In Retrospect: 2018 The Grand European Tour

London,England

Our much anticipated Grand European Tour kicked off in England’s capital London, the largest and most populous urban  area in Europe on April3rd, 2018.The city,today, is a major center of world economy, fashion, entertainment, commerce and education and draws a record number of tourists from all parts of the globe every year.

Not surprisingly, we faced the fury of London’s notorious weather as we took off for the city tour.It  was nippy, overcast ,breezy, coupled with occasional shower,however,it did not dampen our spirit or ruined our adventure in one of the world’s old cities.

We ventured into London’s iconic landmarks -Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London,Westminster  Abbey, Tower Bridge, famous upscale localities and many more.

Just when  we were starting to get the feel of  this fantastic cosmopolitan, two days proved to be  awfully too short for a city larger than life.

Dover to Calais,France

With Tour Director Mr. Patrick Sidney and a lively group of heartwarming and down-to-earth  fellow travellers, we left our hotel in the wee hours of the morning,picking up a few more on the way.

After an hour  and half bus ride from London, we arrived at Dover, a major ferry port in Kent in South East England and the narrowest part of the English Channel.From there, a ferry  took us across to Calais,a port city in northern France.Once we touched the French soil, the tour started in earnest.

Calais to Bruges, Belgium

Called the Venice of the North, Bruges, Belgium, a picture perfect small city holds a special place in our hearts and minds.

The unpredictable weather played hide and seek. However, we had prepared ourselves for nature's trickery as we followed the local specialist into the city.

The rich culture, architectural and historical treasures, countless canals,  cobblestone paths, stone churches and brick archways dominated the city’s landscape. I got  lost and felt though I was in the middle of a medieval city so mystifying and enchanting.

Bruges  to Amsterdam,Holland

Upon reaching  the sublimely picturesque below sea level Amsterdam, capital of Holland, a brief spell  of shower accompanied by blustery wind greeted us.

The bicycle capital of the world , famous for its shipping canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Dam Square,floating flower market and countless iconic masterpieces  is a paradise for tourists.

Later the sun did smile but there was still nip in the air,nonetheless, we enjoyed the ambience of the city so tantalizing that we were swept away.  

Furthermore, cruising  through the pretty canal district and  strolling around the cosmopolitan capital crammed with an unprecedented sea of people was exhilarating and an amazing experience I cannot describe in words.

Admittedly, I got  to see very little of this colorful  city in one day.

Amsterdam to Heidelberg,Germany

Much to our relief, the sun  dazzled, making our sojourn to Germany enchanting and exciting.

Heidelberg  in Baden Wurttemberg is considered one of the most beautiful  cities in Germany . Popularly called the college town and the city of science, the city is  located on River Neckar in South West Germany.

It is home to Germany’s oldest university and every year an estimated 11.8 million visitors make it to the educational and  romance filled city.

Boppard, the site of the legendary Lorelei siren in the Rhine-Hunsruck-Kreis district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wine growing area.

Here we took a little over an hour cruise on River Rhine. We cruised past fairy tale castles and fascinating  historic small towns. Indeed, it was an awe inspiring, relaxing experience.

Heidelberg to Lucerne,Switzerland

Gorgeous Lucerne,gateway to Switzerland is a German speaking region located in the central part of the country. Known for its medieval architecture it sits amidst snow capped mountains on Lake Lucerne.

When it comes to describing Lucerne, clearly it is not short on nicknames. Some of the names like the city of lakes, the city of mountains, the city of atmospheric speaks for itself.  Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland.

The Rhine Falls is the biggest waterfall in Switzerland and perhaps in Europe and a big attraction.Having come from a mountainous country, I fell in love with the city right away and  felt myself like at home.

Under a spotless blue sky our second  day stay in Lucerne was adventurous and fun filled.We took the gondola to Mt.Pilatus Kulum, one of the most frequented spots by tourists and cruised around Lake Lucerne.

Lucerne to Vaduz,Liechtenstein

On the banks of Rhine River near the Swiss  border is Vaduz capital of the tiny country Liechtenstein.

The country with an area of just 160 square kilometers is the fourth smallest country in Europe, bordering  Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to east and west. It has an estimated population of 37,000.

Although we spent less than two hours,the historic charm and beauty of the city beguiled us.

Vaduz to Innsbruck,Austria

Innsbruck, the 5th most populous city located in West Austria is the capital  of Tyrol. It is a valley sandwiched between two breathtaking majestic snow capped mountain  chains.

