Ingolstadt to Florence coach

Ingolstadt is the setting for Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," but it's the birthplace of more than just monsters. A professor at the University of Ingolstadt founded the original Illuminati secret society in 1776 (the organization disbanded a few years later). These days, Ingolstadt hosts the headquarters of many top German companies such as Audi, Airbus, and Saturn. Car fans will definitely want to check out the Audi Museum's collection of classic cars and join a guided tour through the Audi factory.

History lovers should opt instead for the New Castle, a Gothic structure housing the Bavarian Army Museum. The German Museum of Medicine History, located in the university's Baroque yellow Old Anatomy Building, includes indoor exhibits and a verdant garden of medicinal plants.

It's easy to reach Ingolstadt from nearby cities such as Munich on intercity coaches from carriers like FlixBus. Those traveling farther might choose a seat on a Deutsche Bahn train, which arrives at the Ingolstadt Nord or Ingolstadt Hauptbahnhof stations.

Florence is located in Central-Northern Italy, in the lush Tuscany region. Regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city is an art lover's idea of heaven. The city's plethora of museums, palaces, churches, and artistic treasures landed Florence the #1 spot in our ranking of the most cultured cities in Europe.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see many of the world's greatest Renaissance masterpieces, including work by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Michelangelo's famous sculpture of David in his birthday suit is on view at the Accademia Galleria. The Institute and Museum of the History of Science is another must-see attraction to learn about the scientific instruments vital to some of the 13th century's world-changing discoveries.

After you have finished exploring Florence's many museums and galleries, head outside to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Boboli Gardens and appreciate this stunning example of "green architecture."

The city is also home to almost every high-end designer label you can bring to mind, as well as museums dedicated to Gucci and Ferragamo. For a less expensive shopping experience, visit one of the many affordable boutiques and local clothing stores for a more authentic taste of the city.

Florence is a top-rated destination, meaning it has well-established international and national travel connections. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci International Airport makes air travel simple. Fast and modern trains also connect the city to numerous European cities, and many coach carriers offer frequent services to Florence.