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2010 - 29 August - 4 October
A SPECTACULAR INTERLUDE IN EUROPE
35 days to visit some of the most amazing destinations and scenery in Europe
Tour Overview
Following two nights in the eternal city of Rome we board our comfy mini buses and begin our no-rush exploration of some of the most scenic countryside in the world. We will leisurely visit and explore many exciting and historic European villages and cities and enjoy relaxing picnics along the way.
Our first stay out of Rome is the beautiful medieval hill-top town of Cortona (of “Under the Tuscan Sun” fame). The overnight ferry from Ancona Italy takes us across the Adriatic Sea to Split Croatia. We explore Plitvicki Lakes – a favourite with Interlude travelers with good reason. It is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots set in a World Heritage National Park. Words cannot describe this utterly un-spoilt valley situated between high forested mountains in which lies, one below another, a string of sixteen beautiful lakes of crystal blue-green colour.
Onto Budapest Hungary via Keszthely on the shores of Lake Balaton, Europe’s largest freshwater lake. Three nights in Budapest and so much to see before we continue our journey to Mozart’s city, Vienna. Then discover the fascinating history of Prague, the unspoilt ancient capital of the Czech Republic.
Now a stay with a difference, in the picturesque farm community of Acharting Austria (9km from Salzburg) to indulge in the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine in a wonderful family run hotel. This will be our base to venture into Salzburg city, visit Hitler’s Eagles Nest (weather permitting), Berchtesgaden and the intriguing Salt Mines where one can walk underground into Germany.
Marvel at the immense natural beauty of the small Slovenian lakeside village Bled favoured by the medieval kings of Slovenia. Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful and romantic alpine resorts
Back to Italy starting with two nights in Mestre Venice; perfect for the ‘first-timers to discover Venice and for those who wish to return and rekindle the memories of this unique city. A short drive to Historic Verona and all it’s glory, remarkable for its rich Romanesque and Gothic architecture and of course not to be missed, Juliet’s house and balcony.
We move along to the charming and elegant Italian lakeside village Stresa on Lake Maggiore before we venture to the Swiss Alps and Zermatt. Here the amazing cogged railway can take you to the lower slopes of the magnificent Matterhorn to be stunned by a different kind of breathtaking scenery . The large image on our home page was taken from this slope.
Onto Colmar France, bordering Germany, where churches, cloisters, half-timbered houses, balconies, facades from the Renaissance give Colmar a very special and charming city center to meander.
No visit to France is complete without a stay in the famous Champagne region. Our guided tour and tasting in the world’s largest champagne house of Moët and Chandon founded in 1743 in Epernay is extra special.
Our final stay before our tour ends in Paris, is Péronne in the Somme. A time for reflection as we visit the Historic de la Grande Guerre or WW1 war museum, meander through the now peaceful and scenic countryside to the imposing grounds of the Australian National War Memorial and war graves. See the legendary school in the village of Viliers Bretonneux with close links to Victoria and the stirring Australian War Museum attached to the school.
After 2 nights in Paris the City of Light, it is time to return home loaded with many priceless memories and images of wonderful places and fascinating people you have met over the past five weeks, or you may choose to continue your travels independently.
Here is the route map to whet your travel appetite
