A Dreamlike Journey Across Borders

📍 Budapest · 👁 967 reads · ❤️ 4 likes

Europe, ancient and full of charm, bears a long and turbulent history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires, the collision and fusion of cultures, and the advancement of science and technology. It tells stories of the old and the modern intertwined. For many years, numerous symbols of Europa have haunted my mind, such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Blue Danube, the Vienna Golden Hall, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, the Venice Water City, the Prague Spring, the Budapest Love, and so on. This time, having the opportunity to set foot on this European continent full of historical charm and romance, embarking on a wonderful 15-day journey spanning 12 countries, was a long-awaited fulfillment of our wishes.

In old age, the ideal state we pursue is: live healthily, stay busy in an orderly way, play freely, live fully, and laugh brightly. As long as our heart remains young, life will always be beautiful. Travel allows us to see mountains and rivers, observe the world, meet different people, and find ourselves, experiencing different lifestyles and encountering a brand-new self. Although this trip to Europe was decided somewhat hastily, the thought of soon experiencing exotic scenery and the local customs of the continent, with unique pictures unfolding before our eyes, made us impatient with anticipation. Amidst our expectations, we finally set off on October 8, flying directly from Beijing to Paris.

At Beijing Capital Airport, we boarded Air China and after nearly 10 hours of flight, arrived in the romantic and fashionable city of Paris at 18:40 local time. A private car picked us up, and we stayed overnight in Paris.

After breakfast, we took a bus to visit the radiant sights of the City of Light.

The “City of Light” Paris is famous for its rich historical relics and romantic atmosphere. The twelve avenues of the Champs-Élysées radiate in all directions from the Place Charles de Gaulle. The majestic and magnificent Arc de Triomphe stands on the roundabout in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle; Place de la Concorde features bronze statues and beautiful fountains, with an obelisk from the ancient Egyptian Temple of the Sun at its center. This grand square is called by the French “the world’s most beautiful square.”

The Seine River, like a blue ribbon, winds through the city. We took a cruise to admire the well-arranged buildings and charming scenery on both banks. The world-famous Eiffel Tower, Paris City Hall, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral… passed before our eyes one after another, an overwhelming feast for the eyes. Looking up at the Eiffel Tower — this steel giant — we were instantly awed by its grandeur and magnificence. After disembarking, we entered the Louvre.

The Louvre ranks first among the world’s four major museums. It is a world-renowned art shrine and treasury, a universally admired palace of treasures. It is famous for its rich collection of classical paintings and sculptures, and is one of the most precious buildings of the French Renaissance. Following the audio guide, we searched for the Louvre’s three treasures: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, with its mysterious smile, attracts countless visitors; the Venus de Milo, with its graceful posture and fragmented beauty, makes one feel the infinite charm of art; the marble sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace, created around 200 BC, demonstrates the superb level of ancient Greek sculpture and is a pinnacle of ancient Greek art.

Next, we visited Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was still under restoration. Notre-Dame was fully completed in 1345, taking more than 180 years. It is the first fully Gothic cathedral in the world. Its architectural carvings, paintings, and the large number of art treasures stored inside hold high historical and cultural value. It is a symbol of Paris, France, and a sacred site for mainstream world religion Christianity.

After dinner, we admired the brilliant night view of the Eiffel Tower from the observation platform at the Palais de Chaillot.

After breakfast, we took a bus to visit the Palace of Versailles. The Palace of Versailles and its gardens are outstanding representatives of French ancient architecture and are one of the five great palaces in the world (the Forbidden City in China, the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in the UK, the White House in the US, and the Kremlin in Russia). Its immense scale makes it one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Its core landmarks are the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the King's Bedchamber.

The history of Versailles began in 1624 with a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. Louis XIV expanded it into a political center, and from 1682 it became the residence of the French court and government. After modifications under Louis XV and Louis XVI, the palace gradually developed a unique style of “classical facade and baroque interior.” The central palace area is represented by the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Chapel; the palace still preserves the most complete 17th-18th century royal life scenes in France.

