Category Archives: Europe

The Vatican

The Vatican , as it is referred to, is a principality inside the city of Rome.

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, many make the pilgrimage here to pay honour to the home of the Pope and one of the strongest religions world wide.

Inside the grounds of the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Church (St. Peter’s Basilica) , St Peter’s Square and many museums.

This historical and religiously significant venue is best seen before ALL the crowds arrive. It is one of the most visited places in the world… with millions streaming through ever year.

The good news is the Sistine Chapel and church open really early in summer – usually 7-730am. I would suggest setting an alarm clock and being one of the first in queue. If you don’t want to leg it alone, definitely do a tour as you can jump the queues and this is well worth it otherwise you may spend an hour or two(!) in a line up which is plain exhausting.

The police of the Vatican are the Swiss Army and are a step back into medieval times with their kit and custom. They are friendly and don’t mind a photo but are on duty so don’t be a pest.

St Peter’s square is massive and surrounding the periphery are significant people from the Roman Empire. If the pope is in town and giving a sermon, it will be in this square.

For more events at the Vatican, check out the official website here. 

The Roman Forum

The grandiose centre of the Roman Empire stems from the Roman Forum.

Located in central Roma, this is a must see place when in Roma.

I didn’t have time to fully explore the space (it was closing as I arrived) but I got a fantastic insight to the sophistication of the Roman Civilisation from the hill surrounding the Forum, known as Palatine Hill.

The monuments still standing are incredible!

Built nearly 2000 years ago in Caesar’s rein the buildings give a great insight to the confidence this empire had.

Not only confidence but the pioneers of architecture.

The columns, the arches, and layout still being used by many engineers today.

I am stunned at the incredible details and stories scribed on the great arches.

On Palatine Hill is a great art gallery and many water falls and sculptures.

There is something very special here… make sure you put it on your map. Even if to have a red vino on Palatine Hill watching the sun set over Roma. You can do night tours here which I imagine would be spectacular. Check out more here. 

 

 

Alpine Hiking Mt Rigi

Switzerland offers many walking adventures, many accessible from trains, furniculars, cables and car.

Today we set off for a short 3 hours walk along Mt Rigi.

There is a car park at the bottom and three options for getting to the start of many walks. You can walk the entire way but you would need a day. The first part is very step. We choose to take the furnicular which is around 30 Swiss Francs return.

At the top you can switch off your mind and just follow the track. This is the start to many tracks but the main one is easy to follow and will take you to the summit of Mt Rigi.

The Swiss Alps start declaring themselves early on and are nothing short of breath-taking. It is hard to get one’s mind around the fact that the ones in front are 2000+ metres and the ones in the back ground are 4000 + plus. You really feel on top of the world, mingling with the clouds and gods.

There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Cafes serving hot tea, wine, food are littered along the walking track.

Cows are taken to the hills in the summer and we are there on the last day they will inhabit the slopes until next summer. We are fortunate to witness the rounding up of the cows, with their big ding-dong, jingle bells as they are mustered to lower pasteurlands.

I love seeing this side of the world… traditional farming techniques that have worked for years and honoured season after season. It works, so why change it? And as my friend says, happy cows = happy milk.

The last part of the walk to the summit is step but very manageable with chairs scattered along the path to the top.

You can catch a train if you wish – the old carriages – some built in 1880 are reliable and comfortable.

At the top there are two dining options – a self serve buffet, or a sit down a la carte restaurant. Depending on the clouds, you will either get the most amazing pan views of the alps and valleys, or fluffy white clouds.

We opted for the self serve buffet and wine, then the train back to the starting point.

The train ride down is excellent and there are many opportunities to take photos of the lush forest. Towards the end there is a lovely waterfall on the right hand side of the train. If you have longer, you can walk down instead of catching the train.

We met a lady on the train who had done 58 walks in 4 months, so there are not shortage of walks not scenery. Have some fun, take a warm jacket and good walking shoes (sneakers are fine) and enjoy the magnificent views from the top of the world.

Hollgrotten Caves

Not far from Zurich in Switzerland are some pretty caves. Very family friendly this easy day trip is worthy of a visit.

Hollgrotten Caves are worth the trip!

