Suggested Itinerary: SCENIC RAILWAYS IN THE SWISS ALPS AND ITALY'S LAKE DISTRICT - 8 DAYS

 This is a group suggested vacation but can easily be customized to fit your individual travel needs.

Tour Description

This 7-night itinerary kicks off with an unforgettable rail journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the legendary Bernina Express. After enjoying incredible views of glaciers, dramatic mountain passes, verdant valleys, pristine lakes, and magnificently constructed bridges, your group will arrive at the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland for a healthy dose of Mediterranean temperatures, interesting sightseeing, and relaxation on Lake Lugano. From there you will continue into Italy and spend three nights on the shores of Lake Como before finishing up in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy.

Highlights and Inclusions

>Guided tour of Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland
>Discover Alpine landscapes on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
>Free time to explore Lake Lugano and its beautiful environs
>Enjoy wine tasting and a cooking class near Lake Como
>Visit Bellagio after an invigorating day of hiking
>Panoramic sightseeing tour and free time in Milan
>Accommodations: Chur 1 night, Lugano 2 nights, Como 3 nights, Milan 1 night
>Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in the itinerary
>Ground transportation via air-conditioned luxury coach
>English speaking assistants and guides
>Admission tickets as outlined in the itinerary

Chur - 1 night

Day 1: Arrive Chur. Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, a local assistant will meet your group inside the arrivals hall and accompany it to the train station inside Zurich Airport. Your group will then travel by train to the city of Chur, the journey should take roughly 90 minutes. As the oldest city in Switzerland, it is believed that Chur was already inhabited over 5,000 years ago; long before the Romans established the city in 15 B.C. Not only is Chur's Old Town like something out of a storybook, but the Alpine scenery that surrounds it is indescribably beautiful.

Upon arrival at the rail station in Chur, a local guide will meet your group on the platform and accompany it to the hotel in Chur where your group can either check-in (presuming rooms are available as official check-in times are generally 3:00 pm) or store baggage with the hotel staff. You will then set off on an exciting, 90-minute walking tour of Chur's Old Town during which your group will see the Bishop's Court, the 800-year old Cathedral, St. Martin's Church, and the Town Hall. After the tour has finished, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax and continue exploring Chur on your own. For dining suggestions, please feel free to ask your guide.

Lugano - 2 nights

Day 2: Arrive Lugano. After breakfast, check-out, and a short walk to the Chur rail station; prepare yourself for what surely will be the highlight of your entire trip to Switzerland. Today your group will take the legendary Bernina Express scenic train, traveling south through breathtaking Alpine scenery. You are about to enter a stretch of unbelievably picturesque land graced with glaciers, lakes, tunnels, viaducts, valleys, and incredible mountain bridges. And as you relax during your 4-hour, picture-perfect journey from Chur through St. Moritz and Poschiavo to Tirano, your views will gradually change from mountain-capped glaciers to palm tree-lined lakes. This historic railway and the surrounding landscapes constitute an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the panoramic train ride of your life, your group will take a scenic bus ride from Tirano along the shores of Lake Como to the Swiss town of Lugano, which is located on beautiful Lake Lugano. Lugano is the largest city in Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Despite its small size (just a tad smaller than a combined New Hampshire and Vermont), Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. During your stay in Lugano, you will undoubtedly notice not only linguistic differences from the northern part of Switzerland but also cultural and gastronomic differences.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel in Lugano and enjoy the evening at leisure in "Mediterranean" Switzerland.

Day 3: After breakfast in the hotel, your group will set out on a morning sightseeing tour of Lugano, a city that is home to pleasant Mediterranean temperatures, superb natural beauty, pretty architecture, and tasty Italian cuisine. The tour will feature the city's lovely Parco Civico, which lines Lake Lugano; the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, which is known for its 16th-century frescoes by Bernardino Luini; and the St. Lawrence Cathedral.