It is called the capital of Alps and known for its imperial and modern architecture.

Innsbruck to Salzburg,Austria

Salzburg, the most inspiring city in Austria is perched in the eastern Alps on the banks of Salzach River.

Listed as UNESCO heritage site, the city is birthplace of  18th century musical genius Amadeus Mozart. The fourth populous city of Austria is dotted with iconic churches, castles and palaces.

St. Peter’s Abbey, Europe's oldest restaurant is located in the heart of the city. The  1965 box office blockbuster, “ The Sound of Music “ was filmed in Salzburg.

The city’s  fascinating 16th  & 17th centuries architecture, culture , rich history ,cobbled streets and alleys literally captivates you. You are in awe . This is a city you will fall in love instantly.

Salzburg to Vienna,Austria

An amazing, awesome and mind boggling blend of old and new towns is Vienna,Austria’s capital, sitting on the Danube  River.

More than half of the metropolitan is made up of green and gardens, which include 2000 parks. In 2018, the Mercer study voted Vienna  the world’s most livable city for the 9th year in a row.

Vienna has a long tradition of  fascinating art and culture,including theatre, opera, classical music and fine arts. It’s home of the  world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. There are 27 castles,150 palaces and 100 museums.

A feast for the eyes are,some of the  country’s most famous landmarks in the likes of Gothic St.Stephen’s Cathedral,Imperial Palace,Art Nouveau,Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palaces. Sigmund Freud,Mozart and Beethoven are few of its famous residents.

I will say this : Vienna is glamorous, spectacular and stunning . You will love  it forever. If you ever get a chance to visit the city, go for it.

Vienna to Venice, Italy

Without any shred of doubt,Venice,the capital of northern  Italy’s Veneto region is the dream city or the romance city  or whatever you want to call it.

Venice as  I saw through my  lens. What a city ! It is spellbinding,stunning and breathtaking. No wonder, it is considered  one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Venice has about 177 canals   and built on more than 118 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has just 160 square miles of total area and only 3 feet of elevation. It is believed to be sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimeters every year.

Since there are no  streets,Gondolas (traditional boat )is the  mode of transportation to transport people around the city. There are about 350 Gondolas  and 417 bridges. And you will walk through one of the narrowest streets in the world, measuring just 53 cm.

Venice  has more than 450 palaces. The popular  landmarks are Piazza San Marco , San Marco Campanile , Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Grand canal  and many more.

Casanova , the adventurer, the author, the lover boy and the womanizer was a native of Venice.

The electric atmosphere, the beauty and the charm of Venice overwhelms you. Romance is everywhere. Regardless of age, you are drowned in romance right away.

Venice to Burano,Italy

The  picturesque  and photogenic Island of  Burano is about 45 minutes ride on a water taxi from the maddening crowds  of Venice . It is a tranquil , quiet and peaceful island with a population  of only 3000.

Burano is called the lace man’s island,the fisherman’s island and a photo lover’s paradise .

The cottages and  flower pots on the island  are brightly painted with a  rainbow of colors, and so are the fishing boats painted matching the buildings .

When it comes to food it is all about fish, pasta  and dolce.A dish called ‘Risotto alla Buranella’ made from giozzi fish from the lagoon  stands out and is the all time favorite amongst tourists. When you are in Venice, make sure Burano is in your itinerary.  The visit is worth every penny.

Burano to Assisi,Italy

Perched on the  hill, Assisi, is one of the most  famous towns in central Italy in Umbria region. It  is the birthplace of St.Francis, one of Italy’s patron saints.

The city is extraordinarily rich in art, architecture and history. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site and an eternal  destination for Christian pilgrims.

Consecrated in 1253 , the Papal  Basilica of St. Francis is a gigantic two level church and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual .  It is a fascinating engineering marvel you do not want to miss in Italy.

Assisi to Pompeii, Italy

Today,Pompeii in Southern Italy’s Campania region near the coast of the Bay of Naples  has become an immensely important and intriguing archeological site, spreading over 170 acres.

It is one of the must see sights in Italy with millions of visitors  swarming the site from all over the world every year.

Pompeii used to be a thriving Roman city but was buried under  several meters of ash and rocks and completely obliterated, following a catastrophic eruption of  Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

The city remained frozen  until it was rediscovered by a surveying engineer in 1748. Since then excavation has been taking place at a slow pace  for over 250 years.

