Post by Owen on Sept 6, 2014 23:05:29 GMT
1 ~ European Wonderland Family tour ~ July 28th to August 7th 2011 ~ suec
This travel tale was written by suec and relates to a Trafalgar Tour.
It was originally posted on the Trafalgar forum.
This travel tale was written by suec and relates to a Trafalgar Tour.
It was originally posted on the Trafalgar forum.
This has been long time writing but as there is no other reviews on a family tour I decided to try and write one. I am Sue and on this tour I took my 10yr old niece Alyssa we had the best time. This is my 3rd bus tour of Europe 2nd with Trafalgar. We were going to do Italy but her cousin who I took in 2009 said she had to go to Paris so that was that and European Wonderland was chosen.
We left Melbourne Australia 27th of July 2:20 pm on Cathay pacific, flight ok, long time to Hong Kong 3 hr wait then off to Rome very little sleep over a 24 hour period. Arrived in Rome around 7 am on the 28th July straight through customs got bags then found pick up spot for shuttle bus to hotel had a nearly 2 1/2 hour wait for shuttle sat on the floor of the airport as other people joined us also waiting for shuttle. I wonder if Trafalgar could arrange a better waiting area with chairs or put on an earlier bus.
Made to hotel Villa Pamphili which had good reviews on trip advisor, around 10:30 am met Julie our Td the best TD I’ve had on any tour. Julie checked with reception and was able to get our room. Told us welcome drink at 4:30 on patio asked if we wanted to do optional tour walking to Spanish steps, Pantheon, Plaza Navorone for tea, asked if would be going into the Pantheon as last time in Rome we never got the chance to. Julie said yes so we didn’t take hotel shuttle into city as that was the only thing I really wanted to do that day. So instead we went for a swim and rest by the pool. Hotel is nice; room good size and good size bathroom around 2:30 went back to room set 2 alarms and slept until 4 then got up and went to welcome drinks.
There are 49 on tour 20 adults and 19 children ages ranging from 4 1/2 to 18 some maybe older, majority were aged between 10 and 14, 3 families from Australia, 1 family from Canada, and the rest from all over USA. Mostly mum dads and kid’s one family with grandma and auntie and Alyssa and I and one couple had no children. I was the only person on the tour who had done a bus tour of Europe before most were newbie’s to Europe and bus tours.
Welcome drinks on patio nice, met rest of tour group Julie gave a small talk about tour and gave out an optional sheet for Rome only we choose all 4 that included the walk that night, the Sistine Chappell, colosseum and dinner with music. After drinks we hopped on the bus and went into Rome, Julie started teaching us Italian the children seemed to pick it up very quickly and we discovered we had a dad who spoke Italian very handy when trying to order food or interpreting menu’s and signs, the traffic was very busy and crazy finally got dropped on the side of the road met our local guide Paolo then went down a road around a corner up a hill and hey presto we were at the top of the Spanish steps. Great views of Rome and the dome of St Peters took lots of photos we were also using our whisper sets these we quite good, we kept our whisper sets with us for the whole tour Julie would tell us when we needed to bring them with us you had to turn them conserve off to the batteries some people had lots of problems with theirs we had none. We learnt about the history of the area and Paolo pointed out some landmarks we then weaved our way down the crowded steps to the bottom took more photos looking back up the steps. Julie brought some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor which we all enjoyed. We then followed Paolo down Via Condo past Prada, Gucci all the designer labels Paolo gave a running commentary as we walked down the streets on our way to the Pantheon. Wow the Pantheon took lots of photos walked around outside then we got to go inside beautiful took lots more photos and looked in every nook and cranny while listening to Paolo on the whisper set We then had some free time to wander around inside and out before meeting back up to walk to Piazza Novane. Took lots of photos of buildings, fountains, gelato and pizza, it was quite crowded and has lots of restaurants in it. We joined some other people from our tour and went down a side street for a very yummy thin crust pizza, then had gelato for dessert. There were lots of artist stalls in the piazza I brought 3 water colors in a frame. We then walked back to the bus and back to our hotel after a very enjoyable evening. Checked Emails I had brought my net book which was very handy to have Villa Pamphili has free wifi in the rooms which was great. Off to bed about 10pm awake at 3:30 am.
Friday 29th July Rome
Up at 6 am I showered in the morning and Alyssa at night so she could sleep a bit later woke lys at 6:30 went down to breakfast had a good choice scrambled eggs ,bacon ,cereal ,pastries, bread, juice. We all left at 7:45 for the Vatican and Sistine chapel. Those not doing the Sistine chapel optional went and had coffee and walked around before joining us later for the included tour of St Peters Basilica. We again had Paolo as our local guide he was excellent. We had a group booking so we didn’t have very long to wait before we went in through all the x ray machines and bag check we then had a toilet break. Toilet breaks were very frequent and happened at the right times especially for children. We then headed into the Vatican museum through some amazing statues etc and amazing ceilings. Alyssa’s camera just kept clicking. I love the map room it is so amazing I think I appreciated more this time. It was very crowded it was hard to keep an eye on Alyssa as she kept stopping to take pictures and getting caught in the crowd behind her. Then through the tapestry rooms. Then we had a short break with time to go to a café and get a snack or a drink of cold water as it was getting hot and stuffy we also had access to toilets. We then went in to the Sistine chapel I knew what to expect but it still amazed me I got a sore neck looking around and taking it all in. Paolo gave us lots of info then left us to absorb it all we then had to exit; we then headed down the stairs to go into St Peters.
The rest of our group joined us and we went in, to see the Pieta you need to be tall as the crowd around it was very large. Walked around the St Peters then we went out saw the Swiss guards took more photos of the outside the popes apartment etc. we then had free time to buy souvenirs and our lunch.
Then it was off to the colosseum we drove through the crazy Rome traffic and on a road through the forum got some great photos as no people were in the forum as it was closed due to a strike the colosseum was also meant to close at 3 pm due to strike action. The bus dropped us off and we walked to the Constantine arch were we had our group photo taken then we joined the groups queue and went in. Those not doing the Coliseum went for a walk around the area. The Coliseum was just as good as before we followed and listened to Paolo inside then we had free time to look around and take lots of photo’s and Alyssa brought some books on Rome and a t-shirt.
Next off to make our pizza’s this activity is exclusive to family tours. We went to a restaurant with tables and chairs under a vine covered pergola it looked so inviting we all sat down and in groups of eight went up to make our pizza’s I got to stand in front of the wood fired pizza oven it was very hot. We rolled out our dough very thinly then put on our toppings sauce prosciutto and cheese. We then watched as they were put in the oven by the time we sat down poured ourselves a drink the pizza's were being placed on the table. They were yum; one child who was a picky eater surprised his family by eating his whole pizza because he made it. It was a pleasant hour or so chatting to tour mates and getting to know everyone. We then reluctantly had to leave and go back to the hotel to get ready for the evening optional dinner.
Back at the hotel the children made a dash for a quick swim before we left dinner. We were waiting in the foyer for Julie when she came rushing in from outside with one of our tour mates she had earlier received a call from her boss at Trafalgar to say that they had received a phone call from the Vatican police that they found in the Vatican 4 passports belonging to a family on our tour. Julie and co had got a taxi into the Vatican they had to be there by 5 pm before the police station closed for the weekend to collect the passports but first they had to find the station. No passports would have meant that they would have to stay in Rome until Monday to collect them before continuing on with the tour. Awake up call to all of us to watch and check our passports. We left a bit late for the dinner first we went to the Trevi fountain threw in our coins in hope we will return one day then off to dinner. We weren’t really hungry because we had pizza late afternoon the meal was ok not great. It was a waste of money on Alyssa she hardly ate a thing we had prosciutto and melon, 2 pasta’s, chicken and gelato and some musical entertainment singing and guitars which was so so. I had been on a similar dinner on my first trip to Rome with Insight and it was much better food and entertainment. This was a disappointment of an optional to me although because the hotel is out of Rome there wasn’t much of a choice especially as we wanted to see the Trevi fountain. After dinner back to hotel late wakeup call and bags out as were not leaving until 9am for Sienna and Florence.
