Germany-Switzerland-Italy-PragueSelfDrivingRailways20DaysExplorationJourney
15 cities |
32 attraction(s) |
total distance 46295
km
TIPS
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Day2
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Day5
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Day21
Day1: Frankfurt
2 attraction(s) ·
13 km
1
Major international airport with 2 stations for regional & long-distance trains plus city shuttles.
13
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2
Reconstructed timber houses lining the cobbled town square, also home to a museum & Gothic church.
Day2: Stuttgart
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Translating into English, outputting only the translated content:
The Palace Square is a historically significant square, dating back to 1350 AD, originally serving as the garden of the Old Palace. Throughout history, the square has undergone several renovations and is now commonly used for various gatherings and festive celebrations.
As an iconic landmark in the city center, the square is home to multiple attractions, including fountains, concert halls, and monuments. Visitors can admire the Baroque style of the New Palace, the Renaissance charm of the Old Palace, as well as the remnants of the medieval Old Court and the modern glass exterior of the Contemporary Art Museum. The square preserves many historical relics, showcasing the local traditional culture and architectural art.
Day3: Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
The city of Rothenburg is surrounded by medieval city walls, which are 3.5 kilometers in total length, with 2.5 kilometers accessible to visitors. Even when tourist groups reach the city square and streets, the long wooden covered walkways on the city walls remain a relatively quiet area where travelers can stroll and explore the entire city. The city walls have been restored over the past 40 years, and the names of various donors can still be seen engraved on the brick and stone walls. Donations are still ongoing, and interested individuals can inquire at the tourist center. The city walls feature various gates and towers, including the oldest White Tower (Weißer Turm), the Markus Tower (Markusturm) on the archway, the Hospital Gate (Spitaltor) with defensive fortifications, the Sieber Gate (Sieberstor) next to a beautiful street corner, and the Castle Gate (Burgtor) leading to the castle garden, each with its own unique features.
1
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Day4: Schwangau
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
New Gothic style castle, summer residence of King Ludwig II, with ornately furnished state rooms.
Day5: Zurich
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
The glacial Lake of Switzerland is located in the northeast of the plateau and extends southeastward from the city of Zurich. The lake is at an altitude of 406 meters and has a crescent shape, stretching 29 kilometers from southeast to northwest, with a maximum width of about 4 kilometers and a minimum width of only 1 kilometer. The lake covers an area of 88 square kilometers, with the northwest being deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 143 meters, while the southeast is relatively shallow.
The surrounding terrain of the lake is gentle and is often covered with vineyards and orchards. When looking south, the beautiful Alps can be seen. The lake is home to a large number of water birds, and signs have been set up along the shore for people to observe them. The most famous and easily identifiable species of water bird is the swan, with its snow-white body and plump appearance unmatched by other water birds.
Pigeons and seagulls can often be seen gathered together by the lake, sometimes soaring in the air, sometimes playing with swans on the water's surface and sometimes flapping their wings to forage at the lakeside. Tourists by the lake always attract a large number of seabirds, which compete to divide the food. The unique scene of people and birds living in harmony by the lake forms a unique landscape.
2
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2
Bahnhofstrasse, also known as the Station Street, is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. Besides being one of the most expensive shopping places in the world, the street is also the real golden spot of Zurich. It is a stunningly beautiful sight, with luxury brands and private banks from all around the world. Bahnhofstrasse starts at Zurich's main railway station, runs along the Limmat river on the left bank of the commercial center, and eventually reaches the Burkliplatz on the shores of Lake Zurich after a 1.4-kilometer walk. The street is lined with lime trees, and only trams are allowed through to ensure air quality, while cars are not allowed to enter. This historic street was formerly Zurich's old city wall until it was demolished and rebuilt as a shopping street in 1867. With its fashion boutiques and numerous private banks, Bahnhofstrasse is on a commercial level comparable to New York's Fifth Avenue.
Day6: Interlaken
2 attraction(s) ·
21 km
1
The Jungfrau, located in the Bernese Highlands, is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland and one of the most charming landscapes in the area. It has a friendly relationship with the Yellow Mountains in Anhui, China and is greatly favored by Chinese tourists. The Jungfraujoch Railway was opened nearly 100 years ago, taking visitors to Europe's highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch station at an altitude of 3454 meters, where there are restaurants and other services. Here, you can visit the super ice palace and explore the world inside the glacier, while enjoying the spectacular panorama of the Alps from the Sphinx and Platt viewing platforms. Additionally, you can also play to your heart's content in the glacial snowfields.
