Aesthetic Adventurer Itinerary

Whether you're looking for picture-perfect nature, architecture or stunning cities, this itinerary has got you covered. See the best of Central Europe as you head from north to south. 

• Start your trip in Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Salzburg for colour, culture and charm.

• Continue your trip in Budapest, Lake Bled and Zagreb for iconic sights and hidden gems.

• End your trip in Hvar, Florence and the Cinque Terre for sun, sea and Instagrammable perfection. 

Cities visited in this trip:

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

3. Salzburg, Austria

4. Budapest, Hungary

5. Lake Bled, Slovenia

6. Zagreb, Croatia

7. Hvar, Croatia

8. Florence, Italy

9. Cinque Terre, Italy

For this itinerary we recommend:

Travel days: 10 days within 2 months

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's colourful houses constantly flood our Instagram feed, and we know why. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly inhabitants, Denmark's capital is always a good idea.

• Start your trip with a stop at Nyhavn, the iconic rainbow houses along Copenhagen's historic waterfront. It gets busy, so make sure to go early!

• Tour Rosenborg Castle, an elegant 15th-century palace with an interesting history.

• Spend an evening at Tivoli Gardens, a theme park in the centre of the city. 

Travel tip: Copenhagen Central Station is about a 20-minute walk from the centre. If you're flying into Copenhagen airport, take the metro directly to the city.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Everyone has to visit Amsterdam at least once in their life. With endless canals, iconic buildings and an upbeat atmosphere, you could spend hours wandering around.

• Join a cycling tour and explore the city by bike. The Netherlands is famous for its bike-friendly streets, so hop on. You'll feel like a local in no time!

• Visit the Anne Frank House, where you'll learn about one Jewish girl's experience in Amsterdam during the Holocaust. 

• Explore the Rijksmuseum to discover 800 years of Dutch history and to marvel at the Dutch Masters.

Travel tip: if you don't feel confident renting a bike, Amsterdam is also very accessible on foot. Just watch out for the cycle paths!

Salzburg, Austria

With its historic Old Town, beautiful palaces and fortress, Salzburg is Austria's hidden gem.

• Visit Hohensalzburg Castle, an imposing fortress. Head up to discover the fortress's history and for beautiful views across the city.

• Wander through the Old Town, with medieval and Baroque architecture; the tiny streets and squares of the Altstadt will delight you at every turn.

• Head out of Salzburg to the Eisreisenwelt. As the biggest ice cave in the world, this magical natural complex leads you deep into the heart of the mountain. 

Train tip: take the Nightjet from Amsterdam to Wels (Austria) and then a second train to Salzburg. Night trains are great for meeting fellow travellers!

Budapest, Hungary

No matter how many times you visit Budapest, this city will still amaze you. From its dramatic bastions and buildings to the relaxing atmosphere of its thermal baths, your stay in Hungary's capital might well be perfect.

• Visit the thermal baths - a great way to relax after a long train journey. Top picks include Szchényi Baths and Géllert Baths.

• Tour the House of Parliament, an iconic Baroque building, lying by the river. You'll want to take photos from every angle, but don't miss the opportunity to head inside. 

• Watch the sunset from the Fisherman's Bastion, a historic fortification overlooking the Danube. With its dramatic archways and fairy-tale architecture, this is the perfect place for those Instagram pictures. 

Train tip: the train from Salzburg to Budapest is direct and takes around 5 hours.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Ah, Lake Bled. If you haven't seen this on social media, you're doing something wrong. From the tiny church in the middle of the lake to the dramatic mountains stretched across the horizon, Lake Bled really does feel like heaven. 

• Head up to Mala Osjonica, a scenic viewpoint 685 metres across the lake. If you're here at sunset or sunrise, it's a moment you'll never forget.

• Hire a boat and row out to the island. Here, explore the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary and ring the church bell for good luck. 

• Try Bled cream cake, a local delicacy you can't find anywhere else.

Train tip: take the train from Budapest-Kelenföld to Ljubljana (Slovenia). From there, you can take a train or a bus directly to the lake. 

Zagreb, Croatia

Whether you choose to stay in Zagreb for one night or several days, Croatia's capital has a lot to share.

• Wander around the Lower Town. With wide, neoclassical avenues, it's a world away from the twisting medieval centre. 

• Spend an evening on Tkalčićeva Street, a popular destination for dinner and evening entertainment. 

• Visit Dolmac Market, the daily farmers market selling fresh Croatian products. 

Train tip: the train from Lesce Bled to Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor in approximately 3 hours. 

Hvar, Croatia

Located off Croatia's mainland, this paradise island is a popular destination. With its lively night scene but calm, rural villages, it provides the perfect combination of culture and fun.

• Climb up to Hvar Fort for stunning vistas across Hvar Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. 
• Visit Jelsa, a peaceful coastal town on the island's north side. 
• Relax on Hvar's beaches. From sunbathing on Dubovica Beach and in Jagodna Bay to enjoying Bonj Beach's night atmosphere, there's somewhere for everyone.

Train tip: take the train from Zagreb to Split and then the ferry to Hvar. The ferry from Split runs approximately 3 times a day. 

Florence, Italy

After late nights under Croatian skies, it's time to rest and refuel in Florence. With its incredible gastronomy, culture and history, this Italian gem is Instagrammable from every angle.

• Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. It might be touristy, but with sweeping views across the city, you'll regret it if you don't. 
• Visit the Uffizi to marvel at the works of famous Italian artists, including Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. 
• Sample some of Florence's cuisine at a local trattoria. Top dishes include bistecca alla Fiorentina, pane Toscano and, of course, the gelato.

Travel tip: take the night ferry from Split to Ancona, Italy. In the morning, take the train to Bologna Centrale and then onwards to Firenze S.M.N.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Though the name means the 'Five Lands', the tiny fishing villages of the Cinque Terre should really be called the 'Five Treasures'. It's the perfect place to end your adventure, with opportunities for sunbathing, exploring and soaking up the Italian sun. 

• Wander down to the harbourfront in Riomaggiore and Vernazza to admire the views. 
• Hike up to Corniglia to explore the quieter side of village life. 
• Snap a photo on the clifftop walk outside Manarola. With its jumble of pastel houses framed by trees, smiling for the camera won't be hard at all!

Travel tip: take the train from Florence to La Spezia, and then transfer to the regional Cinque Terre express. This line travels between all five villages in a matter of minutes.