NEW European

Small Town Stories 9 Day

[Thursday] Day 1: Paris → Nancy → Sarrebourg (470 km)

Meeting Point: Paris 13th District – Place d'Italie at 08:30 AM (Same as GOEUGO – "Orange Line" meeting location)

The journey begins in the morning as we board a tour coach and travel along the highway to Nancy, the "Duchy of Lorraine’s Capital." This breathtaking city showcases a harmonious blend of Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco styles. Lined with opulent mansions adorned with gilded details, its iconic baroque and rococo-style Arc de Triomphe is a remarkable sight.However, Nancy is world-famous for more than just its monuments—it boasts an entire 18th-century architectural ensemble that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yes, an entire architectural complex, not just a single building! We will stroll through the city, admire its landmarks, and then visit Nancy’s indoor central market, a paradise for food lovers, where you can experience authentic French culinary delights and local flavors. Afterward, we continue our journey towards Germany, arriving at Sarrebourg for an overnight stay.

• Reference hotel: ibis Styles Sarrebourg*** or similar
• Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

After breakfast, we cross the border into Germany and arrive at Baden-Baden, the country's oldest spa town. This charming destination feels like stepping back in time to old Europe, offering a leisurely atmosphere of the nobility.Baden-Baden’s historic old town is home to its main attractions, restaurants, and shopping districts. Nearby, you’ll find Germany’s oldest classical luxury casino, the elegant mineral water spring gallery, an opera house, a concert hall, and a renowned spa center where visitors can experience world-class wellness treatments.In the afternoon, we continue to Stuttgart, a city where high-tech innovation and rich cultural heritage coexist in perfect balance.Our first stop in Stuttgart is the vibrant Königstraße (King’s Street), the city’s main shopping and cultural boulevard. On one side, you’ll see Stuttgart’s iconic landmarks: the State Theatre, the New Palace, and Palace Square. On the other side, you'll find Schiller Square and the Old Palace, where old and new architectural styles blend seamlessly. This lively area is always buzzing with visitors.

• Reference hotel: Mercure Hotel Stuttgart Airport Messe****or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

We begin the day with a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Designed with a spiral exhibition layout, the museum showcases iconic vehicles from different eras, making it an absolute paradise for car enthusiasts.Next, we drive to one of Germany’s most enchanting landmarks, the Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairy-tale castle, perched on the Alps near the Germany-Austria border, is famous for its romantic architecture and breathtaking scenery. It was also the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Note 1: Due to conservation regulations, daily admission tickets are limited. If you wish to enter the castle, please book early.Note 2: Some rooms inside Neuschwanstein Castle are under renovation and will be closed to visitors.After exploring Neuschwanstein, we continue our journey into Austria, staying overnight in a charming Alpine town near the German-Austrian border.

• Reference hotel: Wallgauer Hof***or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

In the morning, we head to the Austrian town of Wattens, home to the world-famous Swarovski headquarters. Here, we will visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds & Giant Park, an enchanting exhibition where dazzling crystals create a mesmerizing, dreamlike experience.In the afternoon, we travel to Verona, Italy, often referred to as the "City of Love." This historic city served as the setting for Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.Verona is also rich in ancient Roman heritage, and we will take a leisurely stroll along the old city walls, passing by Verona Arena – An ancient Roman amphitheater that predates the Colosseum in Rome, Juliet’s House – A medieval home with romantic frescoes and Juliet’s famous balcony, Piazza delle Erbe – A historic square featuring medieval painted buildings and a 2,000-year-old fountain.

