Budapest City Centre, Hungary, July 2019

July & August 2019: A Grand European Road Trip

The end of July and August 2019 brought an unforgettable adventure filled with joy, excitement, and discovery. Together with Mum, Tahir, and our neighbour Agnieszka, we embarked on a road trip across Europe, making memories that will last a lifetime.

From Poland to Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary, every place we visited had something unique to offer. But above all, what made this trip truly special was experiencing it all together—especially seeing Tahir, free and happy, enjoying the wonders of the world that once seemed out of reach for him.

Salzburg: The Sound of Music and Stunning Architecture

Our first major stop was Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and the city of The Sound of Music. From the moment we arrived, we were enchanted by its elegant baroque architecture, charming streets, and lively evening atmosphere. Staying overnight allowed us to soak in the city’s magic, with evening strolls along the Salzach River and a wonderful meal in the Old Town.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A Bavarian Gem

Next, we crossed into Germany, heading to the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, it was a perfect place to experience the authentic alpine charm of Germany. The traditional houses with their painted facades, the crisp mountain air, and the laid-back atmosphere made this stop truly enjoyable.

Liechtenstein: Exploring One of the Smallest Countries in the World

We then made our way to Liechtenstein, staying in the mountain village of Malbun. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Liechtenstein captivated us with its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and fairytale-like vibes.

We explored Vaduz, the capital, visited Triesenberg, and even made a side trip into Swiss villages nearby. The peaceful atmosphere of the country and the stunning Alpine scenery made this part of the trip particularly special.

Italy: The Magic of Florence, Pisa & Cinque Terre

Our adventure then took us to Italy, stopping briefly in Sufers, Switzerland, before making our way to the heart of Tuscany—Florence.

Florence completely mesmerised us. It was a city where art, history, and culture came alive in every street and square. Each of us found something to love:
• Tahir loved absolutely everything, from the art to the atmosphere.
• Mum was enchanted by the gardens and greenery.
• Agnieszka and I indulged in the food, wine, and the stunning architecture.

From Florence, we took a day trip to Pisa, marvelling at the Leaning Tower, and then travelled to the spectacular Cinque Terre, where the colourful cliffside villages took our breath away. Italy, as expected, was simply magical.

Slovenia: Ljubljana & the Beauty of Bled

From Italy, we made our way to Slovenia, stopping in Ljubljana, one of the most charming capitals we had ever visited. Small but lively, the city had a wonderful mix of medieval charm and modern vibrancy.

A highlight of our time in Slovenia was visiting Lake Bled—a postcard-perfect destination with its emerald-green waters, fairy-tale island, and breathtaking views of the Julian Alps. It was a place straight out of a dream.

Budapest: The Queen of the Danube

Next, we journeyed to Budapest, Hungary, a city that immediately stole our hearts. Elegant, grand, and full of history, Budapest had something for everyone.

The highlight for Tahir was undoubtedly the night cruise on the Danube River, where we watched the Parliament Building and Buda Castle beautifully illuminated, reflecting on the water like a scene from a movie.

Back to Poland via Slovakia

After our magical time in Budapest, it was time to head back north. We crossed Hungary and Slovakia, admiring the rolling landscapes and villages along the way, before finally arriving back in Nowy Sącz.

The Joy of Travel & Freedom

I can’t put into words how extraordinary this journey was. Seeing Europe through the eyes of Tahir, watching him experience new cultures, places, and people, and witnessing his joy and disbelief that such dreams could come true was the most rewarding part of it all.

This road trip wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about celebrating freedom, friendship, family, and the sheer joy of exploration. An unforgettable adventure that we will cherish forever.

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