DAY 1
Road to Hungary via Timisoara 🇷🇴
Bucharest
We left a bit later than usual—powered by a Mates coffee (our local favorite). And honestly? Best call. We slipped out of the city fast, and the drive to our first stop was surprisingly smooth.
Deva
Grey skies, but a guaranteed win: our go-to lunch spot Perla Restaurant was open (as always). Comfort food, generous portions, mood instantly fixed.
Timisoara
Not our final stop, but the Christmas market was too good to skip. It was busy, but Clara and Diana jumped on the Christmas Tree Carousel in Piața Libertății—pure holiday magic. We wandered to the Metropolitan Cathedral, browsed the stalls, and grabbed a warm Kürtőskalács before hitting the road again.
Szeged
The crew crashed at the accommodation (fair). I couldn’t resist the Christmas lights—Szegedi Dóm was glowing and cozy. I kept it short before the 22:00 close, but it was totally worth it.
DAY 2
Balaton Surroundings 🇭🇺
Szeged
After checkout, we went hunting for breakfast + a last dose of Christmas vibes. Not much was open that early, but Smith Café & Brunch came through with a great omelette combo and specialty coffee. Quick loop through the market, a stop by the church, and we were back on the road.
Bory Castle, Székesfehérvár
About two hours later we reached our first stop: Bory Castle, part love story, packed with towers, courtyards, and sculptures. The unofficial host? A very lazy cat supervising the main hall. We did the full visit in about 40 minutes, then hit the road again.
Siófok, Lake Balaton
Since our place needed an earlier check-in than usual (family logistics 😅), we handled that first—then headed out to see what Balaton looked like in winter mode.
Veszprém
One last drive for the day to see what was happening in the “City of Queens.” The streets felt wonderfully quiet, so we wandered up to the citadel, admired Saint Michael’s Cathedral from the outside (too late for inside), and took in the panoramic views. Then we warmed up at Elephant—easily one of our best meals in Hungary.
DAY 3
Road to Ljubljana, via Maribor 🇸🇮
Siófok
First mission: Bella Zoo Park—because Clara is officially team capybara. Sadly, the cold kept them indoors, so we only saw them on a screen… instant veto. To balance the heartbreak, we went for a very “healthy” McDonald’s breakfast—Happy Meals always win.
Keszthely, Festetics Palace
A proper, grand aristocratic palace with elegant façades, gardens, and that “wow” factor even in winter. With Christmas just around the corner, we mostly admired the exteriors—adding the full inside visit to our spring comeback list. Tickets vary by exhibition/combos—check details here: ticket info.
Maribor
Halfway to our base, we parked at Europark Mall (free parking—love that for us) and grabbed a quick bite. Then we chased the Christmas lights: a peek at the Basilica of Our Mother of Mercy near closing, a quiet stroll through Maribor Castle (basically our private tour), and a wander through the old streets to the Main Square—ending with the glowing Splavarska brv.
Ljubljana
We finally made it—after ~400 km—and somehow still had energy for a nighttime spin. The city was sparkling, festive, and surprisingly calm… the kind of peaceful-before-the-holidays moment you wish you could bottle.
DAY 4
Fairytale Bled
Bled
After a few days on the road, we slowed things down to recharge—destination: Lake Bled, about 50 km north. We started from the top with Bled Castle for those unreal views over the lake, the island, and the Church of the Assumption. Then the cherry on top: snow started falling and the whole place turned full fairytale. Next up, the lakeside promenade and the Christmas market, then we drove to the opposite shore for the classic island + church photos. Quick heads-up: parking can be pricey (we saw ~€6/hour), and in peak season finding a spot here can be a sport—plan ahead.
Ljubljana
We were so into the city’s vibe that we made it a rule: every evening, a quick “temperature check” walk for lights, cozy streets, and that Christmas feeling. And because it was Christmas Eve, we also caught the service at the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation—simple, warm, and genuinely special.
