Europe Travel Itineraries • European Touring Guide
Germany, Austria, Italy and France travel itinerary
in 18 days

Our 18-day tour will start in Germany in Frankfurt and will lead you through Germany, Austria, Italy and France. The Tour will end in Germany in Frankfurt. On this tour (© www.euroitin.com) you will discover the variety of Europe. Germany with its old castles and medieval towns, Austria with its gorgeous nature, romantic Italy with charming picturesque Italian villages, and France the country of Love, fine cuisine and wines. The tour lasts 18 days. Discover Europe in a relaxed atmosphere, with its variety of traditions and cultures and beautiful nature.

First Day - Frankfurt - Rothenburg ob der Tauber ( Germany ) - Start in Frankfurt International Airport. Our first stop will be Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the picturesque regions of Franconia and Bavaria. Rothenburg is one of the oldest towns on the 'Romantic' road. Rothenburg is known over the world and belongs to the most frequented towns in Germany. The reason for the name 'ob' or 'above' the Tauber is the Tauber River which flows below the town in its 180 feet deep valley. This tour is © www.euroitin.com . Feel like back in the Middle Age in this little German city with its fantastic Gothic and Baroque architecture, an almost fully intact old city wall and the romantic atmosphere.

Second Day - Rothenburg Sightseeing - Museum of Medieval Justice - St. Jacob's Church - the old Marktplatz - Promenade on the Ramparts - To visit Rothenburg [1] means to discover a medieval town with strong walls, buildings of Gothic and Renaissance style, churches and Patrician houses. The next stage of your © www.euroitin.com tour is the Museum of Medieval Justice: open the door to understand, explore and accept the European medieval history and the past life of an old imperial city and its citizens. The St. Jacob's Church, who has been Lutheran since 1544, is one of the most important church in Rothenburg. Inside the church you will find the two altars, made by the famous wood carver, Tilman Riemenschneider, also called the 'Michelangelo of German wood carvers'. Rothenburg's old Marktplatz with the romantic Town Hall, is surrounded by original ancient old houses, some of them contain little souvenir shops and little typical restaurants, where you can taste the German cuisine. From the Ramparts, where we'll have a promenade, you can enjoy the beautiful sight over Rothenburg, the Tauber River and the Romantic Road.

Third Day - Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Neresheim ( Germany ) - Meersburg ( Germany ) - In Neresheim we'll have a drive with the historical old steam engine through the German countryside including a visit to the old engine museum. Neresheim is also famous for the Benedictine Abbey. It is one of the biggest monk medal in Germany and also well known in Europe. We will arrive Meersburg in the evening. Your © www.euroitin.com itinerary leads you through Meersburg, which is a little charming town direct by the lake Constance and in fact a real historical city. Typical and famous for this city is the Meersburg Castle, which was build in the seventh century and belongs to the oldest castles in Germany. In the old streets are a lot of historical buildings and they all tell their own story. The rest of the day is free for own arrangements, shopping or just to enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful lake Constance and maybe have a little walk around the town.

Fourth Day - Meersburg Sightseeing - Meersburg Castle - Castle Museum - Winery Museum - Tour with the Ferry to the romantic island Mainau - From the Meersburg Castle you have an amazing view over Meersburg and the lake Constance. The Castle Museum shows you interesting facts about the medieval age in Germany and around Europe. We will also visit the Winery Museum, where you can explore and learn a lot around the German wine and the wine culture and maybe have a glass of the tasteful German wine. While the Ferry Tour to the romantic Island Mainau you just lean back and enjoy the lake Constance with a great view over its villages, the Alps and its green nature. The whole island Mainau seems to be a botanic garden. The big variety of plants is amazing. © www.euroitin.com suggests then to have a walk and enjoy this beautiful little island with its special attractions.

