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Grand Tour of Europe - 2023
  • Stephen and Debbie
  • Stephen and Debbie

Grand Tour of Europe - 2023

Finally! Our Grand Tour of Europe is here. 90 days travelling through the United Kingdom, France, (with a brief visit to Belgium) and then on to Italy, before finishing with a few days in Dubai. En savoir plus
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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Screenshot from Sally of us on the crossing.Abbey Road studios - where the Beatles recorded all their music.Abbey Road is a popular spot.

    Abbey Road (London)

    14 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today we went to Abbey Road in St. Johns Wood and to the most famous zebra crossing in the world.

    Along with all the other Beatles fans there, we walked the crossing and took our photos on it and outside the Abbey Road studios.

    There is a live webcam there streaming to the web and Sally and Mum and Dad were able to watch us live. Sally took screenshots and videos of us there.

    It was lucky we went when we did as it was packed later on when we walked past again, as one of our photos will show. We were there at 9:00am.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    W.G Grace GatesThe Media CentreThe Long RoomVisitors Honour Boards in visitors dressing rooms.The AshesKeith Miller's hatThe Ashes 2023 are nearly here.

    Lords Cricket Ground (London)

    14 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    From Abbey Road, we walked down the road and around the corner to Lords, the home of cricket. A guided tour from an MCC member was informative and funny, even better when he told those on their phones to put them away and listen to him!!

    We went in the Long Room, both dressing rooms and to the media centre, as well as the Museum. This is a visit that's on the bucket list for cricket lovers and we are lucky we were able to do it.

    After our tour, we had lunch at the Lords Tavern.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Churchill's bedroom

    Churchill War Rooms & Westminster

    14 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    After our lunch at the Lords Tavern, we hopped on the Tube at St. John's Wood and headed into Westminster for a visit to the Churchill War Rooms and Churchill Museum at the Imperial War Museum.

    We had time to spare, so walked to Buckingham Palace and then down The Mall to the museum. Last time we were there a lot of it was barricaded due to the Coronation, so this was a good chance to see it clearly, albeit with huge crowds.

    The Churchill War Rooms are an underground bunker where Churchill and his War Cabinet directed the war operations in WWII. They have been left almost as they were at the time. It was interesting and gave a good insight into how the war was run and won. I think England was lucky they had Winston Churchill.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    The Royal Mile

    Windsor Castle

    15 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Today started with a bus trip to Windsor to see Windsor Castle. Simply stunning and indescribable. We went into Georges Chapel and saw the graves of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, her parents, King George and Queen Elizabeth, also Henry VIII and many more. Then we visited the Royal Staterooms and Throne Room - it is simply impossible to put into words the historical beauty of these rooms - their decor, art and treasures. It's quite incredible to be there and see it.

    You can't take photos inside the Chapel and Staterooms, but Google can and there a few here which give a bit of an idea.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Elizabeth IEdward the ConfessorThe Coronation ChairMemorial to Winston Churchill

    Westminster Abbey

    15 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    After returning to London, we went to Westminster Abbey, along with it seems every other tourist in London. This was also a special place - the burial place of kings and queens and other notables - the names you learnt about at school. The coronation chair used last week was also on display. As with Windsor Castle, it is almost impossible to describe the grandeur of this place. It was a special place to visit.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    The White Cliffs and port of DoverDover CastleThe English Channel with France in the distance

    The White Cliffs of Dover

    16 mai 2023, Angleterre

    Today we joined a bus trip down to Kent and our first stop was the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The weather was sensational, most unlike Emgland and the White Cliffs were spectacular. You could clearly see across the English Channel to France. Beneath us was the port of Dover and in the distance Dover Castle, which dates from the 11th century, although an Iron Age and Roman fort were on the site prior to the Norman's constructing this Castle.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur

    Deal

    16 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    After leaving Dover, we headed through the stunning Kent countryside - picture rolling green farmlands, isolated farmhouses and story book villages - and you have Kent, described by Henry VIII as "the garden of England."

    We stopped for lunch at the seaside town of Deal. It is off the tourist track, so it is quite authentic. It is where Julius Caesar unsuccessfully attempted an invasion in 55BC, before returning and succeeding in 43BC.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    This artwork on the ceiling dates from the 5th century.Grave of King Henry IV (d. 1413)Canterbury shopsStrawberries from the garden of England

    Canterbury

    16 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    After Deal, our next stop was Canterbury and its cathedral. A monastery has been on the site since the 6th century and the cathedral since the 11th century. It was another amazing building that pretty much has been at the centre of the history of religion in England and of the Church of England.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    The Oxford students are not allowed to have cars, so they all have bikes.

    Oxford

    17 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Our Insight tour began in London with 27 of us in the group, mainly Aussies, so a nice number.

