Visited the beautiful village of Giverny, most famous for the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the most famous French Impressionist painter. Spent most of the day wandering these beautiful surroundings, with plenty of flowers in bloom, mainly tulips, pansies, daffodils - very colourful. No wonder it provided such an inspiration for his paintings. The wisteria was not quite in flower yet over the Japanese bridge in the water garden, Le jardin d'eau, but still a magnificent vista. And also still too early for the waterlilies. Drove home via Vernon and Les Andeleys, and up to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard overlooking the town and the Seine valley. First built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart to protect English interests in the north of France, but in ruins by the 15th century after the 100 years ... read more

Made it in time to the airport, even though our shuttle bus driver slept in. Thankfully a phone call from the hotel got him up. A quick one hour in the air, and it was goodbye to a busy week in Switzerland and welcome to the slower pace of the French countryside. Picked up our car from Paris airport and drove to Connelles, 90 km north on the banks of the Seine. A delightful spot in a very quiet area, and a relaxing afternoon spent walking the site after some shopping at Val de Reuil... read more

First stop at Gruyere, where we visited a cheese factory. Then to the old town, with its medieval castle and walls. Interesting bar there, designed by Giger, famous for 'Alien'. Then onto the capital Berne, a charming town with arcaded shops, carved fountains and towers. Saw Einstein's house, where he wrote some of his famous theories. Also the bear pit, with a couple of lonely brown bears, the symbol of the capital. After lunch, drove via the shores of Lake Thun to Interlaken, with great views of the Jungfrau mountain. Watched hang gliders land in the park. Overnight stop at Lungern, a little rural town near Lake Lucerne. ... read more

Morning spent wandering around Lugano, before a stop at a swiss chocolate shop for a second breakfast. Then back into Italy and onto Lake Maggiore. A short boat trip to visit the island of Isola Bella, a magnificently located palace and garden island. Lunch on the island before a visit of the palace, where both Napolean and Mussolini had been famous visitors. Then back into Switzerland and up through the Simplon Pass, into the snow and Alps again. Overnight at Tasch, as cars can't go any further towards Zermatt.... read more

Start of our coach tour, a mixed group, mainly US and England, but also couples from Singapore, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and 2 other couples from Australia. First stop in the town of Appenzell to see the old town centre with its Town Hall. Then travelling further east to the tiny Pricipality of Liechtenstein's capital of Vaduz. A walk through the small town with views up to the castle. A scenic drive through "Heidiland" to the Rhine valley before starting the ascent of the mighty Julier Pass. Some spectacular alpine scenery, with lots of snow still around. Finally arriving at our overnight stop at St Moritz, a classy ski centre. A sign of the economic times, with a lot of the hotels closing early for the season due to low numbers. A walk down to the ... read more