Thursday, October 12, 2006
Latest Plan by chiochiochio
PROPOSED ITENIERY
GERMANY
Berlin 13, 14, 15
Of strategic importance since it first straddled the Spree River in the 13th century, Berlin went on to hog centre stage in the turbulent twentieth. Today the city, restored as the nation's capital, is the focus of a mammoth project of reunification and the barometer of Germany's moods.
This is the heart of Germany, with a stoic beat that echoes through grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs. The Wall is gone but Berlin is still divided: there's a distinct segue from the glitz of the west to shabby East Berlin.
Weather
Rain is possible in any month, so come prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. Avoid major holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year and special events such as Loveparade - unless, of course, that's what brings you here in the first place.
Cologne 16, 17
Cologne (Köln) does spoil its visitors: it heaps on the magnificent architecture, splendid museums, superb theatre and concerts, excellent dance clubs, and enormous department stores, and then, if that wasn't enough, it heaps some great food and beer on top. Visit the Rhine River too.
SWITZERLAND
Interlaken 18, 19
Flanked by the Thun and Brienz lakes and within yodelling distance of the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger, Interlaken is a popular base for exploring the region. Kitsch shoulders into the town itself, with horse-drawn carriages and shops crammed with Swiss-style tourist tack.
ITALY
Venice 20, 21
Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, city of canals and palaces...or tawdry sewer alive with crowds and charlatans? Venice's nature is dual: water and land, long history and doubtful future, airy delicacy and dim melancholy. When this precious place sinks, the world will be the poorer.
For a thousand years the city was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence have long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place, so achingly beautiful it's hard not to look for the back of the set.
Weather
Flooding occurs in November and December, and winter can be unpleasantly cold - although seeing Venice under snow can be the stuff of fairy tales.
Pisa 22, 23
Strangely lonely planet does not have a description about Pisa. But after travelling all the way here why don’t go and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and Michelangelo’s David?
Rome 24, 25, 26
It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.
Make like the locals and souse your senses in the glut of pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelati on a hot day.
Weather
Winters are usually mild with few tourists and some fun events around Christmas time.
FRANCE
Chamonix 27
Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply crevassed glaciers and the cloud-diademed peak of Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc's summit, has postcard-perfect views.
No accommodation here. Probably come down early morning, do what we want, then leave for Paris by sunset.
Paris 28, 29, 30
Paris stimulates the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelt. From romance along the Seine to landscapes on bus-sized canvases to the pick-an-ism types in cafes monologuing on the use of garlic or the finer points of Jerry Lewis, Paris is the essence of all things French.
Gaze rapturously at its breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, great works of art and magic lights. Savour its gourmet selection of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Feel the wind in your face as you rollerblade through Bastille, or a frisson of fear and pleasure atop the Eiffel Tower.
Weather
In winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on. Things can get a bit hectic around Bastille Day and towards the end of the year so reservations at this time are a good idea.
BRITAIN
London 31, 1, 2
Blah blah blah we all know about London. Yes, countdown there.
TRAVEL
Fly from London to Germany
http://www.ryanair.com
Flight FR8542
Wednesday, 13th December 2006
0625 Depart London Stansted (STN)
0910 Arrive Berlin Schonefeld (SXF)
£0.01!!! (not incl. airport tax of about £10)
This is the reason why we should BOOK EARLY!!!
Train across Europe
http://www.eurail.com/
Eurail Selectpass Youth
Youth Passes are valid in 2nd class only and exclusively for those who are still under 26 on the first day of validity of their Pass. Travelers under 26 years of age may, of course, also buy a 1st-class Pass
Choose either of 3, 4 or 5 countries out of 22 European countries
2nd class travel for 5, 6, 8 or 10 days within 2 months
If you purchase a 5-country pass, it is also possible to choose 15 travel days
Countries must be adjoining by rail or ship
For 4 countries (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France) and 11 days (17th Dec when we leave Cologne to 26th Dec when we arrive in Chamonix): US$404.
I think it’s because the railways change the timetables in December or wad but I can’t seem to book tickets after 9th December 2006.
