10-Day Itinerary Europe: Best Highlights of the Eastern & Beyond
Table of Contents
- 10-Day Itinerary Europe Summary
- Highlights of Eastern Europe
- Highlights of The Baltics
- Reflection of my 10-day itinerary Europe
Planning a 10 10-day itinerary in Europe can be an exhilarating experience, especially when it takes you through eight countries in just ten days. One of the unique aspects of traveling in Europe is how effortlessly you can cross borders, often within just a few hours.
This trip was particularly special for me, as it marked a significant milestone: visiting over 50 countries. Achieving this goal was an exciting step toward fulfilling my lifelong dream of exploring the world.
When planning my travels, I usually start with morning inspiration, and I will start with one or two countries I would want to visit. Then, I look at the map & see what other countries in the surrounding area I can visit if it’s only a few hours away.
This trip was mainly to Poland & Prague, Czech. Poland is because my friend Piotr lives there & we have been wanting to visit him for years. Prague was because we always heard how beautiful it is. So I reached out to Piotr & with the initial connection, this adventure was in the making.
Based in the USA, I chose Zagreb, Croatia, as my starting point to meet my travel companion, Zuzanna. From there, the journey unfolded into a whirlwind of incredible experiences.
For those inspired by my travels, I’ve also created a detailed Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan itinerary to help you discover the beauty and culture of the Caucasus region.
10-Day Itinerary Europe Summary
Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia
Day 1- Fly from Zagreb to Prague, Czech. Visit Prague. Spend the night in Prague.
Day 2- Visit Clementinum library.
Day 3- Poland. Drive to Hernhut, Germany
Day 4- Poland and back to Prague.
Day 5- Prague to Lithuania with Ukraine Airlines. Layover in Ukraine for 11 hours. Explore Ukraine. Arrive in Vilnius Lithuania. Spend a night in Vilnius,
Day 6- Morning: Explore Vilnius. Drive to the Kaunas area and explore Kaunas Old City. Evening: Drive to the Hill of Crosses area. Stay overnight in Siauliai
Day 7- Morning: Explore the Hill of Crosses. Visit a nearby settlement. Drive to Pärnu, Estonia. Explore Pärnu and stay overnight.
Day 8- In the morning, drive to Riga Latvia. Explore Riga. Drive back to Vilnius Lithuania. Spend the night in Vilnius.
Day 9- Fly from Lithuania to Prague. Spend a night in Prague.
Day 10- Fly from Prague to Zagreb.
Fly out the next day
Highlights of Eastern Europe
Zagreb, Croatia
A warm welcome from my spiritual mom, Zuzanna, set the tone for my short but memorable stop in Croatia. Zuzanna has been living in Zagreb for over ten years. Originally from Serbia, she and her American husband relocated to the USA during the Civil War, where they raised their family for a few decades.
She now enjoys life in a beautiful apartment overlooking the city, and her hospitality made my visit truly special. I’ll always cherish the healthy, delicious homemade meal Zuzanna prepared for me at her place!
Croatia, located in Eastern Europe, is undeniably one of the most beautiful countries in the world, famous for its breathtaking coastal beaches and stunning landscapes. I’ll share more about this incredible destination in another article.
To learn more about Zuzanna’s story, check out her book here: Trapped in America.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a stunning and charming city that feels like stepping into a dreamy, movie-like adventure. From its historic streets to its cultural richness, every corner of Prague is a delight to explore.
Where to stay
After flying into Prague from Zagreb, landing at an airport that was small and easy to navigate. Consequently, for our stay, we chose the Pod Vezi hotel for $125 per night, which included an incredible breakfast buffet.
Located next to the famous Charles Bridge, it’s in the heart of the city and offers beautiful rooms and exceptional service. On our second visit, we experienced an issue with the air conditioning, but the hotel graciously provided an extra night for free—an example of their outstanding hospitality.
Historic Insights
While in Prague, a key stop on our 10-day itinerary Europe, we met up with a friend who showed us several historic landmarks that shed light on the city’s Christian roots. One such highlight was learning about John Hus, a pivotal figure who translated the Bible into his language to make God’s principles accessible to the common people. For more information, see my Instagram post.
Lunch at The Underground Monastery
Wandering through Prague, we stumbled upon a unique gem: The Underground Monastery restaurant. The spontaneity of discovering such a place added to the sense of adventure.
The meal was delicious, and exploring the cave-like interiors was fascinating. Wonder is a beautiful thing—it sparks curiosity, changes your heart, and expands your love for discovery.
See more on my Instagram
Klementinum Library
One of Prague’s most iconic spots is the Klementinum Library, widely regarded as the most beautiful library in the world. For just $20 per person, we enjoyed a 45-minute tour of this extraordinary site. The library, founded by Jesuits in the 1500s and named after Saint Clement, is home to 27,000 old printed books. It’s also steeped in history, with Albert Einstein teaching here and Mozart playing here multiple times.
While photos aren’t allowed inside to protect the historic books, the experience of walking through the library is unforgettable. The tour also includes a visit to its collection of astronomical instruments and an opportunity to gaze at the stars through the astronomical tower.
Prague is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and wonders—an absolute must-include in your 10-day itinerary of Europe. Visit my Instagram for more pictures.
Swieradow, Poland
One of the most heartwarming highlights of this trip was visiting our dear friends of over 25 years, Piotr and Ana Bigus, in Swieradow, Poland.