Overnight in a small town near the French border.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Les Diablerets and then a cable car (360-degree panoramic cable car) up to Glacier 3000. We crossed the world’s first steel suspension bridge connecting two peaks to reach the summit of Tissot Peak. Standing on the top, we could see Switzerland’s three most famous peaks: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Jungfrau. The snowy scenery at the top made us feel as if we were in an ice kingdom. The distant mountains rolled on, shining with silver light under the sun.

Descending, we arrived at Interlaken, Switzerland. This small town surrounded by the Alps is like a fairy tale world. The lake water was crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding mountains and white clouds, breathtakingly beautiful. Through the car window, we saw Swiss countryside with herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely on the grass, wooden houses scattered orderly among the hills, and wisps of cooking smoke rising, forming a beautiful pastoral scene. The fresh and pleasant air made us forget all worries.

We took Switzerland’s famous panoramic scenic train — the Golden Pass Line — to Sarnen. The Golden Pass Line connects the most beautiful Swiss lakes, including Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne. The scenery outside the window was captivating. However, because it was already late, we could not fully enjoy this gorgeous view, which was a slight regret.

Overnight in Lucerne, Switzerland.

After breakfast, we took a bus to the city of Lucerne to visit the Lion Monument, designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. It is a stone carving on an entire cliff face.

Lucerne’s most famous landmark is the Chapel Bridge (also called the Church Bridge), a symbol of Lucerne, built in 1333. It is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. On the crossbeams of the bridge are 120 historical oil paintings of religious themes, and along the way you can also see paintings depicting the plague epidemic. This wooden bridge, crossing the Reuss River and 200 meters long, offers a romantic medieval ambiance when strolling at dusk. Today it is an indispensable subject on postcards of Lucerne. Every early summer, the outside of the wooden bridge is planted with geraniums.

Afterwards, we took a bus to Liechtenstein, one of the few microstates in Europe. Located on a north-south traffic route in Europe, it borders Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east, with an area of 160 square kilometers. Its beautiful natural scenery, unique charm of a “miniature country,” royal painting collection, and alpine ski resort are its hallmarks. We took a sightseeing mini train, about half an hour to tour the entire country.

Then we went to Füssen to visit Swan Lake and saw the fairy-tale castles — Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle — from a distance.

For the first time in my life, I visited four countries in one day: breakfast in Switzerland, morning sightseeing in Lucerne and Liechtenstein, lunch in Austria, afternoon in Füssen, Germany, and dinner featuring roast pork knuckle and Munich beer.

Overnight in Munich.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Prague.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city full of medieval charm. The magnificent Prague Castle and its long history made us feel the depth of this city. On Charles Bridge, statues stand in rows, each telling a moving story. In the Old Town Square, the astronomical clock’s hourly show attracted many tourists.

Prague Castle, located on a hill above the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, is a fortress of the country. In the 9th century, the Prince of Bohemia built a castle on the Vltava hill. Prague Castle features diverse architectural styles, from ancient Roman foundations to post-modern styles from war periods. Each era has left its mark on the castle, making it one of the Czech Republic’s most attractive tourist destinations. The castle was once the palace of emperors and kings, and now it is where the Czech President holds welcome ceremonies for foreign dignitaries and receives credentials from ambassadors. Standing on the castle, we could overlook the entire city of Prague, taking in all the beautiful scenery. The castle complex includes three courtyards, several old streets, galleries, gardens, and the largest Gothic church in the Czech Republic — St. Vitus Cathedral (construction began in 1344).

Golden Lane (Zlata Ulicka) is one of the most famous attractions in Prague Castle, located between St. George’s Basilica and the Toy Museum. It is a commercial street selling handicrafts, as bustling as Charles Bridge. During the Roman Empire in the 16th century, many metallurgists lived here, and later this cobblestone street was called Golden Lane. The lane is small, with tiny houses in vibrant colors, like the dwellings of elves in a fairy tale kingdom. Number 22 Golden Lane, a light blue house, was the residence of Franz Kafka over a hundred years ago; today it has become a small bookstore.

