Europe self drive itinerary

Only one night in the Berner Overland in Lauterbrunnen? Spend more time in the area but up in mountains rather than down in a valley.

I also can’t fathom 1 night Lauterbrunnen. Park the car and stay at least 3 nights in Wengen or Muerren. Doesn’t matter where you get the extra nights. If you don’t, please come back and let us know how you kicked yourself for that one night stay.

Paul

Salzburg is quite small, but perhaps you're planning several out-of town trips.

On the other side, unless you've been to Paris before, four nights is painfully short. It's your first stop, so you'll probably be sleep-walking through that first partial day, and you may have lingering jetlag on Day 2.

I'll just emphasize the point that whatever else you do, spend 3 nights in Lauterbrunnen. It's not just that you will want more time there because it's spectacular. It's that mountain weather is both unpredictable and rapidly changeable. If you only have one night and the weather is good, you'll be kicking yourself because of how amazing it is. But if you only have one night and the weather is cloudy or rainy, you'll REALLY be kicking yourself for not spending more time there, as a hedge against the weather.

Some places that I would look to shorten in exchange are Luzern (very nice, but not at the same level as the Lauterbrunnen area) or Cesky Krumlov (very pretty, but one night is sufficient).

Where do you plan on staying in Fontainebleau? I went back there for a day trip to see the famous chateau again in May having been there last in 2010. Quite a change in the centre ville.

Thanks so much for your suggestions. We have been to Paris before so 4 nights will be sufficient. We will take note about extended another night in Bamberg and Lauterbrunnen. We do plan to go to Hallstatt when staying in Salzburg. Again thanks everyone.

Four nights in Salzburg might be a bit much, unless you visit Berchtesgaden. Also, you are going to Lucern, try to check out Interlakken.

You may have some difficulty finding parking in Prague, Vienna and Salzburg. Have you found hotels or B&Bs that provide parking that are near the city center? TripAdvisor has a great feature with a map that allows you to check out hotels for price and location.

Agree with the other recs, and you say you've secured parking for your urban stays, but make sure you really do, especially in Czech Republic.

I'm a fairly experienced urban driver (grew up driving in San Francisco) and am not easily phased but driving in central Prague with an inept navigator was NOT a lot of fun. If I had to return by driving I'd find a garage well outside the center and take public transit in.

Not a change to your itinerary but just a tip to make sure to watch your speed while on the highway in Europe! There are speeding cameras everywhere on the highway (no cops though) and I got 2 tickets sent to me months after I got back to LA when I did a road trip to southern France and Spain last year (1 ticket from France and 1 ticket from Italy)

Have a good trip!

We will definitely keep an eye on our speed especially as we Aussies normally drive on the left side of the road.
It will be interesting !

I too would recommend more time in Lauterbrunnen, not sure what city I'd take the days from. Perhaps, Cesky Krumlov, Montreux or Heidelberg?? Sounds like a wonderful trip. Please consider doing a trip report on your return!