    We headed out of London and through Buckinghamshire to Oxford and saw all the university colleges, which were very impressive. Oxford means a place where you can ford your oxen across the River Thames.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Another view of his birthplace.
    Shakespeare's birthplace - home of his parents.aour hotel in Stratford - the Swan's Nest. There are heaps of swans on the River Avon.The Blue Boar

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    17 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    After a drive through the Cotswolds our next stop was the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon, where we visited the home where he was born. It was interesting for the historical significance, but it would be more so if you were in to Shakespeare! The medieval town, the canal and the Avon River however, were well worth the visit.

    We spent the night at Stratford and had a group dinner at a country pub, the Blue Boar, about 5 miles from Stratford at Temple Grafton, on a country lane with great food and beer.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Clifford's Tower - built by William the Conqueror in the 12th century.York Minster from the Roman walls2A squirrel in the trees near the Roman walls.The River OuseThe ShamblesThe ShamblesThe Golden FleeceYe Olde Starr Inne

    York

    18 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Yorkshire, here we come! Today we drove through the Midlands and into Yorkshire and the historic city of York.

    York has been here since before being invaded by the Romans and then by the Vikings, so has a rich history.

    We looked for the Grand Old Duke of York and his 10000 men, but they were nowhere to be found. But we did find York Minster, the Roman city walls, historic buildings and some ancient medieval pubs.

    The Shambles, which is a 14th century market, was fun to visit and we walked around the Roman city walls and along the River Ouse.

    We also checked out some very old 16th century pubs - the Golden Fleece and the Ye Olde Starre Inne, which has been continuously licensed since 1644.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    1A Herdwick sheep and her lambs.

    Grasmere

    19 mai 2023, Angleterre ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    This morning we drove through the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines and then through Cumbria and the amazing Lakes District with miles and miles of dry stone walls dividing the fields of farms with their stone farm houses.

    Our first stop was Grasmere, home of William Wordsworth (who is buried there), Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit and Herdwick sheep. Grasmere was a special place and it and its surrounding scenery was visually stunning.

    It was then into Scotland as we made our way to Edinburgh. The drive there was amazing also - lush green farmlands, rolling green hills and sheep everywhere. It is a greener green than you could ever imagine. No wonder the sheep, which are everywhere, look so healthy.

    These photos are all of Grasmere.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Grassmarket Square
    1Edinburgh Castle

    Edinburgh

    19 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We arrived in Edinburgh for a two night stay. We had dinner at Brodie Deacon's pub, which had been recommended by Sally and it was a good recommendation.

    We then joined a walking tour, 'Secrets of Untold Edinburgh', which was around parts of the Royal Mile and some hidden alleyways. It was enjoyable and had a lot of great stories.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    Edinburgh Castle from Princes Park
    Edinburgh CastleEdinburgh is in the background.The Royal Mile2Holyrood CastleHolyrood CastleThe walls at the back of Holyrood CastlePrinces ParkEdinburgh Castle is in the background

    Edinburgh

    20 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Edinburgh is a place we really liked. It has so much history and interesting streets.

    Our day started with a coach tour of the city with a Scottish guide and then we were off to Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, having been there since the 12th century.

    We were the first group let in and so had front row spots for a 21 gun salute from the castles cannons given to a visiting dignitary, which was lucky and quite special. The army band played 'Scotland the Brave', which added to the occasion.

    We then explored on our own and saw the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as The Honours. King Charles will be crowned with these in another ceremony in August.

    After a couple of hours in the Castle we walked down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Castle, the official residence of the King in Scotland, where we timed it right for another ceremony for the same bloke we saw at the castle.

    We had a look around Princes Park and some local markets to finish the afternoon.

    Dinner was of course, at another pub. There are plenty to choose from.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    St. Andrews Beach - where the Chariots of Fire Beach scene was filmed.

    St. Andrews

    21 mai 2023, Écosse

    After leaving Edinburgh, we crossed the Firth of Forth and headed for the Scottish highlands to Inverness for the night.

    But our first stop was at the home of golf, St. Andrews. The weather. was very Scottish - drizzly and cool. Being a Sunday, the Old Course at St. Andrews was closed for play, but open to walk around, so our timing was perfect. We walked up the 18th fairway to the 700 year old Swilcan Bridge, adding yet another name to the lists of golfing greats who have had their photo taken on it.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    The entry to Blair CastleJust what every house needs - its own polar bear and knight.Highland cows at Blair Castle.

    Blair Castle

    21 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We left St. Andrews and headed into the highlands and to the town of Blair Atholl and Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl, with the current Duke being the 12th Duke of Atholl. The estate is 120,000 acres.

    The Castle is full of hundreds of years of the family history and is quite spectacular. The grounds are superb as well.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur

    Culloden

    21 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    After leaving Blair Castle, we had a stunning drive through the highlands towards Culloden, site of the final battle in the Jacobite Rising against the English in 1746. It was over in less than an hour and around 1600 men were killed. 1500 of them were Jacobites, mainly Scottish highlanders and clansmen.

    The battlefield is quite a moving place. Stone memorials mark the burial sites of the members of the clans.

