Saturday, July 22, 2023

Europe Tour 25062023 to 08072023 - published

 

Europe Tour 25062023 to 08072023

  • England
  • London (1N)
  • France
  • Paris (3N)
  • Belgium
  • Brussels
  • Netherlands
  • Amsterdam (1N)
  • Germany
  • Cologne (1N)
  • Titisee
  • Switzerland
  • Schaffhausen
  • Zurich
  • Lucerne (1N)
  • Engelberg
  • Lucerne (1N)
  • Liechtenstein
  • Vaduz
  • Austria
  • Wattens
  • Innsbruck (1N)
  • Italy
  • Venice
  • Padola
  • Padova
  • Pisa
  • Florence
  • Rome (1N)
  • Rome
  • Vatican
  • Vatican City











Day 1st : 

We reported at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai as per the scheduled flight departure time and proceed to London – the capital city of England and United Kingdom situated on the banks of river Thames. It is also world’s most visited, powerful, favourite global city. Upon arrival, will get the guide for airport formalities and proceed to the city. On 1st day at Landon, we enjoyed panoramic views of the city through London Eye – Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.








Day 2ns, London – Paris :

On 2nd day at London, we visited Tower of London Museum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Powerful  symbols of the Monarchy. Here we see St Edward's Crown, The Imperial State Crown, and Koh-I-Noor Diamond- which adorns the front of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Crown.   The British Royal family has been in possession of the Kohinoor since 1849 CE, ever since a 10-year-old boy King, Maharaja Duleep Singh was forced to sign the Treaty of Lahore in 1849.

Later we see Tower Bridge – Victorian Gothic style two tower suspension bridge on river Thames, Piccadilly Circus – a busy square in the heart of London also known as Times Square of London, Westminster Abbey – a place of worship, celebration, ceremony and a coronation Church since 1066, Big Ben – Iconic clock tower famous for its accuracy and the massive bell, River Thames – 346 kms longest river in  England, Trafalgar Square – most attractive public square in the city of Westminster.   Tower Bridge is probably the most iconic bridge in London, famous worldwide for its striking design and neo-Gothic architecture. It's not the oldest bridge in the Capital, but it is a modern-day symbol of it.

Further we pass by Buckingham  Palace – royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom, Hyde Park – a huge Royal Park stretching from Kensington palace to Buckingham Palace famous for its speaker corner for free speech and demonstration.   Occupied Royal Palaces, such as Buckingham Palace, are not the private property of The Queen. They are occupied by the Sovereign and held in trust by Crown Estates for future generations. The Queen privately owns two properties, Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House, which are not publicly funded.

Followed by this, to photograph with the world’s famous personalities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. In the evening we board the Eurostar Train from London and travel to Paris – City.

St.Paul's Cathedral

                                        Landon Eye - Jubilee Garden

                                    Landon Lampton


london bridge
Tower of Landon


                                                            Vax musium




Vax Museum




                                            Buckinham palace


                                              Buckinham palace


3rd Day 3 - Paris:

On 3rd day, we enjoyed the amazing view of Paris city from the Top level of the Eiffel Tower. Later we seen Champs Elysees – the most famous avenue in the world. Champs-Elysées means ‘Elysian Fields’ which indicates that someone thought this street was heaven on earth, Place de la Concorde - one of the major public squares in Paris. It was the site of many notable public executions during the French Revolution, L’Arc De Triomphe - one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victory at Austerlitz. In the evening, we enjoy the Seine river cruise.


                                                            Seine river cruise







                                                    Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.


                                         Eiffel Tower





4th Day - Paris – Versailles – Paris :

On 4th day, we visited the Versailles palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose origins date back to the seventeenth century, was successively a hunting lodge, a seat of power and from the nineteenth century, a museum. Here we see the State apartments and the magnificent Hall of Mirrors. Later we passed by Louvre Museum.


                                                            versailles palace
















    
                                                                Statue de marselle


                                                            Hotel Moxy





5th Day - Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam

On 5th day, we proceeded to Brussels – capital city of Belgium. Upon arrival, we explore Brussels city, we have seen Grand Place – the central square, Town Hall, Guild Houses – Gothic building from the middle ages, Monument of Everard Serclaes – the hero who liberated the city during 14th century war and Belgium’s favourite Manneken Pis Statue – a small bronze statue of a little peeing boy. Later we take a photo stop at Atomium – a structure constructed for the first post-war universal world exhibition (EXPO 58) to represent the faith in nuclear power. In the afternoon we proceeded to Amsterdam – the capital city of Netherlands with more number of canals than roads, also known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses.