Your guided tour of Lugano will finish just before lunchtime. At its conclusion, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore Lugano on your own. For group members interested in spending the afternoon on Lake Lugano, it is a paradise for water sports fans. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and swimming are all popular water sports in the area. Another fantastic option is to rent a bicycle and explore the tiny villages in Lugano's vicinity. This area is home to more biking paths than anywhere else in Switzerland. It is easy to rent a bike at the railway station in Lugano. Possible villages to consider visiting include Ponte Capriasca, Tesserete, Colla, Sonvico, Dino and Ponte di Valle. And should you prefer to stay and simply relax in Lugano, there is plenty of shopping to be had; check out Via Nassa if interested. No matter what you decide to do today, you really cannot err as the entire area is beautiful, invigorating, and relaxing!

Como - 3 nights

Day 4: Arrive Como.  After breakfast and checkout, your group will travel a short distance south along the shores of Lake Lugano to the village of Morcote, which is often called the "Pearl of Lugano" because of its truly spectacular lakefront position and baroque architecture. You will have a couple of hours to wander through Morcote. Consider visiting the historic church of Santa Maria del Sasso, which dates back to the 13th century, Scherrer Park, and the Chapel of Sant'Antonio Abata. After time for lunch, your group will reboard its coach and cross over the border into Italy. Your destination is the nearby city of Como, which is located on Lake Como (part of Italy's famed Lake District). Writers from Hemingway to Goethe have immortalized the ethereal beauty of this area, and even their words cannot seem to do it justice!

Before arriving in Como, your group will visit a villa for a tasting of locally produced wine and olive oil. After checking in to the hotel in Como, take some time to relax and freshen up before tonight's group dinner.

Day 5: Today your group will spend the day exploring Lake Como and the pretty villages that surround it. While it is certainly true that Lake Como (much like Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda) is a favorite retreat for the rich and famous, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. This is a day to get outside and experience the beautiful surroundings of Italy's northern landscape!

Following breakfast, strap on your walking shoes and travel by private coach to an area of beautiful hiking trails. You are in for some truly gorgeous views of mountains unfolding into low woodlands and sparkling lakeshore.
After soaking up the natural beauty and fresh air, transfer to the town of Bellagio where you have time on your own to enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local cafe. Many consider this the most beautiful part of the lake. After lunch spends the afternoon exploring Bellagio before returning to Como by private coach with your group members. (Alternatively, should someone want to leave earlier or stay longer, there are ferry boats that run across the lake as well as public buses).
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Como.

Day 6: After breakfast in the hotel, today your group will learn all about Northern Italian cuisine during a private cooking class in a local restaurant. Although you can find delicious Italian specialties like pizza and lasagna all over the country, you will discover there is a wide array of local dishes worth sampling! Follow along as your chef-instructor shares the subtleties of how to prepare Northern Italian cuisine, and try to wait until the end of your demonstration before devouring this tasty feast.

Note: Regarding cooking classes, small groups can generally include these quite easily on itineraries. Simply because of classroom space, larger groups should either divide into two smaller groups; or elect to have a cooking demonstration instead (which is still very interesting).
Depending on what time the cooking class finishes if your group has time this afternoon; we recommend visiting either the town of Varenna or Menaggio with your private bus. Alternatively, if you prefer to hang around and relax in Como, you could always ride the funicular to the village of Brunate for some amazing views of Lake Como.
Your last evening on the lake is yours to enjoy as you see fit.

Milan - 1 night

Day 7: Arrive in Milan.  After breakfast and check-out, your group will travel south to Milan, the financial and fashion capital of Italy. Upon arrival at the city center, a local guide will meet your group and lead it on a 2-hour panoramic tour of Milan. Afterward, the afternoon is yours to soak up the Milanese culture. If you are an art fan; consider paying a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century mural The Last Supper. Alternatively, you could visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the finest art museums in all of Italy. Inside you can see medieval and renaissance masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Piero Della Francesca. History buffs should check out the Castello Sforzesco, and opera lovers can visit the museum of Milan's La Scala Opera House. Last but not least, shoppers can bargain hunt for great designer deals in one of Milan's discount outlets!

By early evening, all group members will meet in a pre-designated meeting point in Milan and board its private coach to travel to the hotel near Milan's Malpensa Airport. Upon arrival at the hotel, your group will check-in and have time to freshen up before tonight's farewell dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Enjoy your last meal in Italy.

