Page 15 of retiredfflarry Travel Blog Posts


Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Siena August 21st 2022

SUN, 21 AUG 2022 – Day 9: Pisa - Florence - Siena - Today we’ll explore the undoubted highlights of Tuscany: Pisa and Florence! Now over 800 years old, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a classic sight in Italy and well worth a photo! Upon arrival in Florence, take an orientation walking tour of the city with your tour leader to see all the iconic sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the replica of the statue of David. After the tour, step into the world of Italian leather crafting as you visit a local leather factory and shop. Learn more about famous handmade Florentine leather products. Spend some free time over lunch to explore before returning to Siena where you’ll spend the night. Overnight – Hotel ... read more
Piazza dei Miracoli – Pisa, Italy
Piazza dei Miracoli – Pisa, Italy
Piazza dei Miracoli – Pisa, Italy

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Siena August 20th 2022

SAT, 20 AUG 2022 – Day 8: Modena - Siena - This morning we head south into Italy. One of the most visited destinations in the world, Italy serves up centuries of incredible history, rich culture and, of course, fantastic food! As we make our way to Siena we'll stop in Modena, where you'll enjoy a tasting of balsamic vinegar. Arriving in Siena this afternoon, your tour leader will take you on a short orientation tour of the historic city centre, and you'll then have some free time to take photos and explore. Overnight – Hotel Hotel Italia Uncle Larry’s Note: We got caught up in five separate very lengthy traffic jams and did not make a stop in Modena and therefore didn’t get to taste the varieties of balsamic vinegar. Boo hoo! It was dark ... read more
Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Innsbruck, Austria
Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Innsbruck, Austria
Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Innsbruck, Austria

Europe » Austria » Tyrol » Innsbruck August 19th 2022

FRI, 19 AUG 2022 – Day 7: Liechtenstein - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck - Four countries in one day! Our first stop is the Alpine principality of Liechtenstein, the sixth smallest nation in the world. Stopping in the capital Vaduz, we'll have some time to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. We’ll then visit Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th Century German hilltop castle built by Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle. Entrance to the castle is included in the tour package price. Our final destination of the day is Innsbruck, Austria. Home to Austria's third-largest student population, there's no shortage of vibrant bars and beer gardens to enjoy. Your tour leader will introduce you to the city on a quick orientation tour. Overnight – Hotel Hwest Hotel Hall Innsbruck Uncle Larry’s ... read more
On the Way to/Around Innsbruck, Austria
On the Way to/Around Innsbruck, Austria
On the Way to/Around Innsbruck, Austria

Europe » Switzerland » North-West » Lucerne August 18th 2022

THU, 18 AUG 2022 – Day 6: Lucerne: Optional Free Day - Today you’ll have a free day to enjoy the Lucerne region. Renowned as one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities, Lucerne is a place you'll definitely want to have your camera at the ready for! All the ingredients for the quintessentially picturesque Swiss experience are here - a cobalt lake and well-preserved old town complete with waterfront promenades, covered bridges and perfect plazas are surrounded by the natural skyscrapers of the Swiss Alps. It's no wonder that Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner savoured the stunning views that Lucerne has to offer. There's charm and grace around every corner, but it's not all about history - there's certainly enough of a pulse here to keep things current, with carnivals, concerts and exhibitions aplenty. Overnight – Hotel ... read more
In and Around Lucerne, Switzerland
Mount Pilatus, Switzerland
Mount Pilatus, Switzerland

Europe » Switzerland » North-West » Lucerne August 17th 2022

WED, 17 AUG 2022 – Day 5: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Rhine Falls - Lucerne region - This morning we head into Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest), home of delicious Black Forest gâteau, cuckoo clocks and Hansel and Gretel! Pick up an authentic German cuckoo clock from a local family business in the heart of the forest. Arriving on the shores of Lake Titisee, explore the spa town of Titisee and grab some lunch. We’ll then cross into Switzerland and stop off at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe. You’ll have some time to explore, with the option to take a boat ride on the falls. Once in Lucerne, your tour leader will give you a quick orientation tour to introduce you to the city before we travel on to our ... read more
Black Forest Village of Hofgut Sternen – Breitnau, Germany
Black Forest Village of Hofgut Sternen – Breitnau, Germany
Black Forest Village of Hofgut Sternen – Breitnau, Germany

