Monthly Archives: February 2012

Glenna’s Scenic Journey through Switzerland: Part One

Posted on February 28, 2012 | 4 Comments

After arriving in Zurich one day early with some much needed shopping already under my belt, I was set (with great anticipation) to start my Best of Switzerland Trafalgar trip.

My group of around 45 was made up of Americans, Australians, South Africans, a U.S couple living in Saudi Arabia and me, one Canadian! Our first compass point was Liechtenstein via Klosters and up Fluella Pass – a wonderful scenic drive with some “close your eyes” turns. Our Austrian driver Michael, was absolutely amazing and a real pro behind the wheel. He did things with that bus… I’ll say no more!

That afternoon we took the Bernina Express where we passed more breathtaking scenery and stopped at a local café to enjoy local wine and hors d’oeuvres. Then it was off to St Moritz for the night. We had an excellent buffet dinner at the hotel which consisted of beef au jus, chicken dishes, pasta, carved baby pork, many vegetables, desserts and breads… A truly amazing buffet!

I woke up the following morning to another glorious day. Today we were going to Lake Maggiore, which included a shopping trip in Stresa. Once again it was ‘hold your breath’ scenery as we ascended the Julier Pass and then along the route to Bellinzona in the Italian speaking region of Ticino. Ticino is also one of the premier wine making regions of Switzerland, due to its Mediterranean climate. I tried some Ticino wine and I can tell you, it was yummy! The lake drive through to Stresa very much reminded me of the Italian Riviera. It was a highlight for me, extremely beautiful. That night we were meant to be staying at the Simplon Hotel in Baveno, but we were upgraded to the Grand Hotel Bristol and it was very luxurious.

Our Be My Guest dinner on Iso Madre, one of the Borromean Islands was spectacular. Because I’m not a fan of seafood or veal, I had the most delicious asparagus pasta ever made. The whole meal from start to finish – wine included, was truly a treat.

There was excitement on our coach on Day 4 as we headed to Zermatt and the Matterhorn. On arrival in Tasch, we were transported to Zermatt in electric mini-buses as only essential service vehicles are allowed here. Our luggage and carry-ons were transported to the Albana Real hotel while we went straight to the gondolas for the trip up to Klein Matterhorn – 14,400 breathtaking feet high. The Klein Matterhorn and the Matterhorn stand almost side by side. What a majestic mountain! While you’re here, you can descend to an ice glacier which a few people from our group did.

In the evening we had a fondue dinner at the hotel. I was anticipating a cheese fondue but it was much more sophisticated in that each table had a tray with thinly sliced pork, beef and chicken. We were also served saffron rice, vegetables, salad and fruit. One word – delicious!

Glenna – Vancouver Island, Canada

Glenna with Trafalgar in Zermatt, Switzerland

Glenna with Trafalgar in Zermatt, Switzerland

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Posted in Be My Guest, Sightseeing, Trafalgar, Trip Experiences

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Claire’s Golden West US Discovery

Posted on February 21, 2012 | 1 Comment

Last year I visited the US for the very first time on Trafalgar’s Golden West Contrasts trip through Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas.

Nothing can prepare you for the decadence and excess of Vegas. The whole time I was there, I couldn’t believe my eyes. From the stunning Bellagio fountains which ‘dance’ to famous tunes, to the erupting volcano at the Mirage – the enormity of everything is unbelievable. I’ll never forget the night our Travel Director Todd, surprised us with a visit to Graceland Wedding Chapel and staged a mock wedding with two members of our group. And yes Elvis was there! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much!

Our French inspired Highlight Dinner at Paris Las Vegas consisted of crepes, cheese and champagne (my top choices) with an endless array of dishes – there was so much variety that most of us struggled to sample half of what was on the menu. For a moment, you actually think you’re outdoors in Paris. From the painted sky on the ceilings to the cobbled streets and authentic French signs – the theming and detail is amazing.

Another great place Todd took us to for dinner was a lively Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego. The salsa and guacamole dip, burritos, salads and crème caramel for dessert were all nicely complemented with authentic margaritas the size of fish bowls! And who could forget the Mexican Mariachis who took time out to serenade us.

One of my highlights from this trip was without a doubt a visit to the Grand Canyon by helicopter. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I recommend everyone should do. It’s not until you get there that you can really appreciate the sheer size of it all. I also really enjoyed our visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Being a huge movie buff – it really doesn’t get any better than this and being there really did bring out the inner child in me.

Todd our Travel Director was superb and he was a huge part of what made this trip so fantastic. I definitely can’t wait to plan my next trip to the US – east coast here I come!

