A Dream Journey Across Borders

📍 Prague · 👁 967 reads · ❤️ 4 likes

Europe, ancient and full of charm, has a long and turbulent history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires, the collision and fusion of cultures, and the progress of technology. It tells stories of the old intertwining with the modern. For many years, many symbols of Europa have lingered in 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, Venice the Water City, Prague Spring, Love in Budapest, 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 across 12 countries, was a long-cherished wish of ours.

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

At Beijing Capital Airport, we boarded Air China. After nearly 10 hours of flight, we arrived in Paris, the romantic and fashionable capital of France, 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.

Paris, the "City of Light" of France, is famous for its rich historical heritage and romantic atmosphere. The twelve avenues of the Champs-Élysées extend in all directions from Place Charles de Gaulle. The 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 the obelisk from the ancient Egyptian Temple of the Sun in the center. This grand square is called by the French "the most beautiful square in the world."

The Seine River winds through the city like a blue ribbon. 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 de Paris... flashed before our eyes in succession, an overwhelming beauty. Looking up at the Eiffel Tower, this steel giant, we were instantly awed by its grandeur and majesty. After disembarking, we entered the Louvre.

The Louvre is the top of the four major museums in the world. It is a world-renowned art殿堂 and treasure house, a palace of myriad treasures that attracts worldwide attention. 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 electronic guide, we searched for the Louvre's three treasures: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, with its mysterious smile, attracts countless visitors to stop and admire. The Venus de Milo, with its graceful posture and incomplete beauty, allows people to feel the infinite charm of art. The marble sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace, created around 200 BC, showcases the superb level of ancient Greek sculpture art and is a masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture.

Then we visited Notre-Dame de Paris, which was still under restoration. Notre-Dame de Paris was fully completed in 1345, taking over 180 years. It is the first fully Gothic church in the world. The carving and painting art of the building itself and the large number of art treasures preserved inside have high historical and cultural value. It is a symbol of Paris, France, and a sacred site of mainstream Christianity.

After dinner, we enjoyed the brilliant night view of the Eiffel Tower from the observation platform of 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 one of the five great palaces in the world (the Forbidden City in China, 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. The Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, and the King's Bedchamber are its core landmarks.

The history of Versailles began in 1624 with a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. During the reign of Louis XIV, it was expanded into a political center, becoming the seat of the French court and government from 1682. Through renovations 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 France's most complete 17th-18th century royal life scenes.

We stayed overnight in a small French border town.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Les Diablerets, then took a cable car (360° 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. Standing on the top, we could see three of Switzerland's most famous peaks: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, and the Jungfrau. The snowy scenery at the top felt like being in an ice kingdom. The distant mountains stretched endlessly, shining with silver light under the sun.

Descending the mountain, we arrived at Interlaken, Switzerland, a town surrounded by the Alps, like a fairy tale world. The lake water was crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding mountains and white clouds – a breathtaking beauty. Outside the car window, we saw the Swiss countryside: herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely on the grass, wooden houses scattered neatly on the hillsides, cooking smoke rising gently – a beautiful pastoral scene. The air here was fresh and pleasant, making us forget all worries.

We took Switzerland's famous panoramic scenic train, the GoldenPass Line, to Sarnen. The GoldenPass Line connects Switzerland's most beautiful lakes, including Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne. The scenery outside the window was captivating. However, as it was already dark, we missed this splendid view, which was a slight regret.

We stayed overnight in Lucerne, Switzerland.

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

The most famous landmark in Lucerne, Switzerland, is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), also called the Church Bridge. It is the symbol of Lucerne, first built in 1333, and is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. The bridge's crossbeams are painted with 120 historical and religious oil paintings, and along the way, you can also see paintings depicting the plague. This wooden bridge, spanning the Reuss River and 200 meters long, allows a romantic medieval atmosphere of Lucerne to be felt during an evening stroll. Today it is an indispensable element of Lucerne postcards. Every early summer, the outside of the wooden bridge is planted with geraniums.

