This is the perfect road trip for anyone wanting to visit multiple countries in Europe, but only have a week to spare. Starting in Germany it takes you to Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It takes in some truly magical alpine scenery, pretty lakeside villages and delightful hotels.
Five countries in one week
My clients are coming from Florida. They want to spend a week in Europe visiting as many countries as possible, but avoiding big cities. They want to do small hikes, see some fabulous scenery, eat some great food and soak up the atmosphere. They would like to stay in nice hotels, but don’t quite have a 5* budget, so I am recommending good 4* accommodation. The trip will take place in October 2025.
Whilst I normally recommend staying in one place for 3 days minimum on a road trip like this it isn’t quite as important. Putting your luggage in the car and driving off is nowhere near as tiring as getting yourself to the station or airport at the right time, and getting your luggage on board. It suits people who prefer to be constantly on the move, and as there are no big cities parking is not an issue (if you are planning a road trip double check your hotel has parking and has a place reserved for you). In order to make the most of such an itinerary it’s best if you are up and about reasonably early each morning as it is a pretty packed schedule.
I’m proposing starting in Munich. There are direct flights from Orlando, a good road network, and easy access to several countries. I have conceived a circular route, which has the benefit of dropping off the hire car at the same place which dramatically reduces costs.
The route goes through Austria, stopping in the Wolfgangsee area, then on to Lienz, before crossing the border to Italy. After an overnight stop in Merano the journey continues on into Switzerland towards St Moritz, with a two night stop before turning north. Crossing another border takes the route into one of the smallest countries in Europe, Liechtenstein for another overnight stay, before heading back to Germany via Austria.
All of the countries visited are part of the Schengen area so no passport checks are required at the border crossings, in fact you will barely know that you have changed countries in some cases. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays within the Schengen zone, although from 2026 they will need a ETIAS visa waiver. (Travellers from other countries should check the requirements for Schengen visas).
It should be noted that in Austria and Switzerland a vignette (a toll payment sticker for the windshield) is required for the highways. As my route doesn’t use the highways this isn’t needed, but if you did want to go the faster route you can by the Austrian vignette here https://shop.asfinag.at/en and the Swiss one here https://via.admin.ch/shop/dashboard.
Flights to Europe
A direct flight from Orlando to Munich is the best option for these clients. A return trip in October with Lufthansa costs $1489 (including checked luggage).
Hotel choices
Austria – Strobl
Visitors to the Salzkammergut area (Austrian lake district) are often drawn to Hallstatt, a small lakeside village that has become so popular with tourists that is gets over 10,000 vistors a day (for a tiny place with a population of 800). Much of this popularity is down to social media coverage of the pretty lakeside community and its idolization by Asian visitors. Such is its popularity, a copy of the village has been built in China.
I am suggesting that my clients skip this overcrowded village and enjoy the beauty of the Wolfgangsee lake instead.
The Seehotel Brandauers villen am Wolfgangsee Hotel in Strobl offers large rooms with a lake view and a balcony for 295€ including breakfast. It has a unique lakeside situation and features top quality local cuisine.
Austria – Lienz
This is a gem of a hotel. The Grand Hotel Lienz is next to a river with mountain views. It is stunning. The advantage of it being in a less travelled to area is that this 5* luxury is within budget during the shoulder season. A Mountain view room including breakfast is 240€.
Italy – Merano
There are hundreds of hotels in Merano but the Hotel Pienzanau stands out from the crowd. This 4* boutique hotel has a rooftop rose garden, mountain views and an extremely good spa. A double superior elegance room costs 310€ including breakfast.
Switzerland – Celerina
Saint Moritz has been a stylish winter destination for the elite since 1864. It is however one of the most expensive places in Switzerland, and has lost some of its Alpine charm The nearby village of Schlarigna retains much of its original charm, with centuries’ old architecture, it is a peaceful alternative to Saint Moritz.
The Cresta Palace Hotel is an old hotel in the midst of revival. One wing of the hotel has been renovated whilst the other still has the older un-renovated rooms. A newly renovated room costs 453CHF (480€) per night for half board. The hotel boasts several restaurants, and the rate includes public transport and the mountain railways in the upper Engadine area.
Leichtenstein
I always try to include at least one exceptional meal in my itineraries, and this hotel boasts a very good Michelin starred restaurant with chef Hubertus Real. The Park hotel sits above Vaduz and on the edge of the extensive castle forest, with adjacent alpine mountains. It has been run by the Real family for over 60 years and is one of the leading hotels in the area. One night here costs 592€
Fussen
The main draw of Fussen are the two castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangu, so it makes perfect sense to stay somewhere within walking distance of both and with views of Neuschwanstein from the rooms. AMERON Neuschwanstein Alps has a position in one of the most beautiful areas in Germany, with views over the Alspee lake. A room here costs 430€ half board.
