An Elderly Couple's European Tour: 13-Day Group Tour of Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland
It's December 2021 now, and in a few months I'll be retired. With nothing much to do, I recalled chatting with my wife a few days ago about the places we'd been to, but many details were already fuzzy. Luckily, I’m not one to throw things away. I found the contracts and itineraries from our travels over the years in a drawer. I plan to use these few months, combined with photos, to recall our trips. Not long from now, my wife and I will sit in the sun and reminisce slowly.
Our 13-day group tour of Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland in November 2014 was our first trip to Europe. We were full of anticipation, and looking back now, it was a truly wonderful journey.
I. Mode of Travel
Group tour. Mainly because Mr. Zhao (my husband) and I couldn't get past the language barrier. Our child was in middle school at the time and had to attend various tutoring sessions during holidays, so we decided not to bring her. This meant we didn't have to travel during winter break and could choose the off-season, offering better value for money.
Cost: 10,680 yuan + 485 euros for optional activities + 44 euros for tips. Not including shopping, it was about 15,000 yuan per person.
In the past, most of our trips were organized by my workplace. A notice would come, and we'd go with no preparation, just pack our bags. No homework needed; everything was arranged. So when we organized our own trip, we didn't prepare in advance either. We just signed up for a group tour, and that was it. Later, I realized that to truly enjoy a trip, you can't be lazy—you have to study up in advance. Otherwise, it's just sleep on the bus, take photos when you get off, and when you get home, you don't remember anything.
II. Lessons Learned
1. Exchanging Euros: The exchange rate at the time was 1:7.7. The travel agency asked each person to bring 1,000 euros in cash, saying customs might spot-check and not allowing entry without enough cash. I've always been skeptical about this—whether it's a real European customs regulation or just the travel agency's own requirement. I've been to Europe several times since and never saw anyone checking cash. I've only heard that bringing too much is a problem, never that too little prevents entry. Now I exchange some when the rate is low, to have on hand for travel. This was also a lesson from our trip to the US, where we didn't bring enough cash and the foreign currency limit on our bank card was insufficient. We really had to budget carefully. Especially for those who like shopping, it's better to exchange more cash.
2. Power Adapter: Essential.
3. Power Strip: With so many electronic devices now, everyone usually charges up together after checking in at night. It's useful to have one.
4. Power Bank: As long as it's allowed on the plane, try to bring a high-capacity one. Note that it cannot be used during the flight and cannot be checked in.
5. Electric Kettle: I regretted not bringing one this time. After returning, I bought one and now bring it whenever I travel abroad.
6. Neck Pillow: Essential. Long flights are really tiring.
7. Disposable Toothbrush Set: This is for use after getting off the plane. Group tours usually arrive in the morning, so you can freshen up while waiting for luggage, then toss it. No need to open your luggage. I often see women brushing their teeth with their fingers or asking for toothpaste.
8. Clothing: I went in November. In Germany and the Swiss snow mountains, I was freezing in a cotton jacket. In France and Italy, a sweater and a light jacket were enough.
9. Bottle Opener: European red wine is good and not expensive. Some bottles have cork stoppers, others are screw-top. It can be tricky when buying, so bringing a bottle opener saves you the struggle. If you don't drink, skip it.
10. About Meals: On group tours, there are times when lunch or dinner is not included. The guide always informs us in advance. If we pass a big supermarket, we are asked to prepare ahead. Don't think you can buy things after arriving at the hotel—group tours often stay in remote areas, and we usually arrive very late. European shops close too early.
11. Restrooms: Restrooms in shopping malls are free. In Italy, they are free everywhere. In other countries, only restaurants where you dine offer free use.
12. Common Medications: Cold medicine, diarrhea medicine, etc. Customs isn't too strict about them.
13. Other: Bed sheets and such depend on personal habit. Regarding food, it's said that meat and eggs are not allowed, but some people have managed to bring in ham sausages.
III. Visas
The travel agency handled the visa application. It was a group visa. We had to go in person for fingerprinting.
IV. Tax Refund
It's been a long time, so I can't remember the details. Every time you shop, you have to show your passport. The salesperson gives you a tax refund form, staples the necessary documents together, and puts them in an envelope for you to fill in later. I flew back to Beijing from Frankfurt. I processed the refund at the airport. If you have Alipay, you can get the refund directly to Alipay. I had mine refunded to my credit card, and the money arrived a little over a month later. For cash refunds, you get the money immediately, but there is a fee, so you get less. The guide helps everyone fill out the forms. After getting the stamp at the airport, you put the envelope into the mailbox. For first-time tax refund applicants, the guide is very important.
