Continental Europe and London

Places visited

Continental Europe with Trafalgar Tours (1 - 12 Oct)

• 1 Oct: A short journey to Dover and we cross the channel to Calais in France. Then to Brussels where we see the Grand Place.
• 2 Oct: We drive into Switzerland. Spend the night in Lucerne. Fat fish thriving in the river.
• 3 Oct: To the summit of a nearby mountain in a cable car, I see snow for the first time. Then a drive into Italy to Venice.
• 4 Oct: A full day in Venice - the Bridge of Sighs, St Marks Basilica, Doges Palace etc. We have lunch on the Island of Burrano, with beautiful canals and multi-coloured houses.
• We have made friends with a wonderful Indian couple from Culcutta. He made his money from air conditioing and has massive moustache. "I am a Military Man" - he explodes in fit of non understanding. Wife very sweet.
• 5 Oct: We drive to Rome. Spend the evening sightseeing by ourselves, including the Trevi Fountain.
• 6 Oct: We spend the day touring Rome - including the Catacombs (20 miles of underground tombs of early Christians - arched for Martyrs), Colosseum, and the Forum. American girl on tour (Natalie) is sexually harassing Australian guy on tour (Dannie).
• 7 Oct: Off to the Vatican - where we see the Sistine Chapel and its stunning ceiling. To see the genius of Michelangelo, compare ceiling with walls. Smallest handwritten bible in world - half size of cigarette box. St Peter's foot rubbed away by a million kisses. Then to Naples where we visit Pompeii's ancient ruins. Erotic paintings on walls for newly weds.
• 8 Oct: Spend a lovely morning on the Island of Capri. Exciting bus ride up impossible roads with awesome drops to a breath taking view. Drive to Florence.
• 9 Oct: A morning of walking in Florence visiting Palaces and Cathedrals. Brass door that started the Renaissance.
• Then to Pisa, where we see the Leaning Tower. We spend the night in Genoa.
• 10 Oct: To  up a mountain by cable car to enjoy a Fondu meal. Lots of wine - our strict Dutch tour guide gets very mellow. Swervy bus ride down - our driver also tipsy.
• 11 Oct: A drive to Paris. A spectacular sightseeing tour of Paris by night - including a view by Eiffel Tower.
• 12 Oct: More Paris - including Notre Dame. Then back to London.

London (13 - 19 Oct)

A week of enjoying some of London's experiences. Activities included:

• Theatre:  Oliver Twist and Sunset Boulevard
• Madam Tussssauds
• Big Ben
• Harrods with mum and Ally
• Westminster Cathedral
• A wonderful tour of the London Tower by a "Beef Eater" including a view of the Crown Jewels
• London Bridge
• St Paul's Cathedral
• South Africa House
• Movies (Trainspotting, Dragon Heart and Emma) 

Switzerland - our first view of snow

Venice

Florence

Rome

Pisa

Naples (Pompeii)