Fifth Day - Meersburg to Innsbruck (Austria) - Stop in Moesern (Austria) - Peace Bell - Moesern is a little charming town in the Alps and nature of Austria. After our Lunch we will have a walk in the great nature of Austria. Moesern is famous for his historical building "the Peace Bell". The "Peace Bell" is located on the southern edge of the Moesern village on a little hill offering a panoramic view of the Tirolean mountain world and the Upper Inntal valley. The bell of the ARGE ALP countries reminds people of peace and good neighborliness, thus has political, economic, cultural and tourism goals. The ARGE-ALP, a cooperation of the Alpine countries was founded in 1972 in the Inntalerhof hotel on the initiative of Alfons Goppel (Bavaria), Silvius Magnago (South Tirol) and Eduard Wallnoefer (Tirol) in Telfs/Moesern. The Peace Bell is Tirol´s largest bell. It is 2.51 m high and 2.54 m in diameter. The bronze bell weighs 10 tons, and the clapper alone more than half a ton. The bell rings daily at 5.00 pm and its sound can be heard far into the Upper Inn Valley. The impressive swinging of the bell is an unforgettable experience that can hardly be described. With this itinerary by © www.euroitin.com , you will arrive Innsbruck in the early evening. The rest of the day is free to have a walk in the great nature of Austria or just to relax and have a little break.

Sixth Day - Innsbruck - Swarovski "World of Crystal" - Black Silver Mine - Spannagel Caves Alternative Version : Sightseeing Tour in Innsbruck - Krimmler Waterfalls - This unique experiential exhibition of Swarovskis "World of Crystal" consists of fantastic chambers of wonder, all revolving around the world of crystal. The magic word is in fact crystal. A raw material, which even the most ancient cultures ascribed beneficial, valuable, indeed miraculous properties. This fascinating material transformed the world of fashion and beauty into a seductively sparkling universe. It inspired the human race and enriched both art and culture. Explore the world of Daniel Swarovski who opened the door to a world of fantasy. The Black Silver Mine, also called 'The mother of all mines'. Embark on a 90-minute journey back in time to the Middle Ages and the world of silver. Follow in the footsteps of those brave miners, 800 feet deep into the mountain, and get an impression of the tough working conditions below ground, the miners' lifestyle and the society in which they lived. An eternity ago, the glacial melt of the Ice Age created the largest cave system of the Central Alps beneath today's Spannagel House on the Hintertux Glacier. With © www.euroitin.com , enjoy this exciting big nature event with all your senses. If you wish to feel Austria's nature so come with us to a guided tour to the Krimmler Wasserfaelle ( "Krimmler Waterfalls" ). The Krimmler Wasserfaelle ( "Krimmler Waterfalls" ) belong the highest Waterfalls in Austria. With their 380 metres they are the fifth highest Waterfalls in the world and the highest in Middle Europe.