Saturday 30th July from Rome via Sienna to Florence
Up at 6 am as we were awake we skyped Belinda Alyssa’s mum had good signal it didn’t break up. We relaxed in our room and wrote in our dairies before getting on the bus. Today we met our driver for the rest of our tour Antonio and his bus we had been using a local driver and bus while in Rome. Julie gave us the rest of the optionals to pick today she went through each one with us Alyssa and I had already chosen the ones we would do we added a cruise on lake Lucerne which was not on original list.We had a very picturesque drive to Sienna Lots of sunflowers, corn, tobacco and hay, very few animals to be seen we saw one lot of sheep in a paddock and they had a Sheppard and a dog watching over them. Past hill top towns a stone villa’s the Tuscany area of Italy is very similar to the area in Australia I live. We parked in the bus area at Sienna and walked into town and to the campo we they have the horse races. Sienna was beautiful walked up to the Duomo but didn’t go in we were running out of time found a tobacconist in the campo and brought some stamps and posted some postcards. Walked around the campo try to imagine how they race horses around it. Met up and walked back to the bus consensus was we could have left Rome at 8:30 and had a bit more time in Sienna as we felt a bit rushed to see everything and eat lunch as well. Then off to Florence through more farmland and forests’ olives and vines growing up steep slopes how they do it. We had afternoon tea break breaks generally were 20 minutes for am /pm toilet, snack stop and about 40 minutes for lunch when on travel days. First stop Michael Angelo square with it copy of David and great views over Florence took lots of photos then back on the bus down to Grand Hotel Mediterraneo which is across the road from the river Arno. Very small room twin beds squashed in a struggle find somewhere to put two suitcases, interesting shower every time we used the shower we flooded the bathroom. We had time to freshen up before our highlight dinner we met Julie in the lobby and then walked about 15 to 20 minutes from the hotel to the restaurant which was opposite Santa Croce church we had pesto pasta, kids had pizza, mixed meat and vegetable kebabs and tiramisu It was a very nice meal although the kids were getting sick of pizza for every meal and actually wanted the kebabs. After dinner we went and walked around Santa Croce Square the kids were chasing the pigeons and someone even managed to catch one amid much laughter. We walked back to the hotel to get ready for an early start to Pisa.
Sunday 31st July Pisa and Florence walking tour
We met our local guide Elizabetta on the bus and headed off for our optional to Pisa on the way Elizabetta pointed out some interesting sights like where marble comes from that Michael Angelo used for David .We arrived at Pisa caught the train in to the walls around the church then walked around the walls and through the gate we stood in awe looking at the tower and church Elizabetta lead us around the church ,tapestry and tower explaining how they were made and history, the church is very unique . Alyssa wanted to climb the tower but by the time Elizabetta had finished and we got free time there wasn’t enough time it was about a 30 minute wait .You would need to skip some of the tour to climb it. We brought some fruit and a drink while waiting for the train to take us back to the bus. We then headed back to Florence picked up those who didn’t go to Pisa it was around 12ish. Then the bus dropped us off in Florence and we went on the included walking tour of Florence with Elizabetta we walked past the academia were David is and down to the marble cathedral and the bastry doors . We then walked to signora square saw David’s replica and other statues we then kept walking to one of the oldest gelato shops in Florence and had gelato which one of the bonus on the family tours. After our gelato we went to Santa Croce church for inside tour we saw Galileo’s and Michael Angelo tombs it was a very interesting church. Some tour members came back to this church for mass that evening. When the tour was finished we headed off on our own to explore as it was warm we went and had more gelato and some late lunch wandered over to the Ponte Vecchi bridge looked at the shops took photos then wandered backup along the river watching people paint brought a small painting. Looked in lots of nooks and crannies and saw some amazing architect paintings and statues. Julie wanted us to try out our Italian tonight we had to get our own tea. We went to a small restaurant and had pasta then walked back to the hotel packed suitcases etc we then decided to go for a walk along the river in the park across from the hotel make sure you have some bug repellant as we all got bitten by mozzies. We met Kristen and Max and they came with us we walked across the bridge near hotel and wow what a sunset the amazing colors looking down the river and bridges they seemed to glow and where was my camera back at the hotel room arrgh. Said goodnight to Kristin and Max off to bed, early start in the morning off to Venice.
Monday 1st August Florence to Venice via Classe to see the mosaics
Bit of a sleep in today had breakfast plenty of choices then onto bus Julie warned us that there would be lots of traffic today as it is the 1st day of Italian summer holidays and that a lot would be heading to the coast like us. We were a bit late leaving as when one family went to get their passports out of the room safe it wouldn’t open the battery had gone flat so by the time they got maintance to fix it we were late leaving. Hit heavy traffic around Bologna but then it eased stopped for a 20 min break then on to Classe. We stopped at the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris to look at it mosaics they are amazing and the detail in them so much work in it all. Brought some postcards at the church shop then back on bus and off to Venice. We go over the bridge wind our way around the road and park in the bus area. We walk through the stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs then we hop our 3 private water taxi and head down the grand canal to St Marks Square all of us snapping away with our cameras as we pass incredible buildings and churches and under Ponte Vecchi bridge and other bridges. Then we pull up at the pier all climb off and start to walk through the MASSES of people we counted about 13 cruise ships birthed in Venice that afternoon. Past St Marks square which you could hardly see for the amount of people crowded in it to where we were taking our next optional the gondola ride. It was very hot and humid today and quiet warm waiting in the sun for our trip. We had a look at some stalls and brought a cold drink and icy pole then stood in some shade waiting. Finally it was time for our gondola ride we were on a 6 seat gondola facing the gondolier with camera’s in hand we headed off down the grand canal then up another canal and under the bridge of sighs then we did a loop it was beautiful and amazing we thoroughly enjoyed it . We came back out under the bridge of sighs we then extracted ourselves out of the gondola not very lady like though. We were meant to have a singer and music but as we were one of the last to go we didn’t see or hear them others did, but it didn’t bother us as there was too much to see. On my first visit to Venice our gondola ride was near our hotel as we stayed in Venice on the Grand Canal near the train station and did a loop around that end. It was nice to do this one around St Mark’s square area. Back onto boat we went back a different way to the bus terminal now off to our hotel about 30 minutes away. We stayed at Novetel Venizia Mestre Castellana it is a nice modern hotel with a swimming pool, free wifi in lobby, tea and coffee faculties and fridge in the room. A very large room with 2 double beds a nice size bathroom with a good shower and a view of other buildings and a road. Some walked to a nearby shop to buy snacks and drinks. Alyssa had a quick swim then we had our include dinner it was 3 courses, pasta then chicken beans and spuds lastly apricot pie tea or coffee. I enjoyed it Alyssa ate most of it, others didn’t we all have different tastes. Checked emails in lobby did some washing off to bed for a busy day tomorrow. If you want to go into Venice by yourself as one couple did to celebrate a birthday and wedding annisvary they had to take a taxi to the train station and catch the train in it is too far to walk to the station you can also catch a bus but not sure where from.
