This 14-day Europe itinerary blends wild sandstone pinnacles and river gorges with grand Habsburg squares, alpine scenery, and Italy’s art and cuisine. You’ll start in Bohemian Switzerland National Park (base in Hřensko or Bad Schandau), glide south to storybook Prague, cut across to Munich and Salzburg, then sweep through fashion-forward Milan to the volcanic soul of Naples.

Expect cobbled Old Towns, fortress views, beer gardens, gondola-glass arcades, and seaside castles. Highlights include the Pravčická Gate hike, Charles Bridge at dawn, Munich’s English Garden, a Sound of Music day in Salzburg, the Duomo rooftop in Milan, and pizza pilgrimages in Naples.

Practical notes: July is high season—prebook trains and marquee sites (especially Milan’s Last Supper). If you’re driving, Germany has no motorway tolls; Austria/Italy have tolls, and Czechia requires an e-vignette. Trains are frequent and comfortable; reserve seat-heavy routes in advance. Pack for heat in Italy and possible showers up north.

Bohemian Switzerland (Hřensko / Bad Schandau)

Days 1–3: Sandstone wonderland, river gorges, and spa downtime

Base yourself in Hřensko (Czech side) or Bad Schandau (German side) to explore the twin parks of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland. Sandstone towers, mossy forests, and cliff trails feel like a fantasy film set—complete with a boat glide through the Kamenice River gorge.

Must-do: Hike to the iconic Pravčická Gate (Pravčická brána), Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch. Cross into Germany for the Bastei Bridge panoramas and Schrammsteine ridge trails. Reward your legs at Bad Schandau’s Toskana Therme.

• Food & drink: In Hřensko, U Fořta (near Mezni Louka) plates hearty Czech fare and craft beer after the Pravčická hike. In nearby Schmilka, the Bio‑Bäckerei Schmilka turns out still‑warm sourdough and pretzels, and the Schmilka Brewery pours organic lagers in a leafy beer garden. In Bad Schandau, book a river-view dinner at Restaurant Elbterrasse (Hotel Elbresidenz) for Elbe fish and Saxon specialties.
• Cafés & breakfast: Start early with pastries from the Schmilka bakery or a café stop in Bad Schandau’s town center before hitting the trails.

Where to stay: Browse apartments and spa hotels in Bad Schandau or pensions in Hřensko:

• VRBO – Bad Schandau | Hotels.com – Bad Schandau
• VRBO – Hřensko | Hotels.com – Hřensko

Getting there & around (from Grobbendonk):

• Drive: 8.5–9.5 hours via Germany (no tolls), e‑vignette required for Czech roads.
• Train: Grobbendonk/Antwerp → Dresden → Bad Schandau ~9.5–11 h, €120–€180 pp if booked early. Search on Omio Trains (Europe).
• Bus: Antwerp → Dresden ~13–14 h, €60–€100. See Omio Buses (Europe).

Prague

Days 4–6: Bridges at dawn, castle lanes, and modern Czech cuisine

Prague’s spires, Baroque domes, and red roofs form a skyline that has charmed travelers since Charles IV’s day. Cross the Charles Bridge at sunrise, then wind up to Prague Castle for St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.

Stroll Old Town Square to catch the Astronomical Clock show, then dip into the Jewish Quarter’s synagogues and cemetery. Finish with a sunset Vltava riverfront walk by the National Theatre.

• Where to eat: Lokál Dlouhááá for crisp Pilsner and schnitzel; Eska (Karlín) for wood‑fired breads and inventive Czech plates; Kantýna for butcher‑shop steaks and potato salad; dessert at Cukrárna Alchymista in Letná’s garden.
• Coffee & breakfast: EMA Espresso Bar near Masarykovo nádraží; Můj šálek kávy in Karlín; classic bohemian brunch under chandeliers at Café Savoy.
• Evening: Sample Moravian wines at Vinograf, or classic cocktails at Hemingway Bar (book ahead).