Then we took a bus to Liechtenstein, one of the few microstates in Europe. Located on a major north-south 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, the unique charm of a "microstate," the royal art collection, and alpine ski slopes are its hallmarks. We took a sightseeing mini-train to tour the country in about half an hour.

We then went to Füssen to visit Swan Lake (Schwansee), where we could see the fairy-tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in the distance.

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

We stayed 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 grand architecture and long history of Prague Castle make one feel the city's weight. On Charles Bridge, statues stand tall, each with a moving story. In the Old Town Square, the astronomical clock's hourly show attracts many tourists.

Prague Castle, on a hill on the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, is a fortress. In the 9th century, a prince built a castle on the Vltava hill. Prague Castle features diverse architectural styles, from ancient Roman foundations to post-modern styles from the war period, each era leaving its mark to varying degrees. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. The castle was once the palace of emperors and kings; today, it is where the Czech President holds welcome ceremonies for foreign heads of state and receives credentials from ambassadors. Standing on the castle, you can overlook the entire city of Prague. Inside the castle are three courtyards, several ancient streets, a gallery, a garden, and the largest Gothic cathedral 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 lively as Charles Bridge. During the 16th-century Roman Empire, many metallurgists lived here, and later this cobblestone street became known as Golden Lane. The lane is small, with all buildings tiny and colorful, like the dwellings of elves in a fairy tale kingdom. House No. 22, a water-blue house, was the residence of Franz Kafka over a hundred years ago, now a small bookstore.

A must-visit in Prague is the romantic Charles Bridge. Its 30 Baroque sculptures turn an ordinary stone bridge into an artwork that attracts countless tourists. Prague is a city of hills, water, and many bridges. The sparkling Vltava River flows through the city, with 18 bridges spanning it, connecting the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings on both banks. Among them, Charles Bridge is the first bridge built over the Vltava by the Prague people, with a history of 650 years. Charles Bridge is one of Prague's most famous landmarks due to its long history and architectural art.

We visited the exterior of St. Vitus Cathedral, the venue for the coronation of emperors, known as a "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, rising in the forests of southwestern Bohemia. The second symphonic poem in the Czech symphonic cycle "Má vlast" depicts the picturesque scenery of this river. The beautiful Vltava River divides Prague into two parts – the Old Town and New Town on the east bank, and the Lesser Town on the west bank. More than a dozen bridges, ancient and modern, span the river, connecting the two sides. The most famous is Charles Bridge, connecting the Old Town and Lesser Town. Both sides of the bridge are decorated with various sculptures and reliefs, earning it the nickname "the European open-air Baroque sculpture museum." We strolled along the banks of the Vltava, admiring the medieval cityscapes on both sides. While feeding pigeons, we encountered a little Prague internet celebrity – a beaver.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Vienna.

Austria, a country full of musical atmosphere, enchanted me. The Golden Hall in Vienna is a temple of music. Here, I had once fantasized about listening to a wonderful concert and feeling the charm of music, but due to the itinerary, this was not realized. In Vienna, we visited the City Hall, a very imposing Neo-Gothic building that houses the offices of the mayor and city council.

We viewed the golden statue of Johann Strauss, the "King of Waltz," a musician whom Austrians are proud of. We visited the Vienna State Opera, a world-famous Renaissance-style building. We viewed the exterior of the Musikverein (Vienna Music Hall).

In the afternoon, we visited Schönbrunn Palace. Its name comes from the legend that Emperor Matthias discovered a spring here in 1612. 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 palace of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). In 1762, the 6-year-old Mozart played the piano here for the first time for the Empress. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.

We stayed overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Bratislava.

We visited the Old Town Square of Bratislava. The famous statue of a "working man" called "Čumil" (The Watcher) is quite interesting, sometimes jokingly called "the voyeur." The statue of the underground pipe worker is close to the ground, a bronze statue only 50 cm high. Pedestrians might miss it if they don't pay attention. The statue depicts a pipe worker wearing a work cap, emerging from a manhole with the lid removed, looking at the passersby on the street. Some jokingly say it looks like a "lecher" lying there ogling women's legs.