Road trip details
Day 1. Munich to Strobl
The direct flight from Orlando lands in Munich at 13:20 .
Pick up the hire car. I’m suggesting a intermediate sized car from Alamo for 305€ for the week (plus 35€ for cross boarder travel) given that this is a road trip the additional 200€ to get a premium car could be worth it for comfort.
The drive to Strobl takes 2 hours by highway, but I am suggesting taking the slow road so you can see much more which adds an hour to the time. I always recommend getting off the highways where there are interesting things to see or scenic routes unless you are pressed for time. It is the best way to see the more undiscovered parts of Europe.
I suggest a minor detor to the route at Wasserburg am Inn to see the Brucktor bridge. The border between Germany and Austria is the bridge over the river Saalach. One side of the bridge is in Germany, the other in Austria. There are no border controls.
If you have more time or want to extend your trip you could visit Salzburg at this point in your trip.
From Salzburg take the scenic B158 down past the lake Fuschlsee (you will catch glimpses of the lake through the trees, and you can go into Fuschl at the end of the lake for a full view. The road then continues on down to Wolfgangsee where you drive along the edge of the lake before arriving in Strobl.
If there is enough daylight left when you arrive (sunset is about 18:45 in October) then walk the Bürgl Panorama Trail This is a 5km loop that takes you alon the side of the lake. It is suitable for almost all weathers and has a beautiful panorama. The later half of the route is on a fairly busy road so perhaps turn around rather than doing a loop.
Check-in to the Seehotel Brandauers villen am Wolfgangsee Hotel and eat at the beautiful restaurant with a lake view. Count on 50€ per person (not including drinks)
Day 2. Strobl to Lienz
In the morning take the passenger ferry to St Wolfgang then take the Schafbergbahn cog railway. The ferry is a lovely way to see the lake. Make sure you get off the ferry at St Wolfgang Schafberbahn, right by the station, and not at Markt.
The Schafbergbahn is the steepest cog railway in Austria, rising 1190m (nearly 4000ft) in a 35 minute ride. You can wander about the top for some amazing views. On a clear day you can see 11 different lakes. There is a bar with refreshments at the top but be warned the prices are as steep as the railway.
Have a wander around St Wolfgang before taking the ferry back from St Wolfgang Markt to Strobl. (Note both these services stop running for winter at the beginning of November.
Now get back in the driving seat and head to Lienz. This is a scenic route that takes you along some winding mountain roads and past several point of interest. There is a long tunnel (the Felbertauern Tunnel) as part of the route that has a toll of 13€.
Along the way I propose two different stops. One is the Lammer river gorge with a one hour there and back walk to some stunning natural beauty. The other is a 20 minue detour to the Eisriesenwelt ice caves which offers some amazing scenes, but be warned there are 700 steps.
Lienz is an authentic Austrian small town, sometimes called the “Pearl of the Dolomites” because of its sunny climate and dramatic mountain backdrop. Note these are the Lienzer Dolomites not the more famous Italian Dolomites. They are just as beautiful but far less crowded.
Check in to the The emblamatic Grand Hotel Lienz , and eat at one of the 5 restaurants (count on 80€ per person not including drinks)
Day 3. Lienz to Merano
Take the time to stroll around Lienz and see its pastel coloured houses and cafes. Before heading off the Merano.
The route to Merano takes you through some stunning scenery. I recommend taking the small detour to Pragser Wildsee, a picturesque lake in the mountains also known as Lac de braies Stop for a hike around the lake – 3.7km https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/italy/south-tyrol/lago-di-braies-pragser-wildsee and then eat at the nearby Trattoria Mösslhof Alto Adige.
Once in Merano, and checked into the Hotel Pienzanau you can take the short walk to the nearby Trautmannsdorf castle and its beautiful botanic gardens.
This hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but there is a very good table to be had at the nearby Trautmannsdorf Resturant Count on 75€ per person including wine.
Day 4. Merano to St Moritz
Merano is an historic spa town and has been famous since the 19th century for it’s thermal baths. So I suggest a trip to the Merano spa before leaving the area. If you could spare more time then a couple of days in this elegant old own would not go amiss. There are plenty of walks in the area and the Merano 2000 cable car takes you up into the mountains for some panoramic hikes. Alas, this one week road trip doesn’t allow time to dawdle, and now it is time to go to Switzerland.