     From Culloden, itwas a short drive to Inverness, the northern most city in Scotland and the gateway to the highlands.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    A 'hairy coo' (as they say in Scotland) at Loch Ness.

    Loch Ness

    22 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Today it was our turn to search for Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. Loch Ness is the largest lake by water volume in Great Britain. Plenty of places for her to hide.

    We did a cruise starting in the Caledonian Canal and continuing into Loch Ness. It was cold and windy, a balmy 10 degrees, which is apparently their hottest day so far this year.

    We didn't see the monster, which I reckon is conclusive proof it doesn't exist. They don't offer a return cruise if you don't see it, which is also a telling sign. But Loch Ness itself is pretty, as is the canal and locks.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    A blackbird

    Helmsdale

    22 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Further up the coast on the North Sea is the small fishing village of Helmsdale, where we stopped for lunch and had possibly some of the freshest and best fish (haddock) and chips we have ever had.

    Helmsdale is on the River Helmsdale and was a very pretty spot that is well and truly off the tourist trail. The hills surrounding it are covered in the yellow flowers of the gorse bush. We also saw some interesting wildlife.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    The River Wick
    The River Wick1

    Wick

    22 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ 🌬 10 °C

    From Helmsdale, it was even further north to the old Viking seaport of Wick. Here we are even further north in terms of latitude than Alaska, so we are a long way from home. Tomorrow, when we go to the Orkneys, we are even further north.

    It is now 10:00pm here and the sun is yet to go down. It's another hour to go yet. In winter, the sun rises here at 9:00am and sets at 3:00pm.

    In Wick, we went on a tour of the Old Pulteney Whiskey Distillery and had a tasting. Seeing the whiskey made was interesting and the tasting was good as well, but we are not converts.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    John O'Groats from the ferry.
    John O'Groats and our ferry.OrkneyItalian ChapelKirkwallOld Bishops Palace, KirkwallRings of BrodgarAberdeen Black Angus at Skara BraeSkara BraeSkara BraeSkail House at Skara BraeA view of Scapa Flow.Churchill's barriers and one of the wrecks.At John O'Groats

    Orkney

    23 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today was a day we were looking forward to and the Orkneys at the very top of Scotland didn't disappoint.

    We started at John O'Groats, the northernmost inhabited part of the U.K to catch the 45 minute ferry crossing to the Orkneys. So now we have been to Lands End in the south and John O'Groats in the north.

    Orkney history stretches back to the stone age and the Vikings.

    After arriving and joining our bus tour for the day, we went to a vantage point to see Scapa Flow, the second largest natural harbour in the world. The British navy fleet was based here in WW1 and WW2.

    The Royal Oak, flagship of the British navy was sunk in Scapa Flow by a German U-boat in 1939 with 800+ lives lost.

    The British had sunk old ships to block the many entrances to the harbour, but the U-Boat still found its way in, so Churchill ordered the construction of barriers to protect the fleet and these are now used as bridges to join the islands. You can still see the remains of some of the sunk ships.

    At the end of WW2, the German navy scuppered 75 of their ships in Scapa Flow so they wouldn't fall into the hands of the British. Some of these are now used as dive sites.

    We visited the town of Burray and then went to the Italian Chapel, completed in 1944 by Italian prisoners of war to give themselves a place of worship.

    Kirkwall, the main town on the islands was our lunch stop.

    It was then off to the ancient Rings of Brodgar. These are from the stone age and are over 5000 years old - older than the pyramids and Stonehenge.

    Skara Brae, beside the Bay of Skail and the Atlantic Ocean, is also 5000 years old and is a stone age settlement with houses, rooms and furniture that was only discovered in 1850 when strong winds blew away the sand covering it. Amazing!!

    Nearby is Skail House, built in the 1620's and owned by the Lairds of Breckness. It was the laird who first discovered the Skara Brae settlement on his lands.    En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur

    Lairg

    24 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    After leaving Wick, we drove back down the Scottish coast, with stunning views of the coastal cliffs, ruined castles, pretty villages and flowering yellow gorse and broom for as far you can see.

    We then left the coast and drove through a strath (low u-shaped valley) towards Lairg, which is on Loch Lairg, where we had scones, jam and cream at a cafe on the loch.En savoir plus

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  • Stephen and DebbieGrand Tour of Europe - 2023Voyageur
    River Oykel
    1All of us on the packhorse bridge at Oykel.OykelUllapoolUllapoolUllapool

    The Highlands

    24 mai 2023, Écosse ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    In a country of stunning drives, this morning was another as we made our way through the highlands.

    We made a stop at a packhorse bridge on the River Oykel, which was very pretty. A packhorse bridge is one built wide enough that a horse with packs on either side could cross.

    Our drive though the highlands and UNESCO World Heritage Area continued until we reached the fishing village of Ullapool on Loch Broom (a sea loch), which dates back to the Viking era as a herring fishing area. Not surprisingly, it was a pretty spot as well.    En savoir plus

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