The Monument to the Dual Movement is located 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 the Empire. At that time, Slovakia belonged to Hungary, and Slovak people also started a movement against Hungary. To commemorate this history, the "Dual Movement" monument was erected.

The sculpture "The Mad Mathematician" in Bratislava, Slovakia, is located on a street, displaying the image of a mathematician in a humorous style. The sculpture shows a mathematician wearing a top hat and holding another hat, with exaggerated facial expressions as if immersed in the world of mathematics beyond redemption. Its creative inspiration comes from the unique Slovak interpretation of mathematical culture, conveying an obsession with mathematical research through exaggerated body language and humor. Located by the street in the old town of Bratislava, this sculpture is a landmark work often photographed by tourists and locals alike.

The Roland Fountain, located in the central square of Bratislava's old town, was built around 1572, originally used as an old-fashioned firefighting device. Nearby are the Napoleon Soldiers' statue and the French Embassy.

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

Bratislava Castle is one of the prominent buildings in the capital of the Slovak Republic. Located on a hill by the Danube River, it is a square building somewhat resembling a large bed with four bedposts.

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

We visited a famous attraction in Budapest – Matthias Church, located on Castle Hill in Budapest. It is a Neo-Gothic church with a highly artistic southern bell tower and a gorgeous vault well worth savoring.

We visited the Chain Bridge, also known as Széchenyi Chain Bridge, named after its sponsor and later colloquially called Chain Bridge due to its chain-link construction. This bridge spans the Danube, connecting 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. Fisherman's Bastion was built in 1905. Originally a fish market, fishermen built this fortification to protect their interests. The surroundings of Fisherman's Bastion are beautiful, offering a panoramic view of Budapest from above. Today, Fisherman's Bastion is a popular place for Budapesters to take a leisurely walk after dinner, especially for couples. Fisherman's Bastion, along with the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Hungarian State Opera House, is known as one of Hungary's three most impressive buildings and is an excellent viewpoint overlooking the Danube and the Pest side.

We took a night cruise on the Danube, enjoying the charming scenery on both banks. The Danube, Margaret Island, Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and Gellért Hill were all in sight. Fisherman's Bastion at night also exudes a unique charm, with everything looking particularly enchanting under special lighting. The quiet Danube, the magnificent 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 Gresham Palace are all palatial and splendid buildings. The Chain Bridge, beautifully lit at dusk, was full of romance and literary ambiance. Under the light and shadows, the bridge appeared more mottled, with a hazy beauty. This is considered one of the most romantic places in Budapest, and the famous film "Love in Budapest" (A Budapesti szerelme) has been filmed here multiple times.

We stayed overnight in Budapest.

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

Zagreb city tour: Zagreb is divided into the Upper Town and Lower Town. The Upper Town is the old town, where most of the main attractions are located, making it a great place to experience Zagreb's history. Ban Jelačić Square is the central square of Zagreb, featuring a statue of the first Croatian governor, Ban Josip Jelačić. Most of the buildings around the square date from the 19th century and showcase a variety of architectural styles, from Biedermeier to Art Nouveau and Postmodernism.

We stayed overnight in Zagreb.

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

Ljubljana city tour: 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. In 1719, wings were added to both sides. Today, the City Hall houses four exhibition halls, mainly showcasing the history of Ljubljana's development and various art exhibitions related to international intercity cooperation.

The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), also known as the Three Bridges, dates back to the 13th century. It is a landmark of Ljubljana, spanning the Ljubljanica River. Architect Jože Plečnik added additional pedestrian bridges on both sides of the original bridge, forming the current triple-bridge configuration. The main bridge is Baroque in style, while the side bridges reflect Plečnik's modern design, embodying the concept of pedestrian-vehicle separation. The bridge piers are carved with 20 gargoyles; some statues seep water on rainy days, adding a sense of mystery. The Triple Bridge is a must-visit spot in Ljubljana, ranking alongside Ljubljana Castle and Lake Bled among Slovenia's top tourist attractions. The bridgehead extends to the Central Market, connecting the historical and modern commercial districts.