Train from Paris to London
http://www.eurostar.com
http://www.tgv.co.uk
£149
This is the stupid one. There don’t seem to be any flights from Paris to London. And both Eurostar and TGV offer the same price. Anytime also this price, before or after the new year.
ACCOMODATION
Prices in Euros and are Per-Bed-Per-Night
13th – 14th December
Heart of Gold Hostel Berlin
Johannisstr. 11, Berlin, 10117, Germany
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=3535&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 13.00
15th – 16th December
Meininger City Hostel and Hotel Cologne
Engelbertstrasse 33-35, Cologne, Germany, 50674, Germany
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=9778&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 17.00
17th – 18th December
Balmer's Herberge
Hauptstrasse 23, Interlaken, 3800, Switzerland
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=7811&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 18.53
19th – 20th December
Hotel Venice Villa Dori
Via Colombara 213 marghera, Ca' Sabbioni, Venice, Italy, It - 4500, Italy http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=4652&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 18.00
We have to book the whole room of 4, 5 or 7 beds. Not in central Venice but “15 mins away by shuttle service from the city of Venice”.
21st – 22nd December
Hotel Moderno
Via F. Corridoni 103, Pisa, 56125, Italy
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=7620&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 19.00 (4 bed) EUR 24.00 (triple)
We have to book the whole room of 3 or 4 beds. No more beds on 23rd Dec so I guess should be quite hot.
23rd – 26th December
Hostel Two Ducks
via Calatafimi No:41, Rome, 00185, Italy
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=6597&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 16.50
27th -29th December
Village Hostel
20 rue d'Orsel, Paris, 75018, France
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=1725&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 23.00
Alternatively we all can squeeze in Chye’s place. Haha.
30th December onwards
Squeeze with people studying in London!
ESTIMATED COST
S$2015
Excluding food and miscellaneous (shopping, public transport…)
END
GERMANY
Berlin 13, 14, 15
Of strategic importance since it first straddled the Spree River in the 13th century, Berlin went on to hog centre stage in the turbulent twentieth. Today the city, restored as the nation's capital, is the focus of a mammoth project of reunification and the barometer of Germany's moods.
This is the heart of Germany, with a stoic beat that echoes through grand public buildings, glorious museums and theatres, urbane restaurants, bustling pubs and raucous nightclubs. The Wall is gone but Berlin is still divided: there's a distinct segue from the glitz of the west to shabby East Berlin.
Weather
Rain is possible in any month, so come prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy and the mercury often drops below freezing. On the plus side, there are fewer visitors and shorter queues. Avoid major holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year and special events such as Loveparade - unless, of course, that's what brings you here in the first place.
Cologne 16, 17
Cologne (Köln) does spoil its visitors: it heaps on the magnificent architecture, splendid museums, superb theatre and concerts, excellent dance clubs, and enormous department stores, and then, if that wasn't enough, it heaps some great food and beer on top. Visit the Rhine River too.
SWITZERLAND
Interlaken 18, 19
Flanked by the Thun and Brienz lakes and within yodelling distance of the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger, Interlaken is a popular base for exploring the region. Kitsch shoulders into the town itself, with horse-drawn carriages and shops crammed with Swiss-style tourist tack.
ITALY
Venice 20, 21
Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, city of canals and palaces...or tawdry sewer alive with crowds and charlatans? Venice's nature is dual: water and land, long history and doubtful future, airy delicacy and dim melancholy. When this precious place sinks, the world will be the poorer.
For a thousand years the city was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence have long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place, so achingly beautiful it's hard not to look for the back of the set.
Weather
Flooding occurs in November and December, and winter can be unpleasantly cold - although seeing Venice under snow can be the stuff of fairy tales.
Pisa 22, 23
Strangely lonely planet does not have a description about Pisa. But after travelling all the way here why don’t go and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and Michelangelo’s David?
Rome 24, 25, 26
It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.
Make like the locals and souse your senses in the glut of pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelati on a hot day.
Weather
Winters are usually mild with few tourists and some fun events around Christmas time.
