Electrifying Tales of Old and New

Stunning scenery, a rich history, and cities that need no introduction. In a nutshell, that is what Central and Eastern Europe has to offer. As one of the most culturally diverse regions of the world, it combines deep-rooted traditions and heritage with stories of resilience, passion, and an unwavering determination. From the Carpathian Mountains to the sun-kissed Adriatic shores, every vista tells a story of the unyielding spirit of its people. Here, life isn’t just lived, it is embraced with a passion that fuels innovation.

A journey in time

With its fascinating yet tumultuous history, Central and Eastern Europe has always been a destination to be discovered. Yet to the seasoned traveler, a journey of discovery is always the best. So buckle up as we embark on a journey to discover the heart and soul of this region where diversity, determination, and delectable flavors converge to create an experience like no other.

Fully electric and with an elegant design, it is also a captivatingly quiet ride. Some of the roads on our trip won’t be perfect, but that doesn’t matter because the Taycan can perfectly combine both comfort and sport.

A story at every turn

Leaving Vratislavice nad Nisou, we set off for Prague. We head south and take the beautiful mountain road towards Český Dub. With its ups and downs and hairpin turns, the winding road emphasizes the sporty character of our Porsche, and offers pure driving pleasure. 

In the distance, we see Prague Castle appear. As the largest ancient castle in the world, it attracts 1.8 million visitors per year. Still the official office of the President of the Czech Republic, the castle used to be the residence and a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and former presidents of Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are still kept within a hidden room. The castle is particularly beautiful at night when it lights up the sky over Prague, giving the city something magical. Since we are eager to further explore the beauty of Central and Eastern Europe, we decide to visit Prague Castle another time and continue our journey heading west.

Our next stop is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. A small country, known for big experiences, it offers a perfect mix of heritage and contemporary life: medieval castles, thermal spas, caves, and big cultural and music festivals. Bratislava straddles both banks of the mighty Danube River. As the second-longest river in Europe it flows through much of Central and Southeastern Europe, from the Black Forest all the way to the Black Sea. It connects ten European countries and we will follow large strands of it on our trip. On the outskirts of the old town, where modern styles blend with echoes of history, we have some Bratislavské rožky (Bratislava rolls), a traditional puff pastry filled with walnuts or poppy seeds, at a street-side bistro. The evening sun bathes the scene in a warm golden hue, hinting at the adventures still ahead of us. 

The next morning, we bid farewell to Bratislava. Our Taycan hums to life, a quiet confidence beneath its futuristic facade.

River deep, mountain high

Often referred to as the Pearl of the Danube, Hungary is a landlocked country. It is, however, filled with water due to the numerous hot springs and thermal waters the country is famous for. And, of course, also due to the beautiful Lake Balaton, our next destination. Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is the country’s largest freshwater lake. We drive straight to the northern shore, to the Káli Basin, which charms everyone with its picturesque beauty and unique ambiance. We are left in awe as we meander through the enchanting landscape with volcanic hills, verdant meadows, and charming villages. The gently undulating terrain, covered with vines and press houses on its southern slopes and forests to the north, is home to a number of nature reserves boasting unique flora and fauna. With our fully electric sports car, we have the perfect means of transportation to explore this unparalleled and stunning region and its fantastically drivable roads. Without disturbing the tranquil landscape, we effortlessly glide along the road and blend with nature, while relishing the warm embrace of the setting sun among unforgettable hills.

As we make our way from Lake Balaton to Slovenia even more natural beauty awaits. We kick off our Slovenian adventure by hooking up our sleek vehicle at the rapid Porsche Turbo Charger charging point located at the Porsche Center in Ljubljana. The seamless and swift charging experience exemplifies the simplicity that underpins the electric revolution. With the Taycan fully charged, we are ready to continue our journey. The sun rises above the horizon and casts a golden glow upon the rugged landscape. Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty, the stunning Solčava road promises an unforgettable driving experience. Surrounded by verdant valleys and the majestic Kamnik-Savinja Alps, we eagerly embrace every twist and turn the winding road offers. The road demands respect, but our Porsche effortlessly rises to the challenge, making the drive a seamless blend of power and poise. Pavličevo Sedlo stands as the crowning point of our drive, rewarding us with breathtaking panoramas.

