European Train Trip

A 44-day adventure by Sue & Paul Read more

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Day 16
Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 9:01 AM
☁️ -1 °C
Altitude: 236 m
Czech Republic New Town 50.077999, 14.43228850°4’41” N 14°25’56” E
On the Move Prague - Vienna
November 30, 2023 in Czech Republic ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C
We are on the move today to Vienna, leaving the Sunset Apartments which were very good.

10.45 on time and very busy. Managed to get table seats opposite one another. Blue skies for yet another travel day.

Smooth journey though the blue skies didn’t last. Got to the apartment about 3.30. Been out for a walk to get our bearings. Think we will need the travel card here.Read more
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Day 16
Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 11:47 AM
⛅ 1 °C
Altitude: 241 m
Czech Republic Moravany 50.001919, 15.94772850°0’7” N 15°56’52” E
Thoughts on Prague
November 30, 2023 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C
We loved Prague. A beautiful, busy, walkable city. Lively bars and food and beers good and reasonably priced.

Would love to return in warmer weather to explore Letna Park and to experience the outdoor partying that was hinted at by the many bars with beer gardens or terraces.Read more
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Day 17
Friday, December 1, 2023 at 9:47 AM
☁️ 1 °C
Altitude: 197 m
Austria Gemeindebezirk Wieden 48.190704, 16.37603848°11’27” N 16°22’34” E
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Vienna Day 1
December 1, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
The ground floor apartment is clean and comfortable but the layout is weird. The shower is opposite the kitchen and separated from the living area by a half wall.

Got a 72 hour ticket for the transport. Used it to go to the FK Austrian Wein ground for tickets to Sunday’s game. My ticket cheaper than Paul’s because they are trying to get more women through the gates. Back in the centre for a coffee and a warm. Sleety rain here today.

Rain not really stopped all day. Whiled away the afternoon over a couple of very slow beers. We watched the brewers at work as they emptied one of the brewing chambers and cleared out the hops.

We also went in St Stephen’s cathedral right in the centre. It was heavily damaged during the war with the roof being completely destroyed. Totally restored by 1952. To be honest a very impressive building but lacking the calm of some other cathedrals I’ve been in.Read more
TravelerIs that €24 or €2400 😮
12/1/23Reply
Traveler€24 Similar price to games in England.
12/1/23Reply
TravelerI was gonna say a bit steep 😂 why don't they use decimal points ? 😃
12/1/23Reply
TravelerThey use commas instead.
12/1/23Reply
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Day 17
Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:14 PM
❄️ 0 °C
Altitude: 189 m
Austria Rathauspark 48.210514, 16.35928748°12’38” N 16°21’33” E
Rathaus Plaza Christmas market
December 1, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C
This evening went on the tram to the Rathaus Plaza Christmas Market. Had a hot chocolate. This was the real deal, from the ice skating rink, and fun fair rides to the lights and enormous Christmas tree. And of course many wooden sheds selling everything Christmas.Read more
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Day 18
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:20 AM
❄️ 0 °C
Altitude: 197 m
Austria Gemeindebezirk Wieden 48.190804, 16.37607848°11’27” N 16°22’34” E
Vienna Day 2
December 2, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C
Calamity, we had run out of tea bags so Paul ventured out to the nearby Spar for tea and pastries.

Snowy here today so a house keeping morning. Washing a few clothes, writing a few Christmas cards and topping up the tea levels.

Ventured out to the nearby Belvedere Palace gardens. Beautiful in the snow but busy. The two houses are art galleries so we never ventured inside due to the cost and the queues. Warming up with a coffee in a little cafe on the church square outside our windows.Read more
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Day 18
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:32 AM
❄️ 1 °C
Altitude: 197 m
Austria Belvedere 48.191567, 16.38221348°11’30” N 16°22’56” E
Belvedere in the Snow
December 2, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C
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Day 18
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1:25 PM
❄️ 0 °C
Altitude: 184 m
Austria Seilerstätte 48.203472, 16.37337148°12’12” N 16°22’24” E
1516 Bar
December 2, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ❄️ 0 °C
Driven inside by the snowstorm. Back to the bar from yesterday. Well worth a return visit.
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Day 18
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:33 PM
🌬 -1 °C
Altitude: 182 m
Austria Universität Wien 48.213417, 16.36178848°12’48” N 16°21’42” E
Weiner Kaiser Orchester
December 2, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌬 -1 °C
An evening of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss delivered by a small orchestra with singers and dancers. The Hall was reminiscent of town halls up and down Britain and nicely done. Music and dancing great but the audience was a trifle annoying. Phones held aloft and videoing for long periods of time.Read more
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Day 19
Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 10:55 AM
☀️ -1 °C
Altitude: 189 m
Austria Spanische Hofreitschule 48.20742, 16.36680448°12’27” N 16°22’0” E
Spanish Riding School
December 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C
Very impressive show. The horses and riders were very well turned out and incredibly well schooled. Most impressive was the finale with 8 horses in the arena together and making intricate crossing movements.