The minimum purchase amount and tax rates vary by country. Just remember to buy everything you need at the same store and check out together to get one refund form. I only shopped in France and Germany; in other countries, I only bought food. Also, VISA cards and bank cards starting with 62 work very well.
V. Itinerary
Day 1 (Nov 15): Assemble at Beijing Airport
Day 2 (Nov 16): Beijing → Frankfurt → Munich
Day 3 (Nov 17): Munich → Neuschwanstein Castle → TRENTO
Day 4 (Nov 18): TRENTO → Venice → Bologna
Day 5 (Nov 19): Bologna → Rome
Day 6 (Nov 20): Rome → Piacenza
Day 7 (Nov 21): Piacenza → Interlaken
Day 8 (Nov 22): Interlaken → Dijon
Day 9 (Nov 23): Dijon → Paris
Day 10 (Nov 24): Paris
Day 11 (Nov 25): Paris → Metz
Day 12 (Nov 26): Metz → Frankfurt → Beijing
Day 13 (Nov 27): Beijing
VI. Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Assembled at the airport. Our guide was a young lady from Shanghai, Xiao Li, who shared a name with a male colleague of mine, so I still remember her. She was slim, tall, with short hair, looking sharp and capable, carrying a huge, old Rimowa suitcase. She proved to be very efficient.
We were a regular group. Maybe not many people went abroad back then. There were 13 of us, plus the guide made 14, with no minors. Later, I heard groups are usually 20-30 people. We were a small, refined group with good discipline—no one was late, no one spoke loudly in public places. We got along well throughout the trip. It was the best-behaved group I've ever been with. There were only four men in the group. No wonder people say Chinese women travel everywhere, but not many Chinese men.
After assembling, the guide explained the dos and don'ts, helped us with procedures, and we boarded the plane. Our European adventure began pleasantly.
Day 2: Beijing → Frankfurt → Munich (Frankfurt Cathedral - Paulskirche - Römerberg Square - Marienplatz - New Town Hall - Old Peter Church)
CA965 PEK/FRA 0200/0510
It was my first time on such a long flight. Even with a neck pillow, my neck was sore, and I couldn't sleep. We arrived in Frankfurt on time at 5:10 AM local time. Light rain, cold.
A big coach. With only 13 tourists, no need to fight for seats—each person had more than two seats. The driver was a bald Polish man, very friendly, didn't speak Chinese, always smiling. Europe has strict regulations for tour buses, with mandatory black boxes that record the vehicle's status 24/7. After 2 hours of continuous driving, a 20-minute rest is required; after 4 hours, a 45-minute rest. Maximum 8 hours per day. This ensures the driver isn't fatigued and keeps passengers safe.
We watched the street scenes through rain-streaked windows—novel and interesting. The streets were empty, few cars, old but tidy houses, giving a peaceful and serene feeling.
We only had half a day in Frankfurt. Our local guide was a Chinese student. He showed us the exterior of Frankfurt Cathedral, where Holy Roman Emperors were elected and crowned; Paulskirche, a model of medieval German architecture; and Römerberg Square, the only area in modern Frankfurt that retains a medieval streetscape. Next to the square is the old town hall, with its distinctive stepped, gabled roof.
There are two Frankfurts in Germany; this is Frankfurt am Main.
No need to enter the churches in Frankfurt. Europe has many famous churches where you pay to enter; just looking from outside is enough.
Lunch at a Chinese restaurant. That day happened to be the 70th birthday of a female group member, a retired doctor from a Beijing military hospital. The guide specially ordered a bowl of noodles for her. She celebrated a simple birthday in a foreign land with a group of mostly strangers. It was Sunday, so besides restaurants, all shops on the street were closed. Looking at the window displays, prices didn't seem higher than in Beijing.
After lunch at 1:00 PM, we took a German train to Munich, the most splendid courtly cultural center of southern Germany. The train station was simple. The guide bought tickets and led us directly to the platform; no security check. The local student guide also took the train back to his school. We said goodbye, wishing him success in his studies.
On the train, several female group members sat next to a German woman with two children. Despite the language barrier, they had fun playing with the kids. When they got off, the children and their mother waved goodbye from the platform until the train departed.
Watching the scenery along the way made the time pass pleasantly. We arrived smoothly.