Europe » Germany » Baden-Württemberg » Heidelberg August 16th 2022

TUE, 16 AUG 2022 – Day 4: Champagne region - Luxembourg - Heidelberg - This morning we’ll depart Paris and head east to our first stop in the champagne region of Reims, where we’ll taste one of France’s most famous and highly prized exports - champagne! We’ll then continue our journey to Luxembourg, where you’ll have some free time to explore the capital of one of Europe’s smallest countries; Luxembourg City features a charming Unesco-listed centre with plenty of restaurants and cafés. Our final destination of the day is Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town which is renowned for its Altstadt (old town). Your tour leader will take you on an orientation tour of the city centre and give you some free time to explore the old town before we meet back up for dinner. Overnight – ... read more
On the Way to/Around Heidelberg, Germany
Champagne Mercier – Épernay, France
Champagne Mercier – Épernay, France

Europe » France » Île-de-France August 15th 2022

MON, 15 AUG 2022 – Day 3: Paris: Optional Free Day - Enjoy a full free day to explore the French capital! The Seine River is the backbone of the capital, and flows through the heart of the city. Why not choose a cruise, and sail past the Notre Dame Cathedral, to the epic Eiffel Tower? You can explore on your own or join a full day of exploration in Paris! The Paris excursion will take you to all the iconic sights including the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, and much more! Paris Disneyland is perfect for the ‘young at heart’, and is only a short distance away. Your Expat Explore tour leader is brimming with ideas and local knowledge for you to make the most of your time here. Overnight – Hotel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte ... read more
Around the Hotel in Paris, France
Around the Hotel in Paris, France

Europe » France » Île-de-France August 14th 2022

SUN, 14 AUG 2022 – Day 2: London - Paris - Departing London, we cross the English Channel and travel to 'The City of Lights and Love' - Paris! Your experienced tour leader will introduce you to all the key Parisian sites on a relaxing coach tour of the city. Keep an eye out for such iconic landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Notre Dame - take a mental note of what you wish to explore more further on your free day. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter, an eclectic, bohemian and historic neighbourhood. We'll then travel back to the hotel on Paris' world-famous metro system, ready to explore the city further on our free day tomorrow! Overnight – Hotel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen... read more
Ferry Departure Point Is at the White Cliffs of Dover – Dover, Kent, England, UK
Ferry Departure Point Is at the White Cliffs of Dover – Dover, Kent, England, UK
Ferry Departure Point Is at the White Cliffs of Dover – Dover, Kent, England, UK

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater London » London City August 13th 2022

Introduction - Experience one of our best European tours! See the highlights of western, central and eastern Europe over 22 incredible days. This European trip itinerary is packed with incredible destinations, sights and activities. You’ll experience good times and great classic cities. See Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Venice, Berlin and Luxembourg. Travel east to Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Zagreb. Round off your trip with time in Belgium. Explore at your own pace with free days in Paris, Lucerne, Rome, Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam. One of our best European vacations awaits! SAT, 13 AUG 2022 – Day 1: Welcome to London! Meet your tour leader this morning and head out to explore the Royal Borough of Greenwich. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-see with many historical buildings and gardens. Wander through the historic ... read more

Europe » Ireland » County Dublin » Dublin August 12th 2022

TUE, 09 AUG 2022 – It was late afternoon/early evening when we made our return to Dublin on the last day of the 10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour by Overland Ireland - Small Group Tours. I was the first tour member to be dropped off at his/her/their hotel. Check-in went smoothly and after a short freshen up, I headed for Oscars Café Bar, a few feet from the hotel, for supper. Linguini and chicken in white sauce (not very Irish) with an Island’s Edge Irish Stout (very Irish) hit the spot. In that Island’s Edge Irish Stout regard, I had spotted Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery on Google Maps (both within walking distance), but my investigation revealed a minimum tour fee of 25 Euros (up to as much as 100 Euros). I have always had ... read more
On the Way to Somewhere, or Nowhere, in Dublin, Ireland
On the Way to Somewhere, or Nowhere, in Dublin, Ireland
On the Way to Somewhere, or Nowhere, in Dublin, Ireland




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