City Square (Mestni trg) is the central square of Ljubljana. It is not very large, and in the middle stands the Baroque Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (Robba Fountain), built in 1751. On the pedestal of the obelisk-shaped column are three exquisite marble statues, said to represent Slovenia's three rivers: 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 the nickname "Ice Lake." Surrounded by mountains, the lake looks like a fairyland. The church on the island seems like a mirage, very magical. The green forests around the lake, the mirror-like surface, and the dreamy reflection of the snow-white Alps form the enchanting natural scenery of Lake Bled, earning it the reputation of being "the eye on the mountain."

In the middle of the lake is a small island rising 40 meters above the water, featuring a Baroque church that still exudes an ancient and mysterious atmosphere. Legend has it that there were once three large bells in the church tower. One of them sank to the bottom of the lake. On moonlit nights, people standing by the lake can faintly hear the bell tolling.

There is another beautiful legend about Lake Bled: In the 16th century, a wealthy young couple from abroad visited this place and were captivated by the lake and mountain scenery, settling down. Devout Christians, they used their savings to renovate the dilapidated church and lived happily. However, soon after, to resist the massive invasion of the Ottoman Turks, the husband was conscripted and went to defend his homeland. After several years, the husband sent no news to his heartbroken wife. Despite this, his wife believed he would keep his promise to return to beautiful Lake Bled, spending her days in silent waiting and longing.

Nine years later, the wife received confirmation that her husband had died on the battlefield. Heartbroken, she sold all her possessions and had a large bell cast, donating it to the church on the island to express her grief and bless all those who fought for a "better life" like her husband. But as the bell was being transported by boat from the shore to the island, a sudden storm caused the boat to tilt, and the bell sank to the bottom of the lake. Even today, people can faintly hear the bell from the lake bottom. Of course, the story of the bell sinking is a legend, but the protagonist is real. Later, the devoted wife left the Lake Bled area and eventually died in Rome, Italy. Today, there is a bell weighing 178 kg in the island church, donated by the archbishop after the wife's death. Because of this beautiful legend, young visitors, especially couples, never forget to ring the bell for good luck, praying for eternal love.

Bled Castle is perched on a cliff 100 meters high on the hillside by the lake, offering a wide view of the entire lake. Its reflection in the lake complements Bled Island beautifully.

We took a bus to the Italian town of Udine.

We stayed overnight in Udine.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Venice, Italy's water city.

Venice is a very unique city – doors open to water, and canals serve as streets. 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 various styles. Boats are an essential means of transportation for Venetians.

We took a public ferry to visit the gradually sinking and decaying ancient water capital. We visited St. Mark's Basilica, also known as the Church of Gold, located on St. Mark's Square. Adjacent to the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica was built in 828, rebuilt in the 11th century after a fire. Originally built to house the relics of St. Mark, it later stored treasures plundered from various countries during the Crusades. It was once the largest church in medieval Europe and a treasure trove of art.

We visited St. Mark's Square, a landmark in Venice and a venue for many Venetian festivals. On St. Mark's Square, pigeons flew freely among the crowd. People strolled and took photos, feeling the unique charm of the city.

We visited the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge's Palace and its adjacent prison. It is a Baroque-style stone bridge on the side of the Doge's Palace and one of Venice's most famous bridges. It is an enclosed arch bridge; the only view from inside is through small windows on the bridge. The bridge connects the courthouse and the prison. Condemned prisoners would pass through this bridge before execution, sighing at their impending end of life, hence the name "Bridge of Sighs." Today, this bridge has shed its gloomy and ominous aura thanks to the film "The Little Romance" – you can also call it "Sunset Bridge." It is the bridge in the film where the fugitive protagonists pledge their love to each other at sunset.