At 6:00 PM, we began a brief tour of Munich from Marienplatz in the city center. The lavishly decorated New Town Hall is on the north side of Marienplatz. Built in the late 19th century, it is a towering brown-black building that looks like it's dusted with a layer of white frost. The clock tower has the largest glockenspiel in Germany. Every day, many tourists look up to watch the charming performance, listen to the clear, crisp chimes, and admire the medieval figures, marveling at German artistry. Then we viewed Munich's largest and oldest church, Old Peter Church, from a distance. Free time in the square.
Christmas was a month away, and the window displays with Christmas themes were very beautiful.
German cars are world-famous. The overall quality of vehicles on the streets was high—even the public buses were Mercedes-Benz.
After the tour, we went to the hotel. The room was small but very clean. I was exhausted during the day but couldn't sleep when it was time. I wondered how many days it would take to adjust to the time difference.
Day 3 (Nov 17): Munich → Exterior of Neuschwanstein Castle → TRENTO (Neuschwanstein Castle)
Breakfast at the hotel was a self-service buffet, very simple: bread, cereal, milk, sausage, eggs. It seemed each person was allocated one piece of bread. Those who came late had no bread, so the guide had to ask for more. The dining room was small, with Chinese reminders on the wall not to waste food—if you leave food on your plate, you'll be fined. After eating, we had to take our dishes to a designated area.
Across the street from the hotel
Residential area behind the hotel
After breakfast, we headed to Neuschwanstein Castle, said to be the inspiration for Snow White's castle. Exterior only—entry requires a reservation.
The bus parked at the foot of the mountain. We could walk up, or take a paid horse-drawn carriage. The mountain wasn't high, but the path was a bit steep. The scenery was picturesque, the air fresh. All group members walked up.
Building near the parking lot
We went down to a small town for lunch. After lunch, we headed to Italy and stayed overnight in TRENTO, convenient for the next day's trip to Venice.
The time difference was already adjusted by today.
Day 4 (Nov 18): TRENTO → Venice → Bologna
After breakfast, we headed to the famous water city of Venice.
Boating to Venice
Arrived at 2:00 PM. All group members joined the optional activity: a gondola ride at 40 euros per person. The boats were narrow; someone had to help you board. An Italian young man rowed as we navigated the canals. The buildings on both sides were old, some quite aged. Household wastewater drains into the canals, creating a bit of odor. Overall, it was still a nice way to sightsee.
Gondola ride—the famous Bridge of Sighs
Venice is not large. After disembarking, the guide led us on a walking tour. Street vendors were selling souvenirs; seeing us, they'd say "Hello" in Chinese. We walked to St. Mark's Square, bordered on one side by the Grand Canal and on the other three sides by the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Campanile, the Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove, and the Napoleonic Wing. The square's campanile and St. Mark's Library are exquisite Renaissance buildings.
We visited a glass and crystal shop where they demonstrated the production process—mainly to sell products, which were expensive.
During free time, we wandered through the narrow alleyways, lined with various shops. There weren't many people, allowing for quiet appreciation. It's easy to get lost in the alleys, but don't worry—follow the smell of the canals to find your way out.
At 4:00 PM, we gathered at the pier, took a boat back, and then drove to Rome, staying overnight in Bologna.
Day 5 (Nov 19): Bologna → Rome (St. Peter's Basilica - Optional Rome Deep Tour - Colosseum - Imperial Fora - Roman Forum)
After breakfast, we headed to the Eternal City, Rome.
Emperor Constantine had a dream where God told him to paint the Christian cross on his soldiers' shields, and his army would be under God's protection. After his victory, Constantine became the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," says the Bible. So, between 326 and 333 AD, Constantine ordered the first church to be built on the site of St. Peter's tomb.
In 1452, Pope Nicholas V ordered its reconstruction. In the 16th century, Pope Julius II decided to rebuild it again, summoning the finest architects of the time—Bramante, Michelangelo, della Porta, and others. The pope's favorite, Raphael, also contributed with his genius paintings. Finally, in the 17th century, Bernini added the final masterpiece—St. Peter's Square and the Baldachin—completing this massive 120-year project.
The church, from its foundation to the completion of all decorations, spanned over 1,300 years, coinciding with the growth of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
St. Peter's Basilica faces east, opposite to typical churches, with the altar facing west. Its bloodline includes Baroque style (simply: wide entrances, grand staircases, extensive exaggerated decoration, use of light and shadow. More complex: free forms, dynamic movement, love of rich decoration and sculpture, strong color contrasts, often with intersecting curves and oval spaces). The overall layout reflects the struggle between the papacy and humanism, evolving from a Greek cross to a Latin cross to Michelangelo's bilateral symmetrical plan.
