THE GLOBUS GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE THROUGH API TRAVEL

For years I believed bus tours of Europe to be only for the over 60's or under 20's neither of which applied to us.

We were a group of 5, in our late 40's, early 50's and one 70 year old and expected a degree of comfort without being completely "sanitized" yet still enjoy the spontaneity of the adventure. A big ask!

With this in mind we undertook a 16 day bus tour of Europe.

We were due to meet our fellow travellers at 6pm at the Villa Pamphilli in Rome. A beautiful resort from which to begin. As we arrived several hours early we took the opportunity to sip white wine under huge shady trees while watching some serious tennis take place. Could all our accommodation be this good.

Our first evening's meal was an Italian restaurant where we got to know each other a little better.

An early start for day 2. Off to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel where we met Marco (Our Guide) Marco was a delight and a true Italian treasure. What a knowledge - we all felt humble but came away better informed. We also saw St. Peters Square, the Basilica, and the Colosseum. A great Start to our tour.

The bus trip itself was comfortable and above all fun. The age mix was interesting and unexpected. We had a great couple from U.S.A (we nicknamed him the Senator) another American mother and her 3 teenagers, a restaurateur, a couple of grannies (great fun and good value) and several Aussies - just to name a few. Overall an interesting mix providing lots of laughs as the trip progressed.

Our guide was unbelievable. What he didn't know - didn't matter. Apart from the expected he gave us a political overview as influenced by inter country marraiges/murders and intrigue. Pity history wasn't this interesting in school.

On to Florence via Tuscany - beautiful countryside. Did all the "touristy" things, saw David and the Gates of Paradise. Walking the city streets of Florence felt like stepping back in time. One thing we did appreciate was the time-out along the way to absorb the atmosphere. This was the ideal place to do just that. Our accommodation in France was actually in the beautiful town of Montecatini. With the twilight until 10.30 we were able to stroll through this city of hot baths and enjoy the carnival atmosphere it provided at a leisurely pace.

From Florence to Venice, via the Apennine Hills and the northern end of the Adriatic
Sea. Venice was all and more than we expected. St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace and the amazing Bridge of Sighs. Shudder, shudder.

Day 7 and we were off to Vienna, our personal favourite. The giant Ferris Wheel, the State Opera House, the Hofburg Palace and of course Anker Clock. The bonus for me was an evening at the Orangerie. Once built expressly to grow orange trees indoors and since converted to an entertainment centre to cater for comedy and light opera.

On through Innsbruck to see Maximilian's Golden Roof, a stroll through the quaint township before buying some crystal earrings - about my only indulgance for the whole trip. On to Liechtenstein and into Lucern. Lucern is a great mixture of culture, scenery and style. We saw the Lion monument, carved out of solid rock and the covered wooden bridge. We were fortunate to have extra time in Lucern for there was so much to see and do. We went to the top of the mountain by cable car down by the cog railway and finishing off with a cruise on the lake. A full and entertaining day before crashing into welcoming beds. Our accommodation in Lucern was right on the lake and a short stroll to the city centre. Fantastic.

Day 11 and back on the bus for a trip through the Black Forest stopping to wonder at the huge range of cuckoo clocks on show. More food and more fun before continuing on to Heidelberg and a trip on the Rhine. The castles and history are awesome. I must say at this point the weather was excellent. Out only rain to date was in the Vatican City; every other day was mild to warm.

On to Amsterdam to see the Rijkmuseum. If that doesn't leave you in absolute awe - nothing will I could gladly have spent the whole day there and have promised myself to return one day. So special. The afternoon was spent seeing the sights of the city via canals in a glass roofed launch. Amsterdam to me = bikes, bikes and more bikes. Of course the city is famous for its nightlife and has to be seen but not my cup of tea.

A relaxed afternoon in Brussells, home of the famous Mannekin Pis and Grand Palace.

Finally Paris. What can you say about Paris? My only advice is don't waste time sleeping whilst in Paris. There is so much to see in Paris. The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, the Champ-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, but there's also Mon Matre (an absolute must in the morning) and of course Versailles. Then at night there is the follies - what  a night, we laughed so hard we cried.

On our last day we rode through the French countryside to the coast where we boarded the ferry to England and finally parted company with our new friends.