Paul a little uncertain of the schooling ‘above the ground’ where the horses were on two legs and made leaps into the air. Smacked a little of the circus.

Not allowed to take photos but snuck a couple.Read more
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Day 19
Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 12:32 PM
☀️ 0 °C
Altitude: 179 m
Austria Seilerstätte 48.203537, 16.37314648°12’13” N 16°22’23” E
Vienna Day 3
December 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C
Busy day planned today. Spanish horses, Opera house tour and football. Thank goodness for a friendly bar to refuel.

Had another walk round Belvedere Park before setting off for the day. What a difference a day makes when the sun is shining.

Much later; everything worked as planned. Back home after a full day and we’re mostly packed for the travel day tomorrow.Read more
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Day 19
Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:48 PM
☀️ -1 °C
Altitude: 183 m
Austria Bahnhof Wien Oper 48.202587, 16.36905948°12’9” N 16°22’9” E
Vienna State Opera House tour
December 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C
Tour well worth taking. Some areas highly ornate and original from 1869. Others including the auditorium rebuilt following the war but still lovely. The auditorium itself is not large and apart from the stalls is built as a series of balconies. Interestingly there were standing areas costing about €18. There were also some seats costing about the same but with the disadvantage of having no view of the stage.Read more
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Day 19
Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 5:00 PM
🌙 -2 °C
Altitude: 244 m
Austria Laaer Berg 48.162476, 16.3865848°9’45” N 16°23’12” E
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FK Austria Vienna v Lask
December 3, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 -2 °C
Made it to the game. Very cold. No milky coffee so had a tea before the game. It was Earl Grey and black. Not sure how many English grounds would serve it. After an indifferent first half we would have had the double espresso but they ran out of coffee so had gluhwein instead.

Second half slightly better than the first but no goals. Couldn’t understand the shouts around us but sounded like the sort of comments we hear every time at the Baggies.Only 10,600 attendance.

The underground to and from the ground was great. Wish we had something similar at The Hawthorns.Read more
Traveler Not foggy. Away fans set off the odd flare throughout the game.
12/3/23Reply
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Day 20
Monday, December 4, 2023 at 9:22 AM
☁️ -7 °C
Altitude: 199 m
Austria Gemeindebezirk Wieden 48.190918, 16.37562648°11’27” N 16°22’32” E
On the Move Vienna-Salzburg
December 4, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ -7 °C
Trains looking a little chaotic after the snow. Lots of delays so we’re taking a later train in the hope it sorts itself out. Meant we had time for a breakfast in the little cafe just outside our flat. Sat watching a man shovelling snow off his roof.

Massive delays elsewhere and no trains at all to Munich. Our train only a few minutes late and very busy. People standing. Luckily Paul decided to reserve seats. Made getting on the train much less fraught. Vienna station not a bad place to wait; lots of shops.

Got into Salzburg about 3.20 only half hour late. Early enough for a walk out into Salzburg old town. Looks lovely, looking forward to seeing it in daylight.Read more
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Day 21
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:34 AM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 417 m
Austria Kurgarten 47.803642, 13.04283647°48’13” N 13°2’34” E
Salzburg Day 1
December 5, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Only the second hotel of our trip so far. Comfortable room with a view of the mountains. Upside is a great breakfast to set us up for the day. Downside, this is Europe so no tea making facilities.

A walk down into old town through Mirabel Gardens and having a coffee before going up to the fortress. Mirabel Gardens must be stunning in summer. The concierge at the hotel optimistically mentioned it as the place with all the flowers.Read more
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Day 21
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 1:04 PM
☁️ 4 °C
Altitude: 483 m
Austria Fortress Hohensalzburg 47.795933, 13.04615647°47’45” N 13°2’46” E
Hohensalzburg Fortress
December 5, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
Wonderful afternoon wandering around the fortress that dominates Salzburg. Built by Archbishops over several centuries the history of the fortress is explained very clearly through the museum. The funicular to the top was fast and fun and the views stunning. Climbed to the tallest tower and walked inside the walls. Now having a coffee and cake looking out over the town and river.Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 9:25 AM
🌫 1 °C
Altitude: 430 m
Austria Itzling 47.818951, 13.04580847°49’8” N 13°2’45” E
Salzburg Day 2
December 6, 2023 in Austria ⋅ 🌫 1 °C
Slow start today as it’s raining quite hard. Breakfast and listening to a Strike audiobook. Later may venture out to the cathedral. Can’t see the mountains this morning.