Remember to look for these:
1. Obelisk
2. Michelangelo's dome of St. Peter's Basilica
3. Five doors
4. Bernini's Baldachin (first of the three treasures of St. Peter's)
5. Gilded bronze Chair of St. Peter (one of the three treasures)
6. Bronze statue of St. Peter
7. Monument to Pope Alexander VII
8. Pietà (sculpture in the right side chapel, one of the three treasures)
9. Changing of the Swiss Guard
10. St. Peter's Square
There were so many tourists. The long, winding queue would take hours to enter. Luckily, our guide took us through a fast track.
After the visit, we went to St. Peter's Square. Make sure to take photos in this Baroque square.
At 4:00 PM, after visiting the basilica, we took an optional tour (60 euros per person) to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, following in Audrey Hepburn's footsteps.
Piazza Navona has a broad elliptical shape, matching the former Stadium of Domitian—the square's name derives from the stadium—a large arena with 30,000 seats, built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD.
In Rome, wherever there is a square, there is a Bernini sculpture. If a city can preserve one or two masterpieces by a master of Bernini's caliber, it can claim deep cultural heritage. If a square has one such masterpiece, it can become a cultural landmark. But Piazza Navona has two! Plus, Borromini's equally great architecture!
Originally a stadium built under Domitian, Piazza Navona became a market in the late 15th century. It was not until the 17th century that it acquired its distinctive Baroque character, or rather, the imprint of Bernini and Borromini. One sculpted the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Moor in the Moor Fountain; the other designed and built the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. Together, they form the "iron triangle" that defines Piazza Navona.
The Pantheon, also called the Temple of All Gods, has a simple and clear structure: a circular main building topped with a dome 43.3 meters in diameter, the largest dome in the world until 1436. The dome's highest point is also 43.3 meters, with a circular opening (oculus) 8.9 meters in diameter for light. This is the Pantheon's only light source; light pours in from above, changing angle as the sun moves, creating a sacred and solemn atmosphere perfect for a religious building. The interior of the dome has five tiers of recessed panels (coffers) that decrease in size but remain equal in number, emphasizing the dome's vastness and giving an upward feeling. The marble floor also uses a grid pattern, slightly raised in the center, so when you stand in the middle and look around, the grid deforms, creating an illusion of greater space. In front of the circular building is a portico 34 meters wide and 15.5 meters deep, with 16 columns, each made of a single piece of granite, standing 12.5 meters tall with a base diameter of 1.43 meters. The entire building was cast in concrete—a miracle that ancient Romans could pour such a huge dome using concrete of that time. Modern concrete would likely collapse under its own weight. It is known that the Romans used natural volcanic ash from near Naples, mixed with various aggregates like tuff. To build the dome, they used heavier aggregates at the base and progressively lighter ones toward the top, using only pumice and porous volcanic rock at the summit. The dome's thickness also tapers from 5.9 meters at the base to just 1.5 meters at the top. The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman architecture, hugely influential on Western architectural history. Renaissance architects came here for inspiration. The design of a circular hall with a portico has been applied to countless city halls, universities, libraries, and other public buildings. Notable examples include the Panthéon in Paris, the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, Columbia University's library, the Jefferson Memorial, and the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne. Since the Renaissance, the Pantheon has served as a burial place for great figures, including the famous Italian artist Raphael.
Unfortunately, the Trevi Fountain was under renovation. Even so, tourists still threw coins into the basin, hoping to return to Rome. When tired, we could buy an ice cream at the gelateria that Hepburn visited. I found it mild, with no artificial flavor, just how I like it.
At 7:00 PM, we viewed the exterior of the Colosseum. It was already dark, so we just took a quick look around.
Today's itinerary would have been more relaxed without the optional deep tour. The group, mostly middle-aged and older, wanted to see as much as possible since it might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Personally, I really liked Rome. The streets are not wide, with private cars neatly parked along the sides. The guide said parking is so scarce that Romans park with very small gaps, and they bump the car in front and behind to get out. Small cars are convenient, so Rome is full of tiny hatchbacks. There are so many art treasures in Rome—any sculpture in a small square could be by a master. Musicians play beautiful tunes, and tourists wander among historic sites, immersed in the rich artistic atmosphere. We only spent half a day here, rushing through. I hope to come back with our child when she's older, for a free-and-easy trip to savor it more deeply.
Day 6 (Nov 20): Rome → Optional Florence → Piacenza
After breakfast, we left Rome. The schedule was to go directly to Piacenza with no sightseeing, so we had plenty of time. Some group members asked about Pisa, but the guide recommended Florence instead. One, Pisa is out of the way and time-consuming; two, Florence offers better value for money. It cost 60 euros per person.
