Oh Europe, how I adore you!! I was so excited when my boss told me she wanted to send me to Germany, but even more excited when my husband expressed interest in joining me and turning it into an extended vacation. And we certainly did. 4 countries, 4 hotels, 25+ hours of driving all in 9 days (see route below). Definitely a trip of a lifetime.

So stop 1- Heidelberg, Germany. I decided we would stay in Heidelberg even though it was an hour drive from the office I was working in, because I wanted my husband to have something to do while I was working. And I worked a lot for those 3 days, but after that we decided to explore the city. I loved the energy of Heidelberg, and the shopping! I also found a vegetarian restaurant (buffet style) and it was incredible.

After Heidelberg, we intended on staying in Munich, but after a good friend told me she was out of the country, we decided (very last minute) on Prague! So we headed into the Czech Republic in our little BMW. Prague is such a cool, colorful city with a lot of awesome stores, restaurants and night life. Our hotel was incredible and they upgraded us to a king suite. We were only there for 1 night but it gave us a taste for the city and it was definitely a great experience.

Next on the list- a 5 hour drive to Salzburg, Austria. One of my all time favorite movies is The Sound of Music, so it seemed fitting to travel to where the movie was filmed. And what a beautiful city it was! If you’ve never been, there is an amazing castle overlooking the city, small shops and restaurants leading into a city square. Below is the view from atop the castle.

We also set foot in the very room Mozart was born! It was surreal standing in the same home he grew up in as a child.

We also went to a town about 20 minutes from Salzburg, called Berschengaden, Germany. I work with some colleagues from Germany and they suggested this quaint town and I couldn’t have been more pleased. The views were incredible and the food was excellent.

After Salzburg, we ventured through Munich (just a quick stop for lunch) on our way to Switzerland!! I have to say, I never dreamed I would be driving through the Swiss Alps, but there I was, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

We found a small town on the way to Lucerne called Murg, which is probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in real life. Check out the snow covered mountains overlooking a lake. Wow, photos just don’t do it justice.

We ended up in Lucerne, Switzerland and the Chateau Guetsch could be the most favorite hotel I’ve EVER stayed in. This hotel sits on top of a hill of its very own, overlooking Lucerne and the Alps. Each room is different, with vintage decor, and the hotel itself feels like something out of the Stone Ages, with incredible views. The photo below captures one of my favorite moments, breakfast overlooking the Alps. Take me back!!

After a 9 day exhausting but exhilarating trip to Europe, I feel so blessed that Robert and I were able to experience this together. Definitely one for the books.