Good times pass by so quickly. There goes the conclusion of my long 10 days 8 nights trip to Eastern Europe. The trip took place from 2nd to 11th February 2019 during the Chinese New Year break and covers 6 countries; Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Czech Republic.
Day 1 (02/02/2019 – Saturday)
First light from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Muscat International Airport (at Oman) and then second flight to Munich International Airport (Germany). Basically spending whole day in various airports.
Day 2 (03/02/2019 – Sunday)
Heavy snowfall greeted our official first day of trip. Snowfall made it hard for us to walk in the city for the city tour. Wet environment, no sun, freezing temperature and snow-covered walkways made photographing a challenging task.
Had a quick city tour at Munich (Germany) and visited Marienplatz, the central square of the city.
Then, we proceed to Salzburg, the place famous for being the home of the popular late music composer, Mozart. We then visited the Mirabelle Garden (not picturesque during winter unfortunately). Then, we moved on to Vienna in the late afternoon.
Day 3 (04/02/2019 – Monday)
Commenced the day at Vienna (Austria) with city tour (photo stop) at The Ring Road, Opera House, Parliament House, Johann Strauss Statue, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Town Hall.
Next, we proceed to visit Schonbrunn Palace, a huge baroque-styled palace that contains 1441 rooms and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ended the day at Pandorf Outlet for quick shopping. Brought my first ever luxury branded wallet here. Then, we moved on to Budapest.
Day 4 (05/02/2019 – Tuesday)
It’s the first day of Chinese New Year! Had a city tour at Budapest (Hungary) to view the Hero’s Square, Parliament House, Chain Bridge, St. Matthias Church, Central Market Hall, Citadel Hill and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Spent the afternoon on a 1-hour cruise ride along the scenic Danube River. The view is spectacular and I took a lot of pictures here. Then, we proceed to another city; Bratislava.
Day 5 (06/02/2019 – Wednesday)
Quick city tour at Bratislava (Slovakia) with visit to Bratislava Castle, Presidential Palace, Michael’s Gate and Old Town area.
Spent the whole afternoon on long journey to Krakow.
Day 6 (07/02/2019 – Thursday)
Began the day with a city tour of Krakow (Poland). Visit to Jagiellonian University, Wavel Hill, Royal Castle, Old Town area, Cloth Market Hall and St. Mary’s Church. The main square of Krakow is breathtaking.
Then, we had an awesome visit to Wielicka Salt Mine. This is my first time visited a tourist attraction so deep below the ground (over 130m underground at one section).
Day 7 (08/02/2019 – Friday)
Only one tourist destination for today before continuing the journey to Brno. Today, we visited the infamous Auschwitz Concentration Camp. It is the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp and is now a museum for us to learn more of the World War II history, particularly the suffering of the Jewish in Nazi German era.
Day 8 (09/02/2019 – Saturday)
We moved on from Brno to Prague (Czech Republic) for a city tour. Visited the Prague Castle Complex, Saint Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, Charles Bridge, Parizska Street (street for luxury brands shopping), Old Town and the Square. The Old Town Square is another fantastic spot for photographs.
Day 9 (10/02/2019 – Sunday)
Time flies. It’s already our last day of trip. We head to a brewery tour at Pilsner Urquell Brewery at Plzen (don’t like the bitter taste of this local beer). Then, we moved on to our last tourist attraction, the BMW Welt in Munich, a multi-functional exhibition facility of BMW. It’s the spot for car lovers.
Finally, we head back to the Munich International Airport for flight back home.
Day 10 (11/02/2019 – Monday)
Whole day spent at the airports just like on the first day of the trip (but now is on the other way round). Reached home in the evening. There goes the end of the trip.
Had an awesome time joining this trip (a guided tour with a group of 42 people). I took about 500 photographs! The good thing for this guided tour is that daily lunch is on our own which allow us to try local food at our preference. Certainly enjoyed this trip (except for that one or two days in the middle when I was not feeling well – vomiting, and also except for the lengthy and uncomfortable flights). This is my third time visiting Europe and it’s another unforgettable experience.
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