The most artistic kind of “travel”

Prague—just hearing the name immediately brings to mind the famous film *The Unbearable Lightness of Being*. In my mind, Prague is just like Teresa in the movie: innocent, beautiful, and naive. Pink rooftops, street artists everywhere, a dazzling array of handicrafts, the hourly chime of the Astronomical Clock, and women like Sabina—the perfect woman who is free, sharp, yet serene... Head to Vienna, to the magnificent Golden Hall, and listen to the music that has echoed there for centuries. Go to a café, sit among those reading newspapers, sipping coffee, deep in thought, or carefully listening to music, and reflect on whether this is indeed the Vienna of Mozart’s music, the Austria described by Zweig. In Germany, there are fairytale castles... And so much more. If you love Eastern Europe and have a passion for the arts, could there possibly be a more artistic journey than this?

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Shanghai – Frankfurt – Neuschwanstein Castle – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest – Hungarian Towns – Prague – Rothenburg – Frankfurt – Shanghai

Valued at 15,000–16,000 RMB, this 11-day, 8-night trip takes you through five of the most artistic countries in Europe: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

TravelPlaces Close to the Heart:

Neuschwanstein Castle

No other country in the world has as many castles as Germany, with an estimated 14,000 still standing. Neuschwanstein Castle, located south of Munich, is a wonder of all Germany, also known as the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a mad king whom people once thought unlucky for neglecting state affairs while building castles all over the place. Nowadays, people have come to admire this king because these castles have become wonders of Germany. He dreamed of Neuschwanstein becoming a fairytale-like castle in the world, so it was built high up in the mountains, surrounded by hills and lakes, with scenery just like that of a castle from a fairy tale.

Vienna

Vienna is the dream capital for many art enthusiasts and also a dream destination for travelers. Its romance is not just encapsulated in the title “City of Music.” Vienna itself is a waltz—whether it’s its architecture, the cafés with their lofty rooftops, the music of Beethoven and Mozart, or the countless unique personalities and stories. Every corner exudes a captivating charm. In Vienna, we’ll visit the Austrian Parliament Building and the New City Hall, which attracts visitors with its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricately carved balconies, the National Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the statue of Strauss, Hero’s Square, and more.

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia, where streets are lined with classical-style houses adorned with Baroque decorations. The small squares may look simple and unadorned, but they often possess a quaint and lovely charm, peaceful and serene like a fairytale town. Narrow, quiet alleys wind their way through, with warm sunlight pouring down, bringing warmth to the body and a sense of peace and tranquility to the heart. Here, we’ll visit the exterior of the Old Town Hall from the 14th–15th centuries, the exterior of the Coronation Church, and gaze out at the upside-down ancient castle.

Budapest

The capital of Hungary, known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” where every sight is filled with precious historical monuments and grand architecture. We’ll visit the Chain Bridge guarded by lion statues, view the Parliament Building from the outside, gaze out at the Elizabeth Bridge, see the exterior of St. Stephen’s Basilica, view the exterior of Matthias Church, and explore Hero’s Square, home to the Millennium Monument of Hungary’s founding. We’ll also head to the three towns of the Danube Bend near Budapest, nestled in a beautiful valley formed after the Ice Age, as well as the famous tourist destination of Szentendre. Szentendre features enchanting Mediterranean-style architecture. Though the town is small, it is packed with churches, craft shops, galleries, workshops, museums, bars, and cafés. The colorful residential buildings give it a strong local flavor, and the winding cobblestone streets evoke a traditional romantic atmosphere. This is a gathering place for artists, with narrow alleys and cobblestone roads leading up to hillsides, showcasing the urban landscape of the 18th century. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it.

Prague

This is the most important city on our entire journey. The capital of the Czech Republic, known as the gem of the Middle Ages, is filled with a rich artistic atmosphere. Prague boasts the oldest stone bridge in Eastern Europe—the Charles Bridge—lined with philosophically profound statues of saints. The bridge is full of street artists, from painters and sculptors to handmade jewelry makers and live musicians. Gothic architecture, along with stained glass that sparkles in the sunlight, makes the entire city feel like it holds endless treasures. Perhaps you might even come across a tavern like the one where Tereza and Tomas met in *The Unbearable Lightness of Being*. With its deep history and well-preserved heritage, the abundance of music, literature, and other forms of art give this city immense charm. We’ll explore the oldest stone bridge in Eastern Europe—the Charles Bridge—the vibrant and historic Old Town Square, the Old Town Hall, and also have plenty of time to delve into Prague on your own.

Rothenburg

Rothenburg is hailed as the most beautiful town on the Romantic Road. The town preserves well-preserved medieval streets, houses, castles, towers, stone roads, fountains, and markets, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the romantic sentiments of medieval Europe. Strolling through Rothenburg’s quaint streets, walking along the uneven cobblestone paths lined with undamaged Gothic and Renaissance buildings, entering winding alleyways where every clock tower and alleyway corner hides a story—a continuation of history. We’ll visit the most characteristic square of Rothenburg, Plönlein, view the medieval-style Markusturm tower, then head to Rothenburg Market Square and view the legendary Town Hall.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth-largest city, founded in 794 AD, brimming with diverse charm. It is both a world-renowned financial center and a cultural hub of Germany. A symbol of Germany’s finance and high-tech industries, Frankfurt also has classical music, poetry, and Goethe as its important foundations, while retaining a wealth of Gothic architecture. Since the 16th century, it has been designated as the site for electing and crowning the Roman Emperor, thus beginning its status as a cultural center of the continent. We’ll take you on a tour of the outskirts of the city, view the City Hall, the Statue of Justice, the Roman Forum, and the exterior of the Coronation Church. You might also want to take some time to visit Goethe’s former residence.

A journey like this should be free and delicate, like a fairy tale dream. Such a journey must be taken alone, stepping out onto the streets to casually explore—the colorful drawings, the exquisite displays and shop windows, the unique cafés, and the man playing guitar in the square.

For more exciting content, please follow “Slow Thoughts.”

Feel free to leave comments and share with everyone~%Jijiji/div>