Tuesday 2nd August Venice
Back into Venice today over the causeway the tide was out this morning all you could see was mud and posts and markers the causeway is quiet shallow it appears. Back onto boats and around past the cruise ships only a couple in port this early in the morning to St Marks square hardly anybody in it this morning we are off to glass blowing and mask painting this morning. We made our way to the glass blowing shop we all piled into a small room and watched as he made a vase and horse Alyssa was very interested in it We then went into the showroom Alyssa found a purple heart necklace which she just have to had . Then we went down stairs to an area in the shop that had been set up for the kids to paint their masks they were shown some masks and given some ideas then let loose on their own. After Alyssa had finished her mask they wrapped it up for her then off we went we were not doing the optional to Burano so the rest of the day was ours. First we had a snack then we joined the queue for St Marks Basilica it only took 30 min and we were at the door I had only taken a small back pack hoping they would let us take it in but no we were given a pass and sent to baggage check in across from the church and you had to be back in an hour to collect it or there would be a charge, Funny part though was in front of us was a lady with a handbag bigger than our backpack and she got to go through with it ? Once in we looked around the church then went up the steps and paid to go into the museum up there. The ceiling is all gold mosaic tiles quite amazing to see them up close. We saw the original horses in the museum then went out on the balcony to see the fake horses took some photos of them Alyssa took heaps of photos of the horses. Took photos of the square and the views across the lagoon. Then we went back inside and wandered around found some steps and went up them into an area that had lots of the church’s old books, robes, grand chairs, tapestries and paintings I loved looking at it ,very fascinating . We found our way out collected our backpack and headed off to find La Fenice the opera house I have been reading Donna Leon and her novels are set in Venice and one had La fenice in it and I wanted to see it. After a few false turns and dead ends we finally emerged out of a narrow alley to see the white façade and columns of the opera house we went inside and decided to do an audio tour. It was very calm and peaceful in their after the hustle and bustle of outside, it is very grand and ornate inside as we headed up the wide staircase on our tour. It was cool and serene sitting in the opera hall listening to the audio guide and it is so beautiful and lots of tricks to the eye the ceiling looks domed but it’s not it’s just how they painted it and other things like that to deceive you. After we had finished there we made our way back to St Marks square and caught a ferry to Isola Georgio to go up the bell tower there I had seen a travel show were they went up it I have been up the bell tower in St Marks square and you get great views of Venice from it. This one you go through the church is very white inside and quite plain as well but still amazing. It was a couple of Euros to go up the tower in a elevator what views you get looking back at Venice the dome of St Marks, the doges palace, up the grand canal, and the lido on the other side well worth doing. Alyssa counted over 30 bell towers straight and leaning around Venice she enjoyed it there. Then back down caught the ferry back to St Marks square then hit the shops lots of glass, jewelry, clothes and masks were purchased . We then headed back to ferry terminals to wait for Julie to pick us at 5 pm on the boat as she had gone to Burano with the others. Back to the bus and then hotel the kids and dads made mad dash for the pool as it was hot today. Dragged out pool for dinner at 7pm I liked dinner veggie soup, roast, gravy, spuds and beans, ice cream for dessert. All the girls sat at one very loud laughing table tonight and the boys on another much quieter table and the parents had peace. After tea tried to Skype worked but not very well. Then off to bed for an early start off to Switzerland tomorrow can’t wait.
Wednesday 3rd August Venice to Engelberg Switzerland
Up 6am bags out ,breakfast , out to bus, today we wanted to sit at front of bus on this tour we didn’t rotate as Julie said with so many family groups it would be to hard so she asked if we sat up front one day move to middle next, then back next day. A lot of the kids sat together as the tour progressed. This system seemed to work ok. We had done middle and back with the intent to be sitting front heading into the mountains’ we sat behind the driver the birthday girl had the other front seat. First to Verona nice drive there we parked next to the old town wall then we walked down to the roman arena which is more intact than the coliseum but smaller then we walked down through the shops to Juliet’s balcony it was okay we then had free time to walk back to the bus at our own pace. Had a look through a market got some fresh fruit from there had more gelato. Had a bit of a look around the arena would have liked to go in but there was a long queue. We then walked back to bus buying some magnets and postcards on the way. We were late leaving as some really took their time coming back a sign of what was to come later in the day. We wind our way out of Verona and head for the border. We stopped for lunch at auto grill it was here that Julie got a phone call from another TD going the opposite way to us to say there had been an accident in the Gothard tunnel and there was a 5km stau (traffic jam) waiting to go through not good for us but Julie hoped it would clear before we got there. We start to climb and go pass huge lakes and through tunnels we saw Lake Como out of the bus window for about 5 seconds. We started seeing distance signs for the Gotthard tunnel then at the 8 km we stopped we had hit the stau. They only let so much traffic through at once so the tunnel doesn’t overheat it 17 km long. We sat and waited then about every 5 minutes you moved forward a bit we watched as people got out of their cars went for walks then would rush back to move 100 meters. We see snow YES high up on the Gotthard pass, excitement we really are in Switzerland. After awhile people needed a loo although no one broke and used the on board toilet they hung on until we edged our way to a petrol station. You have never seen so many people run for a loo as 3 buses pulled up at once the race was on. We then we into the shop oh the chocolates what a selection. We brought supplies then headed back on the bus and pushed our way back into the stau it wasn’t very long and it was our turn to go through the tunnel it had taken about 2:5 hours to go 8 km. The views are amazing we passed through heavy rain and out of the windows we can see numerous waterfalls coming down the mountains magic. We turn off the highway and head up a twisty picturesque road to Engelberg.The mountain gets steeper the road gets twistier and finally we arrive to the sound of beeps and flashing lights from Antonio’s dashboard he was out of time and hours for the day it was 8 pm we were 3 hours late arriving in Engelberg. The town looks beautiful we have high peeks all around us we can see snow on the mountains. There is a playground next to the hotel the Ramada Regina Titlis some have a play while we check in. We get our keys 8th floor what a nice room we open the door onto our balcony what a view mountains all around with snow on top and I can hear the cowbells wafting down the mountain I’m in heaven. We walk to a pizza place most of the tour group end up there it was a free night. Alyssa was really tired it had been a very long day on the bus we shared a very nice chicken and veggie dinner then back to hotel bed for Alyssa 10 pm. I wash clothes so they have the 2 nights to dry then bed for me. Tomorrow we go up the mountain.
Thursday 4th August Mt Titlis and Lucerne
Up around 6:30 ish nice breakfast make sure we have all we need for the day as we won’t be back to the hotel till tea time. Julie said to rug up as it would be cold up there Alyssa and I didn’t thou. On the bus at 8:15 for a 3 minute drive to the cable car station. This is our next optional to go up Mt Titlis first in the 4 person gondolas great views of the lower mountain, farms, cattle, walking tracks as we look up at the peak it is covered in cloud. We arrive at the 2nd station, like a herd of cows we follow the leader to the second larger gondola that we all hop in it still more great views as we go up we then reach the 3rd station were we again all hop on the rotating gondola it does a 360 degree turn as we do the final climb to the summit we can see snow and ice below as we climb but not much else as we are in thick fog. We reach the summit the first thing we do was a walk through the glacier cave cold and interesting the we climbed up lots of steps to the snow Alyssa is very excited as she has never seen snow before we throw some snow balls at each other took photos, went for a walk but it came in foggier so we turned back joined some tour mates in some snow play the fog didn’t lift so no views. It wasn’t really cold 0 degrees. Went in and had a hot chocolate then made our way back to catch the gondolas down we had to be back down the bottom by I think 10:30am but the top 2 gondola only go every 15 minutes so you need a bit of time to go back down we nearly all went back down at the same time. We had time to do a bit of shopping etc before getting on the bus to head for Lucerne. The day was warming up I’m glad we didn’t rug up. Off to Lucerne first to the lion monument then we were dropped near the Chappell Bridge we had to meet back there later in the afternoon for the Lake cruise until then free time. We walked across the bridge to the train station and brought tickets for the train back to Engelberg that evening, we then went and had a very expensive Mac Donald’s lunch. I then showed Alyssa a church that was a hidden gem surprise on my last visit to Lucerne she liked it. We wandered down the river banks to another bridge over the river and a lock system then went across the bridge and saw some tour mates who said to look in the co-op shop just up the road, what great advice they have lots of chocolates and souvenirs cheaper than other places in Lucerne. We brought up then wandered a bit more brought some T-shirts for my nephews. Headed back towards meeting point we walked across Chappell Bridge then back again before meeting Julie. We then walked along the edge of the lake to where the boat was for our cruise. Nice and cool cruising around lake and lots of great views far too many photos taken. The kids even got to steer the boat for a minute and have their photo taken what a grin she has on her face. Alyssa recount of the cruise is she got stung by a bee for the first time luckily no reaction Julie gave me a cold beer to put on it and a tour mate a nurse and some bite stuff with her that Alyssa put on which also helped. Ask Alyssa about her holiday and she’ll tell you saw snow for the 1st time and got stung by a bee for the 1st time all on the one day. After the cruise we had a fair walk back to the train station we made it in plenty of time. Everyone else went back on the bus; the train was clean and left on time it was nice to go back a different way went past the lake very close felt like you could have touched the water. We went through a very long tunnel you could feel the train was going uphill we came out just out of Engel berg. We then looked at the shops as we walked back to the hotel. Tea was included tonight it was good. Julie came in at the end of dinner to say that a concert was in the park outside we went out there was alpine singing and yodeling ,children folk dancing, and cowbell playing from what I remember. The kids played in the playground for awhile then we had to go and pack for an early start we are off to Paris. Make sure you have spent all your Swiss francs because the first stop the next day is in France.