DAY 5
Christmas Day in Italy 🇮🇹
Santa Mission
Up early to place the gifts under the tree and wait for Clara to wake up (the hardest part 😄). After a cozy homemade breakfast, we hit the road—because staying still isn’t really our thing.
Lake Fusine
Why here? Simple: Clara’s #1 Christmas wish, SNOW. Add those lake views and it was the perfect start. A few snowballs, some snow angels… and somehow snow inside the shoes too. Classic.
Tarvisio
Just a few minutes away and totally worth it for quick photo stops, easy walks, or a warm bite. If you want to level it up, take the cable car up to Monte Lussari: Monte Lussari cableway.
Sella Nevea
Snow tires on, we climbed up to Sella Nevea, serious ski area energy. Short on time, I borrowed a sled for some rapid snow fun with Clara, then warmed up with a hot tea. Perfect mini winter break.
Udine
Final stop: Udine—free parking and gorgeous architecture, minus the crowds. We started in Piazza della Libertà, wandered the old streets, and finished at Castello di Udine for panoramic views over the city (and snowy mountains in the distance). All in about 1.5 hours.
Ljubljana
Back in Ljubljana—and yes, we went uphill to the castle (because we can’t help ourselves): Ljubljana Castle. Then a riverside stroll back down and a warm refill—traditional tea, obviously.
DAY 6
Borders, Bastions & Seaside in Grado 🇮🇹
Ljubljana
Weather check first (as always), but not before a proper coffee at Kavarna Moderna. Starting the day the right way. ☕
Nova Gorica / Gorizia
First stop: Castello di Gorizia — and we lucked out with free entrance. After that, we crossed back into Slovenia for Kostanjevica Monastery, then walked toward Rafut Park — the bamboo grove + Villa Rafut vibe is seriously dreamy.
Palmanova
The famous star-shaped city — a quick, easy stop for a taste of Venetian-era history. We stretched our legs around the walls, then warmed up with a tea in Piazza Grande near the Duomo.
Aquileia
Main goal: Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (tickets). The tower was under restoration, but the basilica floor mosaics were the real showstopper — huge, detailed, and totally worth it.
Grado
Ending the day in this little Venetian-lookalike was a perfect call, sunset vibes with that “holiday sunglasses” energy. Most places opened around 18:00, but we found a great spot right by the gulf: Prosciutteria 1961 Grado. Pizza, pasta, lasagna… the Italian trio we can never say no to.
Ljubljana
For the first time, the whole crew (Clara, Diana, and my mom) joined the evening walk. The center was packed with people being festive, loud, and fun in the best way.
DAY 7
Drive Home, Budapest 🇭🇺
Ljubljana
Feeling grateful for everything we experienced this Christmas, we packed up and started the long road home. First stop (always): coffee at our new find, R&B Coffee.
Budapest
No Christmas market tour is complete without Budapest. We started with lunch near our parking spot at Cafe Csiga, bullseye again. From there toward the Parliament area, the crowds were next level, especially around St. Stephen’s Basilica where one of the main markets was absolutely packed.
Oradea
After ~450 km, we finally reached our first stop on the way home. We grabbed a few snacks and went straight to bed, it’s been a long day, and we needed that well-deserved rest.
DAY 8
Drive Home, Oradea 🇷🇴
Oradea
Every time I’m here, I remember I have a good friend in town—so I called the night before and we set a breakfast date at Meron. Two hours of work, politics, and AI later, we took a quick walk around the center for a few photos… then it was time for the final push home.
Lunch Stop
Nothing fancy—full “get me home” mode. We grabbed an unexpectedly good schnitzel sandwich + salad from an OMV on the A1 and kept going.
Bucharest
And we’re back. Another road trip in the books, packed with places that deserve a spot on any bucket list. Ljubljana turned out to be an awesome home base for day trips and winter vibes. See you in 2026 — Happy New Year! ✨
OVERVIEW
DRIVE
3,250 km
TRAVEL TIME
8 Days
COUNTRIES
Hungary, Slovenia, Italy
PICTURES TAKEN
1,500 Shots
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