Autorondreis Grand Eurotour

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: Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy. It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volta Lighthouse. Boasting some of the best views on the lake, this very high building will allow you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below. • Cathedral. • Tempio Voltiano. A nice stop on your stroll along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style • War Memorial. • City Walls. The ruins of the 12th century city walls, which encircle the narrow, winding streets of the old town. • Isola Comacina. A small island with ruins of several byzantine churches.

About the destination: Montecatini Terme is an Italian district within the province of Pistoia in Tuscany, Italy. The most important center in Valdinievole. The town is located at the eastern end of Piana di Lucca. Montecatini Terme is a beautiful town that was built around its mineral water springs. The most famous spa in town is the Tettuccio Terme located on the main street of Montecatini Terme - Viale Verdi next to the park, on the same street you can find the municipality building and the tourist information center. The first three spas that were built were the Tettuccio, the Regina and Leopoldine. These three spas made Montecatini Terme famous all over Europe, and a favorite place for the rich and the royalty.

About the destination: Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Piazza del Campo, the unique shell shaped piazza at the centre of the city, and twice a year the racetrack for the Palio • The Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's City Hall for almost 800 years, contains the famous frescos on good and bad government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, frescoes by Simone Martini and Duccio, and access to the Torre del Mangia, from whose top you can view a beautiful panorama of the Sienese countryside. • The Duomo, Siena's magnificent black and white Italian Romanesque cathedral including the Libreria Piccolomini, Baptistery and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo which includes the famous Maestà by Duccio. • The Pinacoteca, full of Sienese painting from the city's Medieval heyday. • The Palazzo Salimbeni, built in 1472, is the world headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the major banking corporation which has a hand in much of the economic and cultural life of the city. • The house where St. Catherine of Siena was born is just a few blocks from the duomo. • The Piccolomini Palace built in 1459 by the well-known architect Bernardo Rossellino, disciple of Leon Battista Alberti. The Piccolomini Palace is one of the most popular sites on the Piazza del Campo. The Florentine style palace is home to the official archives of Siena.

About the destination: Genova is a city of contrasts: it is a city of art as well as an industrial city. It has glass skyscrapers and medieval towers, business centers and unspoiled historic sites. Genoa is one of Italy’s most important ports that now accommodates Europe’s largest aquarium and the largest maritime history museum in the Mediterranean. Strolling down its narrow, twisting lanes, known as caruggi, visitors will discover architectonic gems, some excellent museums and art galleries. Porta Soprana, the best known gate in the ancient Genoa city walls, gives way to the Piazza de Ferrari, with its Palace of the Doges and the Opera House. Along the Strade Nuove, a stunning avenue listed as a World Heritage Site, is where we find the Palazzi dei Rolli, a roster of aristocratic homes that are a reminder of the city’s imperial past. Genoa is an elusive and secretive city, it will take you to great bars, share its cuisine and give you a glimpse of culture, but it’ll have to get to know you first.

About the destination: Sainte-Maxime is a town and commune in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of Var, in the draguignan district and Grimaud canton.

About the destination: The capital of Languedoc-Roussillon, a few kilometres from the sea, surprises visitors with its dynamism. Bathed in soft Mediterranean light, its old neighbourhoods and its magnificent gardens invite you to wander through its elegant boulevards. In full demographic expansion, the city, which celebrates its ancestral vocation for medicine and research, has transformed into a cosmopolitan metropolis with a big city buzz. Between Place de la Comédie and the Arc de Triomphe du Peyrou, we find Montpellier old quarter. Ecusson, the historic centre, retains its winding and narrow medieval lanes and shady backstreets. Along these streets magnificent palaces, with its beautiful stairs and courtyards, stand gracefully. The cathedral of Saint-Pierre is one of the city’s icons, not to be missed is the impressive canopy porch supported by two monumental cylindrical pillars. Montpellier blends old world charm with a modern and vibrant nightlife. Its theatres, stylish bars and its opera cheer up the evenings creating a lively atmosphere. The newest area of the city is called the place de la Comde, here you can find excellent restaurants, cafes and shops.