I am staying in Baar, which is 30 minutes by train from Zurich. My friend has leant me his bike so for me, this is the best way to get there. Other options are by car. Or to walk from Zug would be about 3km.

By bicycle, you can follow the river along the picturesque forest floor.

Greens, moss, trickling water make this surreal trip so magical.

I pause regularly to suck in the smells of the forest and hear the sounds. With so much deforestation ocurring and global warming heating the planet making many parts arid and desert like, it is comforting to know that well preserved in Switzerland as some lush forests.

Once you get to the car park of the grounds, there is a beautiful restaurant and bar. There are many places for children to explore and I find my little child bubbling with excitement.

A short walk from the restaurant and you will find the ticket box. The cost is 12 Euro and includes a self guided walk.

It is a short cave system but perfect for a family and for people who might be anxious about going into the Earth’s belly.

I am excited!

The caves are illuminated with different coloured lights and the piece de resistance is the middle cave which includes alight show and soft accompanying music.

It doesn’t take long to go through the caves but I relish the experience and take my time. Meditating while there as no one else came through while I was there. Truly a special moment.

San Marco Restaurant Lake Zug

Lake Zug is a large lake approximately 30 minutes by train from Zurich. Like Zurich is has an old town, which is charming and worth a day visit.

My friend doesn’t live far from the lake so we spend some time down here, the best time is lunch or late afternoon. Today I have lunch at San Marco Restaurant on the Lake.

I am greeted by a friendly happy waitress who makes my experience wonderful.

Before I have even ordered I have fresh rolls, a nice weisswine and a blanket! A must with the chilly air.

The lunch menu is not extensive but sufficient. Being gluten free I can find some menus really limiting but this one has enough choice. Considering it is a pizza and pasta bar, I find it easy to order.

I have the tuna salad which is delicious, clean and healthy.

I would highly recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Neuchamel Restaurant Baar

Baar is a little township beside Zug and is where my friend lives.

Access to most places is 30 minutes via car or train.

Across from the train station is a funky restaurant and bar. I discover it early in the day after missing my train and Fabion, the girl behind the bar makes me feel instantly at home.

I return later that night to have a drink with my friend and we decide to dine there. It is booked out and you can see it is very popular with locals. A warm buzzy vibe make the place conducive for animated conversations.

Like most place in Switzerland smart casual is appreciated but not essential.

Fabion recommends the Swiss reisling for a sweet white wine and it is delicious. Not too sweet but a nice crisp wine. We are served an appertif of red cabbage and apple strauss which is enough to carry our tummies over until our main meal is served.

I have cordon blue, which I haven’t had for over 20 years (mainly because I try to be dairy and gluten free) but this is the home of cordon blue. It is amazing. The cheese endlessly oozes out of the yummy parcel.

This is another Swiss restaurant I highly recommend.

Europe – to plane, train or helicopter?

Helicopter

Well firstly whenever it’s an option take a helicopter.

It is the best way I know to travel.

Up in the air but close to the environment, a helicopter gives you an intimate connection with your surroundings.

I usually take the helicopter from Nice to Monaco and it is a 7 minute trip of a life time.

Or several life times if you travel there a lot. I use Heli Air Monaco but Monaco Air also as good.

Planes

Planes in Europe are easy, from budget to first class. Depending on where you want to go and how quickly you need to be there,  a plane makes great sense, especially if traveling across 2-3 countries.

There are many discounted websites to purchase tickets from, try www.skyscanner.com, www.webjet.com,  or www.Iknowthepilot.com

Trains

Ocaissionally catching a train will be quicker than a plane. But more importantly I find them quite convenient. You need to work out the time lag from getting to the airport, the check in procedure, boarding, the hassle of waiting for your bag to off load then getting to your hotel. Sometimes trains are more direct and quicker.

Today I have decided to take the train from Zurich to Rome as it is only 6 hours, and uses the fast train system. The scenery along the way is pretty and overall it is less stressful than catching a plane. It is actually cheaper than flying and I worked out it was about the same time, once you check in with an airline, flying, and disembarking. 

Weigh things up and you will often find in Europe a train is a better way to travel.

And remember, whenever helicopter is an option, take it!