Frankfurt, Germany - Rome, Italy 8 days trip

About Frankfurt

Frankfurt Am Main, less than 40 km from the Rhine, is first and foremost the financial center of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, more than 400 years old, was established in 1585. Frankfurt’s modern skyline with its many skyscrapers is what gave it the moniker: "Mainhatten” which is obviously a portmanteau of the two words (Main, the river and New York’s Manhattan). These tall buildings makes for a most impressive modern “skyscraper skytline” with its own “twin towers” of the Deutsche Bank, the Eurotower etc.  Occasionally, there is a (free) Skyscraper Festival – so keep your eyes and ears open and perhaps there will be one this year or next year!

Frankfurt Am Main, less than 40 km from the Rhine, is first and foremost the financial center of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, more than 400 years old, was established in 1585. Frankfurt’s modern skyline with its many skyscrapers is what gave it the moniker: "Mainhatten” which is obviously a portmanteau of the two words (Main, the river and New York’s Manhattan). These tall buildings makes for a most impressive modern “skyscraper skytline” with its own “twin towers” of the Deutsche Bank, the Eurotower etc.  Occasionally, there is a (free) Skyscraper Festival – so keep your eyes and ears open and perhaps there will be one this year or next year!

Messe The city is known for the Messe Frankfurt, (Messe is German for Industrial Fair) which is the world's largest trade fair, congress and event organizer with its own exhibition grounds. In 1240 the Emperor Frederick II launched the first “Autumn Fair” and they’ve never looked back! The Main Tower Like most major cities in the world, Frankfurt too has its Tower and observation deck  (Aussichtsplattform) on Neue Mainzer Str. 52–58. This is one of the best places to get an amazing view of this fascinating city and capture that “Kodak Moment” (there is a fee to pay in order to get to the roof).   Goethe House  Johan Wolfgang von Goethe was born in this house on Grosser Hirschgraben. As we all know he was a famous writer, poet, scientist, statesman – he was a real polymath. It was here that he wrote the first draft of what was his most famous book “Faust”. During WWII, the original Goethe House was bombed but was eventually rebuilt. The Goethe House and the Deutsches Romantik-Museum which has a permanent exhibition about Goethe’s early years are next to each other. St Paul's Church (Paulskirche Church)  Once the main Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frankfurt, stands St Paul's Church which was built in 1833 on Paulsplatz 11. However today it is an exhibition hall or a national assembly hall. A plaque on the outer wall commemorates the visit of the American President J.F. Kennedy to the church in 1963. It was on this visit, at the height of the Cold War, that he gave a speech in Berlin with the famous phrase "I am a Berliner" (Ich bin ein Berliner). City Hall (Römer) in the Old Town of Frankfurt on Römerberg plaza you can visit Römer, as the city hall is called. The Rathaus (city hall) was “put together” in the early 1400’s by combining two medieval houses, named "Römer" and "Goldener Schwan", to become one town hall.  Together with the covered bridge called the Seufzerbrücke (the "Bridge of Sighs"- mimicking the “real” Bridge of Sighs in Venice) they are definite, impressive landmarks. In front of these buildings, in the middle of the square is the Fountain of Justice (The Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) from the mid 1500’s.  Don’t miss the Ostzeile area with six half-timbered houses which were restored to their former selves after being heavily bombed during WWII. Secret:  You can take time out for a meal in a restaurant called the Haus Wertheym  which is housed in one such half-timber house that remained intact and unscathed. The Frankfurt Cathedral, Roman Catholic - Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (German: Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus): A narrow pedestrian street leads you from the Town Hall towards the Dom Cathedral.  All these the buildings were also restored, having been totally ruined during WWII. The interior of the cathedral is impressive and if you can climb the to the top from the observation deck you will have your “Kodak Moment” – a spectacular view of the Old Town The Opera House The Frankfurt Opera’s impressive building is easily accessible by public transport and is located near the city's green ring. The original building was built in the late 1800’s and had the honor of Mozart’s Don Giovanni “opening” Frankfurt’s first major opera/concert hall. Unfortunately, this building as well as many treasured older buildings was destroyed in WWII and it took almost 40 years to reconstruct an updated, contemporary concert hall. Shopping and food: Finally, we can relax on Zeil Street along the pedestrian mall near the Old City where there is a wide selection of department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. We recommend that you take this opportunity to taste and enjoy the well-known Wurstchen Sausage and for dessert to order the Bethmannchen marzipan cookies. Museums If it is icons that are of interest to you, then a visit the Ikonenmuseum Museum of Icons is a must! The high-quality exhibition is presented here for the Aficionado who will appreciate the exciting and extensive collection of diverse items.  This is one of several special and unique museums on the bank opposite the Old City. Frankfurt's old bridge takes you across and the museums are a short walk away on the Sachsenhauser street parallel to the River Main Money Museum of the Deutsche Bundesbank  Geldmuseum der Deutschen Bundesbank: Everybody loves money and here is an opportunity to find out everything you ever wanted to know about this currency. Explore the world of money! In this fascinating museum, you will find the answers to any questions you have about money. It is entertaining and educational! Exhibits, media stations, interactive games, answers to questions like: How is cash produced? How does monetary policy work and what exactly does a central bank do? What role does money play in a globalised world? You will get answers to your questions as well participate in exciting hands-on exhibits and media stations. Suitable for all ages, the exhibition is both in German and English. “It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy.” George LorimerSecret: There is no fee, free entrance Note: During WWII hundreds of bombs were dropped on Frankfurt and as a result most of the “original” Old Town was wiped out and had to be rebuilt. 

About Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city of Luxembourg itself is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications and despite the city's comparatively small size, it has several notable museums: National Museum of History and Art, Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Natural History. Luxembourg City is also famed for its wide selection of restaurants and cuisines, including four Michelin starred establishments. Landmarks include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, the AM Tunnel art gallery and the Grand Ducal Palace.

Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city of Luxembourg itself is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications and despite the city's comparatively small size, it has several notable museums: National Museum of History and Art, Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Natural History. Luxembourg City is also famed for its wide selection of restaurants and cuisines, including four Michelin starred establishments. Landmarks include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, the AM Tunnel art gallery and the Grand Ducal Palace.

About Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Strasbourg's historic city center, the Grande ֳŽle, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city center. The city is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings, particularly in the Petite France district or Gerberviertel ("tanners' district") alongside the Ill and in the streets and squares surrounding the cathedral, where the renowned Maison Kammerzell stands out.

Strasbourg is the capital city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Strasbourg's historic city center, the Grande ֳŽle, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city center. The city is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, and for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings, particularly in the Petite France district or Gerberviertel ("tanners' district") alongside the Ill and in the streets and squares surrounding the cathedral, where the renowned Maison Kammerzell stands out.

About Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. Zurich is home to many churches and houses of the old town, the most expensive shops along the famous Bahnhofstrasse, as well as world-class museums, operas, and theater. The Lindenhof in the old town is the historical site of the Roman castle, and the later Carolingian Imperial Palace. Zurich offers a great deal of variety when it comes to night-time leisure. It is the host city of the world-famous Street Parade, which takes place in August every year. Zurich is known for its nightlife, offering a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and night clubs.

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is located at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. Zurich is home to many churches and houses of the old town, the most expensive shops along the famous Bahnhofstrasse, as well as world-class museums, operas, and theater. The Lindenhof in the old town is the historical site of the Roman castle, and the later Carolingian Imperial Palace. Zurich offers a great deal of variety when it comes to night-time leisure. It is the host city of the world-famous Street Parade, which takes place in August every year. Zurich is known for its nightlife, offering a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and night clubs.

About Vaduz

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament and is located along the Rhine. Vaduz has a lively tourist industry and the most prominent landmark of Vaduz is Vaduz Castle, the home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and is visible from almost any location in Vaduz. The Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House and City Hall are also well-known landmarks, displaying the various styles and periods of architecture that the city is known for. The National Art Gallery as well as the National Museum are located in Vaduz. The art gallery a museum of modern and contemporary art, also showing displays from the private princely Liechtenstein Collection.

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the seat of the national parliament and is located along the Rhine. Vaduz has a lively tourist industry and the most prominent landmark of Vaduz is Vaduz Castle, the home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and is visible from almost any location in Vaduz. The Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House and City Hall are also well-known landmarks, displaying the various styles and periods of architecture that the city is known for. The National Art Gallery as well as the National Museum are located in Vaduz. The art gallery a museum of modern and contemporary art, also showing displays from the private princely Liechtenstein Collection.

About San Marino

San Marino’s medieval charm, combined with its history and picturesque landscapes, creates an unforgettable travel experience. The outstanding sites, accessible by cable car, include the three iconic towers that offer panoramic views, the magnificent Basilica of San Marino, and the historic Palazzo Pubblico. The State Museum, Museo di Stato, showcases the nation's heritage, and Liberty Square, the heart of the historical center, is surrounded by cafes and shops.