Been on a magical mystery tour. Caught the bus going the wrong way and ended up on the edge of town, about 10 minutes, at the footy stadium. Now back in the centre and having a coffee.Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 1:26 PM
Altitude: 437 m
Austria Domgrabungsmuseum 47.797925, 13.04596147°47’53” N 13°2’45” E
1 1
Salzburg Cathedral
December 6, 2023 in Austria
Salzburg Cathedral was much closer to what you expect in a cathedral - a calm and beautiful space. Not much stained glass as it was bombed in the war but painted ceilings and domes instead. Able to visit the crypt where several archbishops are laid to rest.Read more
Traveler Mozart baptised in this font, probably
12/6/23Reply
Traveler An art installation in what were once choir stalls but are now underground.
12/6/23Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 2:16 PM
☁️ 3 °C
Altitude: 420 m
Austria Hangar-7 47.793591, 13.00747247°47’37” N 13°0’27” E
Hanger 7 Red Bull Museum
December 6, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
Just been to Hanger 7 the Redbull official museum. It was a great visit with many cars and aeroplanes that Redbull have sponsored over the past 20 years. We finished off with a lovely cake and coffee in their restaurant which was delicious.Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10:42 PM
☁️ 1 °C
Altitude: 430 m
Austria Itzling 47.818945, 13.04580147°49’8” N 13°2’45” E
Augustiner-Bräu
December 6, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
Chilled last evening in Salzburg at the Augustiner Brewery. Over 400 years old, serving two beers straight from the cask. In a year serves nearly 2 million litres of beer. Beer was excellent.
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Day 23
Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 8:46 AM
⛅ 0 °C
Altitude: 429 m
Austria Itzling 47.818939, 13.04604547°49’8” N 13°2’46” E
On the Move Salzburg to Geneva
December 7, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C
This is the biggie. Five hours to Zurich then another couple to Geneva. German trains on strike but shouldn’t affect us except in trains being busier than normal. Currently due to be about 15 minutes late but that due to continuing problems after the snow. We expect it to get further delayed. Hotel allowed us to make up our flask with tea and will call in on Spar on our way to the station.

So far so good. Beautiful journey through the mountains and only 30 minutes late to Zurich. We’re on a train that left at the right time as our planned train but doesn’t mention Geneva only the airport. Going with it and if necessary will take another train from there back to Geneva. Hurrah it was the right train. 7.20pm and in the room. Long day not aided by having a bit of a cold.Read more
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Day 23
Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 9:59 AM
☀️ 2 °C
Altitude: 421 m
Austria Hangar-7 47.793819, 13.00764247°47’38” N 13°0’28” E
Thoughts on Salzburg
December 7, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C
We really enjoyed Salzburg. We knew there would be beautiful old buildings and tremendous views. What was unexpected was the Red Bull museum and the brewery bier Keller. Didn’t know in advance about the first and was expecting tourist flummery at the second.

The old town is largely traffic free and the Christmas markets traditional.

We would like to return in summer to explore the wider area and to walk the surrounding hills. Also visit other breweries in the surrounding area.Read more
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Day 24
Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:21 AM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 369 m
Switzerland La Rade 46.209312, 6.15146446°12’34” N 6°9’5” E
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Playing on the boats
December 8, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Spent the morning in the boats that criss cross the lake. Saw the Geneva fountain lots of bird life incredibly clean and clear lake. Now in a creperie having lunch.
Traveler La Brise on the waterfront
12/9/23Reply
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Day 24
Friday, December 8, 2023 at 9:05 PM
☁️ 5 °C
Altitude: 369 m
Switzerland La Rade 46.208637, 6.15108946°12’31” N 6°9’4” E
Geneva
December 8, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Only here for one day. A stop over to break the journey. Beautiful blue skies for our journey yesterday but we’ve woken to rain again today. That does seem to be a pattern.

Vision Apartments is a series of hotel rooms but there is a kettle. It’s comfortable and close to the station and river. Walked to the river yesterday evening which was very pleasant.

Nothing planned today so will have a mooch about.

After lunch a wander round the old town then back for a rest.

This evening ventured out again, had chips in the Christmas market and found a quiet bar selling decent beer.Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 9:20 AM
☁️ 4 °C
Altitude: 390 m
Switzerland Genève-Cornavin railway station 46.21117, 6.14229846°12’40” N 6°8’32” E
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On the Move Geneva - Avignon
December 9, 2023 in Switzerland ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
Waiting for the train to Avignon.

Both trains on time, arrived 3.00pm. We were greeted by a Father Christmas motorbike parade. Very loud. Found the flat ok. Got an oven so pizza for tea.
Traveler Sunrise over Geneva
12/9/23Reply
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Day 26
Sunday, December 10, 2023
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 34 m
France Abbaye Sainte-Catherine d'Avignon 43.948605, 4.8100943°56’55” N 4°48’36” E
Avignon Day 1
December 10, 2023 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Awoke to blue skies and milder temperatures. Making the most of it with breakfast on a square surrounded by Christmas stalls and listening to Christmas music.

Found our way to the Popes Palace and Cathedral. They’re open tomorrow so making the most of the sunshine with a beer and listening to a sax player/singer. Plan is to walk along the river while it’s nice.

After the walk went back for the pizza we didn’t get round to eating yesterday.

Out for an evening stroll. Tried a kebab from a kiosk; it was awful so having a sweet crepe in a bar to take the taste away.

https://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/tourism-…Read more
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