Gondola ride: The gondola is a unique, slender Venetian boat with a flat bottom, perfectly suited for Venice's narrow and shallow canals. The bow leans slightly 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 are gondolas decorated as flower boats. This light, slender, and uniquely shaped boat has a history of over a thousand years and has always been the means of transport for Venetians living on the lagoon.

Lunch: Italian-style squid ink pasta.

We took a bus to the city of Ferrara.

Ferrara is a historic city in the northeastern part of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, founded in the 6th-7th centuries BC. Its geographical features at the confluence of the lower Po River valley and the Po Delta made it an important medieval trade hub. In 1492, Biagio Rossetti designed a vertical-axis city plan that pioneered modern urban design, and the city still preserves intact fortifications and medieval architecture. As an artistic center of the Renaissance, the Este family's rule attracted many great masters, creating a unique cityscape combining humanism and natural transformation. In 1995, the "Renaissance City of Ferrara and its Po Delta" was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical value as the birthplace of modern urban planning. Modern Ferrara balances cultural heritage preservation and ecological development. In 1908, Italy's first bicycle lane was built here, forming a city-wide cycling network; one-third of residents use bicycles as their primary means of transportation.

We stayed overnight in Bologna.

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

We visited the Cinque Terre, comprising five small, exquisite, and colorful villages. Built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, the colorful houses seem to emerge from the rocks – vibrant, charming, and rustic. It is an outstanding example of human shaping and transforming the environment without destroying nature. Besides its beauty, it is famous for high-quality olive oil and highly acclaimed Sciacchetrà sweet 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 main highlight of a visit to Pisa. The four buildings on the square – the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery) – are all masterpieces of architectural history. The square is one of the centers of medieval art. The Pisa Cathedral in the center was started in the 12th century and is a masterpiece of medieval Romanesque architecture. Its interior mosaics mix Byzantine styles, creating a unique "Pisan Romanesque style." Opposite the cathedral is the Baptistery, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. A spiral staircase inside leads to the middle level. The cylindrical structure, double-domed roof, and white marble create a wonderfully resonant acoustics inside.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the cathedral square within the ancient city of Pisa, Italy. It is a bell tower in a group of Romanesque buildings. During its construction, the tower leaned an average of 1 mm per year, and construction was once halted. Restoration work has continued to this day. This leaning tower, a miracle in architectural history, is not only famous worldwide for "leaning but not falling" but is also one of the great wonders of architectural history.

The rectangular building beside the Pisa Cathedral is the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery). Inside, you can see beautifully carved tombstones, sculptures, and frescoes in the cloisters. Additionally, there is a rest area on the large lawn of the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can take photos with the Leaning Tower, buy souvenirs, and snacks.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Florence.

Italy is the birthplace of the European Renaissance, producing numerous genius masters such as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. As an inheritor of classical culture, economic prosperity provided conditions for the development of art and thought. Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio are known as the "Three Crowns" of the Renaissance, promoting humanist thought through literary works. 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 is called the "Athens of Italy," gathering a large number of talented artists and scholars, becoming the core of the Renaissance.

We visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) with its red dome, the third largest church in the world. The "Gate of Paradise" (Porta del Paradiso) at the Baptistery is composed of ten panels depicting Old Testament stories, praised by Michelangelo.

The "Gate of Paradise" is on the east side of the Baptistery. Michelangelo was greatly impressed by these relief panels. The designer of the gate, Lorenzo Ghiberti, was only 23 when commissioned to design the Baptistery doors, and 73 when the entire project was completed. He cast the bronze panels again and again until he was satisfied with the beauty of the reliefs. In 1456, the gilded bronze door panels were finally installed on the east side of the Baptistery, telling stories from the Old Testament.

We visited the Piazza della Signoria (the civic square), which features a 13th-century fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio (now the town hall). Together with the entire square, it forms an open-air sculpture museum, with lifelike marble and bronze works, such as a replica of Michelangelo's David.