Pompeii to  Sorrento to Amalfi,Italy

Another dream city is Sorrento, the land of Mermaids, the land of oranges and the  land of lemons.

The stunning , breathtaking  and gorgeous Amalfi coast of Sorrentine Peninsula is a 50 kilometer stretch  of coastline. It is located below picturesque protruding steep cliffs, kissing  the shoreline of the Mediterranean sea. It is much more than an ideal holiday destination. Go there, I guarantee you,   it will forever be etched in your memory .

Amalfi to Capri,Italy

Of the many fascinating , eye captivating vacation spots in Italy  is Capri island off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side if the Gulf of Naples.

A resort since the time of the Roman Republic, Capri  has plenty to offer and visitors are lured to its beauty, serenity and sublimity the moment they step on the island.

Capri  is a popular destination for the rich and the famous.

Capri to Rome,Italy

Italy’s capital Rome is a cosmopolitan city with a heady blend of extraordinary architecture culture and vibrant street life.It is one of the most romantic and inspiring cities in the world.

Rome famous globally for its awe inspiring and unimaginable artistic heritage is home to ancient icons like Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and many more.

While St. Peter’s Basilica is one great example of Renaissance and architecture. You will need at least a week of time to familiarize yourself with the sound and sights of this romance filled city.

Vatican City

Vatican city is one of the most sacred places in Christendom with a history of about two millennia.It is the  site of the tomb of the Apostle Saint Peter and a very important pilgrimage center.

Vatican City spread over 44 hectares of land  is an independent state(defined by the Lateran Treaty of 1929)sits in the heart of Rome.

Since the foundation of  Saint Peter’s Basilica in the 4th century, Vatican City  has been the center of Christianity.Later it became the permanent seat of the Popes and a holy city for Roman Catholics.

Also it is a  prominent chronological site of the Roman world. One of the major landmarks is the Vatican Museums which features internationally renowned Roman Sculptures like the famous, ‘Laocoon and His Sons’,  and ‘ Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms’. And the ‘Sistine Chapel’ famous for Michelangelo’s breathtaking stunning and beyond belief ceiling artworks.

In a nutshell,Vatican City  is a world of spirituality, that keeps  you galvanized, bewildered and mesmerized.

The Colosseum in Rome,Italy

‘ The Colosseum ‘, one of the most magnificent, fascinating and breathtaking   gigantic Roman architectural landmarks stands tall in the heart of the cosmopolitan  city of Rome.

The construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre with a capacity of 50,000 plus was started in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian only to be completed in 80 AD.

‘The Colosseum ‘ used by the Romans mainly for the purpose of entertainment  featured the very braves called the gladiators. Their valor was put to test to the hilt as they were pitted against lions  and tigers. And at times, it was gladiators vs gladiators.

‘The  Colosseum ‘ is an engineering marvel and the epicenter of tourists. With the site swarmed with a sea of people,  you have to jostle your way into the ruins of the giant structures.

It takes more than a good couple of hours to cover every nook and cranny. Once inside, you are left pondering and the urge to explore the enigma of the ruins overwhelms you. Take a moment , stand still with  both eyes closed,visualize and dive back into the 80 AD, you are there as a spectator to the bone chilling spectacle cheering, yelling and clapping.

Rome to Florence,Italy

0n the banks of the Arno River  in North Eastern Tuscany is the historically, culturally and architecturally rich city of Florence. Two hundred fifty years ago  before 1300 until early 1500s it was the most important city in Europe politically, economically and culturally.

As I strolled around the city’s narrow cobbled streets surrounded by  unending architecture masterpieces after masterpieces in the form of museums, churches and buildings, I was wonder struck and transfixed at the sight.

People of all ages  from around the world throng the city in millions every year to have a glimpse of iconic masterpieces  like the ‘Duomo’,a cathedral with a terracotta titled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto.

To add, the city is home to ‘The Galleria dell Academia’ that features Michelangelo’s famous ‘David’ sculpture.Likewise, ‘The Uffizi Gallery’ displays Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus “ and Davinci’s, ‘Annunciation’.

No wonder, Florence , land of  the ‘Pinocho’ has been rightly called the Cradle of the Renaissance. When it comes to the city’s dining,  drinking and the hustle and bustle,very few cities come close.

My short sojourn to the romantic city was memorable and fun fIlled.If  you are in Italy, Florence should be one of your priorities.

