The 4 countries

About the destination: Poised at the edge of two steep gorges, Luxembourg is one of the most physically dramatic capitals in Europe. The country’s rolling landscapes penetrate the city, and medieval walls and spires share the skyline with prosperous international banks and office complexes. The city’s most impressive sight is the Bock, the oldest part of the town fortress. A masterwork of tunnels and storerooms. From the entrance explore its corkscrew staircases and catch tremendous views through the loopholes. The streets nearby are the oldest in town. St-Michael’s Church has stones laid in 987. The earliest section of the façade of the Grand Ducal Palace is a magnificent example of the Spanish Renaissance style. When you tire of the crowded old city, head for parks along the shaded River Pétrusse or, for a change of pace, visit the Portuguese and Italian quarter in the Alzette ravine. You can hear guitars, bands, and choirs in the evening at place d’Armes.

About the destination: Experience the Enchanting Beauty of Colmar, France Tucked away in the northeastern region of France, lies the enchanting town of Colmar. This charming locale is rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Colmar is like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Its well-preserved old town is filled with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings, adorned with geraniums in the summer, and twinkling lights in the winter. The town's quaint cobblestone streets lead you on a journey through centuries, as you explore the unique blend of French and German architectural styles, a testament to its historical position on the border of both nations. The town is often referred to as the "Capital of Alsatian Wine", owing to its location in the heart of Alsace's vineyards. Wine enthusiasts can embark on a tasting adventure, savoring the region's famous white wines. A visit to the "Route des Vins d'Alsace" (Alsace Wine Route) is a must for anyone looking to experience some of the best wines this region has to offer. Cultural aficionados will be delighted by the Unterlinden Museum, home to a rich collection of medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. The Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the French sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty, offers an insight into the artist's life and work. The town's iconic landmark, Little Venice, is a picturesque district with narrow winding canals, where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the town's beautiful houses and their colorful facades. Food lovers will revel in the local gastronomy. Traditional Alsatian cuisine is a delightful blend of German hearty meals and French finesse. Don't leave without trying a traditional "tarte flambée", a local version of pizza, or "choucroute", a hearty dish of sauerkraut and various meats. Throughout the year, Colmar hosts various festivals and events, from the famous Christmas market, which transforms the town into a winter wonderland, to the annual Wine Fair, and the colorful spring and summer festivals, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to experience local traditions. Colmar, with its rich history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, offers a captivating journey for every traveler. It's not just a destination, but an experience that leaves you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply a lover of beautiful places, Colmar, France is a destination that should not be missed.

About the destination: Zurich labours under the misconception that it is nothing more than a sterile banking city – don't believe a word of it. True, Zurich plays home to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and is the financial motor of Switzerland itself, but step back from the markets and share prices and you'll find an arty, trend-conscious and vibrant city. Just hang in Zurich West for a while. Its former warehouses, viaducts and ship building caverns have been converted into art centres, funky bars and quirky boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city’s notorious red light district, you’re now as likely to take home a chic handbag crafted by an emerging designer as you are a piece of skirt. Zurich’s character booms from the speakers of the annual Street Parade, a mammoth techno festival that weaves through the city with DJs and minimally-clad dancers on floats. There isn’t a banker’s tie in sight. If there is in the pretty east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it’s loosened. These medieval streets are abuzz with cafés on corners, trendy taprooms and world-class restaurants. It’s easy to while away an afternoon just absorbing its laidback atmosphere, especially in summer when the riverside take on a beach vibe. Winter is special too. Under the spell of snow, the cobbled alleyways, fountains, lakeside promenades and stunning architecture of the Old Town were made for the stroke of an artist’s brush. This is when one of Europe’s best Christmas markets rolls into town and the warming citruses and cinnamons of the glühwein (mulled wine) stalls fill the air. Shoppers will be in their element here at any time of year. Zurich’s flashy side is evident in the upmarket designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main shopping drag. But this is no longer a city for the smart set alone; there are plenty of unusual shops to be discovered down hidden streets. Sitting astride the River Limmat and the northern tip of Lake Zurich, Mother Nature certainly smiles down on Switzerland’s biggest city. Architects were courteous in their additions too - just check out the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. Then, when you’ve had enough of the city’s diverse array of restaurants, first-rate museums and pulsing nightlife, there’s always the nearby Uetliberg mountain or a boat trip on Lake Zurich to enjoy – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city’s delights again.

About the destination: Füssen is an enchanting town in Bavaria, Germany, known by the Hohes Schloss and its Basilica and former Benedictine monastery of St. Mang. The famous Neuschwanstein Castle is a few kilometres to the east. There are beautiful lakes with beautiful views and the "Kalvarienberg" which has the "Stations of the Cross" on it. The most important sites to see in Füssen are: • Schloss Neuschwanstein: the mother of all castles known throughout the world. • Hohenschwangau This castle was the home of Louis II, while he was growing up. • Wies: This pilgrimage church is one of the great masterpieces of Rococo world. Has been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. • Falkenstein: Another castle, this is a ruin, a short drive from Füssen, near Pfronten. • Via Claudia: Ancient Roman road from Donauwörth, in the Alps, to Venice. • Tegelberg: A ski resort, but in summer you can take the elevator to the top.

About the destination: Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a German city in Bavaria, close to the Austrian border. Garmisch-Partenkirchen was founded by uniting the two towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen by a decree of Adolf Hitler to bring the 1936 Winter Olympics to Germany. The International Olympic Committee was going to pass over Germany as the host, because there were not enough hotel rooms in the host town, so Hitler forced the unification of Garmisch and Partenkirchen to create a larger town, which would be more appealing to the IOC. Garmish-Partenkirchen is one of Germany's premier tourist ski towns and has offers tremendous hiking, skiing and biking opportunities. The Partnach River flows through the Partnachklamm gorge. After 700m the path chiseled in the rock end and you can continue your walk to one of the surrounding huts. Take time to walk down any street and you will be amazed at the paintings on the outside of the houses. If you go at the right time of year, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers trellising down the quaint balconies. During the winter, the slopes surrounding the city are amazing for skiers and tourists. During the summer months you can spend hours walking along the trails and enjoy the panoramic views. Außerfernbahn is a romantic train ride between Garmisch and Kempten through picturesque Alpine valleys and pretty villages. Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen, also saw through this route.

About the destination: Karlsruhe is a city on the Rhine in Baden-Württemberg in Germany. It is in the north of the Black Forest, close to the French border. The city was founded in 1715 by margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden. The city was laid out on the drawing board. It consists of a central circle, containing the castle, and streets running towards the castle as radial "spokes". This pattern is still visible today. Due to the fan-like layout, Karlsruhe is known as the "fan city" The most important sites to see in Karlsruhe are: • Palace: The palace was rebuilt after World War II, and now hosts the Badisches Landesmuseum, a museum dedicated to historical exhibitions and local interest. • There are several artificial lakes in the villages around, for example Epplesee in Rheinstetten and Weingarten and Untergrombach. • The Pyramid, on the Marktplatz: the emblem of the city. Marks the place where Karl Wilhelm was buried. • Bauhaus-Siedlung Dammerstock. The Dammerstock suburb has a residential area in the Bauhaus style, was planned by renowned architect Walter Gropius. • Naturkunde Museum: close to Marktplatz, ideal to go with children.