Eastern Europe remains one of the continent's most rewarding regions for travelers seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and value. While Western European capitals like Paris and Amsterdam have become increasingly crowded and expensive, Eastern Europe offers equally fascinating experiences with fewer tourists and more budget-friendly options.
A road trip is the ideal way to explore this diverse region, giving you the freedom to discover hidden villages, detour to stunning viewpoints, and immerse yourself in local culture at your own pace. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-tested 14-day Eastern European road trip itinerary covering five countries: the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia.
Planning Your Eastern European Adventure
Best Time to Go
For ideal driving conditions and comfortable sightseeing weather, late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) are perfect. You'll avoid both the summer tourist crowds and the potentially snowy winter roads. I took this trip in late September and enjoyed pleasant temperatures between 15-22°C (59-72°F) with minimal rainfall.
Car Rental Tips
When renting a car for this journey:
- One-way rental: Since this itinerary begins in Prague and ends in Zagreb, book a one-way rental. While this incurs a drop-off fee (typically €100-200), it saves you days of backtracking.
- International permits: Ensure your rental agreement allows for cross-border travel through all five countries.
- Vignettes: Many countries require highway vignettes (toll stickers). Check if these are included with your rental; if not, purchase them at border crossings or gas stations.
- GPS or offline maps: While major highways are well-marked, a reliable navigation system is essential for exploring rural areas.
Travel Tip
Book your rental car at least 2-3 months in advance for the best rates, especially if you need an automatic transmission, which is less common in Europe. I recommend a compact or mid-size car for easy parking in historic city centers while still having enough space for luggage.
The 14-Day Eastern European Road Trip Itinerary
Days 1-3: Prague, Czech Republic
Begin your adventure in Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires." I recommend picking up your rental car only when leaving Prague, as the city's excellent public transportation makes driving unnecessary, and parking can be both expensive and challenging.
Don't Miss:
- Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and witness the hourly show of the Astronomical Clock
- Cross the iconic Charles Bridge at sunrise to avoid crowds
- Explore Prague Castle complex and St. Vitus Cathedral
- Visit the vibrant Letná Beer Garden for sunset views over the city
- Take a day trip to the medieval town of Český Krumlov (if you've collected your car early)
Where to Stay: I stayed in Prague's New Town area, which offers a good balance of reasonable prices and walking distance to major attractions. Miss Sophie's Hotel provided excellent value with stylish rooms and helpful staff.
Days 4-5: Kraków, Poland (300 km / 4.5 hours drive)
Pick up your rental car and head northeast to Kraków, Poland's cultural capital. The drive takes you through picturesque Bohemian and Silesian countryside. Consider a stop in Olomouc, a charming Czech city with beautiful baroque fountains and a UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column.
Don't Miss:
- Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral
- Wander through the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz
- Visit Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum
- Take a day trip to the somber but important Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (book tickets in advance)
- Marvel at the underground chambers and salt sculptures of the Wieliczka Salt Mine
Where to Stay: Parking is limited in Kraków's historic center, so I opted for Hotel Amber Design near the Old Town, which offers secure parking facilities.
Travel Tip
For Auschwitz visits, consider booking a guided tour rather than driving yourself. This eliminates parking concerns and provides valuable historical context. If you do drive, arrive early (before 8am) to secure parking.
Day 6: High Tatras, Slovakia (180 km / 2.5 hours drive)
Head south to Slovakia's stunning High Tatras mountain range. This dramatic alpine landscape offers a refreshing contrast to the urban experiences of Prague and Kraków. The relatively short driving distance allows you to arrive by late morning, giving you a full day for mountain exploration.
Don't Miss:
- Take the cable car to Lomnický štít for panoramic mountain views
- Hike around the picturesque Štrbské Pleso lake
- Visit the charming mountain village of Ždiar with its traditional wooden houses
Where to Stay: I stayed at Villa Siesta in Nový Smokovec, a comfortable base with stunning mountain views and easy access to hiking trails and cable cars.
Days 7-9: Budapest, Hungary (350 km / 5 hours drive)
From the High Tatras, drive south through Slovakia's picturesque countryside to Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube." Consider a short detour to visit Banská Štiavnica, a beautifully preserved medieval mining town and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Don't Miss:
- Explore the historic Buda Castle district and enjoy panoramic views from Fisherman's Bastion
- Admire the Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building (book tours in advance)
- Relax in one of the city's historic thermal baths – Széchenyi or Gellért are the most famous
- Experience Budapest's renowned "ruin bars" in the Jewish Quarter
- Take an evening Danube cruise to see the illuminated cityscape
Where to Stay: Finding affordable accommodation with parking can be challenging in Budapest. I stayed at Corvin Plaza Apartments, which offers secure underground parking and excellent metro connections to the city center.