Seventh Day - Innsbruck to Bolzano ( Italy ) - South Tyrol Archaeology Museum ( Iceman Oetzi ) - Castle Runkelstein - Dinner in Bolzano - "For me, Bolzano is a mountain transformed into a city. The moment you move, it changes appearance. You edge forward and the profile is different, you go back and discover new faces. It speaks different languages. At its heart, it is an actor, enchanting and contradictory, haughty an alluring, warm hearted and chilly." R. Messner At the Crossroads of Culture Bolzano, the only city in the world with both a competition in honour of F. Busoni and a house where Mozart slept. An elegant salon where different people meet, an exchange of cultures, music, and performances. The central Piazza Walther named for the troubadour Walther von der Vogelweide, one street named for Dante and another for Goethe; a conservatory carrying the name of Monteverdi an Orchestra of Haydn. A trilingual University, and an Academy of Design and a Film School both bilingual. This is what makes Bolzano a little big capital of European atmosphere. The collection on exhibit at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is structured chronologically and documents the entire history of South Tyrol from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Age (15,000 BC) to the Carolingian period (around 800 AD). Another attraction is the Iceman Oetzi, who was found frozen in the ice. He and his background is still a Mystery. With © euroitin.com , see Castle Runkelstein, the picture castle, is a special jewel amongst the castles of Bolzano. Runkelstein stands on a porphyry cliff at the entrance to the Sarentino valley. A renowned cycle of frescoes from the 14th century depicts Tristan and Isolde, while others show games, jousting, and giants and dwarves. They are considered to be the most comprehensive and varied of medieval secular frescoes still in existence anywhere in the world. Eighth Day - Bolzano to Malcesine ( Italy ) - Malcesine is a charming old town with romantic medieval streets. Originally a sleepy fishing village, it is today a picturesque and typical Italian resort with narrow cobbled streets winding down to a little harbour. Malcesine is also famous for the Scaglieri castle perched on a cliff overhanging the lake. The castle is believed to have been built in 568 ad. A maze of narrow, winding streets leads down to the water's edge. According to © euroitin.com , the focal point of Malcesine is the pretty port. Behind the town is Monte Baldo, which is the highest mountain in the Lake Garda area, there you will enjoy Malcesine's scenic mountain backdrop. We will arrive Malcesine around noon. The rest of the day is free for own arrangements. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, dream away with the gentle waves, taste the typical Italian pasta or fresh seafood and visit the small but lovely souvenir stores. Ninth Day - Ferry Tour to Limone - Visit to Lazise - Dinner in Lazise - Limone is a colourful, delightfully Italian village, in an ideal position to enjoy all the Lake Garda has to offer. The charming little village of Limone was once the border between Austria and Italy and its historical lemon gardens thrive in the glorious climate. Limone lays at the north- western shore of the lake, with narrow cobbled shopping streets leading on to an idyllic waterfront and two tiny, but romantic harbours called Oleanders and Bougainvillaeas. After the Ferry Tour we'll visit the small but charming city Lazise direct by the lake Garda. There you have a chance for souvenir shopping, or for a typical Italian Cappucino in a charming cafe, or taste the delicious ice-cream. For Dinner we stay in Lazise so don't miss Dinner in a provincial restaurant where you can taste the original Italian cuisine. Tenth Day - Malcesine to Finale Ligure - Stop in Cremona - Visit to the Civic Museum "Ala Ponzone" - Stradivarian Museum - Cremona, founded by the Romans in 218 BC, is quite simply the violin capital of the world. The streets are lined with the shops of makers of all manner of stringed instruments. The history of the Stradivarian Museum traces its roots back to 1893 when the city of Cremona accepted Giovanni Battista Cerani's gift, which included some relics belonged to Stradivari. The collection in the Stradivarian Museum is unique in the world. We will arrive Finale Ligure in the late afternoon, evening. Finale Ligure is a lovely sunny place on the Ligurian Coastline, named in the past 'Gulf of Whales ' for the continuous passage then and now of all the different kind of whales. Finale Ligure testifies history since the early times over the middle age until our days. The surroundings and the mild climate make this place to one of the most loveliest on the Flower Riviera. The landscape mountains near the sea and beaches near the green hills are amazing and if you are a fond of nature you will love it! Eleventh Day - Finale Ligure to Grasse ( France ) - Stop in San Remo ( Italy ) - San Remo is famous for its Pasta and Sauces. The Italian tradition of Pasta and Sauce started here. Our Lunchtime will be in San Remo, so if you want you can taste the delicious Pasta. San Remo is also called the Town of Flowers, its flowers are well-known all over the world and this can be clearly seen in its luxuriant gardens, its colourful flower beds, and in the town parks where tropical plants flourish. We will arrive Grasse in the evening. The French perfume industry started in Grasse in the 16th century as an extension of the glove industry. Grasse had been a flourishing leather and tanning center since the 13th century. When perfumed gloves became fashionable, the town provided them, and when the leather business faded away, the perfume became king. Grasse was ideal because of the sunshine and micro-climate that facilitated the growth of the most delicate flowers. Twelfth Day - Sightseeing in Grasse - The International Perfume Museum - Cathedral of Grasse ( "Notre Dame du Puy" ) - Grasse Garden ( "Jardin des Plantes" ) - The big attraction in Grasse is the International Perfume Museum. There you will