Beyond roads and reflections

We trade the mountains for the coast and head toward the Adriatic Highway. This 650-kilometer road stretches along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Starting in Croatia, it passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro and is deemed one of the best coastal drives in the world. For experienced drivers like us, it is an absolute dream. We take in the stunning coastal vistas as we swoop down close to the shoreline before climbing high over cliff tops with nothing but a sheer drop to the sea below. It is truly thrilling. The picturesque seaside towns and authentic fishing villages we come across along the way offer plenty of opportunity to relax and recharge.

As we see the massive Velebit mountain appear right next to the highway, we know we are getting closer to Bosnia and Herzegovina and back to a more mountainous terrain. Fun fact: with 78 peaks over 2,000 meters, the country has more waterfalls than Italy, France, Germany, and Spain combined. Velebit mountain is part of the Dinaric mountain range that – like the Adriatic Highway – stretches across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. But nowhere in the world do black-stone mountains ascend so directly from the sea as they do in this part of Central and Eastern Europe. 

The unbeaten path

We are in for an even bigger thrill as we head into Romania and onto the Transfagarasan. Jeremy Clarkson of the legendary car show Top Gear declared it “the most beautiful road in the world.” This winding mountain road lets us not only take in the mesmerizing mountain views but also fully enjoy and discover all the capabilities of our car. Its power, its stability and instantaneous torque, its exciting driving experience, and the pleasure of having a silent partner for the road. 

Leaving the mountains, we pass Bran Castle, also known as Count Dracula’s castle. In crossing the border with Moldova, it quickly becomes apparent that – next to a rich history, beautiful nature, and their warm hospitality – the countries we have visited so far have something else in common and that is wine. As we make our way through the Moldovan countryside, the landscape becomes dotted with vineyards. Some excellent high-quality wines from a large diversity of grapes are produced in the Central and Eastern European region. In Moldova, for instance, you can visit Milestii Mici, one of the two longest (more than 120 km) underground wine cellars in the world.

Passing through beautiful Bulgaria and mesmerizing North Macedonia, we stop at two UNESCO World Heritage sites. First up is the Rila Monastery. Standing at an altitude of 1,147 meters with the Rila mountains as a jaw-dropping backdrop, it is an absolute must-see. And driving the meandering roads leading to the monastery is a pleasure in itself. In North Macedonia, we stop for a late lunch at the iconic lakeside town of Ohrid, another UNESCO World Heritage site. We approach the town through rolling hills and lush greenery, which makes us appreciate our eco-friendly, yet luxurious wheels even more.

Classic Porsche passion

As our adventure directs us further south, we reach Athens, where we join 35 Porsche enthusiasts from all corners of the country for a drive through the majestic landscapes of Greece. The trip takes us off the beaten track from Athens to the coastal town of Itea and the serene Mount Oiti refuge. Surrounded by nature’s splendor, we pass through small villages and roadside churches where lemon trees overhang the roads, and traditional tavernas overflow with laughter. Driving in convoy is a nice change from what we have done up until now as it gives us the opportunity to share experiences with fellow Porsche enthusiasts and compare notes on the different models. When the convoy heads back to Athens, we say goodbye as Cyprus and Malta beckon.

These two beautiful islands in the Mediterranean Sea attract millions of tourists every year. Situated 80 kilometers south of Sicily, Malta stands at the southernmost point of Europe. Cyprus, on the other hand, is located southeast of Greece. Although, in Europe, we can’t go further south than Cyprus and Malta, in the world of Porsche, they are part of the Central and Eastern European Region. 