About the destination:

Barcelona is een prachtige stad gelegen in het noordoosten van Spanje. Onder Nederlandse toeristen is Barcelona al jarenlang de populairste stad op het Iberische schiereiland. De combinatie van perfecte winkelstad, veel bezienswaardigheden, heerlijk eten en de ligging aan het water maken van Barcelona de topbestemming die het is.

Het aantal dagen dat je nodig hebt om Barcelona te verkennen is vooral afhankelijk van persoonlijke voorkeuren. Als je een groot deel van de hotspots wilt bezoeken inclusief een aantal musea, dan heb je al snel een dag of vier tot vijf nodig. Wil je ook nog op je gemak een of twee dagen aan het strand doorbrengen dan moet je er één of twee dagen bij optellen. Barcelona heeft voldoende te bieden om er een hele week naartoe te gaan als het weer een beetje mee wil zitten. Wie korter dan 3-4 dagen gaat die zal keuzes moeten maken. Je kunt tijd besparen door zo efficiënt mogelijk te plannen. Ook het vooraf kopen (via internet) van kaartjes kan ervoor zorgen dat je meer kunt doen in minder tijd. Vraag je echter af of dat hetgeen is wat je wilt.

About the destination: Zaragoza is the culminant point in the valley of Ebro, Spain's most water-bearing river, and it is strategically located between Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia and Toulouse. Zaragoza is one of the great monumental towns in Spain. It was founded some 2000 years ago, and Old-Iberians, Romans, Goths and Muslims equally left their heritage. Today the town is economically very active, and organizes several important international fairs and has a vibrant music scene. The main temple in Zaragoza is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It has 11 domes and they defines the skyline of the city with brightly coloured tiles. It is the second centre of pilgrimage in Spain after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. In its interior the wall-paintings in the cupola, works of Goya and Bayeau, are of particular interest. In the church’s museum you can see a large collection mainly of religious art. The view of the Cathedral of Zaragoza along the river is one of the best postcards of the city. And at night, it is even more beautiful. A perfect setting for a walk or for a romantic date. The Palacio de la Aljaferia, an 11th century splendid king's palace with intricate decorations including ceilings of gold, is one of the very few remaining Moorish buildings in the city. Zaragoza is a dynamic and modern town with a unique food and bar culture. The city is a real architectural treasure and a growing young population guarantees a busy night life.

About the destination: Toledo flourished in the medieval era during the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims and Jews. This fact has left behind a dignified and slightly mystical walled city. Toledo’s monuments crowd together in a dizzying anarchy of periods and styles, held together in a medieval matrix of sagging houses, churches, synagogues, and mosques. The city that El Greco portrayed in a few of his rare landscapes has changed little over the years. Surrounded by Rio Tajo, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Spain’s most visited cities. Artifacts of Christian, Muslim and Jewish origin continue to complement one another in this city, often within the same building. The cathedral is a complex banquet of architectural and artistic styles. Two synagogues, Sinagoga del Tránsito and Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca, and a museum, the Museo Sefardi, are all that remain of what was once the largest Jewish community in Spain. Reminders of the Muslim presence are visible near the Puerta del Sol a 14th century Mudéjar gate and the 10th century mosque, Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz. The legends and traditions of Toledo seem to come alive at sunset. Visitors can explore the city’s mysterious medieval atmosphere walking through its narrow streets in one of the many night tours organized throughout the city. It is a fascinating experience that will transport travellers to another era.

