Your Grand European Adventure
With custom designed itinerary throughout
and private driver in Scotland and Germany
Happy Graduation
Fellow travellers on part of the trip - Mom and Dad
Day 1 - Getting to Airport
Caronport, ReginaFriday, June 27, 2014
Check-in online at WestJet.com using your confirmation code. We can do this via Skype so we can sit together from Toronto if you like.
You have 2 choices:
1. Get a ride to Regina with a friend this evening and give them the $25 you would spend on the 2nd option
2. Taking Greyhound at 10 pm from home to Regina bus depot, then grabbing a taxi to the airport.
A long wait in the airport as you wait to go through security around 5:30 am for your 6:30 flight to Toronto.
Our flight gets in around 3 pm.
Day 2 - Travel Day
Regina, Toronto, St. John'sSaturday, June 28, 2014
Your WestJet flight number 156 departs 6:25 AM to Toronto at 11:15 AM. Have some lunch. Here you will meet up with Mom and Dad. They are arriving at 4 PM local time on WestJet flight number 632. Onward to Dublin.
Day 3 - Finally Arrived
St. John's, Dublin, Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, CallanderSunday, June 29, 2014
We arrive in Dublin at 7 AM. We have an Irish breakfast at Dublin Airport while waiting for our Aer Lingus flight number 3252 to Edinburgh, Scotland.
We arrive in Edinburgh shortly after 11 AM. We get our rental car and head toward Stirling.
The Bannockburn Live Event finishes today, so will wait on details to see when it closes. May not have enough time after arriving to take part.
We will take a look at Doune Castle where part of a Monty Python movie was filmed.
We stay in The Crags Hotel in Callander at the start do the highlands.
Onward to Drumnadrochit aka Loch Ness. Dinner first, then check in to Coiltie Farmhouse Backpackers Hostel. Just in time to take a stroll and see Urquhart Castle overlooking the Loch at sunset. Spectacular!
Sites Guide to all things Historic
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/sitesguide2013.pdf
Bannockburn 700 year Anniversary.
http://www.bannockburnlive.com/home
Day 4 - Loch Ness
Callander, Loch NessMonday, June 30, 2014
Onward to Drumnadrochit aka Loch Ness. Dinner first, then check in to Coiltie Farmhouse Backpackers Hostel. Just in time to take a stroll and see Urquhart Castle overlooking the Loch at sunset. Spectacular!
We are staying at Loch Ness Backpackers Hostel - an 18th century farm house - a few minutes from Urquhart Castle. It is supposed to be an impressive view at sunset.
Day 5 - Inverness Area
Loch Ness, Inverness, PitlochryTuesday, July 1, 2014
Happy Canada Day!
Today we spend time exploring the Highlands of Scotland. There are plenty small villages to walk through.
Don gets a chance to check out his favorite scotch distillery and have a tasting or two. We end the day at Pitlochry Backpackers Hostel in the Highlands 2-1/2 hrs from Edinburgh.
Macallan Distillery http://www.themacallan.com/visit
Day 6 - Edinburgh
Pitlochry, Edinburgh, LondonWednesday, July 2, 2014
After dropping off the car for 11:30 AM, We spend the day exploring Edinburgh. Several options to choose from here, including: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, or just wandering the streets. After dinner, there is a walking tour we could go on called the Real Mary King’s Close; a warren of underground streets and spaces.
After the tour, we head to the bus station close by and wait for the MegaBus leaving 10:45 PM, both our accommodation and transportation for the night. This bus with sleeper accommodation will take us to London arriving 7 AM.
Real Mary King’s Close Walking Tour, Edinburgh www.realmarykingsclose.com
MegaBus Sleeper to London www.megabusgold.com/
Day 7 - Old London
LondonThursday, July 3, 2014
Our 1st Full day in London gives plenty time to explore. There are several walking tours to choose from that will showcase the older parts of town. Today we check into YHA hostel on Oxford Street. You have a double room to yourself. Perhaps being so close to Oxford Street in the theater district, there might be a play we could attend
YHA London Oxford Street Hostel
http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-YHA-London-Oxford-Street-018007.en.htm
Walking tour from hostel, book for first day in advance
London Hostels
The perfect introduction to London history and the area often referred to as Royal London. In addition to all the famous London attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard, you’ll also discover little-known streets, hear anecdotes and stories, and get a feel for the great sweep of London history from Roman times right up to the present day – a story like no other! The tour takes about two hours.