Driving through the sun-kissed landscapes of Cyprus and the historical marvels of Malta, the journey takes a thrilling turn behind the wheel of our Porsche Taycan. In Cyprus, we effortlessly glide along winding coastal roads, unveiling ancient ruins and picturesque villages, where we spot a beautiful white classic 911 Carrera. The electric hum of the Taycan resonates against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Crossing over to Malta, we embrace the narrow streets of Valletta, where modern elegance merges with the island’s rich history. The sleek design of our car and its electric prowess make it a fitting companion to explore both the cobblestone alleys and seaside vistas. This road trip is not just about the destinations; it’s also about the seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless charm.

Between East and West

Eager to continue our journey through the region, we shift gears and make our way to Turkey. Situated at the intersection of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean, Turkey offers a captivating blend of both oriental and European elements. It perfectly mixes old-world charm with modern excitement. Our tires roll over historic sites as well as bustling markets, revealing Turkey’s rich culture. The air is a mix of spices and tales from long ago, and each bend in the road brings a new adventure. As we traverse this vast country, the road trip turns into a blend of colors, flavors, and historical marvels, creating an unforgettable chapter in our travel story. 

Armenia and Azerbaijan are equally mesmerizing. We see the sun set over picturesque Lake Sevan in Armenia and drive past the ever-burning flame of impressive Yanar Dag (burning mountain) in Azerbaijan. The natural beauty and warm hospitality leave us humbled and at times speechless. As we cross the border with Georgia and take the highway to Tbilisi, we turn on the BOSE® surround sound system, which our sports car is equipped with. And just as The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun plays from the speakers, the morning sun breaks through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the windshield.

Lands of wonder

On arriving in Georgia, we are back in wine country. The first winemaking in Georgia happened some 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest winemaking nation in the world. But the country is equally famous for its hot springs and sulfur water. We feel we have earned some downtime and book a stay in the Sairme Resort. Located in the Imereti region, at 950 meters above sea level, the area is rich in hot mineral springs and is a haven for wellness and healing. On top of that, the journey there is absolutely beautiful. As the resort lies hidden in the Sairme gorge, we – once again – find ourselves going up and down winding roads with breathtaking vistas surrounding us. 

Fully recharged, we leave gorgeous Georgia. Further north, as we cruise through Belarus, we are met with more lush and extensive forests, mystical lakes, and stunning landscapes. In Grodno, we explore the beautiful “old town,” with its narrow streets and picturesque architecture; in Brest, we visit the impressive fortress and we make a quick stop to take in the beautiful castle in Orsha. But mostly, we just enjoy the drive, taking turns at the wheel of our Taycan. The roads are generally in good condition, making this a relaxing drive through the beauty that Central and Eastern Europe has to offer.

A romance between modern and classic

Hitting the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, with its many historic cities, it strikes us once again how the region perfectly blends the old with the new. In the beautiful old towns of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn, you can travel back in time and soak up the fascinating history. At the same time, you can experience the hustle and bustle of current everyday life while sipping a coffee at a trendy café, watching traffic go by, or taking in some of the amazing modern architecture. Yet, Central and Eastern Europe seamlessly combine natural beauty with vibrant city life and urban culture as well. Our trip was all about the driving experience, so we haven’t taken much time to explore the art scene in the countries and cities we visited.

High time to change this in Łódź, Poland, the final destination of our trip. Once a major textile manufacturing center, the city has flipped the script on its industrial past and now fosters a very active creative scene. We soak in the atmosphere at OFF Piotrkowska, a buzzing art, design, dining, and club district housed in a former cotton mill and the trendiest hot spot on the cultural map. But Łódź has also made significant investments to reduce carbon emissions. Throughout the city there are parcel locations, where people pick up their e-commerce purchases rather than have them delivered to their doorstep, and electric car charging stations.

With a battery full of charge and a cup full of coffee, we hit the road one last time and look back on our adventure. Having traveled over 10,000 kilometers, our journey was as electrifying as the story of both Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche, who saw the future in electromobility long ago. And as our Taycan gracefully settles into its cruising speed, we can’t help but imagine that if either of them were here to witness this remarkable car, they would undoubtedly tip their hat in acknowledgment.