In his latest achievement, Ahmed Magdy, a young doctor from Fayoum, Egypt—often called the “Ibn Battuta of the modern era”—has completed another remarkable chapter of his global travels. This time, he spent 200 days exploring the vast region of Eurasia, visiting 15 European cities on a budget of just €300.

This journey follows his earlier expedition across 15 Asian cities, which cost him less than 8,000 EGP. Ahmed, now in his twenties, graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University with high honors and was accepted as a research fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky in the United States. He has also earned both the Bronze and Silver Awards from the British Excellence Awards.

A Mission to Explore Every Country on Earth

Ahmed remains determined to fulfill his lifelong dream: to visit every country and capital in the world. His most recent journey was part of a larger mission to explore more than 30 countries across Europe and Asia in 200 days, laying the groundwork for his upcoming book, 200 Days in Eurasia. His ultimate goal is to complete visits to all seven continents before turning 30.

Despite the high cost of traveling in Europe, Ahmed managed to complete this journey on a shoestring budget. He credits this to the friendships he made during past travels, which enabled him to share costs and rent a camper van that served as both transportation and accommodation. He also minimized expenses by living on simple meals—mainly beans, canned tuna, and bread.

Hidden Corners of Europe

During his trip, Ahmed visited 15 cities in countries including Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Romania. Many of the locations he explored were remote and challenging to reach, such as mountain peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and hilltop castles.

One highlight was a visit to Italy’s only pediatric asthma treatment center, located on the shores of Lake Cadore. Italian researchers determined that the area’s air is the cleanest in the country, leading to the establishment of the center there—complete with comprehensive medical and recreational facilities for children. Ahmed also climbed the Dolomites, part of the Alps, reaching an altitude of 1,534 meters.

His adventures took him to Bran Castle in Romania—famously known as Dracula’s Castle—which is more than 640 years old. He ascended Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, standing 2,962 meters above sea level, and visited Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. He also toured the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, home to Romania’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies. It is the heaviest administrative building on Earth, the second-largest government building after the United States Department of Defense, and the most expensive civilian building ever constructed. Ahmed was particularly inspired by Anca Petrescu, the chief architect who led the project at just 28 years old, designing a structure with 21 floors, eight of them underground.

Life Lessons from the Road

Ahmed says the trip taught him invaluable lessons about honesty, productivity, and creative marketing. One memorable moment came as he passed through Swiss farmlands and encountered a small wooden kiosk filled with locally produced food—beautifully packaged and left unattended, relying entirely on visitors’ honesty to pay.

Another moment that left a lasting impression was a conversation with a 72-year-old woman in Austria. Despite her age, she cycles 30 minutes each way to work every day. When Ahmed asked why, she replied with words he will never forget: “When we stop exercising, we stop living.”

Thrills and Unforgettable Experiences

Ahmed’s journey was not without excitement. One of the most thrilling moments was paragliding over the Swiss Alps after climbing a mountain 2,167 meters high, where he was strapped into a harness and equipped with eagle-like wings for flight.

For Ahmed, happiness lies in one simple goal: visiting every city on the planet. His travels continue to shape his worldview, deepen his cultural understanding, and fuel his mission to see the world—one journey at a time.