FRANCE
Chamonix 27
Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. Reminiscent of the Himalayas, the area is dominated by deeply crevassed glaciers and the cloud-diademed peak of Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi, a solitary spire of rock near Mont Blanc's summit, has postcard-perfect views.
No accommodation here. Probably come down early morning, do what we want, then leave for Paris by sunset.
Paris 28, 29, 30
Paris stimulates the senses, demanding to be seen, heard, touched, tasted and smelt. From romance along the Seine to landscapes on bus-sized canvases to the pick-an-ism types in cafes monologuing on the use of garlic or the finer points of Jerry Lewis, Paris is the essence of all things French.
Gaze rapturously at its breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, great works of art and magic lights. Savour its gourmet selection of cheese, chocolate, wine and seafood. Feel the wind in your face as you rollerblade through Bastille, or a frisson of fear and pleasure atop the Eiffel Tower.
Weather
In winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on. Things can get a bit hectic around Bastille Day and towards the end of the year so reservations at this time are a good idea.
BRITAIN
London 31, 1, 2
Blah blah blah we all know about London. Yes, countdown there.
TRAVEL
Fly from London to Germany
http://www.ryanair.com
Flight FR8542
Wednesday, 13th December 2006
0625 Depart London Stansted (STN)
0910 Arrive Berlin Schonefeld (SXF)
£0.01!!! (not incl. airport tax of about £10)
This is the reason why we should BOOK EARLY!!!
Train across Europe
http://www.eurail.com/
Eurail Selectpass Youth
Youth Passes are valid in 2nd class only and exclusively for those who are still under 26 on the first day of validity of their Pass. Travelers under 26 years of age may, of course, also buy a 1st-class Pass
Choose either of 3, 4 or 5 countries out of 22 European countries
2nd class travel for 5, 6, 8 or 10 days within 2 months
If you purchase a 5-country pass, it is also possible to choose 15 travel days
Countries must be adjoining by rail or ship
For 4 countries (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France) and 11 days (17th Dec when we leave Cologne to 26th Dec when we arrive in Chamonix): US$404.
I think it’s because the railways change the timetables in December or wad but I can’t seem to book tickets after 9th December 2006.
Train from Paris to London
http://www.eurostar.com
http://www.tgv.co.uk
£149
This is the stupid one. There don’t seem to be any flights from Paris to London. And both Eurostar and TGV offer the same price. Anytime also this price, before or after the new year.
ACCOMODATION
Prices in Euros and are Per-Bed-Per-Night
13th – 14th December
Heart of Gold Hostel Berlin
Johannisstr. 11, Berlin, 10117, Germany
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=3535&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 13.00
15th – 16th December
Meininger City Hostel and Hotel Cologne
Engelbertstrasse 33-35, Cologne, Germany, 50674, Germany
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=9778&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 17.00
17th – 18th December
Balmer's Herberge
Hauptstrasse 23, Interlaken, 3800, Switzerland
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=7811&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 18.53
19th – 20th December
Hotel Venice Villa Dori
Via Colombara 213 marghera, Ca' Sabbioni, Venice, Italy, It - 4500, Italy http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=4652&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 18.00
We have to book the whole room of 4, 5 or 7 beds. Not in central Venice but “15 mins away by shuttle service from the city of Venice”.
21st – 22nd December
Hotel Moderno
Via F. Corridoni 103, Pisa, 56125, Italy
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=7620&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 19.00 (4 bed) EUR 24.00 (triple)
We have to book the whole room of 3 or 4 beds. No more beds on 23rd Dec so I guess should be quite hot.
23rd – 26th December
Hostel Two Ducks
via Calatafimi No:41, Rome, 00185, Italy
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=6597&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 16.50
27th -29th December
Village Hostel
20 rue d'Orsel, Paris, 75018, France
http://www.hostelbookers.com/booking/index.cfm?hostel=1725&fuseaction=hosteldetails
EUR 23.00
Alternatively we all can squeeze in Chye’s place. Haha.
30th December onwards
Squeeze with people studying in London!
ESTIMATED COST
S$2015
Excluding food and miscellaneous (shopping, public transport…)
END
# posted by ruoling : 10:49 PM