In 2001, this area was listed as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO, attracting even more attention. At an altitude of 3571 meters on the Sphinx viewing platform, you can take Switzerland's fastest elevator and enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Alps, including the Aletsch Glacier, 24 kilometers in length and the longest glacier in the Alps, in view of the landscapes of the Bern, Valais, and Rütli mountains. On clear days, you can also see the Black Forest in Germany.
21
km
2
In German, Interlaken is called "Between Lakes," meaning "between lakes," and it is known as the left eye of God. The scenery here is so beautiful, with green hills surrounding the river and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Day7:
0 attraction(s) ·
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Day8:
0 attraction(s) ·
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Day9:
0 attraction(s) ·
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Day10:
0 attraction(s) ·
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Day11: Florence > Monterosso al Mare > Cinque Terre
3 attraction(s) ·
7421 km
2
Region made famous for its picturesque & colorful villages squeezed between the mountains & the sea.
1
km
3
Manarola, located among five small towns, is a must-visit place on the way to Cinque Terre. It is usually accessible by car or by taking a bus from Genoa, and is the westernmost (northernmost) of the five towns. Manarola is popular among tourists for its unique sandy beach. It's a pleasure to spend an afternoon strolling along the beach and admiring the scenic carvings on the rocks. Local restaurants offer delicious cuisine made with fresh anchovies, showcasing unique flavors using different cooking methods. Local wines in bars and wine bars are also a great choice for food pairing. However, during peak tourist season (summer), there will be a large influx of visitors to Manarola's seaside, so be sure to prepare well before your trip.
Day12: Monterosso al Mare > Pisa > Florence
3 attraction(s) ·
7572 km
1
Region made famous for its picturesque & colorful villages squeezed between the mountains & the sea.
77
km
2
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower located in Miracle Square in the city of Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. It is also one of the world's most famous landmarks and a symbol of Italy. The bell tower was built in 1173 and was initially designed to be built vertically. However, due to the unstable foundation and soft soil, it began to lean towards the southeast during construction and remained in that position upon completion. The tower's leaning position and architectural features make it a unique and beautiful sight.
Legend has it that Galileo conducted a freefall experiment on the Leaning Tower of Pisa in 1590, which disproved Aristotle's theory. In 1987, it and two other buildings were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites to recognize their significant influence on Italian architecture. The government has been carrying out maintenance work on the tower to ensure its beauty lasts forever.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a building of great historical significance, with its circular design demonstrating its originality and ingenuity. The architect used a circular base design to mirror the adjacent semi-circular apse of the cathedral, creating the unique Pisan style. The tower's decorative style is consistent with the classic designs of the cathedral and baptismal font, with walls made of marble and limestone and raised square pillars, arches, and grid-patterned flat tops. The wall above the arcade presents a strong contrast between bright surfaces and shaded areas, making the internal columns of the tower appear more massive. The cathedral, baptismal font, and bell tower create a visual continuity, creating an atmosphere of ancient architecture.
7495
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3
Day13:
0 attraction(s) ·
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Day14: Regensburg
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
The iconic building in Regensburg is the Cathedral of St. Peter (Kathedrale St. Peter), which is a representative work of Bavarian Gothic architecture and was built between 1260 and 1520. The church has deeply influenced the residents of this city for centuries. You can visit the Cathedral Treasure Museum (Domschatzmuseum), which houses church treasures such as reliquaries and tapestries. As you stroll along the cathedral's cloister, you will be drawn to its five Gothic altars, which are a major feature of the cathedral. In addition, the cathedral is also home to the Regensburger Domspatzen, a renowned boys' choir known as the "Stradivarius" of boys' choirs, who sing for worship ceremonies here. Another impressive feature of the church is its stained glass windows, which date back to 1220-1370 and are still well-preserved.
