This cultural route was initiated by the members of the organisation, Perspectiv – Association of Historic Theatres in Europe, which was founded in October 2003 with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of historic theatres in Europe.
The head offices of this association are in the town of Bad Lauchstädt and in Berlin.
As of 2024 a Grand Tour route in Italy and Malta is planned.
The Emperor Route was established in 2013 and runs through the Czech Republic (especially Bohemia) and Austria.
These two countries were ruled by the emperors from the Habsburg dynasty until 1918, hence the name of this route.