Friday 5th August Engelberg to Paris
Up early had to be on bus by 7:15am but due to the porter not having collected all our bags we were about 20 minutes late leaving so quick play one the playground and then we were off All seemed tired on the bus today we just relaxed, read, watched a DVD or slept. We had 2 breaks for the day and made the outskirts of Paris around 3:30 pm. We first went to the hotel Holiday Inn La Villette the least favorite hotel of the tour it was just dreary and tired looking rooms were big ,beds comfy bathroom ok , surrounding area looked a bit run down.
In the 2012 family tours they stay in a different hotel. We had time for a quick change before heading off for our farewell dinner as we hop on the bus a thunderstorm is passing over we head to the Restaurant I was looking forward to our farewell dinner have fond memories of my last one the food was great so was the atmosphere , but this dinner was a big disappointment the restaurant the same chain as last time but different area, had been flooded in the thunderstorm so instead of all sitting together we were spread out and the food was also very ordinary All the kids on our table just ate there choc mousse. Even I struggled to eat my dinner. After we were rushed through our meal we headed off for our optional Seine river cruise the boat was fairly full and dry seats hard to find then we were off on our cruise so much history to take in as we were on our way back the Eiffel tower lit up spectacular .Also we could see big black clouds, lighting and thunder rumbling closer to us great for photos it was getting very dark and the just as we were pulling up to disembark the heavens opened up by the time we got off found our bus and got on we were drenched, tried to dry off as best as possible then had a drive around looking at the lights of Paris, Paris is very different at night we ended up at the Trocadero to see the Eiffel tower light show but it didn’t happen probably due to thunder storms and rain but we took lots of photos we all took each other’s family photos even if we do look a bit wet in them headed back to the hotel to get dry and get ready for a busy day in Paris, have to be on bus by 8am.
Saturday 6th August, 12 hours in Paris
Where to start up the lift to the top floor of hotel for breakfast great views yummy pastries and croissants ate far too many Alyssa had nutella on toast as she had for most of her breakfasts on tour. Back to room collected backpack then onto bus by 8am our local guide Vincent was on the bus waiting for us first we drove around Paris with Vincent’s commentary we saw the Pantheon, Notre Dame, The Louvre we stopped and looked at the outside of Napoleons tomb on my insight tour we went inside it, took photos then headed off to the Eiffel Tower to go to the very top. Joined the pre booked group tour line Julie gave us our tickets then before long we were on our way to the second level Alyssa and I quickly made our way to the next elevator and first in line to go to the top, 3 times to Paris and 3 goes to get to the top this was the 1st time I made it to the top yes. It was great being at the top with only a few people there had a good look around inside then up stairs to the outside a bit hazy on the horizon Then as it started to become crammed with people we headed on down to the second level walked right around what looked so tiny from the top and hard to indentify was much easier on the 2nd level we walked down the stairs to the 1st level walked around it was going to walk to the bottom but we were running out of time so we took the lift down to the ground brought some souvenirs and got on the bus. We had almost 2 hours at the Eiffel tower. About 10 of us were dropped off at the Arc de Triomphe while the rest went to Versailles on an optional tour. Julie was bringing those who did the optional back into Paris for 2hours shopping, sightseeing etc and would pick anyone who wanted to go back to the hotel up at 4:30pm from the Arc de Triomphe. First time in Paris I did all the optional and had little time for anything else, 2nd time we walked the whole Champs Elysees and spent 3 hrs at the Louvre. So this time we went under the road and came up next to the Arc de Triomphe it was only a few euro’s to go up Alyssa was free as she was under 16 so we climbed up we had a rest and look in the museum then we climbed the last few steps to the top what great views of the Eiffel Tower, looking straight down the Champs Elysees to the Louvre gardens and all the other roads coming in well worth doing. We then headed down went under the road again to the Metro station and caught a train to the Louvre but we got off a station to early so we got to walk through the gardens to the glass pyramid. To avoid the cues TD Julie told us to go in through the metro entry so we did and walked through to the ticket machines Alyssa was free again and my ticket was 10 euro we went and saw the Mona Lisa Alyssa couldn’t believe how small it is. We then went through Napoleons apartments and wandered around a bit looking for horse statues Alyssa is a horse thing at the moment. On our way out we posted some postcards home from the Louvre’s post office we then went across the road to do some souvenir shopping and got nutella crepes for late lunch it was yum. I then decided we would go to the Muse De orsey I‘ve always wanted to go and who knows when I’ll be back in Paris. So we walked along the Seine and across a bridge to get it paid to go in. It was beautiful in side, to start with I was more interested in it being a former railway station but the art inside is amazing I loved the Monet’s, and Cezanne’s there we wandered around until we kicked out at closing time buying some posters and books on the way out . Standing outside the Muse De Orsay I asked Alyssa if there was anything she really wanted to do or see and she replied I want to go to Notre Dame to see St Denis the headless Saint. Julie had told us a story on the bus the night before as we drove past Notre Dame about this Saint who carried his head around with him after he had been beheaded. We caught the metro to a station but got turned around and went the wrong way asked someone with a map and headed in the right direction we find Notre Dame it open and not a big queue to go in what we didn’t realize it was evening mass it was packed inside the singing lovely and the prays amazing in Latin. We forged our way through the crowd looking for St Denis we couldn’t see him so we tried to go out it was a real jam at the door way took about 10 minutes to get out as we were going out Alyssa looked up to her right and there was St Denis holding his head mission accomplished we headed to the metro and back to our hotel by 8 pm we had Mac Donald’s for tea as we were both tired. Repacked bags and got everything ready for a 5:30am wake up call.
Sunday 7th July Paris to London
Up at 5:30 Got Alyssa up at 6 is Breakfast and on the bus by 7am said goodbye to one Australian family who were off to Euro Disney for 2 nights before catching the Euro Star to London. Julie was hoping we would make the 12 o’clock ferry we were booked on it would be the second one she made for the year. We had one stop then straight through to Calais we made the 12 o’clock ferry by the skin of our teeth. Unloaded the bus loaded luggage onto trolleys said good bye to Antonio then we boarded as foot passengers. It was a windy day the channel was very choppy it made for a rough ride over Alyssa felt quite queasy towards the end of the crossing. We had to wait for most of the vehicles to drive off before we could walk off load the bus from London that had come to get us. It was a sad time as we realize our fantastic tour was all but over. On our way to London one of our tour mates made a speech to Julie it was great thanking her for a fantastic job and forward thinking Thank you Julie for a great tour. As we made our way to London Julie checked everyone’s forward plans all the ones from USA and Canada had 2 nights in London and a half day tour around London before flying out on Tuesday. We Australians finish the tour in London when we reach the hotel, Julie asked what our plans where we were going to catch the tube to Earls Court but Julie said the tube from the drop off point was a fair hike and also due to lots of pre Olympic events there was road closures and tube closures so we decided to take a taxi which was the best thing we did as when we got to London it was raining and cold the first real bad weather we had all tour. We said a sad goodbye to all our tour mates when we reached the hotel and found a Taxi18 Pd to Earl’s Court the long way round due to road closures and now our next adventure 4 nights in London.