Their beautiful farm is located near the borders of the Czech Republic and Germany, and it had always been a dream of mine to see their home in person.
Piotr was kind enough to drive over an hour from Prague to pick us up and host us for a night at his serene and picturesque property. Piotr’s family owns a beautiful farm & their meals are outside on the amazing property.
Piotr is an incredible chef & cooks meals for his family from scratch with organic ingredients. I call his home the “billionaire’s backyard” because he lives in a place where we all strive to be one day, away from the hustle & bustle of our careers. I remember feeling so liberated just being around his family & the simplicity of their lives.
Piotr’s compassion extends beyond his family; he feeds the elderly, helps the poor, and has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Poland.
If you’d like to contribute to Piotr’s noble efforts, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram so I can connect you with him.
Herrnhut, Germany
During our stay, Piotr took us to Herrnhut, Germany, a place rich in spiritual significance. This historic site is known for the 24-hour prayer vigil that continued uninterrupted for 100 years. It reminded me of the ongoing prayers at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
Herrnhut is the home of the Moravians, a community of devoted individuals who emphasized missionary work and traveled the world to spread the Gospel.This place feels spiritual upon arrival & brings a sense of calm & peace to your inner soul. More on this on my Instagram here.
Highlights of The Baltics
Kyiv, Ukraine
Our eleven-hour layover in Kyiv, Ukraine, proved surprisingly worthwhile, even though it meant sacrificing sleep. After a short three-hour flight from Prague, Czech Republic, on Ukraine Airlines, we were met by our guide, Pavel, who expertly navigated us through the city.
We savored a delicious meal at a traditional Ukrainian restaurant and explored several beautiful churches. I remember the experience of covering our heads before entering some of them, a custom for women, and an eerie basement of a dead saint.
The influence of Saints Cyril and Methodius is palpable in Kyiv; they created the Slavic alphabet, a legacy that even gives us the word “method.” Their story is truly captivating and I highly recommend learning more about them.
I’m so grateful we had the opportunity to experience this vibrant city before the war, and my heart goes out to the resilient people of Ukraine.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Where to stay
Our adventure began in Vilnius, Lithuania, where we landed at 9pm after a journey from Ukraine. We settled into the Old Town Trio Hotel – a charming and spacious place with a classic European breakfast of meats and cheeses.
Renting a car, we embarked on a road trip with Zuzanna at the wheel (thankfully!). Our friend served as our guide, leading us to the historic Kaunas Old Town for a few hours of exploration.
We then continued to Siauliai, where we spent the night at the Grafaite Hotel. This gem offered a rustic bar-restaurant with delicious burgers, all for under $100 a night! The hotel also boasted a delightful buffet breakfast.
Highlights
The Hill of Crosses
A pilgrimage site in northern Lithuania. While planning our 10-day itinerary Europe trip, I knew this had to be a stop. I’d always dreamed of visiting this place after reading about it in a history book. Originally a site of conflict, it has transformed into a memorial filled with crosses erected by families in remembrance of loved ones lost.
One fascinating legend tells the story of a sick man who vowed to build a hill of crosses if he recovered. Thankfully, he did, and today the site holds over 200,000 crosses. Many pilgrims come to pray and add their own.
We even had the opportunity to purchase handmade crosses for just $1 each. This deeply moving place offered a chance to reflect on life as we walked and contemplated its meaning. (Check out some photos on Instagram)
The Open Air Museum
Just 10 minutes from the Hill of Crosses is an intriguing open-air museum, where we spent an hour exploring unique architecture and historical displays. It was a brief but enriching stop on our journey. For photos and more details, check out my Instagram: Open Air Museum.
Parnu, Estonia
Parnu, Estonia, isn’t just for locals! This quaint seaside town, the fourth largest in Estonia, transforms into a summer haven. Vibrant restaurants, bars, and spas come alive, attracting sun-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. We spent a delightful night exploring Parnu’s charm – a perfect introduction to another beautiful country. We stayed at Hotel & Spa Estonia & it was a nice four-star hotel.
After soaking in the town’s atmosphere, we hit the road for a scenic two-hour drive to Riga, Latvia. Three hours in this vibrant North Eastern European city flew by.
We wandered through stunning gardens, explored the lively town center, and indulged in delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try their traditional dishes, like the refreshing cold beet soup perfect for a summer day!
See the beautiful pictures of Riga here
Reflection of my 10-day itinerary Europe
Trust the Process
Life is made up of routines and habits. Day in and day out, we do the same things: wake up, drink our coffee, take our vitamins, etc. Success in life is based on our perspective on how we live our daily routine.
Successful people, like athletes and entrepreneurs that have made an impact on the planet, share one thing in common: discipline. Sometimes, when we live our lives day in and day out, we may get bored or wonder what the heck are we doing with our normal life. I am not speaking of complacency, but I am speaking of contentment. Gratefulness.
As for me now, when I first started my new career years ago, I was surrounded by people of longevity that have worked for my company for the past decade or two. I have asked them advice on how they could be in a company that long, day in and day out.
What kept them going? Most of their answers are the same:always do something different in your job. Meaning, have a great attitude and look at your daily routine differently and expectantly.
To me, it’s important to trust the process that leads to fulfillment, contentment, and greatness. When I get overwhelmed or agitated, I remind myself to trust the process that will lead me to greatness.
Today, find fulfillment and contentment in your daily routine. Trust the process, and it will change your world.