Day15: Rome > Munich
2 attraction(s) ·
7718 km
2
Day16: Prague
4 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Prague Castle was once the residence of the Czech royal family and is now the office location for the president and national government agencies. It is also a popular spot for viewing the beauty of the Old Town area. The castle houses the crown jewels of Bohemian Kingdom and is one of the largest ancient castles in the world, spanning 570 meters in length and around 130 meters in width. The three most important sights in the castle include St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Old Royal Palace. St. Vitus Cathedral is the oldest building in the city, with a history of over 1000 years. The highlights of this magnificent grey-black Gothic building include 20th-century stained glass windows, the tomb of St. John, and the St. Wenceslas Chapel. The large stained glass windows were created by the famous painter Mucha. Golden Lane is a small and delicate road with romantic colored small houses on either side. It used to be the residence of servants and craftsmen and got its name from the many alchemists who worked for the kings. In the late 19th century, it became a slum, but after a change in planning in the mid-20th century, the houses were converted into various souvenir and handicraft shops. The famous writer Kafka's old home is also located here. Every day at noon, the Old Royal Palace holds an impressive changing of the guard ceremony, attracting many tourists.
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The St. Vitus Cathedral located in Prague Castle is a precious example of Gothic architecture, with numerous Bohemian Kings' tombs inside. It is one of the largest and most important churches in the Czech Republic. As early as 925 AD, Duke Wenceslaus I of Bohemia built the first circular Romanesque church, which was later expanded in 1060 to become the Romanesque church seen today. Then in 1344, Charles IV ordered the construction of the Gothic cathedral on the original foundation, which was not completed until the early 20th century. Today, the replaced stained glass windows have become representative works of Alfons Mucha.
1
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3
The Old Royal Palace is a palace of the Bohemian kings in history. The palace has undergone constructions and expansions by many kings, adding Gothic and Renaissance styles. The entire building is divided into three floors, the entrance being the high-ceiling Vladislav Hall, which is also the center of the entire palace. The upper-level New Land Hall has many works by early painters and calligraphers, while the lower-level has the Gothic Charles IV Palace and the Romanesque-style hall. In the fire of 1541, most of the rooms were destroyed, and some were later rebuilt as remnants.
The palace is located at the entrance of Court No.3 of Prague Castle, and there is a unique changing of guards ceremony every hour.
1
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4
The Charles Bridge, situated in the city center of Prague, Czech Republic, was constructed in the 14th century over the Vltava River. This 520-meter-long and 10-meter-wide stone bridge is a highly valuable and historically significant piece of architecture. Located next to the Prague Castle complex and the Old Town, it was the mandatory route for coronation processions of the monarchs in the past.
As you stroll across the bridge, you can witness street performances by artists and a variety of handicrafts. There are also plenty of artworks to be found, such as watercolor paintings depicting the Charles Bridge and puppets dressed in traditional Czech and court attire.
With a total of 30 statues of saints, this is the oldest and longest bridge in Europe, and has become renowned as an open-air baroque statue museum of Europe, thanks to the masterpieces of Czech baroque artists from the 17th and 18th centuries. While many of the statues have been replaced with replicas, there are still plenty of artworks and cultural heritage to appreciate for the visitors. Notably, the eighth statue on the right-hand side of the bridge is the guardian of the Charles Bridge, St. John. In the middle of the fence lies a golden cross indicating the spot where he was thrown off the bridge.
Day17: Prague
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Old Town Square, also known as Hus Square, has a history of over 900 years. Located between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge, it is one of the most famous squares in Prague, attracting countless tourists and residents, especially crowded in the summer. The buildings around the square are of various styles, including the Gothic-style Tyn Church and the baroque-style St. Nicholas Church, as well as many cafes and restaurants. Many churches on the square and the famous astronomical clock on the exterior wall of the old town hall attract numerous tourists. In addition, the square also offers a panoramic view of the old town for tourists. A statue of Hus, the pioneer of the Reformation, stands in the square and has become a tourist landmark. Tourists sticking "wishing notes" on the pedestal of the Hus statue has also become a scene in the square. Although Jolin Tsai mistakenly referred to the pedestal of the Hus statue as Rome's wishing pool in her song "Prague Square," the song still attracts global attention to Old Town Square. In 2014, the Prague city government cleaned and maintained the Hus statue, and the "wishing wall" on the pedestal no longer exists, but the square is still an oasis in the hearts of tourists.
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The Powder Tower is one of the entrances to the Old Town of Prague and one of its iconic buildings. It was originally built in 1475 and has undergone multiple renovations to become a Neo-Gothic style building. The Tower was named after becoming a gunpowder warehouse in the 18th century. The Powder Tower stands 65 meters tall with 186 steps leading up to a 44-meter-high observation deck. Starting from here, you can complete the entire Royal Route tour.