When I get time I will do a summary of what we did in London Sue
We left Melbourne Australia 27th of July 2:20 pm on Cathay pacific, flight ok, long time to Hong Kong 3 hr wait then off to Rome very little sleep over a 24 hour period. Arrived in Rome around 7 am on the 28th July straight through customs got bags then found pick up spot for shuttle bus to hotel had a nearly 2 1/2 hour wait for shuttle sat on the floor of the airport as other people joined us also waiting for shuttle. I wonder if Trafalgar could arrange a better waiting area with chairs or put on an earlier bus.
Made to hotel Villa Pamphili which had good reviews on trip advisor, around 10:30 am met Julie our Td the best TD I’ve had on any tour. Julie checked with reception and was able to get our room. Told us welcome drink at 4:30 on patio asked if we wanted to do optional tour walking to Spanish steps, Pantheon, Plaza Navorone for tea, asked if would be going into the Pantheon as last time in Rome we never got the chance to. Julie said yes so we didn’t take hotel shuttle into city as that was the only thing I really wanted to do that day. So instead we went for a swim and rest by the pool. Hotel is nice; room good size and good size bathroom around 2:30 went back to room set 2 alarms and slept until 4 then got up and went to welcome drinks.
There are 49 on tour 20 adults and 19 children ages ranging from 4 1/2 to 18 some maybe older, majority were aged between 10 and 14, 3 families from Australia, 1 family from Canada, and the rest from all over USA. Mostly mum dads and kid’s one family with grandma and auntie and Alyssa and I and one couple had no children. I was the only person on the tour who had done a bus tour of Europe before most were newbie’s to Europe and bus tours.
Welcome drinks on patio nice, met rest of tour group Julie gave a small talk about tour and gave out an optional sheet for Rome only we choose all 4 that included the walk that night, the Sistine Chappell, colosseum and dinner with music. After drinks we hopped on the bus and went into Rome, Julie started teaching us Italian the children seemed to pick it up very quickly and we discovered we had a dad who spoke Italian very handy when trying to order food or interpreting menu’s and signs, the traffic was very busy and crazy finally got dropped on the side of the road met our local guide Paolo then went down a road around a corner up a hill and hey presto we were at the top of the Spanish steps. Great views of Rome and the dome of St Peters took lots of photos we were also using our whisper sets these we quite good, we kept our whisper sets with us for the whole tour Julie would tell us when we needed to bring them with us you had to turn them conserve off to the batteries some people had lots of problems with theirs we had none. We learnt about the history of the area and Paolo pointed out some landmarks we then weaved our way down the crowded steps to the bottom took more photos looking back up the steps. Julie brought some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor which we all enjoyed. We then followed Paolo down Via Condo past Prada, Gucci all the designer labels Paolo gave a running commentary as we walked down the streets on our way to the Pantheon. Wow the Pantheon took lots of photos walked around outside then we got to go inside beautiful took lots more photos and looked in every nook and cranny while listening to Paolo on the whisper set We then had some free time to wander around inside and out before meeting back up to walk to Piazza Novane. Took lots of photos of buildings, fountains, gelato and pizza, it was quite crowded and has lots of restaurants in it. We joined some other people from our tour and went down a side street for a very yummy thin crust pizza, then had gelato for dessert. There were lots of artist stalls in the piazza I brought 3 water colors in a frame. We then walked back to the bus and back to our hotel after a very enjoyable evening. Checked Emails I had brought my net book which was very handy to have Villa Pamphili has free wifi in the rooms which was great. Off to bed about 10pm awake at 3:30 am.
Friday 29th July Rome
Up at 6 am I showered in the morning and Alyssa at night so she could sleep a bit later woke lys at 6:30 went down to breakfast had a good choice scrambled eggs ,bacon ,cereal ,pastries, bread, juice. We all left at 7:45 for the Vatican and Sistine chapel. Those not doing the Sistine chapel optional went and had coffee and walked around before joining us later for the included tour of St Peters Basilica. We again had Paolo as our local guide he was excellent. We had a group booking so we didn’t have very long to wait before we went in through all the x ray machines and bag check we then had a toilet break. Toilet breaks were very frequent and happened at the right times especially for children. We then headed into the Vatican museum through some amazing statues etc and amazing ceilings. Alyssa’s camera just kept clicking. I love the map room it is so amazing I think I appreciated more this time. It was very crowded it was hard to keep an eye on Alyssa as she kept stopping to take pictures and getting caught in the crowd behind her. Then through the tapestry rooms. Then we had a short break with time to go to a café and get a snack or a drink of cold water as it was getting hot and stuffy we also had access to toilets. We then went in to the Sistine chapel I knew what to expect but it still amazed me I got a sore neck looking around and taking it all in. Paolo gave us lots of info then left us to absorb it all we then had to exit; we then headed down the stairs to go into St Peters.
The rest of our group joined us and we went in, to see the Pieta you need to be tall as the crowd around it was very large. Walked around the St Peters then we went out saw the Swiss guards took more photos of the outside the popes apartment etc. we then had free time to buy souvenirs and our lunch.
Then it was off to the colosseum we drove through the crazy Rome traffic and on a road through the forum got some great photos as no people were in the forum as it was closed due to a strike the colosseum was also meant to close at 3 pm due to strike action. The bus dropped us off and we walked to the Constantine arch were we had our group photo taken then we joined the groups queue and went in. Those not doing the Coliseum went for a walk around the area. The Coliseum was just as good as before we followed and listened to Paolo inside then we had free time to look around and take lots of photo’s and Alyssa brought some books on Rome and a t-shirt.
Next off to make our pizza’s this activity is exclusive to family tours. We went to a restaurant with tables and chairs under a vine covered pergola it looked so inviting we all sat down and in groups of eight went up to make our pizza’s I got to stand in front of the wood fired pizza oven it was very hot. We rolled out our dough very thinly then put on our toppings sauce prosciutto and cheese. We then watched as they were put in the oven by the time we sat down poured ourselves a drink the pizza's were being placed on the table. They were yum; one child who was a picky eater surprised his family by eating his whole pizza because he made it. It was a pleasant hour or so chatting to tour mates and getting to know everyone. We then reluctantly had to leave and go back to the hotel to get ready for the evening optional dinner.
Back at the hotel the children made a dash for a quick swim before we left dinner. We were waiting in the foyer for Julie when she came rushing in from outside with one of our tour mates she had earlier received a call from her boss at Trafalgar to say that they had received a phone call from the Vatican police that they found in the Vatican 4 passports belonging to a family on our tour. Julie and co had got a taxi into the Vatican they had to be there by 5 pm before the police station closed for the weekend to collect the passports but first they had to find the station. No passports would have meant that they would have to stay in Rome until Monday to collect them before continuing on with the tour. Awake up call to all of us to watch and check our passports. We left a bit late for the dinner first we went to the Trevi fountain threw in our coins in hope we will return one day then off to dinner. We weren’t really hungry because we had pizza late afternoon the meal was ok not great. It was a waste of money on Alyssa she hardly ate a thing we had prosciutto and melon, 2 pasta’s, chicken and gelato and some musical entertainment singing and guitars which was so so. I had been on a similar dinner on my first trip to Rome with Insight and it was much better food and entertainment. This was a disappointment of an optional to me although because the hotel is out of Rome there wasn’t much of a choice especially as we wanted to see the Trevi fountain. After dinner back to hotel late wakeup call and bags out as were not leaving until 9am for Sienna and Florence.
