Rizal and his friend Viola took a grand tour of Europe after the publication of Noli Me Tangere, visiting many cities between 1887-1888. They saw cities in Germany like Berlin, Dresden, and Prague in the Czech Republic. They spent over a week in Leitmeritz as guests of Rizal's friend Blumentritt. In Vienna, they met the famous novelist Norfenfals. Their travels also took them to Switzerland, Italy, and other countries, with Rizal continuing on alone after Viola returned home. Throughout the tour, Rizal was deeply impressed by the art, culture and people he experienced in Europe.