Europe

There’s nowhere quite like Europe for history, culture and romance combined with countless opportunities to be inspired by attractions both manmade and natural. From spectacular coastlines and castles to impressive markets and mountains, Europe is a destination that never disappoints. Let’s explore one of the world’s great continents…

Make your way around Ireland

Is there a more enchanting destination than Ireland? In the cosmopolitan capital, Dublin, members can join a walking tour of the city’s historic centre and go deep below ground to the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral to discover a wealth of Irish history and treasure – not to mention some weird and wonderful artefacts. Elsewhere, don’t miss Dublin’s colourful shopping thoroughfare, Grafton Street, the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green, or Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe.

Take your group on a scenic journey through rolling green hills and dramatic coastal landscapes. Kiss the Blarney Stone at the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle near Cork. See the spot where St. Patrick preached at the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Warm up with a tasting tour at the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Travel via the breathtaking Caha Pass to Killarney, then step back in time with a traditional Irish jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park. Pop into colourful towns on the popular Ring of Kerry drive. Leaving the rugged south coast behind, make your way to the iconic Cliffs of Moher – where you can stand on top of 200-metre high cliffs or admire the imposing coastline from a ferry as it sails for the ethereal Aran Islands. On the smallest island, Inisheer, members can tour the stone wall labyrinth or change the pace with a sweater knitting workshop.

Unlock the joys of lively Lisbon

In Portugal’s sun-drenched capital, Lisbon, history and tradition meet all the excitement of a global city. Located on the banks of the Tejo estuary, the Belém district is one of the most charming districts of Lisbon and a photographers’ paradise. The Belém Tower has been guarding Lisbon since the 16th century. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it also offers visitors some of the best views of Belém and across the Tagus River.

The breathtaking World Heritage listed Jerónimos Monastery, built in the late Gothic style, houses the tombs of several important figures in Portuguese history. From its dramatic exterior to its elaborate carvings and stonework,

1. Croatia’s magnificent Korčula island is a highlight of the Adriatic coast

2. No trip to Lisbon is complete without sampling the iconic Portuguese tart, pastel de nata

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the monastery is well worth a visit. Further up the river, the Monument to the Discoveries celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Just a short walk from the monastery and the Belém Tower, it offers a fascinating insight into the history of Portugal.

Lisbon is a haven for food lovers too. The LX Factory, in the neighbourhood Alcântara, is filled with street art, trendy boutiques, and great cafes. And don’t leave Lisbon without sampling some of its specialties, like the bacalhau (salted cod) or a pastel de nata, the iconic Portuguese tart. End the trip with an evening at a local pub or cafe to experience expressive and melancholic fado, Portugal’s unique style of song.

Cruise the Adriatic Coast

For centuries the Adriatic Coast has inspired lovers of the sea and those drawn to its fascinating contrast of dramatic landscapes, medieval monuments and Mediterranean charm. Experience the best of the Balkans on a cruise along the alluring coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Walk the city walls of Dubrovnik – the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ – admiring its miraculously restored old town from above. Hop across a few of Croatia’s 1,000-plus islands – including the dense green forests and red tile roofs of Korčula.

In Montenegro, bask in the beauty of sapphire waters gently rolling onto perfect white sand beaches. Discover the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, enclosed by rugged cliffs and quaint towns including the well-preserved medieval town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Slightly inland at the border of Montenegro and Albania you’ll find the largest lake in Southern Europe, Lake Skadar, home to diverse wildlife and a medieval monastery situated on a small island. Stop at Butrint, Albania, an ancient Greek and later Roman city known for its archaeological remains including an ancient theatre and Venetian castle. Finally, visit Sami on the largest of the Ionian Islands, Cephalonia, where the 2001 movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed.

3. The Rock of Cashel perches majestically on a rocky outcrop in Ireland’s County Tipperary

4. Lisbon’s LX Factory complex houses loads of cafes, boutique stores and creative spaces, such as the photo-friendly Ler Davagar bookstore

5. Sami is famous as the setting for Hollywood film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

See Christmas markets in imperial cities

Dreaming of a magical Christmas or simply compelled to explore Central Europe in winter? The sublime Christmas markets in the imperial cities of Vienna, Prague and Budapest are beckoning your Club.

Few Christmas markets enjoy a grander or more romantic setting than those in the Austrian capital of Vienna. The biggest and most famous is located in front of Rathaus, Vienna City Hall, and the adjacent park. Your members will enjoy the stunning Christmas tree, sparkling lights and stalls offering food and unique gifts.