Saturday 30th July from Rome via Sienna to Florence
Up at 6 am as we were awake we skyped Belinda Alyssa’s mum had good signal it didn’t break up. We relaxed in our room and wrote in our dairies before getting on the bus. Today we met our driver for the rest of our tour Antonio and his bus we had been using a local driver and bus while in Rome. Julie gave us the rest of the optionals to pick today she went through each one with us Alyssa and I had already chosen the ones we would do we added a cruise on lake Lucerne which was not on original list.We had a very picturesque drive to Sienna Lots of sunflowers, corn, tobacco and hay, very few animals to be seen we saw one lot of sheep in a paddock and they had a Sheppard and a dog watching over them. Past hill top towns a stone villa’s the Tuscany area of Italy is very similar to the area in Australia I live. We parked in the bus area at Sienna and walked into town and to the campo we they have the horse races. Sienna was beautiful walked up to the Duomo but didn’t go in we were running out of time found a tobacconist in the campo and brought some stamps and posted some postcards. Walked around the campo try to imagine how they race horses around it. Met up and walked back to the bus consensus was we could have left Rome at 8:30 and had a bit more time in Sienna as we felt a bit rushed to see everything and eat lunch as well. Then off to Florence through more farmland and forests’ olives and vines growing up steep slopes how they do it. We had afternoon tea break breaks generally were 20 minutes for am /pm toilet, snack stop and about 40 minutes for lunch when on travel days. First stop Michael Angelo square with it copy of David and great views over Florence took lots of photos then back on the bus down to Grand Hotel Mediterraneo which is across the road from the river Arno. Very small room twin beds squashed in a struggle find somewhere to put two suitcases, interesting shower every time we used the shower we flooded the bathroom. We had time to freshen up before our highlight dinner we met Julie in the lobby and then walked about 15 to 20 minutes from the hotel to the restaurant which was opposite Santa Croce church we had pesto pasta, kids had pizza, mixed meat and vegetable kebabs and tiramisu It was a very nice meal although the kids were getting sick of pizza for every meal and actually wanted the kebabs. After dinner we went and walked around Santa Croce Square the kids were chasing the pigeons and someone even managed to catch one amid much laughter. We walked back to the hotel to get ready for an early start to Pisa.
Sunday 31st July Pisa and Florence walking tour
We met our local guide Elizabetta on the bus and headed off for our optional to Pisa on the way Elizabetta pointed out some interesting sights like where marble comes from that Michael Angelo used for David .We arrived at Pisa caught the train in to the walls around the church then walked around the walls and through the gate we stood in awe looking at the tower and church Elizabetta lead us around the church ,tapestry and tower explaining how they were made and history, the church is very unique . Alyssa wanted to climb the tower but by the time Elizabetta had finished and we got free time there wasn’t enough time it was about a 30 minute wait .You would need to skip some of the tour to climb it. We brought some fruit and a drink while waiting for the train to take us back to the bus. We then headed back to Florence picked up those who didn’t go to Pisa it was around 12ish. Then the bus dropped us off in Florence and we went on the included walking tour of Florence with Elizabetta we walked past the academia were David is and down to the marble cathedral and the bastry doors . We then walked to signora square saw David’s replica and other statues we then kept walking to one of the oldest gelato shops in Florence and had gelato which one of the bonus on the family tours. After our gelato we went to Santa Croce church for inside tour we saw Galileo’s and Michael Angelo tombs it was a very interesting church. Some tour members came back to this church for mass that evening. When the tour was finished we headed off on our own to explore as it was warm we went and had more gelato and some late lunch wandered over to the Ponte Vecchi bridge looked at the shops took photos then wandered backup along the river watching people paint brought a small painting. Looked in lots of nooks and crannies and saw some amazing architect paintings and statues. Julie wanted us to try out our Italian tonight we had to get our own tea. We went to a small restaurant and had pasta then walked back to the hotel packed suitcases etc we then decided to go for a walk along the river in the park across from the hotel make sure you have some bug repellant as we all got bitten by mozzies. We met Kristen and Max and they came with us we walked across the bridge near hotel and wow what a sunset the amazing colors looking down the river and bridges they seemed to glow and where was my camera back at the hotel room arrgh. Said goodnight to Kristin and Max off to bed, early start in the morning off to Venice.
Monday 1st August Florence to Venice via Classe to see the mosaics
Bit of a sleep in today had breakfast plenty of choices then onto bus Julie warned us that there would be lots of traffic today as it is the 1st day of Italian summer holidays and that a lot would be heading to the coast like us. We were a bit late leaving as when one family went to get their passports out of the room safe it wouldn’t open the battery had gone flat so by the time they got maintance to fix it we were late leaving. Hit heavy traffic around Bologna but then it eased stopped for a 20 min break then on to Classe. We stopped at the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris to look at it mosaics they are amazing and the detail in them so much work in it all. Brought some postcards at the church shop then back on bus and off to Venice. We go over the bridge wind our way around the road and park in the bus area. We walk through the stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs then we hop our 3 private water taxi and head down the grand canal to St Marks Square all of us snapping away with our cameras as we pass incredible buildings and churches and under Ponte Vecchi bridge and other bridges. Then we pull up at the pier all climb off and start to walk through the MASSES of people we counted about 13 cruise ships birthed in Venice that afternoon. Past St Marks square which you could hardly see for the amount of people crowded in it to where we were taking our next optional the gondola ride. It was very hot and humid today and quiet warm waiting in the sun for our trip. We had a look at some stalls and brought a cold drink and icy pole then stood in some shade waiting. Finally it was time for our gondola ride we were on a 6 seat gondola facing the gondolier with camera’s in hand we headed off down the grand canal then up another canal and under the bridge of sighs then we did a loop it was beautiful and amazing we thoroughly enjoyed it . We came back out under the bridge of sighs we then extracted ourselves out of the gondola not very lady like though. We were meant to have a singer and music but as we were one of the last to go we didn’t see or hear them others did, but it didn’t bother us as there was too much to see. On my first visit to Venice our gondola ride was near our hotel as we stayed in Venice on the Grand Canal near the train station and did a loop around that end. It was nice to do this one around St Mark’s square area. Back onto boat we went back a different way to the bus terminal now off to our hotel about 30 minutes away. We stayed at Novetel Venizia Mestre Castellana it is a nice modern hotel with a swimming pool, free wifi in lobby, tea and coffee faculties and fridge in the room. A very large room with 2 double beds a nice size bathroom with a good shower and a view of other buildings and a road. Some walked to a nearby shop to buy snacks and drinks. Alyssa had a quick swim then we had our include dinner it was 3 courses, pasta then chicken beans and spuds lastly apricot pie tea or coffee. I enjoyed it Alyssa ate most of it, others didn’t we all have different tastes. Checked emails in lobby did some washing off to bed for a busy day tomorrow. If you want to go into Venice by yourself as one couple did to celebrate a birthday and wedding annisvary they had to take a taxi to the train station and catch the train in it is too far to walk to the station you can also catch a bus but not sure where from.