A must-visit in Prague is the romantic Charles Bridge, where 30 Baroque statues turn an ordinary stone bridge into an artwork attracting countless tourists. Prague is a city of many bridges, with the sparkling Vltava River flowing through the city. A total of 18 bridges span the river, connecting the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings on both banks. Among them, Charles Bridge is the first bridge built over the Vltava by the people of Prague, with a history of 650 years. Charles Bridge, with its long history and architectural art, is one of the most famous historical sites in Prague.

We viewed the exterior of St. Vitus Cathedral, the venue for coronation ceremonies of emperors, known as the “gem of architecture.” Its interior is as splendid as its exterior. Without this cathedral, the entire Prague Castle would lose its luster.

The Vltava River is the mother river of the Czech Republic, originating in the forests of southwestern Bohemia. The second symphonic poem in the Czech symphonic poem cycle “My Fatherland” depicts the picturesque scenery of this river. The beautiful Vltava divides Prague into two parts: the east bank contains the Old Town and New Town, and the west bank is the Lesser Town. There are more than a dozen bridges, ancient and modern, spanning the river, linking the two sides. Among them, Charles Bridge connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town, decorated with various sculptures and reliefs, and is known as the “European Open-Air Gallery of Baroque Sculpture.” We strolled along the banks of the Vltava, admiring the medieval scenery on both sides. While feeding pigeons, we even encountered Prague’s little internet celebrity, a beaver.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Vienna.

Austria, a country full of musical atmosphere, enchanted me. The Golden Hall of Vienna is a temple of music. I once imagined hearing a wonderful concert here and feeling the charm of music, but due to the itinerary, this was not realized. In Vienna, we visited the City Hall, a very grand neo-Gothic building that houses the offices of the Mayor and the City Council.

We saw the golden statue of Johann Strauss, the composer known as the “King of Waltz,” of whom Austrians are proud. We visited the Vienna State Opera, a world-famous Renaissance-style building. We also saw the exterior of the Vienna Musikverein.

In the afternoon, we visited Schönbrunn Palace. Its name comes from the legend that in 1612, Holy Roman Emperor Matthias discovered a spring here. It is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and was once the palace of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Habsburg dynasty. It was also the favorite residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). In 1762, six-year-old Mozart performed piano for the Empress here for the first time. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

Overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Bratislava.

We visited the Old Town Square of Bratislava. The famous statue of “Man at Work” called “Jimmy the Plumber” is quite interesting; some jokingly call it “the voyeur.” The underground plumber statue is close to the ground, a 50 cm tall bronze figure. If pedestrians don’t pay attention, they might not see it. The statue depicts a plumber wearing a work cap, emerging from a manhole on the ground, crawling at the opening and watching the passers-by on the street. Some joke that he looks like a “lecher” lying there fascinated by women’s legs.

A monument called “Dual Movement Memorial” stands in the center of an old street. According to the guide, during the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918) over Hungary, the Hungarian people launched a movement against it; at that time, Slovakia belonged to Hungary, and the Slovaks also started a movement against Hungary. To commemorate this period, the “Dual Movement” monument was erected.

The sculpture of the “Mad Mathematician” in Bratislava, Slovakia, stands on a street corner, presenting a mathematician with a humorous style. The sculpture shows a mathematician wearing a top hat and holding a hat, with an exaggerated facial expression as if immersed in the mathematical world. Its creative inspiration comes from the unique interpretation of mathematical culture by Slovaks, conveying an obsession with mathematical research through exaggerated body language and humor. Located by a street in the old town of Bratislava, it is a landmark work often photographed by tourists and locals.

Roland Fountain, located in the central square of Bratislava’s Old Town, was built around 1572 and originally served as a firefighting device. Nearby are the Napoleon Soldier Statue and the French Embassy.

We visited the Presidential Palace of Slovakia, also known as the Grassalkovich Palace. It is a Rococo palace building in the capital Bratislava, two stories high, with a white exterior that is elegant and grand.

