Rizal and Viola began their grand tour of Europe in May 1887, starting in Germany where they visited cities like Dresden and Leitmeritz. They met with Rizal's friend Blumentritt in Leitmeritz and spent several days enjoying his hospitality. They continued onto Prague, Vienna, and other cities, seeing many historical and cultural sites. In Switzerland, they crossed Lake Geneva and spent 15 days in Geneva before parting ways, with Viola returning to Barcelona and Rizal continuing his tour through Italy, including Rome, before preparing to return home to the Philippines.