Tuesday 2nd August Venice
Back into Venice today over the causeway the tide was out this morning all you could see was mud and posts and markers the causeway is quiet shallow it appears. Back onto boats and around past the cruise ships only a couple in port this early in the morning to St Marks square hardly anybody in it this morning we are off to glass blowing and mask painting this morning. We made our way to the glass blowing shop we all piled into a small room and watched as he made a vase and horse Alyssa was very interested in it We then went into the showroom Alyssa found a purple heart necklace which she just have to had . Then we went down stairs to an area in the shop that had been set up for the kids to paint their masks they were shown some masks and given some ideas then let loose on their own. After Alyssa had finished her mask they wrapped it up for her then off we went we were not doing the optional to Burano so the rest of the day was ours. First we had a snack then we joined the queue for St Marks Basilica it only took 30 min and we were at the door I had only taken a small back pack hoping they would let us take it in but no we were given a pass and sent to baggage check in across from the church and you had to be back in an hour to collect it or there would be a charge, Funny part though was in front of us was a lady with a handbag bigger than our backpack and she got to go through with it ? Once in we looked around the church then went up the steps and paid to go into the museum up there. The ceiling is all gold mosaic tiles quite amazing to see them up close. We saw the original horses in the museum then went out on the balcony to see the fake horses took some photos of them Alyssa took heaps of photos of the horses. Took photos of the square and the views across the lagoon. Then we went back inside and wandered around found some steps and went up them into an area that had lots of the church’s old books, robes, grand chairs, tapestries and paintings I loved looking at it ,very fascinating . We found our way out collected our backpack and headed off to find La Fenice the opera house I have been reading Donna Leon and her novels are set in Venice and one had La fenice in it and I wanted to see it. After a few false turns and dead ends we finally emerged out of a narrow alley to see the white façade and columns of the opera house we went inside and decided to do an audio tour. It was very calm and peaceful in their after the hustle and bustle of outside, it is very grand and ornate inside as we headed up the wide staircase on our tour. It was cool and serene sitting in the opera hall listening to the audio guide and it is so beautiful and lots of tricks to the eye the ceiling looks domed but it’s not it’s just how they painted it and other things like that to deceive you. After we had finished there we made our way back to St Marks square and caught a ferry to Isola Georgio to go up the bell tower there I had seen a travel show were they went up it I have been up the bell tower in St Marks square and you get great views of Venice from it. This one you go through the church is very white inside and quite plain as well but still amazing. It was a couple of Euros to go up the tower in a elevator what views you get looking back at Venice the dome of St Marks, the doges palace, up the grand canal, and the lido on the other side well worth doing. Alyssa counted over 30 bell towers straight and leaning around Venice she enjoyed it there. Then back down caught the ferry back to St Marks square then hit the shops lots of glass, jewelry, clothes and masks were purchased . We then headed back to ferry terminals to wait for Julie to pick us at 5 pm on the boat as she had gone to Burano with the others. Back to the bus and then hotel the kids and dads made mad dash for the pool as it was hot today. Dragged out pool for dinner at 7pm I liked dinner veggie soup, roast, gravy, spuds and beans, ice cream for dessert. All the girls sat at one very loud laughing table tonight and the boys on another much quieter table and the parents had peace. After tea tried to Skype worked but not very well. Then off to bed for an early start off to Switzerland tomorrow can’t wait.
Wednesday 3rd August Venice to Engelberg Switzerland
Up 6am bags out ,breakfast , out to bus, today we wanted to sit at front of bus on this tour we didn’t rotate as Julie said with so many family groups it would be to hard so she asked if we sat up front one day move to middle next, then back next day. A lot of the kids sat together as the tour progressed. This system seemed to work ok. We had done middle and back with the intent to be sitting front heading into the mountains’ we sat behind the driver the birthday girl had the other front seat. First to Verona nice drive there we parked next to the old town wall then we walked down to the roman arena which is more intact than the coliseum but smaller then we walked down through the shops to Juliet’s balcony it was okay we then had free time to walk back to the bus at our own pace. Had a look through a market got some fresh fruit from there had more gelato. Had a bit of a look around the arena would have liked to go in but there was a long queue. We then walked back to bus buying some magnets and postcards on the way. We were late leaving as some really took their time coming back a sign of what was to come later in the day. We wind our way out of Verona and head for the border. We stopped for lunch at auto grill it was here that Julie got a phone call from another TD going the opposite way to us to say there had been an accident in the Gothard tunnel and there was a 5km stau (traffic jam) waiting to go through not good for us but Julie hoped it would clear before we got there. We start to climb and go pass huge lakes and through tunnels we saw Lake Como out of the bus window for about 5 seconds. We started seeing distance signs for the Gotthard tunnel then at the 8 km we stopped we had hit the stau. They only let so much traffic through at once so the tunnel doesn’t overheat it 17 km long. We sat and waited then about every 5 minutes you moved forward a bit we watched as people got out of their cars went for walks then would rush back to move 100 meters. We see snow YES high up on the Gotthard pass, excitement we really are in Switzerland. After awhile people needed a loo although no one broke and used the on board toilet they hung on until we edged our way to a petrol station. You have never seen so many people run for a loo as 3 buses pulled up at once the race was on. We then we into the shop oh the chocolates what a selection. We brought supplies then headed back on the bus and pushed our way back into the stau it wasn’t very long and it was our turn to go through the tunnel it had taken about 2:5 hours to go 8 km. The views are amazing we passed through heavy rain and out of the windows we can see numerous waterfalls coming down the mountains magic. We turn off the highway and head up a twisty picturesque road to Engelberg.The mountain gets steeper the road gets twistier and finally we arrive to the sound of beeps and flashing lights from Antonio’s dashboard he was out of time and hours for the day it was 8 pm we were 3 hours late arriving in Engelberg. The town looks beautiful we have high peeks all around us we can see snow on the mountains. There is a playground next to the hotel the Ramada Regina Titlis some have a play while we check in. We get our keys 8th floor what a nice room we open the door onto our balcony what a view mountains all around with snow on top and I can hear the cowbells wafting down the mountain I’m in heaven. We walk to a pizza place most of the tour group end up there it was a free night. Alyssa was really tired it had been a very long day on the bus we shared a very nice chicken and veggie dinner then back to hotel bed for Alyssa 10 pm. I wash clothes so they have the 2 nights to dry then bed for me. Tomorrow we go up the mountain.
Thursday 4th August Mt Titlis and Lucerne
Up around 6:30 ish nice breakfast make sure we have all we need for the day as we won’t be back to the hotel till tea time. Julie said to rug up as it would be cold up there Alyssa and I didn’t thou. On the bus at 8:15 for a 3 minute drive to the cable car station. This is our next optional to go up Mt Titlis first in the 4 person gondolas great views of the lower mountain, farms, cattle, walking tracks as we look up at the peak it is covered in cloud. We arrive at the 2nd station, like a herd of cows we follow the leader to the second larger gondola that we all hop in it still more great views as we go up we then reach the 3rd station were we again all hop on the rotating gondola it does a 360 degree turn as we do the final climb to the summit we can see snow and ice below as we climb but not much else as we are in thick fog. We reach the summit the first thing we do was a walk through the glacier cave cold and interesting the we climbed up lots of steps to the snow Alyssa is very excited as she has never seen snow before we throw some snow balls at each other took photos, went for a walk but it came in foggier so we turned back joined some tour mates in some snow play the fog didn’t lift so no views. It wasn’t really cold 0 degrees. Went in and had a hot chocolate then made our way back to catch the gondolas down we had to be back down the bottom by I think 10:30am but the top 2 gondola only go every 15 minutes so you need a bit of time to go back down we nearly all went back down at the same time. We had time to do a bit of shopping etc before getting on the bus to head for Lucerne. The day was warming up I’m glad we didn’t rug up. Off to Lucerne first to the lion monument then we were dropped near the Chappell Bridge we had to meet back there later in the afternoon for the Lake cruise until then free time. We walked across the bridge to the train station and brought tickets for the train back to Engelberg that evening, we then went and had a very expensive Mac Donald’s lunch. I then showed Alyssa a church that was a hidden gem surprise on my last visit to Lucerne she liked it. We wandered down the river banks to another bridge over the river and a lock system then went across the bridge and saw some tour mates who said to look in the co-op shop just up the road, what great advice they have lots of chocolates and souvenirs cheaper than other places in Lucerne. We brought up then wandered a bit more brought some T-shirts for my nephews. Headed back towards meeting point we walked across Chappell Bridge then back again before meeting Julie. We then walked along the edge of the lake to where the boat was for our cruise. Nice and cool cruising around lake and lots of great views far too many photos taken. The kids even got to steer the boat for a minute and have their photo taken what a grin she has on her face. Alyssa recount of the cruise is she got stung by a bee for the first time luckily no reaction Julie gave me a cold beer to put on it and a tour mate a nurse and some bite stuff with her that Alyssa put on which also helped. Ask Alyssa about her holiday and she’ll tell you saw snow for the 1st time and got stung by a bee for the 1st time all on the one day. After the cruise we had a fair walk back to the train station we made it in plenty of time. Everyone else went back on the bus; the train was clean and left on time it was nice to go back a different way went past the lake very close felt like you could have touched the water. We went through a very long tunnel you could feel the train was going uphill we came out just out of Engel berg. We then looked at the shops as we walked back to the hotel. Tea was included tonight it was good. Julie came in at the end of dinner to say that a concert was in the park outside we went out there was alpine singing and yodeling ,children folk dancing, and cowbell playing from what I remember. The kids played in the playground for awhile then we had to go and pack for an early start we are off to Paris. Make sure you have spent all your Swiss francs because the first stop the next day is in France.
