Week 1: Frankfurt, Germany
Day 1: Exploring Frankfurt
Our European adventure began in Frankfurt, Germany. Shirley and I leisurely explored the city over our four-day stay. We visited various attractions, pausing for coffee breaks at charming cafés. In the afternoon, we embarked on a city cruise along the River Main, enjoying the sights from the water.
Day 2: Rhine Valley and Assmannshausen
We took a bus tour through the picturesque Rhine Valley, stopping at the Niederwald Monument for stunning views. A chairlift ride brought us to the delightful town of Assmannshausen, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch. The day continued with a Rhine River steamship journey, passing by numerous castles.
Day 3: Baden Baden and Strasbourg
Our day began with a bus tour to Baden Baden, featuring a walking tour that included the Kurhaus Casino. We then ventured through the Black Forest, stopping at Lake Mummelsee for a taste of Black Forest cake. Our journey continued to Strasbourg, France, where we admired the Gothic cathedral and the charming old city.
Day 4: Heidelberg Exploration
We visited the renaissance town of Heidelberg. Highlights included Heidelberg Castle, the Great Barrel, and a stroll through the medieval Old Town. We marveled at landmarks like the Karl Theodor Bridge and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
Day 5: Frankfurt on Foot
We enjoyed another day of exploration in Frankfurt, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Week 2: Munich, Germany
Day 6: Journey to Munich
We boarded the ICE train to Munich, passing through scenic meadows and quaint villages.
Day 7: Romantic Road and Rothenburg
Our bus tour took us along the Romantic Road, with a stop at Harburg Castle. We then explored Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved medieval town.
Day 8: Castles and Oberammergau
While Shirley rested, I visited Linderhof Castle and Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Play. The day concluded with a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Day 9: Munich Highlights
We toured Munich via a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, visiting attractions like Nymphenburg Palace and Olympic Park.
Week 3: Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria
Day 10: Arrival in Innsbruck
We traveled by train to Innsbruck, enjoying views of lush meadows and mountain villages.
Day 11: Swarovski Crystal World
A day tour took us to the Swarovski Crystal World, showcasing a stunning collection of precious items.
Day 12: Innsbruck Old Town
We explored Innsbruck’s historic old town and the Imperial Palace. A ride on the Hungerburg Funicular provided breathtaking views.
Day 13: Salzburg Exploration
Our journey continued to Salzburg, where we visited Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Mirabell Palace.
Day 14: Sound of Music Tour
We took a tour of iconic locations from “The Sound of Music,” including Leopoldskron Castle and Nonnberg Abbey.
Day 15: Shopping in Salzburg
We spent the day shopping, including a visit to Red Bull World for our son’s Formula One racing jacket.
Week 4: Budapest to Amsterdam
Day 16: Cruise Departure
We headed to Budapest, Hungary, to board the “MS Amabella” for a 15-day river cruise.
Day 32: Amsterdam Arrival
After our cruise, we spent two days in Amsterdam, exploring the city by canal cruise.
Day 33: Amsterdam Discoveries
We visited a diamond jewelry making factory and explored the city on foot.
Day 34: Heineken Brewery Tour
Our day included a hands-on experience at the Heineken Brewery.
Week 5: Netherlands and Belgium
Day 35: Efteling Theme Park
We traveled to Kaatsheuvel to stay at the Efteling Theme Park Hotel and enjoy the magical theme park.
Day 36: Maastricht Exploration
In Maastricht, we explored the city connected to musician André Rieu.
Day 37: Brussels Arrival
We arrived in Brussels for a three-day stay.
Day 38: Antwerp Excursion
Our tour included sights in Brussels and a visit to Antwerp.
Day 39: Ghent and Bruges
We toured the charming towns of Ghent and Bruges.
Day 40: Brussels Sightseeing
We spent the day exploring Brussels’ attractions.
Week 6: London, England
Day 41: Journey to London
We traveled to London via Eurostar.
Day 42: London Highlights
A city bus tour covered iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and the Tower of London.
Day 43: Windsor and Stonehenge
Our day tour included Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the Roman Baths in Bath.
Day 44: Relaxation in Kensington
We enjoyed a leisurely day in Kensington Gardens Park.
Day 45: Chelsea Football Club Visit
We visited Chelsea FC to purchase a football jersey for our son.
Day 46: Shopping and Sightseeing
Our day included shopping at Harrods and exploring Oxford Street.
Week 7: Paris, France
Day 47: Arrival in Paris
Our final destination was Paris, where we stayed near de Gaulle Airport.
Day 48: Departure
We concluded our journey by taking the shuttle to the airport for our flight home.
We hope you enjoyed our wonderful journey through Europe and the United Kingdom. Please feel free to comment or share your own experiences!