Bratislava Castle is one of the most prominent buildings in the capital of the Slovak Republic. It sits on a hill by the Danube River, a square-shaped building that somewhat resembles a large bed with four bedposts.

In the afternoon, we took a bus to downtown Budapest.

We visited the famous attraction in Saint Budapest — Matthias Church, located on Castle Hill in Budapest. It is a neo-Gothic church, with an artistic bell tower on the south side and a splendid arched roof worth careful appreciation.

We visited the Chain Bridge, also known as Széchenyi Chain Bridge. It is named after its sponsor, and because of its chain-link construction, it is commonly called the Chain Bridge. This bridge spans the Danube, connecting the cities of Buda and Pest, and is a symbol and landmark of the united city.

We visited the romantic white castle — Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill on the Buda side. Built in 1905, this area was originally a fish market, and later fishermen built this fort for defense. The surroundings of Fisherman’s Bastion are beautiful and picturesque. From here, you can overlook the entire city of Budapest. Today, Fisherman’s Bastion is an important place for residents to stroll after dinner, especially for couples who love to date here. Together with the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Hungarian State Opera House, Fisherman’s Bastion is regarded as one of Hungary’s three stunning architectural sites and is also a viewpoint overlooking the Danube and the Pest side.

We took a night cruise on the Danube, admiring the charming scenery on both sides. The Danube, Margaret Island, Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Gellért Hill were all in sight. Fisherman’s Bastion at night also exuded a unique charm; everything around looked especially enchanting under special lighting. The tranquil Danube, the magnificent and splendid Hungarian Parliament Building, and the dreamy Fisherman’s Bastion made us feel as if we had stepped into a frozen historical painting. Széchenyi István Square, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the Four Seasons Hotel appeared like a palace. The romantic place, with its lights just turned on at the Chain Bridge, was full of romantic and artistic atmosphere. Under the light and shadow, the Chain Bridge looked even more mottled, with a hazy beauty. This place is considered one of the most romantic spots in Budapest, and the famous film “Budapest Love” was shot here many times.

Overnight in Budapest.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

We toured the city of Zagreb: Zagreb is divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town. The Upper Town is the old town, where most of the city’s main attractions are located, making it a great place to experience the historical process of Zagreb. Ban Jelačić Square is the central square of Zagreb, with a statue of Ban Josip Jelačić, the first governor of Croatia. Most buildings around the square date from the 19th century, showcasing a variety of architectural styles from Biedermeier to Art Nouveau and Postmodernism.

Overnight in Zagreb.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

We toured Ljubljana: the Ljubljana City Hall is the current seat of the Ljubljana city government. Its main building is the work of the famous 15th-century architect Peter Bezlaj, with wings added in 1719. Today, the city hall has four exhibition halls that mainly display the development history of Ljubljana and various art exhibitions on international cooperation.

The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), also called the Three Bridges, was built in the 13th century and is a landmark of Ljubljana, spanning the Ljubljanica River. Architect Jože Plečnik added pedestrian side bridges to the original bridge, forming today’s triple-bridge configuration. The main bridge is Baroque, while the side bridges are Plečnik’s modern design, reflecting the concept of separating pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Twenty gargoyles are carved on the bridge piers; some of the statues seep water on rainy days, adding a sense of mystery. The Triple Bridge is a must-see in Ljubljana, listed alongside Ljubljana Castle and Lake Bled as popular Slovenian tourist landmarks. The bridgeheads extend to the central market, connecting historical and modern commercial areas.

City Square (Mestni trg) is the central square of Ljubljana. It is not very large, with the Baroque Robba Fountain (Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers) in the middle, built in 1751. On the obelisk-like base are three groups of exquisite marble statues, said to represent the three rivers of Slovenia: the Sava, the Krka, and the Ljubljanica.

In the afternoon, we took a bus to Bled.