This is not a very long drive, but it takes you through some stunning mountain scenery, so you may feel the need to stop a few times on the way. The village of Zernez has a particularly pretty church and there are a lot of trails in the area if you want to stretch your legs.
Check in to the The Cresta Palace Hotel and eat at one of there restaurants (included in the half board rate)
Day 5. St Moritz
Today is the only day the car isn’t needed. As the mountain railways are included in the hotel rate I propose you take advantage and ride up the Corviglia Funicular (via Chantarella) and the Piz Nair cable car up to the height of 3000+m. you can take a short summit hike (30-40 minutes) to get views over the Engadin lakes. You may even see an early dusting of snow on the peaks. Then take an easy downhill hike to Marguns (about 1.5–2 hrs, mostly descending), then the cable car down to Celerina.
In the afternoon take a walk around St Moritz and visit the Segantini Museum (impressionist alpine landscapes).
A walk along the lake before sunset would be a good way to round off the day.
Day 6. St Moritz to Liechtenstein
In the morning, take the Muottas Muragl Funicular railway and enjoy a coffee at the panoramic terrace. This area is know for its larch forests which should be starting to turn at the beginning of October creating a beautiful scene over the Upper Engadin lake chain. You can walk the 60minut Panoramaweg trail before descending.
Taking the car for the drive to Leichtenstein I propose that you go a little out of your way to hike to the Zweiter Traversiner Steg bridge. The hike is about 25 minutes from the car park.
You could also stop for a walk and a coffee in Chur and take a wander round Maienfeld ( the setting for Heidi).
Check in to the Park hotel and enjoy a fabuous meal from chef Hubertus Real. This is an exceptional restaurant with amazing views and delights such as raviolini with veal and spinach stuffing and Creme brûlée with passion fruit. Allow 155€ per person (not including drinks).
Day 7. Liechtenstein to Fussen
Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, but also one of the richest. It is known for banking as well as its stunning Alpine scenery, it is the only country that is completely in the Alps. The capital, Vaduz, feels more like a small village than a capital city. The main street has a pedestrian zone with cafes and boutiques and the tiny Postage stamp museum is worth visiting. The landmark castle perched above the town is the residence of the Prince and is not open to the public.
The drive to Füssen takes about 2 hours by highway, but I suggest sticking to the scenic route which will take just over 3 hours.
Stop at Reutte and visit highline 179 a dramatic suspension footbridge spanning 406m over a river gorge, linking castle ruins with a roman era fort. You can chose to walk the 20 minutes up from the carpark or take the funicular railway. The bridge itself costs 10€ per person and offers amazing views over the valley and the castle.
Check in to the AMERON Neuschwanstein Alps . As there won’t be time to visit both the Hohenschwangau castle and Neuschwanstein castle on the last day I suggest you visit Neuschwanstein castle this afternoon as the Hohenschwangau castle closes at 4:30pm. Be aware that there are other sites offering tickets with tours to the castles that are much more expensive and tie you in to full day tours of the area. This link takes you to the official castle site. It is not an affliate link.
Neuschwanstein castle was commissioned in 1869 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a romantic retreat inspired by medieval legends and Richard Wagner’s operas. Unlike most European castles it was never built for defense and it was never fully completed. It was opened to the public soon after the death of the King and has since become one of the most visited castles in the world. As it is so popular you must book in advance and can only visit by guided tour. There is an English tour that starts at 17:50 so you should be able fit it in to this day.
The Ameron hotel offers a choice of restaurants but the best is the Lisl Restaurant & Terrasse which draws inspiration for its menus from royal favourites of the past. This is included in the half board rate (not including wine)
Day 8. Fussen to Munich Airport
Unfortunately Hohenschwangau castle doesn’t offer early morning tours so you will have to content yourself with a walk around the outside this morning before leaving for the airport. I suggest you leave Fussen by no later that 10am in order to arrive at the airport in good time for the for the 15:15 departure. It’s a 2 hour drive and in this case I do not suggest skipping the highways.
Cost of one week road trip in Europe
This road trip in Europe has included some fantastic hotels and great food. For the budget calculations I am assuming that meals are taken with wine. I have allowed a budget of 150€ for lunches and fuel costs (this should be more than adequate) except for the day in St Moritz where I think 200€ would be more appropriate. The total cost of this trip including all accommodation, food, transport and flights is 7657€ for 2 people. This comes to around $4500 USD per person (depending on the exchange rate.
There is no doubt that more time would be more comfortable and allow one to profit more from the beautiful scenery on this trip, but as you can see, it is possible and makes for some amazing stories.
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