• Reference hotel: Best Western Hotel Cristallo***or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

Modena, also known as the "City of Engines" due to world-famous luxury sportscar manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati have set up their factories here. Car Enthusiasts – Visit the Ferrari Museum, where you can explore iconic supercars and the brand’s racing legacy.Italian Food Lovers – Stroll through the charming city streets and shop for Modena’s famous balsamic vinegar, a regional specialty.In the afternoon, we head to Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital and the birthplace of Spaghetti Bolognese. Beyond its food culture, Bologna is home to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world, where even the renowned Italian poet Dante Alighieri once studied. Here, we will explore Bologna’s medieval charm, visiting the Neptune Fountain, a striking Renaissance sculpture. Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, surrounded by historic landmarks. The Bologna Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic church and the Leaning Towers of Bologna (Asinelli & Garisenda Towers) a medieval architectural marvel.In the evening, we continue to Parma, known for its rich cuisine and picturesque countryside, where we stay overnight.

• Reference hotel: Holiday Inn Express Reggio Emilia by IHG ***or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

We begin the day with a visit to a Parma Ham Factory, where we will explore the protected EU-designated production process of authentic Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma). The unique mountain climate of Parma enhances the ham’s distinct aroma and rich flavour. You’ll get to witness the traditional curing techniques and discover the secrets behind its world-renowned taste.Afterwards, we drive to the fashion capital of Italy – Milan to visit the Piazza del Duomo the heart of Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the luxurious 19th-century shopping arcade with a stunning glass-domed ceiling and elegant mosaics. We also visit the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), the second-largest cathedral in Italy, boasting intricate Gothic architecture and breathtaking stained-glass windows and the Via Montenapoleone & Fashion District – Home to flagship stores of luxury brands, showcasing Milan’s status as a global fashion hub. After Milan, we drive towards the Swiss border.

• Reference hotel: ibis Como***or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

Entering Switzerland, where breathtaking mountain and lake views gradually unfold along the route. By midday, we arrive in Interlaken, a charming resort town whose German name means "between two lakes"—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The town offers spectacular views of Jungfrau, one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks. Lake Thun Cruise (Self-Paid) – Experience one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes, often called "The Eye of God." The picturesque mountain scenery surrounding the lake makes it a beloved Swiss holiday destination. In the afternoon, we continue to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. This charming and compact city is known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, featuring the Fountains of Bern, over 100 historical fountains, earning Bern the nickname "City of Fountains". The 6 km Long Shopping Arcades – Europe’s longest covered shopping streets, perfect for a relaxing stroll We will spend the night near Bern.

• Reference hotel: A1 Hotel Restaurant Grauholz AG****or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

Today, we explore the breathtaking Swiss Alps, starting with a visit to Lauterbrunnen, known for it’s 70 waterfalls. Towering cliffs with cascading waterfalls create a magical alpine atmosphere, a truly unforgettable sight. Jungfraujoch (Self-Paid) The Top of Europe To reach Europe’s highest railway station (3,454m), we take the Jungfrau Railway, transferring at Kleine Scheidegg before continuing the ascent. At the summit, we will experience eternal snow and a breathtaking panorama view of the Alps. After descending via a different scenic route, to appreciate the Jungfrau from another angle, we visit Grindelwald, a picturesque Swiss fairy-tale village surrounded by towering peaks. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, take photos and enjoy the painting like views. In the evening, we return to Bern for another overnight stay.

• Reference hotel: A1 Hotel Restaurant Grauholz AG****or similar
• Breakfast: Hotel's restaurant Lunch & Dinner: not included. Freedom of choice

Depart in the morning along the highway to Paris, expected to arrive at dusk.

Note:

• Drop-off location: Paris 13th District - Place d'Italie Address: 211 Boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75013 Paris

• Drop-off time: 18:00 . NO accommodation is included on the last day of the tour. The arrival time at Paris is for reference only, and will be based on the actual traffic situation on that day. In case of delays, it is not disputable and does not constitute any grounds for compensation claims.

• Airport or GoEuGo Red Line / Green line group hotel - transfer service is available for an additional fee of 55 euros per person (based on a minimum of two people).

• Connection Plan: this connection plan is considerable! Please send your inquiries to info@gegeu.com