EUROPE

Brussels At the end of a river cruise along the Rhine,  we arrived in Belgium, a kingdom about the size of  Maryland. We didn't want to miss the capital and added two glorious days of the best of Brussels.

Copenhagen The capital of the world's oldest kingdom is a world of wonders---tales of kings and queens, Vikings, and a mermaid---with a fortress, castles, palaces and crown jewels.

London  In what is becoming an increasingly homogenized world, London reigns supreme with a pageantry known to most of us only in storybooks.

London for the Holidays  With our family members scattered across the globe, we wondered how we would gather our three generations for the holidays.

Oxford  Trace the footsteps of Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Presidents, Kings, and a Pope along the medieval lanes of this fascinating city.

Barge Trips in Burgundy  Sometimes we see more through the back door.  One of the most relaxing ways to visit the Burgundy region of France is along its system of canals.

Burgundy and Provence  It's a journey through a sun-kissed countryside scented by lavender and thyme and adorned with fields of of sunflowers, vineyards, farms, orchards, and olive groves. Visit historic cities and idylllic villages that have inspired artists thrugh the ages.

Normandy and Provence  The longest inland waterway in France winds in serpentine loops between the coast in Normandy and one of the most fashionable and romantic cities in the world---Paris.

Paris  Just how did Paris become the glorious City of Light? Which notable sights should not be missed?

Paris' Le Marais  This Parisian neighborhood is known for its architectural style, grand boulevards, and tiny winding streets. Become a part of what it means to be Parisian.

Paris: The Saint James Hotel  The windows said it all---those très-French floor to ceiling fenêtres that swing inward for an unobstructed view of the private grounds and magnificent fountain in the front garden.

Grand Tour of Europe by river  It was not until 1992 that a canal system of navigation locks was completed and it became possible to travel by river all 2000 miles between the North Sea and the Black Sea.

Rhine There are few more pleasurable ways to explore our world than by its rivers, and the most leisurely way is from the comfort of a floating hotel. Our journey took us from Basel to Antwerp-the treasures of the Rhine...

Florence  This fashionable city is the cradle of the Renaissance. The wealthy Medici family of bankers ruled it for almost 300 years, and their patronage of the arts supported such notables as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci...

Italy with Trafalgar  Planning and arranging independent travel takes time and energy--before and during the trip. It’s easy to miss some or all of the experience--or not travel at all-- if you must tend to all the details yourself...

Lucca  We spent a day and evening in the perfectly preserved medieval city of Lucca, once wealthy from the silk trade...

Montecatini Terme  This health resort area has tree-lined avenues and parks with elegant spas.  Michelangelo is among those who have come here to drink the therapeutic waters.

Pisa  Galileo taught in this university town and achieved fame by dropping objects off Pisa Campanile, the Leaning Tower, challenging Aristotle's position that speed is proportional to weight.

Rome  Italy’s capital is a tapestry of architecture woven over its three thousand years of history. The earth-toned skyline is dominated by domes and bell towers of churches and basilicas, not skyscrapers.

Siena   Spared the ravages of war, Siena is considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Italy, and traditions run strong.

Bergen  Cosmopolitan Bergen, Gateway to the Fjords, is a cultural and commercial center rich in Old World charm.

Kristiansand  Founded by King Christian IV in 1641, this resort city with Norway's second largest harbor is a major port for fish, wood products, and cruise ships.

Norway's Hurtigruten  The stunning West Coast of Norway was living up to its reputation as the most beautiful coastline in the world. This region is renowned for its spectacular landscape of fjell, fjord, anf foss...

Norway on Holland America  Our transatlantic cruise aboard Holland America's Amsterdam included three Norwegian ports--capital city Oslo, Kristiansand "The Floral Town of Norway". and Bergen "Gateway to the Fjords.

Oslo  At the head of a 60 mile long fjord, surrounded by forested  hills, lakes, and farms, the approach by water is superb.

Barcelona  You must stroll the lively boulevard, Las Ramblas, which extends from the port to Plaça de Cataluña in the heart of the city.

Stockholm Where the fresh waters of Lake Malaren meet the salt water of the Baltic Sea you'll find the capital city of Sweden, Stockholm. On 14 islands connected by 57 bridges...

Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic, is about 56 miles off the east coast of Sweden. It was ideally situated to rise to greatness as a center of trade between Russia and Western Europe.

Appenzell  is a storybook setting where age-old traditions are maintained as part of daily life. There are colorfullypainted wooden buildings, the musical sounds of yodelers, dulcimers, cowbells, and alpenhorns.

The Bernina Express The Bernina Express links southern and northern Europe in a winding pathway that is a masterpiece of engineering.

Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, is the capital of the canton of Graubünden.

Einsiedeln  Einsiedeln Abbey is the largest abbey and oldest pilgrimage site in Switzerland and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Virgin Mary in Europe...

Gandria Our leisurely boat cruise from Lugano to Gandria,  population 200, was included with our Swiss Pass...

The Lavaux region  In the 11th century, Benedictine and Cistercian monks begam planting vines and on the steep sun-drenched hillsides of the Lavaux region on the north shore of Lake Geneva.

Lugano, south of the Alps, is in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino.

Oberland: An Untours apartment stay  Train rides past snow-capped mountains, boat excursions on sparkling lakes, gondolas to mountain peaks...hikes and picnics in idyllic meadows of wildflowers, seranaded by cowbells, savoring local wine, freshly-baked bread, cheeses and chocolates...Yes, this is Switzerland.

A Taste of Switzerland  More than just a pretty place--Switzerland is a delectable experience, a restorative and culinary adventure. A visit is an opportunity to drink in the good life.

Zurich  You’ll want to stay longer, but with ten minute train rides departing several times an hour between Zürich’s airport and its central station, a visit between flights may  even  be possible.

Zurich West  The evolution of industrialization is best seen in Zürich’s West End. It's a hotspot of entertainment and innovation...

)

•  Home  Destinations
•  Cruises
•  Travel Products
•  Travel Resources Photo Gallery Contact
•  About Us

© 2011 Notable Travels.