Florence to Monaco

On the French Riviera in Western Europe surrounded by France on three sides  and Mediterranean on the fourth is Monaco,a constitutional monarchy,the second smallest independent state in the world.

This tiny  picturesque nation  about the size of New York’s Central Park with a pleasant climate all year round is a magnet for tourists.

The income tax free country is a haven for the filthy rich and famous. An estimated 100 billionaires and 2000 millionaires  make up the country’s 30,645 population.

Monte-Carlo, a major district of Monaco is an important financial hub  well known for its upscale casinos, shopping centers, exorbitant apartments, skyscrapers, super yachts and international sporting events,especially the Formula Grand Prix, held every year  since 1929.

As  our monstrous coach made its way into the narrow streets , taking a peep  from the window was no surprise to see Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys and many more dominate the streets .

Monaco to Pisa,Italy

Pisa a city in the Tuscany region of central Italy has gained immense popularity globally for the ‘Leaning Tower’ that was completed  in 1362.

The 56 meter white marble cylinder,the bell of the Romanesque,standing majestically for centuries was already tilting at the time of its completion.

The structure in itself is a mystery big as the Bermuda Triangle.Despite major structural flaw, the tower has remained miraculously intact, baffling and mystifying the best minds in the engineering world  to date.

Called the miracle tower,Pisa, today has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations. Tourists are  lured to the iconic masterpiece to become a part of the intriguing spectacle.

‘The Square of Miracles’  combines called ‘The Cathedral ‘ or ‘Duomo’ and  ‘ The Leaning Tower of Pisa’.

Pisa to Nice,France

Sitting on the Pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges is the pretty, romantic city of Nice. The fifth largest city of France is the  capital of Alpes-Maritimes department and a hub for research in industry, science and advanced technology.

Located between the Mediterranean sea and the mountains, Nice has  become a focal point for tourists, exploring new horizons for adventure, romance ,culinary, arts and culture.

Next to Paris, Nice has the most  museums in France and rightly called the city of art and culture.

Nice makes other cities envious because if its pleasant weather,  beautiful beach with blue Azure water, miles of concrete sidewalks , ritzy seaside restaurants.

Despite the unfortunate terrorists attack a few years ago, the  bubbly city remains unscathed and continues to thrive ,sparkle and draws tourists in millions from all parts of the globe every year.

When in Italy,  do not ignore elegant Nice, otherwise, you might have  to regret later.

Burgundy Region,France

Far away from the commotions of city life,  passing through the Burgundy region in east central France,  it was truly a thought provoking and remarkable experience.

As  I gazed out of the coach window, the tranquil lush green columns of wheat , beds of  dancing yellow mustards and decorative vineyards virtually captivated my imagination and left me in awe.

Like any French territory, the  rural region of Burgundy is submerged in its own history incredibly rich as its name.

Famous for its exquisite wine,both red and white, it is home to iconic masterpieces in the likes of Morvan Regional Natural Park,Hospices of Beaune and Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.

We made whistle stops at  small but historically important towns  like Avignon Cathedral, Rocher Des doms Mercurey and Beaune  with a rich history and art.

Next stop was at Château de Chamirey, one of the oldest wineries in the region. We were invited for a session of wine tasting.

Although I am a teetotaler, I sportingly accompanied my fellow journey compatriots and watched them gulp down the finest wines.

At the impressively compact and culturally rich Beaune stood Europe’s oldest hospital called Hospices of Beaune.

The run through the countryside was riveting and an experience of a different kind that will remain in my memories forever.

City of lights Paris

As our coach made its way into the sparkle and dazzle  of Paris, the dream city that never goes to sleep , I was overcome with disappointment after awakening to the fact that the Grand European tour was coming to an end.

I just wished the journey continued.Despite crisscrossing  and exploring some of Europe’s most elegant, fascinating and mystical countries in a span of a little over three weeks, there was hardly a drop in my energy  and enthusiasm level.

As the adage goes,  everything that has a beginning, has an ending.  So did the journey.

Prior to exploring the city of lights , my tour itinerary took me to the magnificent and imposing architectural masterpiece  the “Palace of Versailles”, a royal Château in Versailles,in the Île-de-France region of France,14 miles Southwest of Paris.

Around the 17th century, the palace was built by Louis XIV and  became the permanent residence of the kings of France and hub of the government for over 100 years.