Day 8:  After breakfast and check-out, take the hotel's shuttle bus to Milan's Malpensa Airport for your return flight to the USA or Canada. (Note: The suggestion to stay nearer Milan's Malpensa Airport comes from the fact that the airport is located 30 miles from the city center, and that traffic in Milan is notoriously bad. That being said, if your group has a late-morning flight and prefers 

Suggested Itinerary: 8-Days in AMSTERDAM & BRUSSELS

 Today's Suggested Itinerary is: AMSTERDAM & BRUSSELS – 8 DAYS

We can help personalize this trip with our preferred contacts at Europe Express for your personal or group travel needs. Make it a group (10 or more adults traveling together) or an individual experience. 

The Netherlands welcomes visitors with picturesque canals, colorful flower markets, and a laidback atmosphere. Its history centers on the merchants and fishermen who leveraged the city's location and waterways.

As the capital of Belgium and the unofficial capital of the European Union, Brussels houses a remarkable mix of cultures. While the majority of its residents speak French, visitors to Brussels will also encounter many Flemish speakers. And – due to Brussels' international presence, you'll hear a lot of English spoken here as well. Its terrific mix of cultures, rich heritage, excellent museums, green parks, and exceptionally tasty food are just a few reasons to spend some time enjoying Brussels. As part of this itinerary, the group will also experience the Flemish Region of Belgium with day trips to Ghent & Bruges.

Highlights and Inclusions:
> Guided city tour of Amsterdam
> Tour Keukenhof Gardens' seventy-nine acres of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in Lisse
> Guided tour of the remarkable Anne Frank House
> Guided city tour of Brussels including brewery visit
> Excursions to Ghent & Bruges
> Canal cruise in Bruges
> Accommodations: Amsterdam 4 nights, Brussels 3 nights
> Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in the itinerary
> Ground transportation via air-conditioned luxury coach
> English speaking assistants and guides
> Admission tickets as outlined in the itinerary

 

Amsterdam – 4 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. After exiting customs, meet your local assistant in the terminal's arrivals hall. Your group will then travel by private coach to the hotel. Even though your group will arrive before the hotel's check-in time, feel free to store your luggage with the reception staff. There will be free time until this evening to begin exploring Amsterdam. Consider visiting one of its excellent museums like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight join your fellow group members for a welcome dinner of Dutch specialties in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 2: After breakfast in the hotel, your group will meet a local guide in the lobby for an exciting tour of this scenic city.

Approximately 800 years ago, the Amstel River was dammed, giving the town its name. Where medieval fishing boats once docked, your group will see 17th-century houses, street performers, and some of the city's most luxurious stores. Here in Dam Square lies the historic heart of Amsterdam. See the Royal Palace, which was originally constructed as the Town Hall. Pass the Mint Tower, with its clock and bells that still seem to echo Amsterdam's Golden Age. Also of particular interest is the 16th-century Weeping Tower, which according to legend derived its name from the sailors' wives who used to bid their husbands an emotional farewell from here. Then we'll pass the Floating Flower Market on Singel Canal, which is a stunning mass of flowers strung along the canal on permanently moored barges.

After free time for lunch, the group will proceed to the Anne Frank House, where eight people from three separate families lived together in near-total silence for more than 2 years during World War II. It was here that Anne wrote her famous diary as a way to deal with the boredom and her youthful jumble of thoughts, which had as much to do with personal relationships as with the war and the Nazi terror raging outside her hiding place. The tour will finish in the city center, and the rest of the day is free to shop, wander alongside Amsterdam's canals, and sample more of this country's cuisine.

Day 3: After breakfast in the hotel your group will depart on a full-day excursion of windmills and tulips. The first stop today will be in Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam, to admire its collection of historic windmills and its traditional craft shops. Afterward, the group will travel south to the lovely city Haarlem, where it will have free time for lunch. The group will then continue traveling south to the city of Lisse to tour the legendary Keukenhof Gardens where vast numbers of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create dazzling patches of color. Blooms here – at their peak- have a short but glorious season. The park is said to be the greatest flower show on earth, and it's Holland's annual spring gift to the world.

Day 4: This morning is free to relax, sleep in, shop, or sightsee. Lunch is on your own. This afternoon's guided tour will consist of a fun boat tour of Amsterdam. This is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate this city of canals. Afterward, the group will undergo the Heineken Experience, a self-guided tour at its former brewery. Learn all about one of the Netherlands' best exports. The group will go straight to a local restaurant for a farewell-to-The-Netherlands dinner. After dinner group members can walk back to the hotel or stay in the center.