Where to stay: Old Town for walkability, Vinohrady/Letná for leafy local vibes.

• VRBO – Prague | Hotels.com – Prague

Getting there & around: Bad Schandau/Hřensko → Prague by train via Děčín ~2–2.5 h, €10–€18; reserve on Omio Trains (Europe). In‑city, walk/tram/metro; buy 24‑hour passes at stations.

Munich

Days 6–7: Royal palaces, beer gardens, and urban surf

Munich layers Wittelsbach grandeur with gemütlich beer gardens and park life. Start at Marienplatz’s Glockenspiel, tour the Residenz’s treasure rooms, and watch river surfers ride the Eisbach wave in the English Garden.

Car lovers can swing by BMW Welt and Museum; baroque fans should visit Nymphenburg Palace and its park pavilions. Evenings belong to bierkellers under chestnut trees.

• Beer halls & food: Augustiner‑Keller for spit‑roast pork and Helles; Schneider Bräuhaus for wheat beers and sausages; Haxnbauer for crispy pork knuckle. Lighter bites at Viktualienmarkt’s Standl 20 wine stand.
• Coffee & pastries: Man Versus Machine for third‑wave espresso; Café Frischhut for schmalznudel doughnuts.

Where to stay: Altstadt/Lehel for sights, Maxvorstadt for museums and cafés.

• VRBO – Munich | Hotels.com – Munich

Getting there & around: Prague → Munich direct train ~4.5 h, €25–€60 on Omio Trains (Europe). In Munich, a day ticket (Tageskarte) covers U‑Bahn/S‑Bahn/tram/bus.

Salzburg

Days 8–9: Fortress views, Mozart melodies, and lake country

Salzburg is all domes, cobbles, and mountains at your doorstep. Ride the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for river-and-Alps views, wander Mirabell Gardens’ Sound of Music backdrops, and explore the arcaded lanes of the Getreidegasse.

Pop into St. Peter’s Abbey and its atmospheric cemetery, then cap the day with a Mozart concert in a historic hall or fortress.

• Classic experiences (Viator):

The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg — visit filming locations amid Salzkammergut scenery, singalong optional.

Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg — romantic views plus a curated program of Mozart favorites.

Hallstatt Half‑Day Tour — alpine village charm, glassy lake views, and photogenic lanes.

• Eat & drink: Café Bazar for riverside breakfast; 220° Rösthaus for specialty coffee; Bärenwirt for mighty schnitzel and Salzburger Nockerl dessert; St. Peter Stiftskulinarium for centuries‑old ambiance.

Where to stay: Stay riverside for quick walks to Old Town sights.

• VRBO – Salzburg | Hotels.com – Salzburg

Getting there & around: Munich → Salzburg train ~1.5–2 h. Regional day tickets can be great value for two travelers; compare on Omio Trains (Europe).

Milan

Days 10–11: Gothic spires, Renaissance genius, and a day in the Alps

In Milan, fashion buzz meets deep heritage. Step onto the Duomo rooftop terraces to walk among flying buttresses, admire Leonardo’s Last Supper, then stroll Brera’s galleries and the aperitivo-lined Navigli canals.

With an extra day, ride the Bernina Red Train into the Swiss Alps for glacier views and a taste of St. Moritz.

• Signature tours (Viator):

Milan Duomo & The Last Supper Skip‑the‑Line Small Group Tour — secure the most in‑demand tickets with expert context.

Skip‑the‑Line Duomo & Rooftop Guided Tour — elevator access and skyline views.

Bernina Red Train, Swiss Alps & St. Moritz (from Milan) — dramatic passes and alpine lakes on Europe’s highest railway.

• Eat & drink: Aperitivo on the Navigli (order a Negroni Sbagliato). Book Trippa for Milanese comfort dishes; try Ratanà for risotti in a modern setting; Osteria del Treno near Centrale for classic pastas. Pizza? Gino Sorbillo (Lievito Madre al Duomo) does blistered‑crust Neapolitan pies.
• Cafés & pastries: Pavé for croissants and cappuccino; old‑world elegance at Marchesi 1824 near the Duomo.

