumlov, Prague and Kuntna Hora. Greece; Meteora, Delphi, Daphni Monasteries, Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Athens and Delos. Hungary; Budapest. Iceland; National Parks Vatnajökull and Pingvellir. Italy; Venice, Florence, Medici Villa, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Val d'Or Cia, Pienza, Rome, Villa Adriana, Villa D'este, Palace Caserta, Naples, Pompei/Herculaneum and Amalfi Coast. Portugal; Porto, Guimaraes, Sintra, Monasteries of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belem and Evora. San Marino. Switzerland; Abbey of St Gall, Berne, Jungfrau-Aletsch and Rhaetian Railway (Bernina Express). Vatican City.