Guests are picked up at the hostel every morning.
Location:
YHA London Central
YHA London Oxford Street
YHA London St Pancras
Date: Daily throughout the year
Time: AM - enquire at hostel for more information
Booking details: To book this event, advise reception upon check-in or telephone 0845 371 9154
Walking Tours http://www.walks.com
Independent Walk of Old Area
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/old-areas-of-london.cfm
Interactive map of London
http://www.visitlondon.com/discover-london/london-areas?map=55734
An ebook with London Walks - Victoria Station to the Tower of London
By Doug Rosenberg $2
http://books.google.ca/books?id=grkQGOhJWrcC&pg=PT35&lpg=PT35&dq=victoria+street+station+to+tower+of+london&source=bl&ots=RYZuCjNUKl&sig=5dzdyex_juEvf5GQtVIBxzOz0F0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dVrcUuawNojvoASa6YDoCw&ved=0CFIQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=victoria%20street%20station%20to%20tower%20of%20london&f=false
Day 8 - Shakespeare in London
LondonFriday, July 4, 2014
Our 2nd day in London. You could do your Muggles tour today. Another day to explore.
Muggles tour http://www.muggletours.co.uk/
Walking tour of old London
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/old-areas-of-london.cfm
There is also an outdoor theatre with the only Shakespeare play in town. The Twelfth Night Re-Imagined is a fun way to enjoy a London afternoon.
http://www.london-theatreland.co.uk/theatres/open-air-theatre-regents-park/twelfth-night-re-imagined.php
Day 9 - London/Paris
London, ParisSaturday, July 5, 2014
We have a leisurely morning (or you can do a morning walking tour) getting ready to take the Eurostar train to Paris at 3:30 PM, arriving at Paris Gare Du Nord at 6:47 PM.
Upon arrival we take the subway to our Paris accommodations, a cozy studio 100 m from the Louvre. Just enough time to take a walk around.
studio apartment
http://www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/276170?from_date=2014-07-05&guests=3&to_date=2014-07-08
Day 10 - Paris Museum Day
ParisSunday, July 6, 2014
Today is Free Museum Admission day in Paris. Head to the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Musée du Rodin if you can squeeze them all in. Museum hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
Note that only the Louvre is open on Monday so start with the other two.
In the evening enjoy a stroll and picnic beside the Seine.
Day 11 - A Walk in Paris
ParisMonday, July 7, 2014
Free day to stroll and feel the magic of Paris.
Rodin and Orsay museums closed today.
Day 12 - Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany
Paris, Munich, SchwangauTuesday, July 8, 2014
Early check out and subway to Charles de Gaulle airport, to catch our Air France flight number 1722 to Munich Germany at 10:15 AM.
We arrive at Munich at 11:45 AM, pick up our rental car and proceed to Neuschwanstein Castle.
We stay at Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein, a two-minute walk from the castle. You can’t get any closer and you get your own room, but everyone shares the bathroom.
There is a ½ hr hike called Mount Calvary from Fussen, going by 17 small chapels leading to an incredible view overlooking the mountains and two castles.
An evening walk will give us an incredible view of the castle all lit up.
Mount Calvary Hike, Fussen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXfrs7cHOps
Day 13 - Lake Constance
Schwangau, Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn)Wednesday, July 9, 2014
We visit the castle first thing before it gets too busy. Leaving the castle we head west along Lake Constance toward our farm stay in the Black Forest.
As we have two nights here, we can really get into the lifestyle of the locals.
http://www.joklisbauer.de/ You will want to use Chrome or a browser that translates.