Lake Bled is a famous lake in Slovenia, formed about 10,000 years ago by glacial movement in the Alps, hence called the “Ice Lake.” Surrounded by mountains, the lake looks like a fairyland. The church in the middle of the lake seems like a mirage, very wonderful. The green forests around the lake, the mirror-like lake surface, and the dreamy reflection of the snowy Alps create the charming natural scenery of Lake Bled, earning it the reputation of “the eye on the mountain.”

In the center of the lake is a small island rising 40 meters above the water, with a mysterious Baroque church that still exudes ancient mystery. Legend has it that there were three large bells in the bell tower. One of them sank to the bottom of the lake. On moonlit nights, people standing by the lake can hear faint bell sounds.

There is another beautiful legend about Lake Bled: In the 16th century, a wealthy young couple from elsewhere came here, were captivated by the lake and mountain scenery, and settled here. They were devout Christians, used their savings to repair the old church, and lived a happy and sweet life. But soon, to resist the massive invasion of the Ottoman Turks, the husband enlisted, leaving to defend the country. However, after several years away, the husband sent no news to his heartbroken wife. Still, she believed he would keep his promise and return to beautiful Lake Bled, spending her days in silent waiting and painful longing.

Nine years later, the definite news came that her husband had died in battle. Heartbroken, she sold all her property, had a large bell cast, and donated it to the church on the island to express her grief and bless all those who fought, like her husband, “for a better life.” But as the bell was being loaded onto a boat to be transported to the island, a sudden storm arose, causing the boat to tilt and the bell to sink to the bottom of the lake. To this day, people can still faintly hear the bell tolling from the bottom. Of course, the sinking of the giant bell is just a legend, but the protagonist was a real person. Later, the faithful wife left the Lake Bled region and eventually died in Rome, Italy. Today, there is a 178 kg bell in the island church, donated by the archbishop after the wife’s death. Because of that beautiful legend, young tourists, especially couples, never forget to ring the bell and make a wish for eternal love.

Bled Castle is located on a hilltop by the lake, perched on a 100-meter-high cliff with a wide view overlooking the entire lake. The castle’s reflection in the lake complements the Bled Island.

We took a bus to the Italian town of Udine.

Overnight in Udine.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Venice, the Italian water city.

Venice is a very unique city. Doors open to water, and streets are canals. Apart from buildings and squares, there is almost no land. Venice has no roads, no cars, no traffic lights, only winding waterways, coming and going boats, and over 400 bridges of different styles. Boats are the essential means of transportation for Venetians.

We took a public ferry to visit the gradually sinking and decaying ancient water city. We visited St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Golden Church, located in St. Mark’s Square. Built in 828 and reconstructed in the 11th century after a fire, it was originally used to house the relics of St. Mark, and later to store treasures plundered from various countries during the Crusades. It was one of the largest churches in medieval Europe and a treasure trove of rich artworks.

We toured St. Mark’s Square, a landmark of Venice and a venue for many Venetian festivals. In the square, pigeons flew freely among the crowd. People strolled, took photos, and felt the unique charm of the city.

We visited the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge’s Palace and its prison. It is a Baroque stone bridge on the side of the Doge’s Palace, one of Venice’s most famous bridges. This is a sealed arch bridge; looking out from inside is only possible through small windows. The two ends of the bridge connect the court and the prison. Death row prisoners passed through this bridge before execution, sighing over their impending end of life, hence the name “Bridge of Sighs.” Today, the bridge has shed its gloomy atmosphere due to the movie “The Little Romance,” and can also be called “the Sunset Bridge.” In the film, it is the bridge where the runaway hero and heroine pledge eternal love at sunset.

Gondola ride: The gondola is a unique Venetian pointed boat, with a slender hull and flat bottom particularly suited to Venice’s narrow and shallow canals. The bow is slightly tilted to the left to offset the weight of the oar, preventing the gondola from spinning in place. According to a law enacted in 1562, all gondolas must be painted black to prevent people from flaunting their wealth. Only on special occasions can gondolas be decorated as flower boats. This light, slender, and uniquely shaped boat has a history of over a thousand years, serving as a means of transportation for Venetians living on the lagoon.