Piazza della Signoria is the central square of Florence, with the Palazzo Vecchio (old town hall) and its crenellated tower as the main building, still the political and social heart of the city. The square is filled with sculptural masterpieces, such as a copy of Michelangelo's David, the equestrian statue of Cosimo I, the Fountain of Neptune, and Hercules and Cacus—like a magnificent open-air museum.
Piazza della Signoria is known as an open-air sculpture museum, surrounded by the Uffizi Gallery, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and numerous cafes and bars. The famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is about 200 meters north, reachable through narrow streets. After visiting the square, a short walk leads to the nearby Uffizi Gallery.
The square's name is closely tied to the Palazzo Vecchio, once the residence of the Medici family. The palace is still in use, prominently located and overlooking the square. After several renovations, its architectural style reflects distinct periods: medieval on the outside, and after becoming the residence of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici in the 16th century, Renaissance on the inside.
The entrance of the palace is adorned with the city's coat of arms. The first floor hall contains many sculptures, including Michelangelo's Victory. Inside is a museum and the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred), which is not open to visitors, but the tower can be climbed. The tower is 94 meters high, like a crown on the palace, offering views of the cathedral.
In front of the palace is a row of sculptures, the most famous being Michelangelo's David, though the original was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873.
To the left of the palace is the beautiful late Gothic Loggia dei Lanzi, housing an important collection of sculptures, including Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus. Perseus is a bronze statue showing a muscular youth holding the bloody head of Medusa aloft in his left hand, a sword in his right, his left leg bent. The enemy's body lies at his feet. The elaborate base and intricate carvings demonstrate the artist's skill. To the right of the palace is the Fountain of Neptune, with a large white statue of the sea god Poseidon on a chariot in the center of the basin, surrounded by multicolored bronze statues.
To the north of the fountain stands Giambologna's equestrian statue of Cosimo I de' Medici, which has witnessed more Florentine history than anything else here. The square is surrounded by plain historic buildings.
Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) is the main church of the Archdiocese of Florence and the third largest church in the world. It is the symbol of Florence and the tallest building in the city. The cathedral complex includes the church, the campanile (bell tower), and the baptistery. Not only is it massive, but it is also a representative building of the early Renaissance. The exterior uses bright red, dark green, and white marble in geometric patterns, creating a spectacular and dignified look that perfectly embodies the classical, elegant, and free spirit of the Renaissance, appearing solemn and exquisite from every angle. No wonder it's named "Our Lady of the Flower." In 1982, the cathedral was inscribed as part of the Historic Centre of Florence on the UNESCO World Heritage list. To climb the dome, you enter the church and go through a small door to the side. It requires climbing 463 steps—a strenuous journey with narrow passages and many turns; but once at the top, the view opens up to a panoramic view of Florence: golden roofs, gray or white walls, narrow streets, and the rising and falling sound of church bells. The platform at the top is not large, but the wind can be strong—be careful. Worth noting is the interior of the dome, a huge fresco of the Last Judgment by 16th-century Florentine painter Giorgio Vasari, worth admiring. Inside the church, there are also frescoes like the Monument to Sir John Hawkwood and Dante and the Divine Comedy, painted for the 200th anniversary of Dante's birth, as well as countless reliefs. The campanile is a Gothic structure, 85 meters high, built as a square tower in six layers stacked like a column, clad in white marble—pure and elegant, adding grandeur to the majestic church. Climbing the bell tower requires 414 steps. The baptistery, directly facing the church, is an octagonal building with the famous "Gates of Paradise." Though called gold, they are actually made of gilded bronze, still vivid after 600 years; Michelangelo called them the "Gates of Paradise." The ten panels depict biblical stories. To protect the art, the originals are in the cathedral museum; what you see on the baptistery now is a 1:1 replica. The cathedral museum displays Michelangelo's Pietà and the real "Gates of Paradise." Also, descending from the nave of the cathedral leads to the crypt, which contains remains of the old church and the tomb of the architect Brunelleschi, as well as early Christian mosaic floors worth seeing. The construction of Santa Maria del Fiore was completed at different times: the baptistery is the oldest, then the campanile, and the dome is the latest part. In front of the cathedral is Piazza di San Giovanni, usually a gathering spot for tourists. To the right of the cathedral is Piazza del Duomo, with souvenir vendors and artists sketching portraits. The area around the cathedral is full of galleries and shops, the heart of Florence.
The square was packed with people; it was impossible to take a panoramic photo.