By Claire Garrety from Australia

Claire Garrety at the Bellagio – Las Vegas

Claire Garrety at the Bellagio – Las Vegas

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Posted in Trafalgar, Trip Experiences

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Luisa’s tips on ‘When in Rome’ with the kids

Posted on February 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Where else can you view a structure thousands of years old and then turn the corner and feast your eyes on opulent, chic shops? Rome, a city of a thousand faces, is a treasure trove of sights and sounds that will energise kids of all ages.

But how do you deal with their short attention spans while waiting in line to get into the Colosseum, Forum and Vatican’s Sistine Chapel? Trafalgar’s Family Experiences ensures you and your family don’t have to, with priority entrance into these popular sights.

And how do you keep youngsters from saying “all this history is b-o-r-i-n-g”? By mixing in some top Roman attractions that are a bit more interactive and kid-oriented yet are set in historical settings. On Trafalgar’s Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold trip they can enjoy hands-on activities such as Roman Gladiator School, where children and teens receive “combat” lessons complete with a victory tournament.

If you plan to spend a few days in Rome before your Trafalgar trip starts, I recommend you visit the following sights, perfect for kids, tweens or teens!

Trevi Fountain
Out of all the places we visited in Rome, this was most memorable to my daughter Alex. Why? All kids love to make a wish and toss a coin into a body of water. But in Rome, the Trevi Fountain’s multiple cascades and huge statues are larger than life and will remain a fond family travel memory for life.

Rome Zoo
The Rome Zoo is conveniently located in Villa Borghese and is geared towards children. In addition to an array of animals, there is the “animal ark” where kids can climb like a spider and swing like a monkey.

Time Elevator
Children and parents both enjoy this attraction since it is historical and full of action and modern effects. During this 3D ride, all ages will learn about Rome’s illustrious history, meet famous Romans such as Julius Caesar, and have fun at the same time.

Spanish Steps
After running around this vast city, this is a great spot to “chill,” people watch and shop too. The Spanish Steps are part of the atmospheric Renaissance Piazza di Spagna.

Piazza….not pizza!
Rome is crowded with piazzas – pedestrian plazas usually filled with fountains, outdoor cafes, restaurants, lots of gelato stands and of course, pizza! My top choice is Piazza Navona, with its famous Bernini Four Rivers fountain. It has become my family’s tradition to try one’s first tartuffo (ice cream sphere covered in hardened chocolate with a surprise center filling) in Piazza Navona.

By Luisa Frey
As a family travel writer for 17 years, Luisa’s articles have been published extensively in print and online.

When in Rome

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Posted in European Events, Offers, Sightseeing, Trafalgar, Trip Experiences

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Living in the Wow moment with Paula Schnoblen

Posted on February 7, 2012 | 4 Comments

On Trafalgar’s Italy Bellissimo trip in September 2011, my husband John and I had the pleasure of enjoying not one, but three distinct Italian eating experiences all of which delved into the rich Italian culture, each one as enchanting as the next.

Night one in Rome, we embarked on an evening excursion of immersing ourselves completely in the Italian nightlife, which included our first dining experience in this great country of my heritage. After taking in many sights of the city, we dined alfresco at a restaurant across from the Colosseum. The weather was perfect, the sunset beautiful, and the accordion music magical. ‘Mangiare’ means ‘to eat’ in Italian and eat we did, we had insalata, pasta, pizza margherita, tiramisu and a bottomless glass of vino or birra. Deliziosa!

Day five had us travel to the Isle of Capri, but along the way we stopped at a farm for a demonstration on how to make extra virgin olive oil, cheese and more cheese. Maria (our host) spoke very little English but as she held up her creations she proudly said ‘CHEESE!’ then we all proceeded to take her picture! The meal that followed was out of this world, fresh bread with olive oil, garden tomatoes, farm grown olives, Italian lunchmeats, and my best choice was the Limoncello, made right from their lemon orchards, and of course, the very cheeses that we saw being made with love. There was even a pound cake soaked in Limoncello cream for dessert!

Later, while we were discovering Venice, we had the adventure of taking a water taxi to the island of Burano, a small fishing island where the men fish and the women make lace. That memorable evening at sundown we partook in a seafood extravaganza, including red snapper pate on crispy crackers, seafood risotto that was to die for, fish lasagne that melted in your mouth, shrimp, calamari, and biscotti for dessert. And, you guessed it, another bottomless glass of wine.

Italy was a true delight from all points of view and each repast could be a story in itself. One region could never be ranked over another but simply should be lived.

By Paula Schnoblen

Paula Schnoblen

Paula Schnoblen

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Posted in Hidden Treasures, Sightseeing, Trafalgar, Travel Directors, Trip Experiences

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