Where to stay: Brera or the Duomo area for first‑timers; Navigli for nightlife.

• VRBO – Milan | Hotels.com – Milan

Getting there & around: Salzburg → Milan by train via Innsbruck/Verona ~7–8 h, €60–€120 on Omio Trains (Europe). In Milan, the metro is fast; buy a 3‑day pass if you’ll ride often.

Naples

Days 12–14: Street‑life energy, ancient treasures, and the birthplace of pizza

Naples is a rush of scooters, laundry‑strung lanes, and blazing sunshine over the Bay. Walk the spine of Spaccanapoli, visit the National Archaeological Museum’s peerless Roman collections, and explore Napoli Sotterranea to see underground Greek‑Roman tunnels.

Stroll the seafront to Castel dell’Ovo, swim at Posillipo’s rocky coves, or day‑trip to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast if time allows.

• Where to eat (pizza royalty): 50 Kalò (balanced crusts, seasonal toppings), L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (Margherita/Marinara mastery), Gino Sorbillo (historic Centro Storico branch). Arrive early or be ready to queue.
• Seafood & trattorie: Trattoria da Nennella in the Spanish Quarter for raucous fun; Osteria della Mattonella for Genovese ragù; fried seafood cones at Il Cuoppo.
• Cafés & dolci: Espresso at Caffè Gambrinus by the royal palace; sfogliatelle from Attanasio; hazelnut gelato at Casa Infante.

Where to stay: Centro Storico for atmosphere, Chiaia for elegant seaside evenings, or near Piazza Municipio for transit ease.

• VRBO – Naples | Hotels.com – Naples

Getting there & home:

• Milan → Naples: High‑speed train (Frecciarossa) 4h10–4h30, €39–€120 on Omio Trains (Europe). Flights are ~1h20 if you prefer air; compare on Omio Flights (Europe).
• Naples → Grobbendonk (return): Fly Naples to Brussels ~2h30, then train to Antwerp region (40–60 min) — search on Omio Flights and Omio Trains. All‑rail options take ~14–18 h with 2–3 changes.

Getting Between Cities (quick reference)

• Hřensko/Bad Schandau → Prague: Train ~2–2.5 h, €10–€18 (Omio Trains).
• Prague → Munich: Train ~4.5 h, €25–€60 (Omio Trains).
• Munich → Salzburg: Train ~1.5–2 h, €20–€35 (regional tickets can reduce cost) (Omio Trains).
• Salzburg → Milan: Train ~7–8 h via Innsbruck/Verona, €60–€120 (Omio Trains).
• Milan → Naples: High‑speed train 4h10–4h30, €39–€120; or flight ~1h20 (Omio Trains | Omio Flights).

Optional Add‑Ons & Local Gems

• Bohemian/Saxon Switzerland: Take the Kirnitzschtalbahn historic tram from Bad Schandau into the forest trailheads; hike to Schrammsteinaussicht for sweeping views.
• Prague: Vyšehrad ramparts for golden‑hour river views; Letná beer garden above the city for sunset.
• Munich: Evening stroll and steins in the Hirschgarten, the city’s largest beer garden.
• Salzburg: Early morning organ concert at the cathedral; market snacks at Grünmarkt off Universitätsplatz.
• Milan: Peep the Poldi Pezzoli and Ambrosiana for quieter masterworks; Navigli vintage market (last Sunday monthly if dates align).
• Naples: Day ferry to Procida for pastel harbors; sfogliatella “frolla” vs “riccia” taste test at two different pasticcerie.

From sandstone arches to Renaissance rooftops and seaside fortresses, this route strings together Europe’s greatest hits with local flavor. With trains reserved, key tickets secured, and meals mapped out, you’ll travel at a relaxed clip—and still catch the magic moments that make a summer in Europe unforgettable.