Howdy all

Stuck with the conundrum of how to collate all the trials and tribulations of my planned European trip, I finally took the plunge and created a blog. Hopefully my forray into the world of blogging turns out to be as jolly a jaunt as the planned trip.

So here we go…

The boys are let loose on the world and escape New Zealand, leaving behind good ol moms cooking and daring to survive on strange and exotic delicacies.

First stop – Amazing Beijing, also known as Peking, and home to the 2008 Olympics. The weather should be a nice toasty 20ish degrees max, so my plan to escape the worst of N.Zs winter has worked. We’re here a couple of days, with one of our little excursions off to the timeless Great Wall of China. Tick another great wonder of the world crossed off my bucket list!

Ridiculous amounts of flying... Click for closer view

After surviving the most populous country in the world, we’re next off to our first of many European countries….

Germany. Famous hunting grounds of Kathrin, Sebastian and Jochen… We tour around Munich (31 August -2nd September) and Frankfurt (3rd September) and hopefully spot the terrible threesome in our travels.

Then its off to the UK, where who knows we might catch up with those Antipodean group consisting of the Carnie and her troupe. A few days here before off to our main tour – 13 countries in 28 days!!!

Day 1 – 2 London to Paris, France
Across the English Channel en-route to Paris. Tonight a “city lights” tour. Next day perhaps a bicycle tour then our Gourmet Paris Picnic beside the Eiffel Tower.

Day 3 – 4 Paris to Swiss Alps, Switzerland
To Lauterbrunnen, a tiny village set amidst the Swiss Alps. An optional adventure to the summit of the Jungfrau gives amazing views.

Day 5 Swiss Alps to Avignon, France
Through the wine region of the Rhone Valley to the walled city of Avignon.

Day 6 – 7 Avignon to Barcelona, Spain
To cosmopolitan Barcelona where our central accommodation is in the heart of the city. A city tour then free time to explore the next day.

Day 8 – 9 Barcelona to French Riviera, France
Onwards, to the home of the rich and famous. Time for some celebrity spotting, or a swim in the Mediterranean and a visit to a Monte Carlo casino.

Day 10 – 11 French Riviera to Florence, Italy
A short drive to the Leaning Tower of Pisa then to Florence with its Tuscan cuisine. Known as an outdoor museum, we take a guided tour with a local guide to see its treasures.

Day 12 – 13 Florence to Rome, Italy/Vatican City
First stop is the interesting hilltop city Orvieto. Rome awaits with a walking tour on arrival. The free time to explore all the sights and sounds of Rome the next day!

Day 14 – 15 Rome to Venice
A visit to the Vatican this morning and the chance to see the amazing Sistine Chapel and then it’s on to Venice. A walking tour takes in the major sights and a vaporetto and optional gondola ride are a great way to see Venice from the water.

Day 16 – 18 Venice to Pag Island
First stop is Slovenia, where we visit the famous Postojna Caves. Then to the island of Pag for 2 great days of relaxation, swimming, food and night life. Take an optional excursion to Zadar.

Day 19 Pag Island to Ljubljana, Slovenia
An eclectic mix of ancient and new makes Ljubljana one of our most popular stops.

Day 20 – 21 Ljublijana to Tyrol, Austria
Lake Bled is a spectacular en route to the Tyrol region. Activities abound – try tandem skydiving, paragliding, or mountain bike riding.

Day 22 – 23 Tyrol to Prague, Czech Republic
Time to reflect on a visit to the Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen. Then to Prague where we take a walking tour to get acquained with the sights. The next day is free.

Day 24 – 25 Prague to Berlin, Germany
Our first stop is in Dresden before Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany. The nightlife in this city is legendary.

Day 26 – 27 Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands
On to Amsterdam, famous for its canals, bicycles and liberal lifestyle. In the morning, a bicycle tour is a great introduction to Amsterdam which is followed by a walking tour. Tonight a farewell dinner followed by an optional canal cruise.

Day 28 Amsterdam to London
Belgium is great for beer and chocolate which can be sampled in Brugge on the way back to London.

After surviving Europe, its off to welcoming and glorious Singapore for night safaris and trips down the river in junks. Few days of that, and then its back off home to good old New Zealand and SLEEP.

Phew… So thats the run down. Hopefully I get to see a lot of old friends along the way, and get back in one piece (more or less). Theres no doubt however that it will be a trip of a life time, and ill be posting regular updates as, and when they happen.