This is a blog about a stay at this gasthaus
http://paulstravelpics.blogspot.ca/2013/12/2-nights-in-dairy-farm-in-black-forest.html
Day 14 - Exploring the Black Forest
Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn), Wolfach, Schiltach, Furtwangen, Triberg, Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn)Thursday, July 10, 2014
This is a time for absorbing the local culture of off-the-beaten-track villages in the Black Forest.
Circle tour we can try:
Wolfach
Schiltach
Furtwangen
Triberg
A great blog post of visits here:
http://paulstravelpics.blogspot.ca/2013/12/black-forests-romantic-small-towns.html
Day 15 - Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Gutach (Schwarzwaldbahn), Rothenburg ob der TauberFriday, July 11, 2014
Today we head to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. We stay at Gastehaus Edith right in Old Town. We should have plenty time to explore and walk the wall around old town.
In the evening, the nightwatchmen's walking tour is not to be missed.
Day 16 - German Castles
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, SelbitzSaturday, July 12, 2014
Heading toward Dresden, we travel eastern Bavaria to Selbitz. We stay at Gasthof Goldene Krone. This area has numerous castles to see, if even in the distance as we travel through forests.
Day 17 - Dresden evening
Selbitz, DresdenSunday, July 13, 2014
Along the way, perhaps check out
Meissen: Some 25km (16 miles) north of Dresden, this is a romantic little town built along the banks of the River Elbe. It's celebrated for its porcelain, which carries a trademark of two crossed blue swords and is valued by collectors the world over. Even without its porcelain factory, the town merits a visit for its quiet charm, its old buildings, and its 15th-century castle.
The Zwinger Palace
Staying in a triple room at Cityherberge Hostel
http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/cityherberge.en-gb.html?aid=339530;label=952_country-deals_btn-3_v2-7AMBFgQB-QMC9AMA;sid=159c6962a40a380e724d2010399008bd;dcid=2;label=postbooking_confpage
 | The Zwinger Palace [Map] |
Day 18 - Train to Prague
Dresden, PragueMonday, July 14, 2014
Return the rental car in Dresden and catch a train to Prague. Check in to Old Prague Aparthotel. This 2 bdr apartment is within 5 min. of Old Town.
Train schedule/booking site. Need to translate this page.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query2.exe/dn?ld=9642&country=DEU&rt=1&OK#focus
Day 19 - Prague
PragueTuesday, July 15, 2014
Sightseeing in Prague. Most everything within walking distance except Prague Castle is a bit far. We can see if there are any concerts to attend in the evening. There is a pizza/Italian restaurant - Grosseto Marina - with an excellent night view of the illuminated castle across the river.
Prague sightseeing
www.uncorneredmarket.com/2011/05/prague-tourist-traps-sites-restaurants
Day 20 - Prague
PragueWednesday, July 16, 2014
Sightseeing in Prague
Day 21 - Prague/Vienna
Prague, ViennaThursday, July 17, 2014
Bus to Vienna leaves at 10:30 AM. Online train reservations can be made 2 mths in advance and are same price as bus if bought in advance. Arrive Vienna 3:30 PM. Subway to accommodations – Happy Hostel with a dorm bed in 4-bed dorm. We hope to see a symphony while here.
Happy Hostel www.happyhostel.at
Train website https://www.cd.cz/eshop/
Day 22 - Vienna
ViennaFriday, July 18, 2014
Sightseeing in Vienna. There are several free food and music offerings in front of city hall all summer. Using the subway system, we hope to see the Kutschkermarkt – a whole pedestrian only street with an open air market.
Info on sightseeing. http://www.city-walks.info/Vienna/Map.html
Day 23 - Vienna
ViennaSaturday, July 19, 2014
More sightseeing in Vienna. In the evening we head to the train station to catch the overnight train to Venice. We have a 3-bed sleeper compartment booked.
Overnight Train https://www.oebb.at/en/Services/Trains_and_equipment/Equipment/Overnight_trains/index.jsp
Day 24 - Venice
VeniceSunday, July 20, 2014
We arrive in Venice at 8 AM and make our way to our hotel by waterbus in front of the train station.