Day 7 (Nov 21): Piacenza → Interlaken (Optional Mount Titlis)
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to Mount Titlis. The itinerary was to go directly to Interlaken, with free time the next day. How could we go to Switzerland in this season without visiting a snowy mountain? So we added the optional Mount Titlis excursion. Before the trip, I saw introductions about Jungfrau and wanted to go, but the guide said we didn't have time for that, only for Titlis. Honestly, for a Beijinger who doesn't ski, it was not a big deal. But since we had time, we might as well watch others ski. Cost: 105 euros per person.
We arrived at Mount Titlis around noon.
Switzerland excels in snow sports. Many people on the mountain brought kids to ski—some were so young they could barely stand before being put on skis by their parents. Good athletic performance must come from a strong grassroots foundation. European countries have many protective measures for minors. Though I wanted to take photos of the kids playing, I didn't, out of respect.
There are places for tourists to rest and eat on the mountain. It was crowded, and the food was limited and expensive. You can bring your own snacks.
At 2:00 PM, we descended and drove straight to Interlaken. Near Höheweg Square, there was a duty-free shop mainly selling bags and luggage. The guide bought a small bag, and one group member also bought one, said to be a famous brand at a very good price. I planned to buy a 28-inch suitcase. The price was reasonable, but I thought it would be inconvenient to carry for the remaining days, so I didn't buy it—and regretted it later.
After dinner, it was already dark. Mr. Zhao went out for a smoke and walked around the area, saying it was a residential neighborhood. The next morning brought a pleasant surprise.
Day 8 (Nov 22): Interlaken → Dijon (Höheweg Square)
In the morning, I opened the curtains. The view from the window was breathtaking.
After breakfast, we still had some time, so Mr. Zhao and I went for a walk. The town was very quiet. When I walked on the sidewalk, people passing by greeted me. I can manage simple English, so I quickly greeted them back—I didn't want foreigners to think Chinese are impolite. At one point, I waited by the roadside for Mr. Zhao, and cars stopped completely. I realized they thought I was about to cross the street. They yield to pedestrians. I felt so embarrassed and moved away from the curb to avoid confusion.
Interlaken is a tourist town in Switzerland famous for the "Top of Europe" Jungfrau. Its Latin name means "between two lakes," as it lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, also known as the town between the lakes. It is a typical resort town that grew due to tourism. Geographically, Interlaken is the center of the Bernese Oberland.
Höheweg Square
Picturesque town
On the way from the hotel to Höheweg Square, we passed a lake, with the snowy mountains reflected in the clear water, blue sky, green grass—absolutely beautiful. Group members pressed against the windows to take photos.
Today's activity was free time in the town. At 8:30 AM, we arrived at Höheweg Square. Some group members had already spotted the watch shop yesterday. Today we were leaving Switzerland for France, and Switzerland has a good selection of watches with high tax refunds. So they were determined to buy the watches on their shopping list. Mr. Zhao and I had no shopping plans, so we strolled around the town. The town was full of villas, each with a small yard. Pumpkins decorated the doorsteps—Halloween was approaching. There weren't many people. We had lunch at a large supermarket. There were Chinese restaurants, but they were expensive.
Höheweg Square had many paragliding enthusiasts. The Jungfrau could be seen from the square and the town.
At 2:00 PM, we assembled and headed to France, staying overnight in Dijon.
Impressions of Switzerland: beautiful mountains and lakes, some say very lonely because of the sparse population.
Day 9 (Nov 23): Dijon → Paris (Optional Versailles Palace, Seine River Night Cruise)
According to the itinerary, after breakfast we headed straight to Paris for a city tour. The next day was only for the Louvre. There was a lot of free time in Paris, but most people couldn't speak the language and were older, needing guidance. So the guide suggested visiting Versailles Palace and a night cruise on the Seine. That would make the day very exciting. Costs: 65 euros per person for Versailles, 35 euros for the Seine.
At 3:00 PM, we arrived at Versailles. The back gardens happened to be open free today. Our scheduled tour time hadn't arrived yet, so we had one hour of free time.
Versailles consists of the main palace (Château), gardens, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen's Hamlet. We only visited the main palace.
The back gardens are the vast, geometrically symmetrical French formal gardens, centered on the Fountain of Neptune. To the north of the main building is the Latona Fountain, and to the south are the Orangery and greenhouses. The gardens have 1,400 fountains and a 1.6 km-long cross-shaped Grand Canal. The gardens also include forests, flower paths, greenhouses, colonnades, temples, villages, a zoo, and many marble statues scattered around. Walking among the tall hedges felt like being in a maze. The Gardens of Versailles are considered the most beautiful royal gardens in Europe. In summer, there are musical fountains, and on weekends or holidays, large fireworks. Probably due to the season, the roadside statues were covered, and no fountains were working.