Travel Tip
Budapest's traffic can be congested and parking expensive. Consider leaving your car at your accommodation and using the city's efficient public transportation system (a 72-hour travel card costs around €14).
Days 10-11: Lake Balaton, Hungary (135 km / 1.5 hours drive)
After the urban energy of Budapest, head southwest to Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake. This picturesque region offers vineyards, thermal spas, historic villages, and beautiful landscapes.
Don't Miss:
- Visit the historic Tihany Peninsula with its Benedictine Abbey and lavender fields
- Explore the baroque Festetics Palace in Keszthely
- Take a wine tasting tour in the volcanic Badacsony region
- Relax on the beaches of the lake's southern shore
- Visit the thermal lake in Hévíz, Europe's largest natural thermal lake
Where to Stay: I divided my time between two locations: Balatonfüred on the northern shore for its historic atmosphere and wine regions, and Siófok on the southern shore for its beaches and nightlife. Villa Vitae in Balatonfüred offered beautiful lake views and excellent service.
Days 12-14: Plitvice Lakes and Zagreb, Croatia (260 km / 3.5 hours drive)
For the final leg of your journey, drive south into Croatia. The highlight of this segment is Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a series of 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls that seem almost otherworldly in their beauty.
Day 12: Drive from Lake Balaton to Plitvice Lakes (about 3.5 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring the park's wooden walkways and boat connections. I recommend entering through Entrance 2 and following Route H for the most comprehensive experience.
Day 13: Continue to Zagreb (2 hours drive). Croatia's capital is often overlooked by travelers rushing to the coast, but it rewards visitors with a blend of Austro-Hungarian architecture, vibrant café culture, and excellent museums.
Don't Miss in Zagreb:
- Explore the medieval Upper Town with St. Mark's Church and its colorful tiled roof
- Ride the historic funicular connecting the Upper and Lower Towns
- Visit the unusual Museum of Broken Relationships
- Experience the bustling Dolac Market
- Enjoy coffee culture in one of the many cafés along Tkalčićeva Street
Where to Stay: At Plitvice, I stayed at Guesthouse Plitvice Villa Verde, just 3km from the park entrance. In Zagreb, Hotel Jägerhorn offered central location with parking facilities.
Travel Tip
Visit Plitvice Lakes early in the morning (the park opens at 7am) to avoid crowds and capture the best photos. If possible, visit on a weekday rather than weekend. Purchase tickets online in advance during peak season.
Practical Tips for Your Eastern European Road Trip
Border Crossings
All countries on this itinerary are in the European Union, but not all are in the Schengen Area. Croatia joined the Schengen Area only in January 2023. Always carry your passport for potential border checks.
Currency
You'll need to juggle multiple currencies: Czech koruna, Polish złoty, Hungarian forint, and Croatian kuna (though Croatia switched to the euro in 2023). I found it most practical to withdraw small amounts from ATMs in each country rather than exchanging money at borders.
Language
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in each language goes a long way. Apps like Google Translate with downloadable offline language packs are invaluable for reading menus and signs.
Road Conditions
Major highways throughout the region are generally excellent, but rural roads can vary in quality. In mountainous areas like the High Tatras, expect narrow, winding roads that require careful driving.
Safety
This route passes through countries that rank among the safest in Europe for travelers. Still, exercise normal precautions, particularly regarding valuables in your car. Never leave luggage visible, and use secure parking facilities, especially in larger cities.
Alternative Routes and Extensions
If you have more time, consider these modifications to the itinerary:
- Extended Czech Republic: Add Český Krumlov and Brno before heading to Poland
- More Poland: Include Warsaw or Gdańsk after Kraków
- Slovenia Detour: Between Lake Balaton and Plitvice, visit Ljubljana and Lake Bled
- Croatian Coast: After Zagreb, continue to coastal cities like Split or Dubrovnik
Eastern Europe offers an enchanting mix of historical richness, cultural diversity, and natural beauty that rewards travelers willing to explore beyond the continent's more famous destinations. This road trip provides just a taste of the region's treasures, but one that will surely inspire future adventures in this captivating part of Europe.