Day18: Prague > Berlin
3 attraction(s) ·
283 km
2
Brandenburg Gate is a landmark in Berlin, symbolizing the unification of Germany. It was built in 1791 in the Neoclassical style, modeled after the city gate of the Acropolis in Athens. The top of the gate features a bronze statue of the Victory Goddess with outstretched wings, holding a scepter adorned with an oak wreath, Iron Cross medal, and a soaring eagle, symbolizing victory in war. Facing east, Brandenburg Gate is the entrance to and the only preserved city gate of the old core area of Berlin. It has witnessed the rise and fall of German history. The Berlin Wall once stood to its west, dividing East and West Germany and preventing people from passing through for decades. Now, after recent restoration following the end of the Cold War, Brandenburg Gate and the surrounding Pariser Platz have become a popular tourist attraction in Berlin. On Pariser Platz, you will also find newly completed buildings such as the US Embassy and the famous Adlon Hotel.
3
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3
The Berlin Wall is a 176.8-kilometer-long barrier that was built on August 12, 1961, and was demolished on November 9, 1989. It divided Berlin into East and West and was known as the "Anti-Fascist Protection Wall." There are three preserved sections of the Berlin Wall: the East Side Gallery, Niederkirchnerstraße, and Bernauerstraße. The graffiti can only be seen on the side facing West Berlin, while the eastern side remains in its original concrete form. The famous artwork "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" is based on a political news photograph taken in 1979, known as the "Brotherly Kiss." There are also small holes in the remaining parts of the wall, left by citizens as memorials, and fragments of the wall can be purchased in souvenir shops, although their authenticity is difficult to prove. Over the past 20 years, the wall has slowly faded from memory.
Day19: Berlin
4 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Berlin Museum Island is a small island that houses five museums. Construction began in 1824 and was completed in 1930, with each museum completing its construction. Due to its cultural and architectural significance, the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The famous Pergamon Museum is known for its collection of monumental buildings from various eras. The museum island represents the essence of German museums, with the Pergamon Museum showcasing the history of ancient Egypt and the National Gallery exhibiting works by numerous world-renowned artists. Located in former East Berlin, the museums on the island suffered from neglect and disrepair during economic difficulties. However, after German reunification, significant funding was invested in extensive restoration, restoring the island to its former glory.
1
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Peñamoa Museum houses many precious artifacts, with the most prominent being the altar from Peñamoa. This altar was made in the 2nd century BC and occupies a whole exhibition hall in the museum, being hailed as its treasure. Additionally, the museum also features a beautiful and vividly sculpted Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon, which leaves visitors in awe. Furthermore, numerous valuable artifacts from ancient civilizations and Islamic artworks are also on display.
1
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The museum houses a large collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which are legendary archaeological treasures. Among these exhibits, the most famous is the bust of Nefertiti, the wife of pharaoh Akhenaten IV. This treasure of the royal palace is renowned for its exquisite bust shape, often referred to as "the most beautiful bust."
1
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4
The Berlin TV Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Germany, located at Alexanderplatz in Berlin, reaching a height of 368 meters. Construction of the tower began in 1965 and was completed on October 3, 1969, under the direction of the former East German government. Originally standing at a height of 365 meters, an additional antenna was added in 1990, bringing the total height to 368 meters, making it the fourth tallest building in Europe, after the Ostankino Tower in Moscow, the Kiev TV Tower in Ukraine, and the Riga Radio and TV Tower in Latvia.
The observation deck of the tower is located at a height of 204 meters, offering panoramic views up to 42 kilometers on clear days. The revolving restaurant on the upper part rotates once every 30 minutes, and the observation elevator takes only 40 seconds to reach the observation deck.
Day20: Berlin
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
In 1987, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the Mayor of Berlin, Eberhard Diepgen, jointly established the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum, DHM) on the occasion of Berlin's 750th anniversary. It is located in the oldest building of Berlin, the Berlin Armory, on the Unter den Linden avenue in the center of Berlin. In 2004, the museum's new wing, designed by I.M. Pei, was completed, adding a new atmosphere to the museum. After the restoration of the Armory building, the permanent exhibition of the DHM officially opened to the public in 2006, presenting a rich and diverse image and testimony of two thousand years of German history.
2
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2
Expansive mall offering about 300 shops, including international brands, plus a food court.
Day21:
0 attraction(s) ·
0 km