The opulent palace interior is lavishly decorated: colorful marble walls gleam, giant crystal chandeliers cascade like waterfalls, and the walls and domes are covered with Western oil paintings depicting mythological stories with vivid scenes, seemingly recounting the former king's exploits. The main attractions are on the second floor. The Hall of Mirrors is south of the War Room, facing the garden. One side of the hall has 17 huge arched windows facing the garden; the other side is lined with over 400 mirrors forming a massive reflective surface. The War Room is another highlight, located at the northwest corner of the main building, west of the Apollo Room. The War Room faces the garden on the west and north sides, with the south side leading to the Hall of Mirrors. Its decorations mainly include oil paintings reflecting Louis XIV's conquests of Spain, Germany, and other lands. A gilded fireplace features a bronze equestrian relief of Louis XIV. Other rooms include the Salon of Abundance, the Salon of Mars, the Salon of Peace, the Chapel, the Opera, and the King's and Queen's apartments.
The Hall of Mirrors was packed with people!
At 6:00 PM, we arrived in Paris and took a boat cruise on the Seine.
The Seine is the second longest river in France, flowing through central Paris. The north bank is called the Right Bank, the south bank the Left Bank. The Right Bank is Paris's main business and political center; the Left Bank has famous cafes and the Latin Quarter, full of artistic atmosphere. The central section of the river is lined with stone embankments, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous bridges span the Seine, each unique. The most magnificent and gilded is Pont Alexandre III, built to celebrate the Franco-Russian Alliance, connecting the Champs-Élysées and the Invalides with its distinctive steel arch. The Île de la Cité is in the Seine, home to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. Many other historic buildings line the Seine, such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Hôtel des Invalides, and the Eiffel Tower. The Seine is the mother river of Paris, nurturing world-famous cultural figures like Maupassant and Monet. Taking a boat to admire the riverside sights, especially at dusk when day and night alternate, offers a uniquely charming view.
After the cruise, the guide found a good spot for photos of the Eiffel Tower.
At 8:30 PM, we took the bus to the hotel.
Day 10 (Nov 24): Paris (Louvre Museum)
After breakfast, we headed to the Louvre. Traffic was jammed—we had experienced that leaving the city the previous night, but this morning was worse. There is a narrow lane for motorcycles.
At 10:30 AM, we arrived at the Louvre and first took photos in the square. The guide reminded everyone to watch their belongings carefully—too many pickpockets! In the underground passage, one group member almost got stolen from.
The Louvre Museum was first built in 1204 as a fortress and expanded over the centuries. After the French Revolution, it became a museum, now one of the three largest museums in the world, along with the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Louvre's collection includes over 400,000 works spanning 1,500 years, showcasing treasures from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and more—a true palace of treasures. The guide gave us only 2 hours for free time, most of which we spent on the three famous ladies. The Mona Lisa is such a small painting! The three attractions were surrounded by crowds; getting close to the Mona Lisa would take hours.
In the afternoon, we followed the guide for a city tour of Paris.
The Champ de Mars is a large带状 park in the 7th arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire. It has hosted the World's Fair, the 1900 Olympics, and outdoor concerts. It lies opposite the Palais de Chaillot across the Eiffel Tower, forming a scenic tableau. The park's name comes from the Campus Martius in Rome; "Mars" in French is the Roman god of war.
Maybe it looks better lit up at night.
The Dome Church: The remains of Emperor Napoleon are in a red porphyry sarcophagus beneath the dome of the Invalides, resting on a green granite base. The sarcophagus contains five nested coffins. Above the tomb is the solemn church dome. During restoration in 1989, 555,000 gold leaves (12.65 kg total) were used. The surrounding circular gallery walls are inscribed with 12 reliefs of winged victories, each representing a glorious battle. We didn't visit; the guide pointed it out from the bus.
After dinner, we returned to the hotel.
Day 11 (Nov 25): Paris → Notre-Dame Cathedral → Metz
Today we leave Paris for Germany. The morning included city sights, and the afternoon was for shopping at Galeries Lafayette.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the four iconic monuments of Paris (along with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame). It is the largest arch on the Champs-Élysées, built to commemorate Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz in 1806. Actually, Paris has more than one triumphal arch, but when people say the Arc de Triomphe, they mean the one at Place Charles de Gaulle. The four facades bear four large reliefs: "The Departure of the Volunteers" (La Marseillaise), "The Triumph of Napoleon," "The Resistance of 1814," and "The Peace of 1815."