                                                            photo stop at Atomium -  Brussels




6th Day - Amsterdam /Rotterdam – Cologne :

Today we visited miniature park of Holland – Madurodam and enjoy interactive miniature models and replicas of famous Dutch buildings, landmarks, historical sites, canal houses, Rotterdam port, Schiphol airport, Tulip fields, windmills, etc.  Or Keukenhof tulip gardens – the most beautiful spring garden in the world. This garden of Europe has a theme for 2020 as ‘World of Colours’. Enjoy photography at various flower shows, statues, pavilions, beautiful ponds and fields (From 23rd March 2023 – 14th May 2023). Later we pass by Holland’s famous Windmills, followed by Canal cruise tour through Amsterdam waterways, which provides stunning views of century’s old architecture, charming houses and beautiful monuments. In the afternoon we proceed to Cologne- a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany. Upon arrival we take a photo stop at Cologne Cathedral- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture.

miniature park of holland – madurodam netherlands










                                                                Rhine River in western Germany






7th Day - Cologne – Titisee – Rhine Falls – Zurich – Lucerne 

On 7th day, we drived through the Black forest region- a mountainous region in Germany, known for its dense evergreen  forests and picturesque villages. Here we visit Cuckoo clock factory at Titisee. After a scenic journey through black forest region we visit yet another natural beauty at Schaffhausen (Neuhausen), Rhine Falls - the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Here we enjoyed Boat ride for a spectacular view of the falls. In the evening we proceed to Lucerne – a beautiful city in the heartland of Switzerland. En-route we pass by Zurich Lake- the focal point of Zurich and a favourite shore for tourists and locals. The entire lake side is lined with promenades and parks, where local residents catch the sun, jog, picnic, and swim in the lake.









8th Day - Lucerne – Mt Titlis – Lucerne

On 8th day, we proceeded to Engel berg- the largest winter and summer holiday destination. From here we do half day excursion to Mt Titlis – Central Switzerland’s highest peak. We take ‘Titlis Rotair’- the first cable car with revolving gondolas in the world to the summit Station, enjoying panoramic views of the Swiss Alps along the way. Upon arrival at the summit, we visited Ice Grotto, enjoy thrilling Ice Flyer ride and Snow sliding. In the afternoon we proceed to Lucerne. Upon arrival we explore Lucerne city, we see Lion Monument - a giant dying lion carved out of a wall of sandstone rock, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, Kappelbrucke Wooden Bridge - world's oldest covered wooden bridge spanning the River Reuss. In the evening we enjoy Lake Lucerne Cruise with Swiss Folklore music.

Flyer ride

Mt Titlis

Kappelbrucke Wooden Bridge

 Lake Lucerne Cruise























9th Day - Lucerne – Vaduz – Wattens – Innsbruck

On 9th day, we proceeded to Vaduz – the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein which is Europe’s fourth-smallest country. Upon arrival at Vaduz we enjoy a City Tram ride which takes us through historical part of old city. In the afternoon we visit Swarovski crystal world and Museum at Wattens. Further we proceed to Innsbruck – Europe's most picture-perfect Old Towns, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival we also explored Innsbruck city, we walk through the bridge over Inns River, Golden roof- Innsbruck's most famous landmark shines in the heart of the historic old town. The splendid alcove balcony with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof, Maria Theresien Strasse- named after Empress Maria Theresia, which dates back to the first city expansion in the 13th century. Today it is one of the busiest streets in the city.



Swarovski Crystal Museum

10th Day - Innsbruck – Venice – Padova

On 10 day of the tour, we proceeded to Venice- built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads but just canals. Upon arrival we enjoy Vaporetto water bus ride to Venice Island and the Gondola ride in the famous canals of Venice. Later we walk through Venice city, we seen the Bridge of Sighs – an enclosed limestone bridge in baroque style which passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace, Doge’s Palace - a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and was the residence of the Doge of Venice, Bell Tower – also known as St Mark's Campanile, is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica which is 98.6 metres (323 ft) tall, St. Mark's Square - principal public square of Venice and St Mark's Basilica – also known as The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture. In the evening we proceed to Padova.



11th Day - Padova – Pisa – Florence – Rome

On 11th day, we proceeded to Pisa - a city in Italy's Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower. Upon arrival we explore Pisa city, we see Square of Miracles – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an important centre of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world which is dominated by four great religious edifices: the Pisa Baptistry, Pisa Cathedral, the Leaning tower of Pisa, and the Monumental Cemetery. Baptistery – a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building in Pisa, Pisa Cathedral - a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is a notable example of Romanesque architecture and Leaning tower of Pisa – a freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. After city tour we enjoy some shopping at Pisa. In the afternoon we proceeded to Florence – the birthplace of the Renaissance. Upon arrival we took a photo stop at Piazzale Michelangelo Point – also known as Square of Michelangelo which offers a beautiful panoramic view of Florence and the Statue of David - Michelangelo’s famed Renaissance-era marble sculpture depicting the Biblical hero David. In the evening we proceed to Rome – capital of Italy, is one of the oldest cities in the world.


