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See Europe the Trafalgar way

Article posted: September 2nd, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Join Julia, Cruisepilot’s  Product Coordination Manager on her recent Trafalgar Tours adventure through Italy, Austria & Switzerland. Value European Tours at their best!

What else could you ask for, but to depart Australia heading for Europe onboard the new A380! Certainly more space to move around and all the latest onboard entertainment at your finger tips. Flights depart daily from Australia.

After 26 hrs of travelling, my flight arrived into Milan. I was greeted by my Trafalgar Tour Guide, Bus driver and fellow travel companions, as my journey continued now by bus to Florence.

If you haven’t been to Florence it certainly is a place to visit for its history, architecture and of course leather goods (yes, I did make a purchase while I was there).  It was alarming to see that the buildings are literally getting washed away from the pasting flood waters over the years.

My next stop was to Venice. As a return visitor the excitement was still there (No the canals did not smell, which is something I have been asked). The Grand Canal was certainly a buzz with boats of all different sizes getting about.

If you have some spare time while in Venice take a short boat ride to Baveno, a small Island off Venice Island –  you will certainly be in for a treat.

From the Island city we travelled onto Italy’s lake district.  Lake Maggiore is a beautiful place for a summer retreat.

I was love struck in Verona, where the famous story of Romeo & Juliette originated. You can visit Juliette’s famous balcony and write love notes on the wall as you pass by. If that doesn’t interest you, Verona operates opera’s from the ancient coliseum. Something you may never experience anywhere else in the world.

As we headed north, crossing the borders of Italy and Austria, I was amazed by the scenery of the mountains as we travelled on the valley bed below. Destination: Innsbruck, just as beautiful in summer as in winter. It’s not a visit to Austria without a visit to the Swarovski gift shop. I was lucky enough to be given a Swarovski luggage tag, but to tell the truth I don’t think it would stay long on my suitcase!

Whilst in town make sure you go and see the Austrian Folk show. The musicians and actors are very talented and you won’t leave disappointed.

From Austria to Liechtenstein to Switzerland. My trip is slowly coming to an end. It was interesting to see the many Swiss houses in the countryside. Everything was in its place, right down to their log stacks.

Lucerne was my final destination and though it certainly was modernised it still could not hide its heritage and home to the many Swiss products you can buy. (Pocket knife anyone or maybe a watch or two).

Now I could not travel all the way to Switzerland and not experience snow capped mountains. Engelberg is situated 35km from Lucerne and offers summit visits all year around. Yes, there is still snow on the summit and on a clear day offers amazing views of the valleys below. The journey takes approximately 45mins to reach the summit by gondola.

My last day took me from Lucerne to Zurich where I began my journey home and where my memories began.

Taking a Trafalgar Tour you really are in safe hands. My experience would not have been the same without the exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful Tour Director. Our Driver was extremely professional and the coach was always in pristine condition. The trip ran completely smoothly with no operational problems whatsoever. The hotels were all in centrally located positions and of high standards. The restaurants selected for our meals were just superb and the activities included would suit all passengers on the tour. One of my favourite experiences was the “Be My Guest” dining in unique locations some which included real family homes. I must stress though there is walking tours involved while on tour - just as you would experience visiting any city or destination.

Travelling with Trafalgar Tours has been an amazing experience. The tours are very well organised and the itineraries diverse. If you want to actually see this part of Europe and you enjoy an active holiday rather than one spent sitting by a pool, then a Trafalgar Tour is a great option.

For more information on Trafalgar Tours throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Americas click here  or contact one of Cruisepilot’s experienced Tour Consultants.