About the destination: Perhaps nowhere else does Spain’s diverse heritage present itself so tangibly to the visitors as in Cordoba. The Roman Bridge, and scattered pillars and ramparts testify to the city’s importance in Roman times. The Arab occupation brought about its greatest prosperity and for a time Cordoba, with is vast library, was the largest city in the world. Cordoba captures the essence of Andalusia today: White-washed houses along narrow streets hide serene patios, and the strains of cante jondo, a vocal style in flamenco, still resound from time to time. Most sights and monuments are clustered in the Juderia, a maze of narrow winding streets that was once the city’s Jewish quarter. This area lies between the Plaza de las Tendillas, Cordoba’s main square, and the River Guadalquivir. Here visitors will find the city’s symbol, The Mezquita, Great Mosque, which is a mystic wonder; an airy forest of 850 marble, alabaster and stone pillars supports the 425 striped double-decker arches. From the tower visitors can clearly see how the 13th century conversion into a cathedral resulted in an incongruous juxtaposition of styles. Mischievous The Jewish quarter is great for tapas and bar-hopping, while you are at it, try a light, dry fino or a sweet Pedro Ximenez, the most famous local wines. Córdoba has plenty reasons for visiting it. This city invites you to dream: just wander through its convoluted alleys and you will realize you're in a unique place. Do not miss the sunset from the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river. After that you won’t want to go to sleep.

About the destination: Seville has a special colour, this effervescent city is filled with captivating traditional architecture in colours of lemons, plums and oranges. The River Guadalquivir runs approximately north-south through Seville. Most of the city, including the old quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz, is on the east bank, while the Barrio de Triana lies on the west bank. At midnight, impromptu singing, clapping and guitar playing fill bars and streets. By day, the diversity of the city’s heritage becomes apparent. The Romans, Moors, Catholic Spaniards, and now, hordes of tourists have all tried to claim Seville as their own. Indeed, Seville has never failed to spark the imagination of newcomers. From the street, the cathedral seems unimpressive; you must go inside to get some sense of its dimensions. Massive pillars support the vaulted roof, and the wealth of treasure is fabulous beyond belief. Another major sight of the city is La Giralda, which was the minaret of the Almohad mosque. From the top, there’s a fantastic view of the city across the barbed spires and buttresses of the roof. La Torre del Oro, a symbol of the city, originally covered in golden tiles, watches over the town as it has always done since 1220. Seville at night is wonderful, everything takes on a mystical air able to hypnotize and if you know how to live it, you will fall under its spell.

About the destination: Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills due to its location, the city spreads across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. Romantic and cosmopolitan, the city presents its typical red roofs to the visitors that want to get to know its every inch. Lisbon surprises with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The Portuguese capital offers lots of museums, libraries, a huge port, churches and palaces and stunning views of the Rio Tajo Lisbon was considered a poor and chaotic city. Currently it has experienced a resurgence in the style of the XIV and XV centuries, when it was part of that vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. The reason for this was the World Expo held in 1998, a new bridge over the Tagus was built and the network of underground of the city was remodeled. The resurgence of the city then continued to host several matches during Euro in 2004, also held there the Delivery Music Awards (MTV) in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date from the XIV and XV centuries, especially the ones located in the Belem district. There are also many buildings from the XVIII century, which are located mostly in the Baixa area of central Lisbon and were reconstructed almost completely after a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1755. The historic center of the city, standing on Las Siete Colinas, presents steep streets and picturesque alleys. On the west side of the city, there is Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon’s lung, with an area of 10 km and one of the largest in Europe. The capital’s majestic port has 3 docks commonly used for several cruises and it is, currently, the busiest port in the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and with an ambitious attitude, marrying the historic with the modern, the traditional with the cutting edge. Strolling through the old quarters one can hear the traditional Fado sung and played in small restaurants in town. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with jazz, reggae, electronica filling the air and revelers partying until dawn. Nightclubs scattered all over town make fine use of old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and lively city, with alternative for every taste, especially in the summer months when its many bars, terraces and restaurants are crammed with people.