AT A GLANCE

Ireland

→ Christ Church

Cathedral, Dublin → Grafton Street, Dublin → St. Stephen’s Green,

Dublin → Phoenix Park, Dublin → Blarney Castle → Rock of Cashel → Old Midleton

Distillery → Caha Pass → Killarney National

Park → Ring of Kerry drive → Cliffs of Moher → Aran Islands

Lisbon, Portugal

→ Belém district → Belém Tower → Jerónimos Monastery → The Monument to the

Discoveries → LX Factory

Adriatic Coast

→ Dubrovnik City Walls → Korcula island,

Croatia → Kotor, Montenegro → Lake Skadar,

Montenegro → Butrint, Albania → Sami, Cephalonia,

Greece

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Budapest’s Christmas markets are considered among the most beautiful on the continent. From the main Christmas fair in Vörösmarty Square to the famous Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica, visitors are spoiled for choice as they walk the streets discovering Hungarian specialties and seeing the work of local craftspeople in wooden stalls along the way.

The main Christmas markets of Prague are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in the heart of the city, where the intoxicating smells of roasted chestnuts, glazed apples, gingerbread and mulled wine fill the air. Christmas carols ring out and the mighty decorated Christmas tree stands tall and proud for locals and tourists alike. It is a spectacular sight set against the dark Gothic skyline.

Enjoy these Christmas Markets mixed with fine classical music on Great Trains of Europe’s Christmas Markets & Classical Music Tour, a 21-day tour starting on 30 November 2022 and 2023 (greattrainsofeurope.com.au).

Be surprised by Switzerland

Switzerland is home to precision watches, fine cheeses and excellent chocolate, but so much more awaits your members on a trip to this surprising Central European country. The capital, Bern, is said to be one of the most laid-back cities in the world. Built on a crook in the Aare River, the UNESCO Listed medieval old town offers an enchanting welcome. Take a guided walking tour around the city and enjoy the local specialty, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (thinly sliced, pan-fried veal topped with a creamy white wine sauce).

Many other Swiss wonders await beyond Bern. Even for those not planning to ski or hike, the alps boast numerous

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1. Get in the festive spirit at Prague’s Old Town Christmas markets

2.Switzerland’s capital, Bern, is an underrated European city that’s full of surprises

3.The famous P main entrance to the world’s most-visited Museum: The Louvre in Paris

4.The RHS Chelsea Flower Show was first held in 1913 and in 2023 will enter its 111th year

5.Glide down the Seine on a scenic Parisien river cruise picture-perfect lakes, and the cities and towns of Switzerland are steeped in history and tradition.

The exquisite Chateau de Chillon, presiding over Lake Geneva, is a must. Beginning life as a Roman outpost, today the castle is Switzerland’s most visited historic site. Enjoy the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucerne, or visit a cheese factory in, you guessed it, Gruyère! Saint Gallen, in north-eastern Switzerland, is home to the World Heritage Listed Abbey of St. Gall, a medieval monastery and adjoining library, considered one of the oldest and most beautiful surviving libraries in Europe.

Want to see a bit more of Europe before you begin to explore Switzerland? Sail along the Rhine River – starting in Amsterdam, passing through Germany and France, and then disembarking in Basel, Switzerland – with Avalon Waterways’ incredible Romantic Rhine cruise. For the ultimate experience, stay in the Panorama Suite. It’s 30% larger than the industry standard with an open-air balcony and bed facing towards the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows – so you can wake up each morning facing the magnificent scenery (avalonwaterways.com.au)!

Check out the Chelsea Flower Show

Club members don’t need a green thumb to enjoy the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, just an appreciation of all things horticultural. This is a garden show like no other, held for five days each May in the beautiful

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grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London, and attended by members of the British Royal Family along with over 150,000 visitors each year.

World-renowned garden designers, florists and specialist nurseries come together to dazzle and impress with unique, colourful displays. Learn about rare flowers and plants, see creative floral artworks and spot emerging garden trends. Even fashion brands launch their latest lines here! Your members will marvel at gardens of every size and type, from show gardens and foraging gardens to balcony gardens and sanctuary gardens. Explore wellness gardens, sculptural gardens, sustainable gardens and so much more. And after all that walking, take refreshment with lunch in the Picnic Pavilion or a meal and a glass of champagne in one of the fine restaurants on site. Each year the event takes on a much-anticipated special theme; visit the RHS website for information on tickets and programming (rhs.org.uk/showsevents/rhs-chelsea-flower-show).

Fall in love with Paris

Cities don’t come much more iconic than Paris. Here is just a taste of its countless highlights, should your Club members be lucky enough to explore the city of love.

Begin your visit in the medieval courtyards and pretty streets of Marais, then make your way to the Centre Pompidou where the extensive modern art collection is rivalled only by the building – a work of art in itself.