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Place de la Concorde is one of France's most famous and beautiful squares. During the French Revolution, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed here. The square's monuments, sculptures, and fountains are not to be missed. In the center stands a 23-meter Egyptian obelisk, its hieroglyphs recording the deeds of Pharaoh Ramesses II. In 1998, the French government added a gold pyramid capstone to the obelisk. At both ends of the square are two grand fountains and some ornate monuments. The monuments are decorated with ship prows, the symbol of Paris. On the north side is the Fountain of the Rivers, and on the south, the Fountain of the Seas. These fountains highlight France's advanced navigation and river transport technology. Each fountain has a three-tiered basin with six exquisite bronze mermaids holding fish, from whose mouths water jets several meters high, splashing beautifully. This is also a popular spot for photos.
Around the square, eight statues represent eight major French cities: Rouen and Brest to the northwest; Lille and Strasbourg to the northeast; Bordeaux and Nantes to the southwest; Marseille and Lyon to the southeast.
Notre-Dame Cathedral stands on the Île de la Cité along the Seine, built roughly between 1163 and 1250, witnessing Paris's history. This Gothic cathedral gained worldwide fame through Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
Visiting Notre-Dame mainly involves the interior, climbing the towers, and the crypt. The entrance to the towers is outside on the north side.
Admire the exquisite decorative art. Even from the outside, the intricate carvings are captivating: doors, windows, altars, and cloisters are filled with reliefs and statues depicting Bible stories. The three main portals are exceptionally ornate and lavish. Inside, the three stunning rose windows and the grand organ are not to be missed. An inconspicuous staircase leads to the crypt, which houses archaeological remains from the Roman period and some art collections, enriching your understanding of the cathedral.
The rooster weathervane contains three "relics": one of the 70 thorns from the Crown of Thorns, and relics of Saint Denis and Saint Genevieve. According to historians, this rooster and its relics serve as a spiritual "lightning rod" for Parisians, protecting believers and all of Paris.
Notre-Dame is free to enter. The guide gave a brief introduction at the entrance and let us explore freely. Two female group members, after visiting, wandered nearby and got lost—poor sense of direction. They called their families back in China, who were helpless. At the meeting time, the guide noticed they were missing and called them, bringing them back. In those days, people weren't good with navigation apps; some didn't even have smartphones. Today, this would be no problem.
Galeries Lafayette had a beautiful chandelier that I used as my computer desktop for a long time, but unfortunately I can't find the photo now. I bought a suitcase and a Longchamp large bag—two items I've brought on every trip since. Mr. Zhao bought a down jacket. In November, Galeries Lafayette offered discounts to Japanese customers; in December, discounts were for all customers. There was a long queue for tax refund forms; we had to allow time. Outside Galeries Lafayette, there was a pharmacy where a Chinese salesgirl helped me choose some cosmetics. Shopping done.
At the appointed time, we gathered at the meeting point, but the guide was late. Our bus had broken down, and the driver was repairing it. The guide wasn't sure how long it would take, and since it was hard to gather everyone again if they dispersed, we waited in the lobby of Galeries Lafayette for 40 minutes.
We boarded the bus and headed toward Germany.
About an hour from Metz, the bus broke down again. It was already dark, and we were on the highway. The guide helped the driver call for assistance. A relief bus came to take us to the hotel while the driver stayed to repair.
Dinner couldn't be arranged that night, so the guide refunded us 5 euros per person for the meal. Luckily, we all had some snacks to tide us over for the last meal.
Impressions of Paris: The Champs-Élysées was covered with fallen leaves, not messy but adding a touch of romance to autumn Paris. I often saw women smoking elegantly by the roadside—a scene characteristic of Paris.
Day 12 (Nov 26): Metz → Frankfurt → Beijing
After breakfast, we rushed to Frankfurt and had lunch at the same Chinese restaurant as before. After lunch, at the group's request, the guide took us to a duty-free shop mainly selling pots and knives. I bought a frying pan and two Zwilling knives.
With a little time left, the shop staff told us there was a large shopping center on the street behind. So a group of us hurried over. The shopping center had a wide selection of goods at reasonable prices, but we only had 30 minutes. Mr. Zhao bought a pair of pants and a wallet.
We processed the tax refund at the airport.
We took flight CA932 at 19:15 back to Beijing. At the airport duty-free shop, I bought red wine.
Day 13 (Nov 27): Beijing
Arrived in Beijing at 11:45. Smokers always stock up at duty-free shops.