find interesting facts all around the perfume and its history and culture. One of the most beautiful and interesting Cathedral in France is the Cathedral of Grasse "Notre Dame du Puy" from the 12. century. The style is simple. The structure reflects the Lombardian influence. There you will find the beautiful and very old paintings of Rubens, Charles Negre and the Triptychon of Louis Brea and at least the only religious painting of Jean Honore Fragonard "Die Fusswaschung". Grasse has plenty of flowers and gardens. In former times compared with today the city had much more gardens and flowers. One of the well-known gardens is the plant garden ("Jardin des Plantes"). The garden belongs once to Napoleon's sister, who rested there during the winter. You have an amazing view over the old part of the city and the sea. Thirteenth Day Grasse to Annecy ( France ) - Stop in Gap - Visit to the Departmental Museum ("Musée départemental") - The Departmental Museum ("Musée départemental ") Inaugurated in 1910, this museum was renovated between 1986 and 1988. Permanent exhibitions for exploring the regional archeology as well as the local traditions and history through the collections of ancient weapons, Queyras furniture and a model showing the town of Gap as fortified in the 16th century. Much space is devoted to natural history, painting, sculpture, old coins and a beautiful collection of ceramics from various provinces of which the mausoleum of Lesdiguières, the last Constable of France, remains the centerpiece. It is to be noted that today the departmental museum includes contemporary art. Fourteenth Day - Annecy Sightseeing - Chateau d'Annecy - Museum Chateau d'Annecy - Marvelous World of Alpine Miniatures - Lake Annecy - When strolling in Annecy, the first thing you will notice are the flowers, everywhere. The town is like a living postcard, this beautiful city has been classified as "Hors Concours" from the National Palmares of the Flowered Towns (organized every year in France), after having been awarded the grand prize 26 times. Annecy has been called the Venice of the Alps because of the canals that cut through the old part of town, Vieil Annecy. You can also explore the winding streets of the old town, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau arrived in 1728. Crowning the city, the medieval Annecy Castle, is one of the most picturesque castles in France. From here you have an amazing view over Annecy and the lake Annecy. Included is the Annecy's Castle Museum with the interesting history about the French castles and life in France in the medieval age. The Museum of the Alpine Museum will show you an interesting world in miniature. It has small scale models of many aspects of Alpine life. At the end of our Sightseeing tour in Annecy we will have a walk by the Annecy Lake. The Annecy lake, also called "the ice-blue lake", is a genuine jewel in the center of a mountainous box and one of the most picturesque in all of Europe. Fifteenth Day - Annecy to Besançon ( France ) - Jura Alps Tour - Hérisson (hedgehog) waterfall, Chambly Lake, Faucille Pass (view over Geneva and Switzerland), Bellegarde - Encircled by the Doubs river and set in exceptionally beautiful surroundings, Besancon is a city of art and history. It won the title of France's "greenest city". Once controlled by the Spanish, Besancon still displays extensive fortifications built by the well known architect Vauban. Capital of Franche-Comte, Besancon is the economic and cultural pole of the region. In the 19th Century, the city became the center of France's clock and watch-making. It is now a major European center of the precision industries sector (micro technology, robotics,...). Besancon lies very close to the beautiful Jura Alps. Your driver guide will show you the most beautiful and interesting places in the Jura Alps. You will have great views over parts from France, you'll discover hidden but very romantic waterfalls, you'll have a walk over the Faucille Pass where you have a great view over Geneva and Switzerland and this are just little examples for the big Jura Alps Tour. Enjoy the nature and the landscape with all your senses. Sixteenth Day - Besançon to Ribeauville ( France ) - Visit to the Musée de la Vigne et de la Viticulture - Visit to the Winery - "Alsace is a party..." Wrote Emile Baas. And it is when you visit Ribeauvillé that you understand the full meaning of this sentence. Here the ancient walls, the streets, the old houses and their wood beams are always decorated just waiting for the first note of music. Ribeauvillé has a long History. It is first mentioned under "Ratbaldovillare" in an official document circa 768 AD. It meant "Villa of Ratbold", in old German "Ratbold" signified "the boldest man of the counsel". Ribeauville is famous for its wineries. We will visit a typical French winery where you have the opportunity to study and adapt the way different grape varieties are planted. You can learn about the famous French wine and its history and culture. After the winery museum you have the chance to taste several sorts of French wine. Seventeenth Day - Last Day in Ribeauville - The last day of the tour is in Ribeauville. It is free for own arrangements like shopping, relaxing, sightseeing in Ribeauville or for walking in the nature. Don't miss the French cuisine, which is well known all over the world. Eighteenth Day - Ribeauville to Frankfurt - Stop in Speyer - Speyer Cathedral - The imperial Cathedral of Speyer, the foundation of which is in the form of a Latin cross, is one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. It was built by the emperors and designated as their last resting place as a symbol of their power. Construction began around 1030 under the Salic Emperor Konrad II and it was consecrated in 1061. In 1980 the cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage program. The imperial Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Steven is the seat of Speyer's diocese and a papal basilica. In Frankfurt, drive to your accommodation or to the International Airport in Frankfurt.