This morning we boarded the bus following breakfast and headed down the steep, winding, narrow road toward the village of Stans, Switzerland. It is the home of the Stanserhorn Mountains and cable car. The mountain railway is the first electric powered mountain railway which also used a steam powered generator as back up. The cabrio (cable car) is the first double decker, open air cable car. Of course we went straight to the top....open air car. We started our ride partway up the mountain on the mountain railway and transferred to the cabrio about halfway up the mountain. This mountain is 6300 feet above sea level. You could feel your ears pop as you ascended the mountain. Once you got to the end of the cabrio line you could walk to the very top of the ... read more

Today we got to sleep in!! Breakfast was. At 7:30 and departure was 8:30. Exciting to be going to Venice!! Each place we visit can have its challenges. Besides the language barrier we have had to learn when we can drink the water and when we drink bottled water, of course for the three of us finding butter (Italy only) and ice, and most importantly where to go to the restrooms and how much we have to pay. Typically we have to pay .70 Euros. Yesterday it was 2.00 Euros. That’s a lot! Food can be a challenge. We are not always given a choice except at breakfast, which is almost always a buffet. Coffee has been tough. I typically drink decaf and that’s not an option here so I have limited myself to one cup ... read more

Today we left our hotel after breakfast. It was the first day since joining this tour that we didn't have to pack up our suitcases and leave them outside our door to be packed on the bus. This is the first two-night stay at the same hotel. We have about three others during this trip. Our usual agenda each morning is to get ready, pack our suitcases and put them outside our door by 7:00, then head to breakfast and board the bus by 8:00 am. It was a 1 1/2 hour ride to Salzburg. Our first stop was just outside Salzburg at the Schloss Hellbrunn Palace. This palace was built in 1613-1619 by the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg and named for the "clear spring" that supplied it. It is filled with secret water that can ... read more

We woke up to rain this morning and cold temperatures. For most of the trip we have seen the upper 60's and 70's Overnight the temperature dropped to 47 and was only expected to reach the lower 50's all day. The rain made it seem much colder. We also had a disgruntled tour manager. The tour company handles getting your luggage to your room but only one piece of luggage. You are responsible for the rest of what you bring. Each of us had two pieces of luggage. A large suitcase and a carry on bag. I don't mind handling my own luggage but when we put our luggage out to be put on the bottom of the bus we were told we couldn't do it....we'd have to put it over head or under our seat. ... read more

What a Day this has been!!!! (start of a song from one of my favorite musicals!) What a rare mood I'm in!!! WOW! Today was a travel day from Rome to Frankfurt. It is here that we will meet up with our tour guide from Image Tours and start our two week guided tour around Europe. Our driver showed up a little early so we were rushing around trying not to hold him up. No lift, so we had to drag our suitcases upstairs and through the gravel courtyard to the street! We got to the airport way, way early which Is great....no rushing! We get to Lufthansa only to find out we have to check our carry ons because, as the agent said, they were too big. Now we have covered 5 airports so far ... read more