 


Brussels – 3 nights


Day 5: Arrive in Brussels
After breakfast and check-out, the group will transfer by private coach to the station. Travel first class by train to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. As the train pulls into the station, a local guide will meet your group on the platform and lead it to the hotel by private coach. Even though the group's rooms will most likely not be ready this early, group members can store baggage with the hotel's reception staff before setting off on an exciting city tour of Brussels.

This is a city of contrasts. One district of Brussels is home to major European organizations and governing bodies like the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, and many others. However, it also contains a very historic city center and neighborhoods that have maintained traditional architecture and a slower pace. During the tour, your group will visit one of Europe's most beautiful squares, the Grand Place, which is home to the medieval Town Hall. The tour will also feature a tour and tasting at the Cantillon Brewery, which has been brewing beer since the 1800s. As a country, in addition to chocolate – Belgium produces some of the finest beer in the world. The tour will finish at the hotel where there will be time to check-in and fresh up before the group goes to a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 6: After breakfast in the hotel, the group has the morning at leisure to explore Brussels. This city has an amazing variety of museums, churches, green parks (and chocolate shops). After the group members have had lunch on their own, they will all reunite in the hotel lobby for an afternoon excursion by a private coach to the historic city of Ghent. During the walking tour, the group will see St. Bavo's Cathedral, the gothic Cloth Hall and Belfry tower, Friday Market Square, Groot Kanonplein Square, and the streets of Graslei and Korenlei whose historic houses line Ghent's canals. After the tour, the group will return to the hotel in Brussels by private coach. A group dinner is not scheduled tonight, so group members can go out and individually explore Brussels' superb foodie scene.

Day 7: After breakfast in the hotel, today the group will travel by private coach to one of Belgium's best-loved cities, Bruges, the capital of West Flanders. The entire city center of this Dutch-speaking city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival to Bruges, the group will meet a local guide who will lead it on a walking tour of this especially beautiful city, which is often called the "Venice of the North."

In addition to exploring its cobblestone streets and medieval quarters, the group will take a boat cruise to experience Bruges' picturesque canals. During the visit to Bruges, there will be free time for lunch and shopping before all group members meet back up with the local guide who will accompany the group back to its private coach. After boarding the coach, the group will return to the hotel in Brussels. After freshening up, the group will dine together in a local restaurant on its last evening in delightful Brussels.

Day 8: After breakfast and check-out, the group will travel to the airport for its return flight to the US.

An Alaskan Cruise. Is Alaska on Your Bucket List?

 

When it comes to cruises, an Alaskan cruise is in a league of its own and provides an experience of a lifetime. The voyage itself is certainly different from a typical cruise headed to the warm and sunny beach destinations of the Caribbean.  An Alaskan cruise brings forth another type of awe-inspiring beauty altogether. and provides passengers the opportunity to see pristine landscapes and wildlife in a way that they might never have experienced before. A Bucket List destination for many, Alaska is a top cruise destination.

Here are just a few reasons why an Alaskan Cruise should be at the top of your travel list.

Cruise Lines Cater to All Ages

Once upon a time, it seemed that the vast majority of passengers on Alaskan cruises were elderly. However that has changed, and most major cruise lines, which cater to all ages, now travel to Alaska.  Disney Cruise Line, known for being family-oriented, cruises to this destination on the Disney Wonder, which has been specially retrofitted to enhance the Alaskan experience for her guests. Oceangoing cruise lines that serve the Alaska market include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Crystal Cruises. Additionally, smaller river cruise ships that serve the Alaska market include American Cruise Lines, Tauck, and UnCruise Adventures. 

Port Adventures

Regardless of age, there's something for everyone at the assorted port destinations. Examples include: children can pan for gold and watch dog sledding, adults can sample local brews and visit spectacular fjords and glaciers, and people of all ages can enjoy whale watching. For the more adventurous types, white water rafting, ziplining, or exploring glacier tops via helicopter ride can be great fun. Other more passive adventures include rides on the Alaskan railroad, shopping, and mild nature walks.  