The palace, a  distinct symbol of opulence and extravagance during  the rule of French monarchy has a special niche in the political  history and cultural heritage of France.

Whether you are talking about The French Revolution or The Third Republic or The Treaty Of Versailles and many more, it all happened  inside the four walls of the palace.

When the palace was being built, Versailles used to be a country village, today, it is a suburb of Paris.

Versailles has gone through dramatic transformation,  from a mere hunting lodge to a gigantic estate comprising the  Palace, the Gardens, the Parks and the Trianon estate spread over 800 hectares of land  and is one of Europe’s most visited historical site.

Such is the size of the  palace consisting of 2300 rooms, it is beyond the reach  of the naked eyes.With only a handful of rooms open to the public like, ‘The Hall of Mirrors’, ‘The War Rooms’, ‘ The Peace Room’ and ‘The King’s State Apartments’, the palace  is studded with 60,000 artworks and collections,depicting five centuries of French history.

The  magnificent gardens by André Le Nôtre is one of the centerpieces  that will keep you talking about for many moons.

As visitors in the  palace swelled by the hour, I had to fight my way through the crowd to  get around . After spending a good couple of hours inside, I soon realized the importance of every minute I spent that was worth it.

Last Day in Paris

The night of April 23rd, 2018 marked the end of the fascinating journey in Paris, one of the most  fascinating and visited cities in the world, expectedly, was fast and furious. With plenty to see and explore  and time running out,I was on the run.

Walking down the eye -catching wide boulevards, I was instantly intoxicated and consumed by  the city’s historical charm and contemporary lifestyle.

The cosmopolitan city dotted with globally  recognized and popular stellar architecture, monuments, museums,  greeted me in every turn and corner of the city.

Paris, the center for  international art, fashion, culture ,multimedia galleries and gastronomy  is a huge draw for visitors. Every year a record 30 million plus tourists swarm  the French capital, making it the most visited city on earth.

As I strolled through the romantic and enchanting  ‘Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore’,well known for its high end designer boutiques  and high flying diverse rich cafe culture that is global and glitzy,I was flummoxed by the sight. You  are in a different world.

The iconic ‘Eiffel Tower’ dominating the Paris skyline is  a massive iron structure. Built in 1889, it is an engineering marvel and the world’s most visited and photographed landmark.

‘The Louvre ‘, ‘Notre Dame Cathedral’, ‘Arc de Triomphe’, ‘Orsay Museum ‘,Vendôme Square’, ‘Panthéon’, ‘Place de la Concorde’, ‘ Champs Elysées’ and many more  are must see places that stand out architecturally, historically, and it literally captivates your imagination and takes away your breath.

In two days  you end up only scratching the surface of the city.You will  need at least a week to uncover and delve into the soul of the city.

The finale of our Grand Europe tour was the evening sightseeing cruise on the Seine River, unfolding Paris ,the city of lights by night.

Hotels & Coach

Hotels were fantastic, classy and comfortable,  and the Coach we travelled by provided modernity, luxury and comfort. Behind the wheel we had a safe pair of hands in Mr. Antonio a real gentleman with unbelievable driving skills.

Tour Director

Tour Director Patrick Sidney armed with a vast array of knowledge about Europe,  be it history or politics or sports, economics or entertainment or culture, was at the top of his game.

I can best  describe him as intelligent, articulate, flexible,caring,friendly,engaging and  humorous. A great storyteller and is always willing to go the extra mile to help others.

His professionalism, interpersonal skills and expertise took the tour to a whole new level.

Fellow Travelers

How can I forget my wonderful full of life fellow travelers, a band of happy -go -lucky people from Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, the United States and Nepal.The comradeship and bond  we shared made a world of difference.Sans them I would not have enjoyed much as I did.

The Conclusion

The expertly designed Grand European tour surpassed my  expectations and was/is a great value.

Yes,  sometimes it got/gets hectic but was never an issue for me. The overwhelming  desire, eagerness and enthusiasm I carried to explore new places did not allow  negativity breed inside me.

Personally, I enjoyed, cherished every minute of the memory filled journey.I am more  than happy for my wife who had an experience of a lifetime.

With a few exceptions, selection of destinations made the tailor made package near perfect. More time in Amsterdam , London and Paris, coupled with expanded itinerary could have lent more weight to the tour.

At the end of the day, choosing ‘Trafalgar’for the Europe tour was the right decision. It lived up to its reputation of being one of the leading  travel companies in the world.