Lunch: Italian-style squid ink pasta.

Then we took a bus to the city of Ferrara.

Ferrara is a historic city in northeastern Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It was founded in the 6th-7th centuries BC. Its geographical location at the junction of the lower Po Valley and the Po Delta made it an important medieval trade hub. The vertical axis urban planning designed by Biagio Rossetti in 1492 pioneered modern urban design, and the city still retains intact fortifications and medieval architecture. As an art center during the Renaissance, the Este family’s rule attracted many great artists, creating a unique urban landscape combining humanism and natural transformation. In 1995, “Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta” was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing it as the birthplace of modern urban design. Modern Ferrara balances heritage protection with ecological development. In 1908, the first bicycle lane in Italy was built here, forming a city-wide cycling network, with one-third of residents using bicycles as their primary mode of transport.

Overnight in Bologna.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Cinque Terre, located in the province of La Spezia on the Ligurian coast of Italy.

We visited Cinque Terre, which consists of five small, exquisite, and colorful villages. They are built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. The colorful houses seem to emerge from the rocks, radiating charm and simplicity. It is an outstanding example of shaping and transforming the environment without harming nature. Besides its beauty, it is also known for high-quality olive oil and highly regarded Sciacchetrà wine.

We took a bus to Pisa to visit the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), located in the northwest corner of Pisa. This square is the highlight of a visit to Pisa. The four buildings on the square — Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) — are all masterpieces in architectural history. The square is one of the centers of medieval artistic achievement. Pisa Cathedral in the center was begun in the 12th century, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The interior mosaic decorations blend Byzantine style, creating a unique “Pisan Romanesque style.” The Baptistery, opposite the cathedral, mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. A spiral staircase inside leads to the middle of the Baptistery. Its cylindrical structure, double dome, and white marble create a wonderful acoustic effect inside.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is on the cathedral square in the ancient city of Pisa in central Italy. It is the bell tower of a group of ancient Roman buildings. During its construction, the tower leaned about 1 millimeter per year on average, leading to suspension of work. Restoration continues to this day. This tilting tower, a miracle in architectural history, is famous worldwide for “leaning but not falling” and is a wonder in architectural history.

The rectangular building beside Pisa Cathedral is the Camposanto (Cemetery). Inside, the beautifully carved tombstones, sculptures, and frescoes in the cloisters are worth seeing. Additionally, there is a rest area on the grass of the Square of Miracles where you can take photos with the Leaning Tower and buy souvenirs and snacks.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Florence.

Italy is the birthplace of the European Renaissance, producing many geniuses like Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. As an inheritor of classical culture, economic prosperity provided conditions for artistic and intellectual development. Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio are known as the “Three Crowns of the Renaissance,” promoting humanist ideas through literary works. The “High Renaissance masters” Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael represent the peak of art. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s sculptures, and Raphael’s The School of Athens are all classics. Florence, called “the Athens of Italy,” gathered a large number of brilliant artists and scholars, becoming the core of the Renaissance.

We visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) with its red dome, the third largest church in the world. It has ten panels known as the “Gates of Paradise,” depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

The “Gates of Paradise” are on the east side of the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The great Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo greatly admired these reliefs. The designer, Lorenzo Ghiberti, was only 23 when commissioned to design the doors for the Baptistery. By the time the entire project was completed, he was 73. He cast the bronze panels over and over until he felt the reliefs were perfectly beautiful. In 1456, one by one, the gilded bronze door panels were installed on the east side of the Baptistery, depicting stories from the Old Testament.

Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square) features a fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) built in the 13th century (now the city hall). Together with the square, it forms an open-air sculpture museum, with lifelike stone and bronze works, such as the well-known copy of Michelangelo’s David.

We took a bus to Civita di Bagnoregio (the “Sky City”). We visited this “floating city,” which inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s “Castle in the Sky.” The cathedral was built in the 13th century in Renaissance style. The broken columns at the front suggest the earlier version of the church was more luxurious; what we visit now was remodeled in the 16th century. Arch walls, railings, and underground passages evoke fantasies of medieval scenes. From the top, the view is very beautiful.