We stay at the Hotel Bartolomeo in a triple room.
http://www.hotelbartolomeo.com/english/eng_intro.htm
Day 25 - Venice/Florence
Venice, FlorenceMonday, July 21, 2014
We catch the train from Venice to Florence late afternoon, arriving in Florence for a late dinner before getting to our hostel. We are staying at Dany House.
Dany House – hostelbookers.com/property/prp/31890/
Day 26 - Florence
FlorenceTuesday, July 22, 2014
A visit to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo) 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. A steep climb up numerous steps will take you up to the bell tower.
The Piazza della Signoria is adjacent to the Uffizi Gallery and is a great place to enjoy some outdoor sculptures.
The most famous of the piazza's sculptures is a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original is in the Accademia), which stands watch outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Other must-see sculptures on the square include Baccio Bandinelli's Heracles and Cacus, two statues by Giambologna - the equestrian statue of Grand Duke Cosimo I and Rape of a Sabine – and Cellini's Perseus and Medusa. At the center of the piazza is the Neptune Fountain designed by Ammanati.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in the world for Italian art and, in particular, art of the Renaissance.
Tuesdays 8:15 am until 6:50 pm. Reserve a ticket in advance to avoid long lines.
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum, located by the Duomo, focuses on his life and history and includes reproductions of his two most famous paintings; The Mona Lisa, Annunciation, and The Last Supper.
http://www.mostredileonardo.com open 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Day 27 - Florence/Rome
Florence, RomeWednesday, July 23, 2014
Morning train to Rome where we are able to walk directly to the plush Windrose Hotel. It is in walking distance to Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. You share this room with us for one night.
Windrose Hotel http://hotelwindroserome.com/
Day 28 - Rome
RomeThursday, July 24, 2014
Shauna and Don leave for Greece early morning, leaving you to sightsee on your own for the day.
Enjoy the hotel room for your final night in Italy.
Day 29 - Travel to Istanbul
Rome, IstanbulFriday, July 25, 2014
You check out of the hotel by 7:30 AM and take the shuttle to Rome airport. Your flight on Turkish Airlines #1862 leaves Rome at 10:55 am. You arrive in Istanbul at 2:30 PM. You will have made arrangements to meet with your friend.
Day 30 - Istanbul
IstanbulSaturday, July 26, 2014
Day 31 - Istanbul
IstanbulSunday, July 27, 2014
Day 32 - Istanbul
IstanbulMonday, July 28, 2014
Day 33 - Travel to Dublin
Istanbul, DublinTuesday, July 29, 2014
Your British Airways flight # 675 leaves Istanbul at 8:50 AM. You should be at the airport for 6:30 AM. This means a very early checkout and taxi/shuttle. You have a 3 hour layover in London airport, with a connecting British Airways flight #830 leaving at 2 PM. You arrive in Dublin at 3:20 PM.
Day 34 - Dublin
DublinWednesday, July 30, 2014
Day 35 - Dublin
DublinThursday, July 31, 2014
Day 36 - Dublin
DublinFriday, August 1, 2014
Day 37 - Dublin
DublinSaturday, August 2, 2014
Day 38 - Travel Home
Dublin, St. John's, Toronto, Regina, CaronportSunday, August 3, 2014
Leaving Dublin on WestJet flight # 17 at 8:20 AM. You should be at the airport for 6 AM. You have 2 stops along the way to Regina. Arrive at St. John’s at 10 AM, leaving at 11:30 AM on flight #17.
Arrive at Toronto 1:20 PM leaving at 6:50 PM local time on flight #369 to Regina, arriving at 8:08 PM.
You will either have a ride arranged from the airport or taxi to Greyhound and catch the 9:40 PM bus to Caronport.
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jig.
Sent from my iPad by My Vacation HD app (www.myvacationapp.com)
Oh I can't wait to read all about this fabulous trip. GO Cory GO!
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