 

12th Day - Rome – Vatican – Rome

On 12th day of the tour,  we do a half day excursion to Vatican City – world’s smallest country where the Pope lives and is often called Holy See. Upon arrival we visit St. Peter's Basilica - an Italian Renaissance church and an important pilgrimage site. It is the largest church in the world. Further we drive through the amazing historical sights of Rome, we have seen Tiber River – third longest river in Italy, Roman Forum - a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city of Rome, Circus Maximus - an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue, Piazza Venezia - the central hub of Rome, Colosseum - Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Trevi Fountain - the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.


Sunday, June 4, 2023

Tour to Sikkim, Gangtok and Darjeeling- published

 

Tour to Sikkim, Gangtok and Darjeeling

Tour was of 6 nights and 7 days.



Gangtok is famous for :

1. Nathula Pass · 2. MG Marg · 3. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple · 4. Hanuman Tok · 5. Ranka Monastery · 6. Himalayan Zoological Park · 7. Banjhakri Water Falls.





For more than three centuries, Sikkim was a separate Buddhist state under the Namgyal dynasty. In the 19th century, it became a protectorate of British India, and after 1947, it became a protectorate of India. In 1975, it formally joined India after a referendum, becoming the 22nd state to join the Indian Union. The Namgyal dynasty was in power when the Kingdom of Sikkim was founded in the seventeenth century.

Once a tiny village, Gangtok is today the capital of Sikkim. As the capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim in the 19th century, it rose to prominence. The Namgyal dynasty, which came to power in the area in 1716, is entwined with the history of the city. The important location of Gangtok on the trade route between Tibet and British India, particularly after the British vanquished the Tibetans, further contributed to the city's growth. Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital when India gained its independence. 

The history of Darjeeling is entwined with that of Nepal, Sikkim, and the British East India Company. Before being purchased by the British in 1835, it was briefly ruled by Nepal after having been a part of Sikkim. Darjeeling's geography and culture were greatly influenced by the British, who turned it into a sanatorium and a tea-growing region. The Lepcha people lived in Darjeeling while it was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim.

1) Bagdogra Gangtok (2N)  Tsomgo Lake  Gangtok (1N)  Namchi  Darjeeling

We arrive at Bagdogra Airport as per their Scheduled flight. Proceed from the airport to Gangtok in Car arranged by the tourist.  It took Six hours to reach Hotel at Bagdogra.

On 2nd day, we had a plan to explore the Gangtok city.  we visited Ranka Monastery, Banjhakri waterfall, we enjoy a Rope Way Ride which gives us a splendid view of Gangtok city, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Dordul Chorten Stupa. Later we visited the Flower exhibition centre, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok and Tashi View Point to capture amazing views of Himalayan ranges. 

On 3rd day, Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Gangtok :

We visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir – a holy shrine honouring Indian army soldier, folk hero and saint Baba Harbhajan Singh. Later we visit Tsomgo Lake – a high altitude scenic lake considered to be sacred by the Sikkimese. In the evening, we have some free time to explore the nightlife and casinos of Gangtok on our own. Note: Foreigners and NRI's are restricted to visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir as per Government regulations.

On 4th Day, Gangtok – Namchi – Darjeeling .

We proceed to Namchi to visit the Chardham Temple – also known as Siddheshwar Dham where we can witness one of the tallest statue of Lord Shiva and Samdruptse Monastery to view the statue of Guru Padmasambhava with a height of 135ft.

On 5th Day 5 Darjeeling, we proceeded to the Tista River for the enjoyment white water rafting. 

Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river that originates from the eastern Himalayas near Chunthang, Sikkim and flows to a whopping distance of 315 km. Teesta river is one of the most famous river rafting spots adorned with blossom green surroundings.    Activity Duration: 1-2 hours and Rafting Distance: 5 km & 7 km.  The long stretch of Teesta River is excellent for rafting for beginners as well as seasoned rafters. The river has more whirling waters that offers a challenge.  It is very challenging and breath taking experiences we had while rafting.




On 6th Day  - Darjeeling
We visited Tiger Hill to enjoy amesmerising sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Ranges. Followed by a visit to Batasia Loop, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Zoological Park and Tenzing Rock. Later we visit the Tea Estate where we get to click photos in the tea garden as well as taste local Darjeeling Tea. In the evening, we enjoy
some free time for shopping.






Darjeeling is famous throughout the world for the tea it grows and the great view of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains that it offers. It is also known for its richness in cultural & natural heritage and the famous toy train that has been declared a UN heritage.  






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