Overnight in a small town near Rome.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Rome.

Rome, this ancient city, carries so many historical memories. This place, called the “Eternal City,” is like a bright pearl radiating unique charm, attracting countless people to explore.

Entering Rome feels like stepping into a vivid historical painting. The Colosseum, this magnificent building, is a symbol of ancient Roman civilization. Gazing at the Colosseum, we could almost hear the shouts of spectators and the clashing of gladiators over two thousand years ago. Its massive size and exquisite architectural techniques amazed us with the wisdom and courage of the ancients. Once a stage of blood and glory, it is now the best place to experience the splendor of ancient Rome.

The Roman Forum, adjacent to the Colosseum, was once the center of ancient Rome. Although now only ruins remain, the broken walls tell of past glory. Strolling through the forum, you can see the remains of ancient temples and palaces, as if traveling back in time to the prosperous ancient Roman era. The Arch of Constantine, the best-preserved and most famous triumphal arch in Rome, is a witness to the glorious history of ancient Rome. Its exquisite reliefs and majestic scale evoke awe for the power of the Roman Empire.

Rome is not only a witness to history but also a temple of art. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the world’s largest church, gathers masterpieces of many Renaissance masters. Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s bronze baldachin and his design of St. Peter’s Chair are all artistic treasures. The interior decoration is ornate and solemn, with a dome reaching into the sky. Sunlight pours through colored glass, creating a sacred atmosphere. Standing on the observation deck of the church, we could overlook the entire Vatican and Rome, refreshing the mind.

Rome’s romance is fully expressed at the Spanish Steps. Made famous by the film “Roman Holiday,” the image of Audrey Hepburn seems to merge with the square, becoming synonymous with romance. At the “Barcaccia Fountain” (the “Old Boat Fountain”) in the square, tourists imitate Hepburn, sitting on the steps by the fountain eating ice cream and enjoying leisure time. The Spanish Steps are also a trendy shopping district where you can find Rome’s most famous stores, a paradise for shoppers.

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of the most famous fountains in Rome. It is built on the theme of the sea god Neptune returning in triumph. The sculpted figures are lifelike, and the statues and clear water complement each other. Legend says that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the water, you can make a wish, and it will come true. Therefore, countless tourists come here every day to throw coins and make wishes.

After lunch, we took a bus to Rome’s international airport, completed tax refund procedures, and then boarded Air China to return to Beijing.

Arrived safely in Beijing at 12:55 Beijing time, ending the pleasant journey.

The 15-day journey to Europe ended with fatigue and joy. We toured 12 EU countries in a whirlwind fashion, getting a preliminary taste of each country’s unique charm and experiencing different cultures, scenery, and customs. This trip to Europe recorded many moments that cannot be relived in life and left many fleeting beauties. I believe this journey will become a precious memory in my life, inspiring me to keep moving forward and explore more unknown worlds. When I boarded the plane home, my heart was full of reluctance. This farewell is for a better reunion next time, and I look forward to stepping on this magical land again to continue the fascinating dream journey.

Special thanks to our guide Xiao Zhuang, whose professionalism and patience unlocked every scenic spot, making the unknown journey full of reassurance. Thanks also to my travel companions – it was your laughter and mutual help along the way that turned this time from a trip into an unforgettable memory. Grateful for this journey together! See you all around, for fate will bring us together again!

Travel Journal Index:

1. Day 1 (Oct 8): Beijing - Paris

2. Day 2 (Oct 9): Paris

3. Day 3 (Oct 10): Paris

4. Day 4 (Oct 11): Glacier 3000, Interlaken

5. Day 5 (Oct 12): Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Munich

6. Day 6 (Oct 13): Prague

7. Day 7 (Oct 14): Vienna

8. Day 8 (Oct 15): Bratislava, Budapest

9. Day 9 (Oct 16): Zagreb

10. Day 10 (Oct 17): Ljubljana - Bled - Udine

11. Day 11 (Oct 18): Venice, Ferrara