San Marino’s medieval charm, combined with its history and picturesque landscapes, creates an unforgettable travel experience. The outstanding sites, accessible by cable car, include the three iconic towers that offer panoramic views, the magnificent Basilica of San Marino, and the historic Palazzo Pubblico. The State Museum, Museo di Stato, showcases the nation's heritage, and Liberty Square, the heart of the historical center, is surrounded by cafes and shops.

Historical background: San Marino, established in the 4th century BCE by Marino who sought refuge from Roman persecution, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest republic. Marino, a stonecutter evading Roman pursuits, laid the foundations for a community that embraced democratic principles and religious freedom on Mount Titano. The governance of the Republic was established through communal councils, reaching its peak with the enactment of its inaugural constitution, "Leges Statutae Republicae Sancti Marini," in 1243. San Marino's commitment to autonomy in its mountainous terrain enabled it to preserve self-rule amid the tumultuous history of the Italian peninsula. Over the centuries, San Marino stood as a beacon, navigating alliances and conflicts while preserving its sovereignty. During the Renaissance, it became a center for cultural exchange, attracting intellectuals and artists who contributed to its rich heritage. Today, San Marino proudly embodies its historical legacy, and the three iconic towers atop Mount Titano serve as an unmistakable symbol of its binding sovereignty. The city has several parking areas, but it is recommended to park in the Punivia parking lot near the cable car in Borgo Maggiore and ascend to the city. The upper station is close to the Basilica del Santo Marino, named after the patron saint and founder of the Republic of San Marino. This neoclassical structure with magnificent facades and unique architecture represents centuries of spiritual heritage. The Reliquary contains the remains of Saint Marinus and serves as a pilgrimage site. Exiting the Basilica, follow the signs to the path ascending to Guaita Tower, the oldest and most renowned among the three towers built on the mountain. Initially constructed as a defensive fortress in the 11th century, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rural area and the other two towers, Cesta Tower and Montale Tower. Over the centuries, it served various purposes, including as a prison and observation point. Today, it is the historical symbol of San Marino. For those willing and able to take a slightly challenging walk, continue to the second and third towers along a marked path. The second fortress houses an interesting museum: the Museum of Ancient Arms, displaying a variety of weapons and military artifacts. From the fortress, return to the street and head to the Porta del Paese - Porta San Francesco gate and the marvelous Museum: Museo di Stato di San Marino. The museum contains a diverse collection of items, including archaeological findings, historical documents, paintings, weapons, and numismatic collections. Visitors can explore exhibitions depicting the changes that occurred in the republic over the years, including a model of the city from medieval times. In close proximity to the museum is the Palazzo Pubblico, an architectural gem featuring Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance elements with an impressive facade adorned with symbols of the republic. The building houses various government offices, including the official chambers where the Great Council, the supreme legislative body in San Marino, convenes. Within the palace, you will also find the State Museum, showcasing historical artifacts, documents, and significant works of art that contribute to the history and culture of San Marino. The central square of the palace, called Piazza della Libertà, serves as the venue for ceremonies and republic celebrations. No visit to San Marino is complete without savoring its culinary delights, including: Piadina: A thin, flat, and savory bread filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. Torta Tre Monti: Layers of thin wafer sheets stacked and filled with delicious chocolate or hazelnut cream. Cappelletti: Small pasta pockets resembling tiny hats, delicately filled. Pecorino and Caciotta Cheeses: Local cheese offerings, each with its unique characteristics. Local Charcuterie: Featuring a variety of cured meats like coppa, salami, and prosciutto. Gelato: Italy's beloved frozen dessert, offering a refreshing and sweet way to conclude your culinary experience.

About Rome

About 2,000 years ago, during the peak of the Roman Empire, the Romans paved an extensive network of roads spanning approximately 50,000 miles. These roads, originating from Rome, the heart of the Empire, became the origin of the famous saying, "All roads lead to Rome."

About 2,000 years ago, during the peak of the Roman Empire, the Romans paved an extensive network of roads spanning approximately 50,000 miles. These roads, originating from Rome, the heart of the Empire, became the origin of the famous saying, "All roads lead to Rome."

