Two Outstanding Vacations In One:
Switzerland & London
As many of us have children (young adults) studying overseas this is a personal trip, yet exploring the world is in my DNA and perhaps that is why research will always be a part of any trip I take. Our journey begins in Geneva, Switzerland. In the map above do you see Geneva at the southwest corner of Switzerland?
A connection via London to Geneva, Switzerland is designed so that we can meet up with Kirsten, my junior in college who is studying abroad this semester. London Heathrow always seems to be tedious and a bit unorganized, and this day it is no different. I wonder how they are going to be able to handle the onslaught of tourists for the upcoming Olympics in July 2012.
As the capital of Switzerland, Geneva has a spectacular setting with a lake, river and mountains. Our taxi from the airport takes us to our hotel in an enviable location at the edge of Lake Geneva with views of Mount Blanc and the Swiss Alps. The graceful skyline capped by the Alps and the fact that it occupies a central location within Europe makes Geneva extremely attractive to tourists.
Tip: Do take a stroll along the magnificent lakefront promenade, particularly in the evening.
Geneva is extremely easy to explore on foot and has a charming medieval Old Town. As you view the map above and notice its proximity to France, it makes sense that French is the primary language spoken in Geneva. ( We were only twenty minutes from the border.) Throughout the rest of Switzerland the German language is most readily encountered.
Tip: Do clink glasses and wish your drinking companions sante ("good health") before you take the first sip of your drink. To do otherwise is considered rude.
Switzerland has one of the best rail networks and many of its tracks run through some of the world's best scenery. We only spend one night in Geneva, and than board an efficient Swiss train which takes us on a 4 hour scenic train ride to the ski town of Zermatt.
Zermatt, Switzerland
As one of the best-known ski towns in the world, Zermatt is worth a visit at any time of year. Boasting the highest altitude in the Alps, Zermatt offers an absolute snow guarantee with 365 days of snow. I had been to this ski town in October, 2010 and just recently this month. Those of you who follow my travels understand that it is rare for me to visit a destination twice.
In the summer: Hike in the midst of beautiful scenery and isolated chalets. There are more than 250 miles of marked hiking and walking trails. Surrounded by a magnificent mountain backdrop, would you enjoy biking through Swiss pine forests or river rafting as the roaring water is being fed from the Matterhorn glacier?
In the winter: You are in the traditional Mecca of alpine ski and mountain sports. Just a sampling of the offerings is the Matterhorn Ski Safari, embarking on the highest toboggan ride in Switzerland, an ultimate snow experience with a moonlight descent from Matterhorn glacier paradise, or paragliding, sightseeing flights, and heli-skiing. You simply cannot miss the Igloo Village, about half way down the mountain. Imagine sleeping in an igloo! It is possible with a reservation. Our tired bodies were greeted with food, drink, bands and ski competitions. Comfortable chairs were scattered throughout where exhausted skiers refueled and made themselves ready to hit the slopes once again.
The next morning we have an early train to Zurich and a horse drawn carriage transports us through the village to the Zermatt train station. I am so sad to leave but I mentally plan the unthinkable for me, which is to visit at least a third time to this intriguing ski town!
Our flight from Zurich to London is in less than an hour, and in this short period of time we enter a distinctly different world. Cosmopolitan London has every unique and unforgettable attraction imaginable. London offers the best of British food, cultural intrigue, fashion and a lively mix of languages ( over 300), dress, festivals and markets.
We settle ourselves in the district of Kensington for the next five nights. Our hotel is opposite Hyde Park with a breathtaking view of Kensington Gardens and Palace. Kensington will always be known for its royal palace and its magnificent gardens. The late Princess Diana lived in Kensington Palace and William and Kate will be carrying on the royal tradition of making this beautiful setting their home.
Fact: In the Kensington area alone, you will find the impressive Science Museum which features technology and science with many interactive exhibit. (I particularly recommend this on a rainy day.) The Natural History Museum is stuffed with animals and is always showcasing special exhibits. One of London's most visited attractions is The Victoria and Albert Museum, tauted as the world's greatest museum of art and design.
As much as I could stay put in the city of London itself, I have planned a day trip to Oxford and Blenheim Palace. Oxford, home to the U.K.'s oldest university, is only 55 miles northwest of London and a quick train ride makes for easy access. Oxford, the "city of dreaming spires" , is a unique national treasure located on the River Thames. Thirty-eight colleges exhibiting the densest concentration of Gothic architecture have existed here for more than 800 years. Oxford's east and west are fringed with gardens and parks.
Oxford is very proud of its covered markets. Wander around the many stalls where delicatessens, handmade fashions and bits and pieces of everything imaginable, all jostle of space.
London can be overwhelming and requires a strategy, but you have to be relaxed about it. In my opinion, one of the best (and effortless) ways to do this it to secure a ticket for the Vintage Red London Bus Tour which I am happy to provide to you before you leave the States. What better way to see the highlights of London? Enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye as you weave your way through the streets of London. At the appropriate time you can hop off the bus to find the perfect spot to observe the world famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. When an area has attractions that interest you, hop off the bus for several hours and get back on again at your leisure. Fact: London is full of world-class museums and galleries that can be explored for free.
The person who is visiting London for the second or third time may wish to skip the bus tour. The next day we opt for an early morning at Portobello Market, one of the most famous street markets in the world that stretches for around two miles. There are over a thousand vendors featured with London pubs and cafes scattered throughout. Portobello Road cuts straight through the heart of Notting Hill, a brisk walk from Kensington through the beautiful Hyde Park.
Do see "Notting Hill" with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The street scenes of London are priceless. You will recognize the blue door, the travel bookshop and many more set locations.
Tip: A favorite among local and tourists alike, dine at the traditional English restaurant "Maggie Jones" in Kensington, a cozy and rustic atmosphere serving dishes such as Sunday roast, kidney pie, and apple crumble.
The day is picture perfect and The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk is the way I want to spend a portion of this day. This seven-mile-long walk winds it way through four beautiful London parks. There are 90 plaques set in the ground which help you to stay on track. The buildings, locations, fountains and memorials along the walk way can all be associated with Diana in some way during her life.
The walkway leads us to the heart of the city and with my map in hand, I locate the Churchill War Rooms not far from Westminster Abbey. A self-guided audio tour takes you through the original Cabinet War Rooms, where Churchill directed Britain's war effort during World War II. This is interesting and education. Not to be missed. A short walk from the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey is a magnificent Gothic building where England's kings and queens have been wed, crowned and buried for centuries. Kate and William were married here in April, 2011. Poet's Corner is where many British literary figures are buried or commemorated. To get a real feel for the church try to attend a service. No cameras!!
When in London you cannot miss high tea in the afternoon, and I have researched the Kensington area for a wonderful experience. The Milestone has an intimate area for tea and reservations are a must. In the evening we see a play in London's West End. I can't think of a more appropriate way to end my adventure in this amazing city.
I have never been on a vacation for ten nights, been in three different hotels, and would highly recommend each of them. As I travel the world I am mining for gold and these treasures that I discover are available to you. Please call me and I will help you plan an unforgettable travel experience.