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

About the destination: Since medieval times until this day, Santiago de Compostela is considered a major destination for pilgrims. This holy city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Situated in far northwestern Spain, 100km north of the Portuguese border, Santiago is the capital of the autonomous region of Galicia. The city harbors Spain’s most famous church. La Catedral is majestic, a harmonious melding of styles and eras beneath two soaring towers. Just inside the main entrance is the Pórtico de la Gloria, one of the outstanding ensembles of Romanesque sculpture in Europe. Near the cathedral, there is the Museo do Pobo Galego, museum of the Galician people, housed in the Monasterio de Santo Domingo, contains replicas of ancient Celtic ruins. Nearly half of Santiago’s population is made up of rowdy students itching to have a good time. Bars and pubs can be found throughout the medieval streets of the old town and along Calle Santiago de Chile. The nights have special light in the streets of Santiago de Compostela. The moonlight makes the town a timeless scenario where landmarks bring out the city’s most beautiful and nostalgic side. And for those looking for atmosphere, Santiago’s nights are eternal.

About the destination: Santander is an elegant port city which extends along the northern side of the handsome Bahía de Santander and it's a lively place with much to see and do. It is a deeply historical place full of wide streets, pleasing architecture and waterside restaurants. Santander’s most popular neighbourhood, El Sardinero, was once a very exclusive holiday spot for the wealthy. Nowadays it preserves a belle-époque elegance and its one of the most beautiful parts of the city, especially valued for its environmental quality and spectacular beaches. The Paseo de Pereda, with its typical houses with enclosed balconies, and its gardens constitutes a buoyant boulevard which separates the coastal strip from the historic quarter of Santander. The nearby Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, its earliest construction dating from the 13th century. Under the main chapel is the crypt of El Cristo, a sombre vaulted chamber in which various traces of the Roman era were discovered. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city as its good city beaches, its numerous parks and gardens, its gastronomy and its history makes it the perfect gateway.

About the destination: Biarritz is a famous holiday destination located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Aquitaine, France. Biarritz lies on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast, in southwestern France. It is adjacent to Bayonne and Anglet and 18 km from the border with Spain. Biarritz has 6 km of beaches and is a popular summer holiday destination. Its beaches are characterized by fine sand and large amounts of seaweed. The seaweed adds iodine to the water which is known to have beneficial effects on the body. These healthy properties of the water are the reason for the popularity of resorts in Biarritz. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS La Grande Plage The Grande Plage is the main beach of the town, popular among tourists and locals alike. It was previously known as the “Côte des Fous” (coast of the crazy), because of the large number of “sick” people who came for the benefits of the waters. It is located in the heart of Biarritz, close to shopping areas, bars and restaurants. The Rock of the Virgin The Rock of the Virgin is connected to the mainland via a bridge that was commissioned by Napoleon III. The bridge crosses over the water and partly through the rock that was carved out. The bridge is known as the Eiffel Bridge, named after the architect Gustave Eiffel, the same man who built the Eiffel Tower. From the end of the rock, you can enjoy some of the best views of Biarritz. On a clear day, you can even see mountains of the Spanish Basque Country. Fishermen Port This port was built in 1870 for inshore fishermen. Today, most of the fishermen are gone and what is left is a cute little port mainly visited by tourists. There are a bunch of restaurants located in the picturesque fishermen’s houses. If you want to eat fresh fish or seafood, this is definitely the best place to do it.

About the destination: La Rochelle is a city in the province of Charente-Maritime, France. Being a maritime region, it has a rich and diverse history making it the second most popular region as a tourist destination in France.The Old Port is the oldest and also the most picturesque part of La Rochelle. Most of the town buildings are hundreds of years old and very well maintained. The narrow streets and pale stone buildings give the Old Port a distinctly Mediterranean quality. When visiting the Old Port you cannot fail to notice the three defensive towers, which guard the harbour. Port des Minimes is one of the biggest ports of pleasure boats in Europe. Be prepared to be blown away by the number of yachts in this enormous port. Also, visit the beach beside the port.La Rochelle is a lively place, full of good restaurants, frequent street entertainment and lots of little cafes.