See Glaciers

While glaciers are the most sought-after tourist attraction in Alaska, they are also endangered and are decreasing at an alarming rate. See them from the cruise ship, get closer to them via kayak, take a hiking tour, or see them from a flightseeing tour. You don't want to miss seeing this magnificent sight!

The Wildlife

Alaska is known for magnificent wildlife, which you may first glimpse from the deck of your ship. Just imagine seeing humpback whales, orca whales, beluga whales, and dolphins, as you enjoy a meal or relax. You will also have the opportunity to take port excursions, enabling you to get close to native wildlife, which may include bears, elk, bald eagles, moose, and much more. It is a bird-lovers paradise, with hundreds of different varieties just waiting to be spotted. Be sure to bring along binoculars! 

Cruise Season

The Alaskan cruise season is much shorter than in other areas of the world. The cruise ships first arrive in mid to late April, and all depart by mid-September.  
 

Itinerary Options

There are numerous itinerary options and ways to experience Alaska, which allows you to find the best fit for you. There are four basic ways to cruise Alaska:

1. Round-trip, sailing from either Vancouver, Seattle, and sometimes San Francisco, which will head north, typically through the Inside Passage, stopping in a handful of ports, and then return back to the originating port. 
2. Northbound one-way, which sails from Vancouver or Seattle heading north, again typically through the Inside Passage with multiple stops along the way, and then ending in the Anchorage area to either Whittier or Seward.  Guests then disembark the ship and board the Alaskan railroad for the 2+ hour train trip to Anchorage, where they would then fly home. 
3. Southbound one-way, which is the opposite of the northbound, as guests would fly into Anchorage, and then ride the Alaskan railroad south to Seward or Whittier to board their ship. The ship would then sail through the assorted ports of call, down through the Inside Passage, and then on to Vancouver or Seattle, where guests would disembark and fly home.
4. CruiseTour, which is a combination of a pre or post-cruise land experience coupled with the cruise itself.  Guests can choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7-day land experiences that include visits to Denali National Park and other exciting destinations throughout southern and central Alaska or Vancouver.  Typically a pre-cruise tour will find guests flying into Fairbanks and beginning their land experiences and ending in Anchorage for the journey south on the Alaskan railroad to board their ship for a southbound cruise; though there are land experiences that begin in the Vancouver area with guests touring Whistler and the surrounding areas of Canada. Post-cruise tours are similar, just taking place after the cruise.   

On Sale soon
The 2017 Alaskan itineraries are going to be released by the cruise lines very soon. Typically they release their coming year's schedule in late February or very early March, though Celebrity's 2017 sailings are already on sale. For more information and to learn more about Alaskan cruises, call Christopher today at 855.776.1733, or complete this link!

LONDON - Is it on Your Bucket List?

London.  The city which is steeped in pomp and pageantry; the city where history and tradition are not merely prized, but rather integrated into daily life; the city of modernity in art, fashion, music, education, commerce, and entertainment; the city that claims itself to be the capital of the 21^st-century Europe.  London, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “is the epitome of our times, and the Rome of today.”

   

  

London has served as the capital of England, and the United Kingdom since the 10^th century.  It is the largest metropolitan city in England and is generally considered the largest metropolitan city in all of the European Union.  It was originally founded nearly 2,000 years ago by the Romans, as Londinium.  

London has always been a popular destination within Europe.  Given its’ age as a city, and the vast array of historical, political, and social events and movements that have taken place within the community, there is a dramatic number of museums, gardens, palaces, galleries, cathedrals, parks, concert halls, neighborhoods and shopping destinations to visit.   Depending on the length of an individual stay, visitors to London will have ample opportunity to take in many of London’s most famous sites – including such historic places as:

• Westminster Abbey (dating back 1066)
• Windsor Castle (similarly dating back to the 10^th century)
• Tower of London (dating back to the 11^th century)
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (dating back to the 17^th century)
• Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens (dating back to the 1730s)
• Buckingham Palace (dating back to 1705, expanded to its’ current size in the 1830s)
• and so many more.

When was the last time you visited this enchanting city?  If you haven't yet visited, is London on your bucket list?  When would you like to visit?