Oct 19, 2017 - Zurich (In Transit)

@@@@@@@ KAPOORS ON THE ROAD This flight was the first we had ever taken on Swiss Air. Anil and I love to make lists relating to our travels, and now we were able to add Swiss Air to our list of airlines we’ve flown. It was a short hop from Gatwick To Zurich, and we were very comfortable of course, but it was the attention I was given once we landed that left a memorable impression. I had requested a wheelchair because of my twisted ankle and cane, and the man who met us at the airport was so kind and attentive. He whisked us through the...

Oct 15, 2017 - Last few days in Switzerland

15 - 17 Oct 2017 Sun Lovely sleep in! Cleaning of my panniers Discussions with Terry on potential multi day hikes for next year, GR5??, cross Switzerland by the Via Alpina?? Late afternoon walk in the Jura above L'Isle, to try and find some Erratic rocks (glacial deposits). The autumn colours are magnificent at the moment Mon Headed into Morges in Beni's car to see if the shoemaker/repair man could fix my handlebars bag which is fraying a little. Just like the guy in Cavaillon, he recommended to lightly singe it... which he promptly did...

Oct 14, 2017 - End of bike trip. Return to Switzerland

An early start today then off to the train station. Train to Avignon and then next train to Lyon. Whilst waiting for our respective trains we ate the last of the picnic food and then had a farewell ice-cream! I caught my train to Geneva and David returned his hire bike then caught the Eurostar to London. My goal was to get to Geneva in time to see Sarah ice-skating in a national competition. I fortunately timing didn't quite work out. She skated earlier than expected. 𯘫 But I was able to see my dear friend Celine Caught on the train to...

Oct 8, 2017 - Berlin to Zurich

It rained all night & I felt like sleeping in until my check out time. However, I did get up and the rain stopped over breakfast. Walked to the Reichstag building without getting wet (about 25 minutes) and went on my free tour of the Bundestag. It was quite interesting but there was a group of Israeli tourists who were being really obnoxious, and I think the guide was fed up with them. She was making comments such as "Well, your country's not very big". The Bundestag was not in session so close after the German elections and they were...

Sep 27, 2017 - Relaxing days in Switzerland

I had 2 lovely relaxing days in Switzerland, between adventures. First day I washed and cleaned and froze my things to kill any bed bugs / bed bug eggs that may have gotten into my bags after we were bitten in a Gîte during the walk, many days earlier. Although we had no further bites or any evidence of bed bugs, on arrival in Switzerland I immediately quarantined ALL things in the garage (as Sandra and Terry had done when they arrived) and changed into clothes from the bag I had left there before the walk. Luckily Terry has a big deep...

Sep 7, 2017 - Avenches to Bern Day 11 & 12

Day 11: To Bern via Ancient Rome Final Tour Day-Travel to Bern and dinner We'll begin our day with a time-travel visit to the village of Avenches. Two thousand years ago, as ancient Aventicum, this was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. A short drive catapults us a thousand years ahead to Bern, the country's present-day capital and our final stop. After a guided tour of the city center, we'll sit down with a local for a cultural Q&A session on all things Swiss. Tonight, we'll gather for a farewell dinner together, where we'll...

Sep 5, 2017 - Lausanne & Lake Geneva Day 9 & 10

Day 9: Gruyères and Lausanne 3 Hour Bus Ride, Tour of town and dinner This morning we'll take a scenic drive to Lake Geneva, tracing a route so spectacular it's been given the name "Golden Pass." We'll pause in the storybook town of Gruyères to test our French and see if a cheese by any other name would taste as sweet. After lunch, we'll continue on to pretty and progressive Lausanne, where we'll tour the town with a local guide and sample more of the region's delicacies at dinner together. Sleep in Lausanne (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking:...

Sep 4, 2017 - Berner Oberland-Murren & Schlithorn Day 8

The weather in the morning looks good so we are up early for a walk before heading up the tram for the Schilthorn. We are not sure what to expect but the excitement builds as we head for the lift for one of the highlights of this adventure. Little did we know Bond would be waiting at the top. Day 8: Hiking in the Berner Oberland Free Day Hike the Alps-Plan meals Don't sleep-in this morning — the day is all yours for some of Switzerland's best hiking. Join your guide for an optional mountain walk — or ride the gondola up to the 10,000-foot...

Sep 3, 2017 - The Matterhorn Day 7

One of the sites we hope to visit (weather permitting) is the Matterhorn. Most visitors to Switzerland don't even bother going. They watch webcams and check visibility. In about 70% of the time the mountain is not visible so the elect to go to other sites. We are hoping to be in the 30% that get a look but, are realistic about our prospects. We took a rest day yesterday knowing we had some heavy hiking days ahead. So we are ready for the challenge. Take a ride with us to Zermatt and see if we get a glimpse of Switzerland's most iconic...

Sep 1, 2017 - Lake Lugano Day 5 & 6 -Swiss/Italian Getaway there FUN & On Time

Today a bus ride through beautiful southern Switzerland. We will stop for lunch in Bellinzona a and visit a Swiss WWII era fortification. Day 5: Italian Switzerland Bus ride , Tour and Dinner Today we'll trade our mountains and meadows for palm trees and a taste of Ticino on the Italian side of Switzerland. On our way, we'll stop in the fortified town of Bellinzona to practice our best Swiss passeggiata, then continue through the majestic Verzasca valley where we'll explore some of your guide's favorite, out-of-the way sights. This...

Aug 30, 2017 - Engleberg Day 3 & 4 - MT TITLIS

We are excited as we head toward our first sites of the rugged Switzerland we have come all this way to see. But first a couple of historic sites to visit on the way. Swiss guns, and cheese await us. Day 3: Enchanting Bus Travel, Tours and Dinner Engelberg Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we'll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming...

Aug 27, 2017 - Luzern Day 1 & 2

After a hardy 16 Swiss Franc each breakfast at our hotel,we hop the shuttle to the banhalf- train station. The travel time to Lucerne is just over 1 hour. All goes well,we disembark and after a short walk with our luggage in tow, we arrive at Hotel Des Alps and our 5th floor room. We have a great view from our small balcony. Our 12 day tour begins tomorrow with an orientation walk of Luzern at 5pm and dinner. We already met several other tour members at hotel check in. Feels like a fun group. The next day we take a boat ride to the small...