AT A GLANCE

European Christmas Markets

→ Rathaus, Vienna → Vörösmarty Square,

Budapest → Advent Feast of St

Stephen’s Basilica → Old Town Square,

Prague → Wenceslas Square,

Prague

Great Trains of Europe

0488 423 848 greattrainsofeurope. com.au

Switzerland

→ Bern → Chateau de Chillon → Lake Geneva → Swiss National

Museum, Zurich → Lake Lucerne → Gruyère cheese factories → Abbey of St. Gall

Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine tour

1300 230 234 avalonwaterways.com.au

Chelsea Flower Show, UK

rhs.org.uk/shows-events/ rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Paris, France

→ Marais → Centre Pompidou → Tuileries Garden → Seine boat ride → The Louvre → Eiffel Tower → Arc de Triomphe → Avenue des

Champs-Elysees → Montmartre → Basilica Sacré-Coeur

Stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, or relax on a boat ride down the Seine. Join the queue to the Louvre and glimpse that famous Mona Lisa smile, and of course take a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. From the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Paris, and afterwards you can explore the designer stores, street cafes and historic buildings of Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

From the cobblestones of Montmartre, climb the steps of the Basilica Sacré-Coeur to marvel at its incredible architectural detail and artwork, and take in more panoramic views of the city. And of course, you must eat like a local in a city renowned for its gastronomic delights. Bon voyage!

Admire the architectural wonders of Spain

If your Club is passionate about architecture, don’t hesitate to travel to Spain. La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, an architectural wonder from renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is notable for its 140 years of continual construction. This Roman Catholic church defies belief, combining elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late Gothic design, inspired by the shapes and forms of nature.

Designed by American-Canadian architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is as famous for its ground-breaking 20th-century architecture as its content. Its shimmering titanium construction and flowing ship shapes, towers and flying fins have a mesmerising impact.

1. Marvellous Alhambra Palace was the royal residence and court of Granada in the 13th century

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a delightful fairytale-like town on Germany’s “Romantic Road“

3. Seville is the heartland of Flamenco, Spain’s most well-known style of dance

4. Located in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is truly one of the most breathtaking castles in the world

5. Jazz lovers enjoy the sights and sounds of Denmark’s Vinterjazz Festival

The Alhambra Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of the Muslim World and one of the best-preserved Islamic palaces of the Moorish monarchs of Granada. Its rich decorative elements, combined with stunning gardens and fountains, draw visitors from all over the globe. In addition, the complex contains significant examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

In every Spanish town you’ll find a plaza, but few are as extraordinary as the 50,000 square-metre Plaza de España in Seville. Built in 1928, it’s a landmark example of regionalism architecture, mixing elements of Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles. The result is one of the most imposing plazas in Spain with breathtaking multicoloured tiled alcoves.

Take the Romantic Road through Germany

Southern Germany’s Romantic Road begins in the historic city of Würzburg and winds its way to Fussen, traversing over 450km of picturesque scenery, castles, palaces and medieval towns. Based loosely on the old trade route, the journey retains much of its medieval character. See the historic cities of Augsburg or Würzburg with its World Heritage listed Baroque palace, or explore the three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen. At the end of the road in Fussen, the highlight is Neuschwanstein Castle, which truly could be taken from the pages of a fairytale!

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There are several airports that give your members good entry and exit points to the Romantic Road, particularly Munich and Frankfurt, and various organised tours are available. But part of the charm for many is stopping here and there, so those with time may wish to make their way slowly, discovering the delights of this wonderful region as they go. One word of warning: this unique experience is incredibly popular among travellers, so no matter the time of year, you’d be wise to book accommodation well in advance.

Join a 15-day Magnificent Europe Luxury River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest (or reverse) with APT and you’ll partake in a rich itinerary that includes German Romantic Road destinations such as Wurzburg and Rothenburg, as well as the best of the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary (aptouring.com.au).

Feel the music at Vinterjazz Festival

Any jazz fans in the Club? Taking place throughout the whole of Denmark for three weeks each February, Vinterjazz features famous international jazz musicians as well as the best of Danish jazz artists. This festival has something for every jazz lover, with more than 600 concerts across 150 venues, from small wine bars and beautiful churches to big concert halls and a number of outdoor events.

Hop your way around the country from the historic jazz capital of Copenhagen to Aalborg, Aarhus, Odense and Esbjerg. The printed program is available at all the venues, and at selected cafes and libraries all over the country. Alternatively, members can download the app to access the festival program and information about all the performances.

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The unique concept of a diverse, nationwide jazz festival truly puts live music on the map here. And even if you’re not a jazz lover, there are plenty of variations on the theme to enjoy, with all genres of jazz-inspired music including blues, bossa nova, funk and soul being played at live venues throughout the festival. One of the coolest events in Europe truly heats up the Danish winter. ■

AT A GLANCE

Spanish Architecture → La Sagrada Familia,

Barcelona → Guggenheim

Museum, Bilbao → Alhambra Palace,

Granada → Plaza de España,

Seville

Romantic Road, Germany

→ Würzburg → Augsburg → Rothenburg ob der Tauber → Dinkelsbühl → Nördlingen → Neuschwanstein

Castle, Fussen

APT 15-day Magnificent Europe Luxury River Cruise

1300 214 938 aptouring.com.au

Vinterjazz Festival, Denmark

jazz.dk/en/copenhagenjazz-festival-2022/