We took a bus to Civita di Bagnoregio (the City of the Sky). Hayao Miyazaki's film Laputa: Castle in the Sky was inspired by this real Italian city. The cathedral was built in the 13th century in Renaissance style. Several broken columns at the entrance indicate that the old church was more luxurious; the one we visit is a 16th-century renovation. Archways, fences, and underground passages evoke fantasies of being in a medieval scene. The view from the top is very beautiful.

We stayed overnight in a small Roman town.

After breakfast, we took a bus to Rome.

Rome, this ancient city, carries so many historical memories. This place, known as the "Eternal City," is like a shining pearl, radiating unique charm and attracting countless people to explore.

Entering Rome feels like stepping into a vivid historical scroll. The Colosseum, this magnificent building, is a symbol of ancient Roman civilization. Gazing at the Colosseum, you can almost hear the shouts of spectators and the clashing of gladiators from over two thousand years ago. Its massive size and superb architectural techniques never fail to amaze one at the wisdom and courage of the ancients. Once a stage for bloodshed and glory, today it is the best place to experience the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Adjacent to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, once the center of ancient Rome. Now only ruins remain, but the broken walls and pillars tell of past glory. Strolling in the forum, you can see the remains of ancient temples and palaces, as if traveling back in time to the prosperous Roman era. The Arch of Constantine, the best-preserved and most famous triumphal arch in Rome, is a testament to the glorious history of ancient Rome. Its exquisite reliefs and imposing grandeur inspire awe at 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 largest church in the world, houses many masterpieces of Renaissance masters. Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's bronze baldachin and the Cathedra Petri are all artistic treasures. The interior decoration is sumptuous and solemn; the dome soars high, and sunlight streaming through stained glass creates a sacred atmosphere. From the church's observation deck, one can overlook the entire Vatican and Rome, offering a refreshing view.

Rome's romance is perfectly embodied at the Spanish Steps. Famous worldwide for the film Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn's silhouette seems to merge with the square, becoming a synonym for romance in people's minds. Near the "Barcaccia" (old boat) fountain, tourists imitate Hepburn, sitting on the steps eating ice cream and enjoying leisurely time. The Spanish Steps area is also the most fashionable commercial center, with Rome's most famous shops, a shopper's paradise.

The Trevi Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Wishes, is one of Rome's most famous fountains. The fountain depicts the theme of Neptune (Poseidon) returning victorious, with lifelike carvings. The statues and clear water complement each other. Legend has it that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your right shoulder with your left hand, you can make a wish that will come true. Therefore, countless tourists come here every day to throw coins and make their wishes.

After lunch, we took a bus to Rome's international airport, completed tax refund procedures, and then boarded an Air China flight back to Beijing.

At 12:55 Beijing time, we arrived safely in Beijing, ending a pleasant journey.

The 15-day European journey ended with fatigue and joy. We took a whirlwind tour of 12 EU countries, gaining 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 reproduced in life and left many fleeting beautiful memories. I believe this journey will become a precious memory in 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. I look forward to stepping onto this magical land again and continuing the fascinating dream journey.

Special thanks to team member Xiao Zhuang, who unlocked every scenic spot for us with professionalism and patience, making the unknown journey full of reassurance. Also, thanks to my fellow travelers – it was your laughter and mutual help along the way that turned this time from a trip into an unforgettable memory. This journey, I am grateful for all of you! Let's meet again in the future!

Itinerary Catalog:

1. D1 (Oct 8): Beijing – Paris

2. D2 (Oct 9): Paris

3. D3 (Oct 10): Paris

4. D4 (Oct 11): Glacier 3000, Interlaken Town

5. D5 (Oct 12): Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Munich

6. D6 (Oct 13): Prague

7. D7 (Oct 14): Vienna

8. D8 (Oct 15): Bratislava, Budapest

9. D9 (Oct 16): Zagreb

10. D10 (Oct 17): Ljubljana – Bled – Udine

11. D11 (Oct 18): Venice, Ferrara