Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Europe Tour

This summer was quiet good with a lot of travel around UK. I am almost done with major places in UK and its time to travel outside the borders of the Island. Switzerland though I had been in winter last year for skiing I wanted to go once again in summer. The trip was planned around a month back with a major tour operator. This time I wanted to go with an operator than planning and managing the trip myself as I didn’t wanted any headache which comes along with it., and also want to see maximum places in minimum time.

We started on Saturday morning from Dover, crossing the English Channel in a Ferry to Calais in France, then went straight off to Belgium and roamed around in Brussels. Nice sight seeing and lot of pics this time from the major shopping places and tourist attractions like Manken Pis, Atomium etc. Had a try with Belgium chocolates which now I will suggest to all.

Next day we started with the black forests in Germany, Cuckoo clock making factory and was nice, same day we travelled to Swiss first to Rhine falls. This time we went in boat to go close to the falss and climbed the rock close to it and the view from there is just too good. After that we roamed around Luzern and then Zurich late in the evening. Next day was for Swiss in detail starting from Engel berg, we went to top of Mount Titlis, spend lot time there, playing in Snow, snow sliding, glacier cars etc. The scenery was so awesome that didn’t want to return back.

We reached Geneva by the evening and roamed around to see the major places, for me a repetition though. We were off to Paris next day early morning to have a Cruise in river Seine in Paris and back to Hotel and then again for the Paris at night tour, I like Eiffel with its lights and it’s truly awesome. Next day morning we climbed up to the top of Eiffel to get a bird’s eye view of Paris. We returned afternoon to reach back London by eight.

Below is the Itinerary we had

Day 1: London – Dover – Calais – Brussels – France
Early morning, board the coach from your chosen pick up point and depart for Dover, upon arrival cross the channel via ferry or shuttle. From Calais, settle into your comfortable seats as you start your journey to the capital city of Belgium, Brussels. On arrival, start with a photo stop at the most iconic structure of Brussels, the Atomium, followed by the famous Mannekin Pis Statue and Grand Place. Later, enjoy an Indian dinner before finally checking in to your hotel in the late evening.

Day 2: Black Forest – Rhine Falls – Luzern
Begin your morning by driving to the lush Black Forest region in South Germany, home to the well-known Black Forest gateau and of course the world famous cuckoo clocks. On arrival, view a demonstration on how the cuckoo clocks are made and have an opportunity to purchase them along with other souvenirs. After lunch, arrive in Switzerland to view the largest waterfalls in Europe, the Rhine Falls, famed for its elegance and its greatness in size, here have free time to admire the beautiful falls. Later, depart for Luzern to view the Lion Monument, the most photographed monument in town, followed by a visit to the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge, for a short period of free time to explore the town on your own.

Day 3: Mt.Titlis – Interlaken – Geneva
Begin your morning by visiting the highest mountain in Central Switzerland, Mt. Titlis, which is 10.000ft above sea level. Your ascent to Mt. Titlis starts by taking 3 cable cars; enjoy panoramic views of surrounding snow capped mountains, lakes and picturesque meadows which will leave you breathless. At Mt. Titlis have free time to play in the snow, visit the ice caves or take a unique professional photo in traditional Swiss outfits. Later, drive to the oldest tourist resort in Switzerland, Interlaken. This picturesque town is an ideal town for shoppers especially for those looking to buy Swiss watches and chocolates. After, drive to the international capital city of Geneva to see the, United Nations building, Flower clock and Jet D’au (weather permitting).

Day 4: Geneva – Paris
After an early breakfast, depart for a comfortable drive to Paris (approximate drive time will be 6 hours). On arrival take a scenic boat cruise along the River Seine; entirely glass fitted with a terrace, these boats are perfectly designed to discover and admire the rich architecture such as the Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral as well as other landmarks, palaces and ornate bridges. Later, have a short orientation tour to see “Les Invalides, National Assembly, Grand Palais, Concorde Square, Opera house” and many other historic buildings.

Day 5: Paris – Calais – Dover – London
After check-out, drive into Paris to embark on your journey to the top floor of the Eiffel Tower for a birds eye view which will leave you breathless. Followed by free time at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the most prestigious avenue in Paris; with its cinemas, cafés, and luxury specialty shops (duration is time permitting). In the early afternoon, drive back to Calais for the channel crossing and then its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made before arriving at your drop off point.

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