Friday 5th August Engelberg to Paris
Up early had to be on bus by 7:15am but due to the porter not having collected all our bags we were about 20 minutes late leaving so quick play one the playground and then we were off All seemed tired on the bus today we just relaxed, read, watched a DVD or slept. We had 2 breaks for the day and made the outskirts of Paris around 3:30 pm. We first went to the hotel Holiday Inn La Villette the least favorite hotel of the tour it was just dreary and tired looking rooms were big ,beds comfy bathroom ok , surrounding area looked a bit run down.
In the 2012 family tours they stay in a different hotel. We had time for a quick change before heading off for our farewell dinner as we hop on the bus a thunderstorm is passing over we head to the Restaurant I was looking forward to our farewell dinner have fond memories of my last one the food was great so was the atmosphere , but this dinner was a big disappointment the restaurant the same chain as last time but different area, had been flooded in the thunderstorm so instead of all sitting together we were spread out and the food was also very ordinary All the kids on our table just ate there choc mousse. Even I struggled to eat my dinner. After we were rushed through our meal we headed off for our optional Seine river cruise the boat was fairly full and dry seats hard to find then we were off on our cruise so much history to take in as we were on our way back the Eiffel tower lit up spectacular .Also we could see big black clouds, lighting and thunder rumbling closer to us great for photos it was getting very dark and the just as we were pulling up to disembark the heavens opened up by the time we got off found our bus and got on we were drenched, tried to dry off as best as possible then had a drive around looking at the lights of Paris, Paris is very different at night we ended up at the Trocadero to see the Eiffel tower light show but it didn’t happen probably due to thunder storms and rain but we took lots of photos we all took each other’s family photos even if we do look a bit wet in them headed back to the hotel to get dry and get ready for a busy day in Paris, have to be on bus by 8am.
Saturday 6th August, 12 hours in Paris
Where to start up the lift to the top floor of hotel for breakfast great views yummy pastries and croissants ate far too many Alyssa had nutella on toast as she had for most of her breakfasts on tour. Back to room collected backpack then onto bus by 8am our local guide Vincent was on the bus waiting for us first we drove around Paris with Vincent’s commentary we saw the Pantheon, Notre Dame, The Louvre we stopped and looked at the outside of Napoleons tomb on my insight tour we went inside it, took photos then headed off to the Eiffel Tower to go to the very top. Joined the pre booked group tour line Julie gave us our tickets then before long we were on our way to the second level Alyssa and I quickly made our way to the next elevator and first in line to go to the top, 3 times to Paris and 3 goes to get to the top this was the 1st time I made it to the top yes. It was great being at the top with only a few people there had a good look around inside then up stairs to the outside a bit hazy on the horizon Then as it started to become crammed with people we headed on down to the second level walked right around what looked so tiny from the top and hard to indentify was much easier on the 2nd level we walked down the stairs to the 1st level walked around it was going to walk to the bottom but we were running out of time so we took the lift down to the ground brought some souvenirs and got on the bus. We had almost 2 hours at the Eiffel tower. About 10 of us were dropped off at the Arc de Triomphe while the rest went to Versailles on an optional tour. Julie was bringing those who did the optional back into Paris for 2hours shopping, sightseeing etc and would pick anyone who wanted to go back to the hotel up at 4:30pm from the Arc de Triomphe. First time in Paris I did all the optional and had little time for anything else, 2nd time we walked the whole Champs Elysees and spent 3 hrs at the Louvre. So this time we went under the road and came up next to the Arc de Triomphe it was only a few euro’s to go up Alyssa was free as she was under 16 so we climbed up we had a rest and look in the museum then we climbed the last few steps to the top what great views of the Eiffel Tower, looking straight down the Champs Elysees to the Louvre gardens and all the other roads coming in well worth doing. We then headed down went under the road again to the Metro station and caught a train to the Louvre but we got off a station to early so we got to walk through the gardens to the glass pyramid. To avoid the cues TD Julie told us to go in through the metro entry so we did and walked through to the ticket machines Alyssa was free again and my ticket was 10 euro we went and saw the Mona Lisa Alyssa couldn’t believe how small it is. We then went through Napoleons apartments and wandered around a bit looking for horse statues Alyssa is a horse thing at the moment. On our way out we posted some postcards home from the Louvre’s post office we then went across the road to do some souvenir shopping and got nutella crepes for late lunch it was yum. I then decided we would go to the Muse De orsey I‘ve always wanted to go and who knows when I’ll be back in Paris. So we walked along the Seine and across a bridge to get it paid to go in. It was beautiful in side, to start with I was more interested in it being a former railway station but the art inside is amazing I loved the Monet’s, and Cezanne’s there we wandered around until we kicked out at closing time buying some posters and books on the way out . Standing outside the Muse De Orsay I asked Alyssa if there was anything she really wanted to do or see and she replied I want to go to Notre Dame to see St Denis the headless Saint. Julie had told us a story on the bus the night before as we drove past Notre Dame about this Saint who carried his head around with him after he had been beheaded. We caught the metro to a station but got turned around and went the wrong way asked someone with a map and headed in the right direction we find Notre Dame it open and not a big queue to go in what we didn’t realize it was evening mass it was packed inside the singing lovely and the prays amazing in Latin. We forged our way through the crowd looking for St Denis we couldn’t see him so we tried to go out it was a real jam at the door way took about 10 minutes to get out as we were going out Alyssa looked up to her right and there was St Denis holding his head mission accomplished we headed to the metro and back to our hotel by 8 pm we had Mac Donald’s for tea as we were both tired. Repacked bags and got everything ready for a 5:30am wake up call.
Sunday 7th July Paris to London
Up at 5:30 Got Alyssa up at 6 is Breakfast and on the bus by 7am said goodbye to one Australian family who were off to Euro Disney for 2 nights before catching the Euro Star to London. Julie was hoping we would make the 12 o’clock ferry we were booked on it would be the second one she made for the year. We had one stop then straight through to Calais we made the 12 o’clock ferry by the skin of our teeth. Unloaded the bus loaded luggage onto trolleys said good bye to Antonio then we boarded as foot passengers. It was a windy day the channel was very choppy it made for a rough ride over Alyssa felt quite queasy towards the end of the crossing. We had to wait for most of the vehicles to drive off before we could walk off load the bus from London that had come to get us. It was a sad time as we realize our fantastic tour was all but over. On our way to London one of our tour mates made a speech to Julie it was great thanking her for a fantastic job and forward thinking Thank you Julie for a great tour. As we made our way to London Julie checked everyone’s forward plans all the ones from USA and Canada had 2 nights in London and a half day tour around London before flying out on Tuesday. We Australians finish the tour in London when we reach the hotel, Julie asked what our plans where we were going to catch the tube to Earls Court but Julie said the tube from the drop off point was a fair hike and also due to lots of pre Olympic events there was road closures and tube closures so we decided to take a taxi which was the best thing we did as when we got to London it was raining and cold the first real bad weather we had all tour. We said a sad goodbye to all our tour mates when we reached the hotel and found a Taxi18 Pd to Earl’s Court the long way round due to road closures and now our next adventure 4 nights in London.
When I get time I will do a summary of what we did in London Sue