Rome, often referred to as the "Eternal City," has maintained its allure as a global tourist destination. Its attractions include a wealth of iconic historical remnants, awe-inspiring architecture, churches and temples of grandeur, internationally acclaimed art and museums, charming squares and winding streets, bustling shopping districts, diverse culinary hubs, and an enchanting atmosphere. Nestled within the city lies the Vatican State, often regarded as its spiritual nucleus. The official appellation of the city, S.P.Q.R, stands for Senātus Populus Que Rōmānus, symbolizing the Roman Senate and People. A visit to the ancient section of Rome, encompassing the Roman Forum and the Coliseum, offers a captivating glimpse into the remnants of the Empire's glorious past. The Colosseum, once known as the "amphitheater of the plebeians," stands proudly on one side. Its oval structure had the remarkable capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators and served as the venue for thrilling gladiator battles and captivating hunting and entertainment shows. Beneath the Colosseum lies the Underground Hypogeum, an intricate system of rooms that provided living quarters for the gladiators and served as confinement for dangerous beasts, such as lions. Contestants entered the arena via elevators, and the arena itself could be transformed into a water-filled stage for spectacular marine exhibitions, courtesy of the Aqueduct Claudia water carrier. The emperors entered the arena discreetly through a concealed underground passage from their residence on the Palatine Hill. Today, defacing the walls and stones in Rome is a serious criminal offense, but the etched graffiti from Rome’s heyday 2000 years ago has become a valuable resource for researchers, shedding light on the lives of the participants, prisoners, and gladiators who once dwelled within its historic walls. The "Forum Romanum," which was the political, commercial, and social center of the city for hundreds of years, extends from the Colosseum for about 820 feet. The forum is home to several historical buildings, including the Constantine Gate, the Titus Gate, the Severus Septimius Gate, the Settimo Severo temples, basilicas, the market, and the Curia Lulia that was the seat of the Roman Saint. A few steps to the north, in the outer part of the forum, there is a smaller forum - Trajan’s Forum- that contains Trajan’s Column. The triumphal column, standing tall at close to 100 feet, has a long spiral relief that commemorates the victories of Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century Dacian Wars. Napoleon Bonaparte copied Trajan's column to describe his own victories, and it stands in Place Vendome in the heart of Paris. Piazza Venezia earned its name from the Venetian embassy that operated there until the early 20th century. The embassy building, adorned with the emblem of Venice—a winged lion - has been transformed into a museum. Dominating the square's center is the grand Vittoriano, a significant symbol in Italy's unification history, featuring the mounted statue of Vittorio Emanuele II. Within this memorial complex lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. An elevator ride up to the balcony treats visitors to a splendid view of the city and the bustling Via del Corso, which stretches from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. To the west of Via del Corso lie the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, while to the east lies the enchanting "wishing fountain," the Fontana di Trevi. Visitors toss coins over their shoulders into the fountain with the hope of returning to Rome one day. Just a short stroll away are the iconic Spanish Steps, adorned with Bernini's boat statue, and the upscale shopping street – the Via Dei Condotti. Starting from Piazza del Popolo, a majestic staircase leads up to a vantage point offering a spectacular view of the remarkable square. From there, you can also access the Borghese Gardens, home to the renowned Galleria Borghese (make sure to book tickets in advance). Inside the museum lies an extraordinary collection of masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, a true treasure trove for art enthusiasts. The Vatican City, along with its awe-inspiring Basilica and Vatican Museums, is a magnet for millions of tourists and believers each year. Saint Peter's Basilica, the world's largest Catholic church, stands as a popular pilgrimage site. The basilica's magnificent architecture, highlighted by Michelangelo's iconic dome and breathtaking works of art like Bernini's Baldacchino, are awe-inspiring. The Vatican Museum houses an extensive collection of plastic and decorative arts spanning various historical eras. The most renowned is undoubtedly Michelangelo's masterpiece "Creation of Man," adorning the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Alongside it, there are other outstanding artworks like Raphael's "The School of Athens" and the mythological sculpture "Laocoön and His Sons." A visit to the Vatican is truly a journey through the peak of artistic and religious heritage. Wandering along the city’s charming cobbled streets, enchanting squares, and romantic alleys you will be immersed in Rome’ unique atmosphere. As evening falls, both tourists and locals flock to the Trastevere area, drawn by its many restaurants and delightful culinary experiences. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the beautiful Santa Maria church, which adds to the charm of the neighborhood. Make your way to the Belvedere Del Giancolo observation deck for an unforgettable sunset experience, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the cityscape. This article provides just a glimpse of the countless wonderful sites that Rome has to offer. Between sites, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the delights of Italian cuisine, making Rome a paradise for food lovers. From authentic pastas to mouthwatering pizzas, superb coffee, and delightful Italian gelato, be sure to savor the outstanding Roman cuisine. Rome's charm extends beyond its historical sites to encompass the delectable culinary delights and enchanting ambiance that graces every nook and cranny of the city.