Switzerland 2018

Lucerne
Lucerne is a small city in central Switzerland. It sits along Lake Lucerne, with sights of the Swiss Alps.

Bourbaki Panorama, a 360 degree painting depicting Red Cross humanitarian efforts during the Franco-Prussian War. One of the volunteers in the Red Cross, Edouard Castres, painted the panorama.


Near the Bourbaki Panorama is the Lion monument, as well as the Glacier and Garden Museum which has great information about the history of glaciers in Switzerland plus a tree house (great views) and a mirror maze.


The Musegg Wall and its towers form a crown around northern Lucerne. The wall was built in the 1300s to protect the city. Today, the wall serves as a walking trail with great views. Another landmark is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.


Mt Titlis
Titlis has a ski resort as well as a large glacier at the top. The world's first rotating cable car takes visitors to the top of the mountain. At the peak, visitors can hike across the glacier and walk the Titlis Cliff Walk which is Europe's highest elevation suspension bridge. Being in Switzerland, one of the buildings has a big Swiss style watch.


Glacier cave.


Mt Rigi
Mt Rigi is also known as the Queen of Mountains. Being surrounded by Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz, Mt Rigi provides visitors spectacular views, especially on sunny days. Trains running along a cog railway - first mountain rail in Europe - transport visitors to the peak of Mt Rigi.


Mt Rigi is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Germany 2018

Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a financial, transportation, commerce, and education hub in Germany. It is also the gateway to Germany tourism.

A walking tour showcased highlights of Frankfurt, including the Christmas market.


Frankfurt skyline at night, a mix of old and modern Frankfurt.


Frankfurt Historical Museum, with many artifacts from Frankfurt's history, plus a large glass ball with 8 dioramas representing different themes of Frankfurt. The museum also has a model of Frankfurt before most of the city was destroyed in World War 2.


Palmengarten, botanical garden in Frankfurt with lakes and walking paths. During the Christmas season, they have a light show at night where the gardens transform into beautiful bright colors. There is a fountain which has a musical light show.



Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a university town, home to one of Germany's oldest universities. Tourist highlights include Heidelberg Castle and a walking tour of Old Town with its cathedral, many shops, and restaurants.


Walk across the Old Bridge for great views of Heidelberg, including the castle.


Heidelberg Castle has a pharmacy museum, winery, and garden. Great views from the top of the castle. The castle sits on top of a hill - a funicular (cable car on rails) is available to transport you to the castle entrance.


Stuttgart
Two car manufacturers are headquartered in Stuttgart: Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Both have museums which were the main focus of our time in Stuttgart.

The Porsche Museum is mainly a history of the brand and vehicles throughout its history. Including the first Porsche ever built (in 1948), off road vehicle, a tractor, several hybrids, and an all electric Porsche.


The green car is the one millionth Porsche, built in 2011.


The clock tower at Stuttgart train station has the Mercedes-Benz logo on top - a direct train takes you to the Mercedes-Benz museum. The museum has 7 floors - you start at the top and walk down. The museum has a history of Mercedes-Benz, the company's role in the automotive industry, and lots of model vehicles. Early cars were a motor powered carriage; Mercedes-Benz has an all electric car in display.