• Gary Wholagan
  • Terese Bickley
  • Gary Wholagan
  • Terese Bickley

Europe & the UK 2026

A 38-day adventure by Gary & Terese Read more
  • Trip start
    May 3, 2026

    Welcome to the Netherlands

    April 30 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Recieved a lovely welcome upon arrival in Amsterdam. Met by Terese's cousins Rob, Yvonne, Peter, Lidewij and Karoline. Staying intially at Rob & Yvonne's home. After a few drinks & a lovely meal we had an early night as we were very tired. Next day we met Rob & Yvonne's daughters Janneke & Farah, also Farah's partner Stephanie who joined us for lunch. Later in the afternoon visited Terese's Tante (aunt) Joke and her husband RobertRead more

  • Franeker

    May 2 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Travelled to the Friesland city of Franeker, where the Eise Eisinga Plantetarium is located. Constructed between 1774 & 1781 it is an accurate depiction of how the solar system works. Built into his living room ceiling was a remarkable achievement considering his education and the science available at the time.Read more

  • Hindeloopen

    May 2 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Hindeloopen is city in the north of the Netherlands. Situated on the banks of IJsselmeer a large freshwater lake now cut off from the sea. Since the 13th century ships captains sailed to North Sea and Baltic coasts. Famous for its Hindloopen art & culture. In the church cemetery are several common wealth war graves. Including one member of the Royal Australian Air Force.Read more

  • Kasteel de haar

    May 3 in the Netherlands ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Kasteel de haar is the largest castle in Netherlands. Situated just iutside the city of Utrecht. A castle has been located on this site since 1391. In 1890 Baron Etienne van Zuylen inherited the castle from his grandfather. Married to Baroness Helene de Rothschild ( member of the Rothschild family ) they set about restoring the castle. The family passed the ownership of the castle to the Kasteel de haar foundation with the family retaining the right to spend one month per year in the castle.Read more

  • Leiden

    May 4 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Leiden is a city in northern Netherlands dating from the middle ages. The river Oude flows through the city. Known for its canal & museums as well a university city. Terese's mother lived in Leiden from a young age until the family moved in the early 1950's. Photos of Terese & her cousins outside the house where their mothers grew up.Read more

  • Amersfoort

    May 5 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Amersfoort is a city in the Netherlands for over 750 years. Amersfoort is famous for its Muurhuizen ( wall house ) When the city needed to expand in the 1300's the original wall was pulled down and a new one built. The materials from the old wall were used to build new house on the line of the first wall.Read more

  • Utrecht

    May 6 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Originally the site of a Roman Fortress ( circa 50 AD ) Utrecht has been an important city in the history of the Netherlands. The city skyline is dominated by "The Dom " the tallest Church Tower in the Netherlands at 112 metres. It is a very picturesque city with its medieval buildings and canals.Read more

  • 'S-Hertogenbosch

    May 8 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Visited the city of 'S-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch). St John's Cathedral is the largest Cathedral in the Netherlands. The city was also the home of the 15th century artist Heironymous Bosch. Famed for his tryptych "Garden of Earthly Delights"Read more

  • Kinderdijk

    May 9 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Well you can't visit the Netherlands and not see some windmills. A very interesting walk along the canal with a typical Dutch landscape to view. The windmills we built about 1740 to drain land for farming. Later also visited Ijsselstein a lovely village with traditional flour windmill still working.Read more

  • Paleis Het Loo

    May 10 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Paleis Het Loo was the residence of the Dutch Royal family from the late 17th century until 1975. During the 2nd World War, with the Netherlands occupied by Germany and Queen Wilhelmina in exile it was used as a convalescence hospital for german soldiers.Read more

  • Amsterdam

    May 12 in the Netherlands ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Very nice day in Amsterdam. Visited the Royal Palace Amsterdam. Central train station. An evening dinner cruise on the canals. Met our fellow tour members, seems like a fun group. A mix of nationalities including some aussies.Read more

  • The Rhineland

    May 13 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    An early start with a visit to Cathedral of Cologne. Germany's most visited landmark it is known for its 157 metre high twin spies and as the shrine of the three magi. Containing relics of tthe three wise men. After lunch it was onto Boppard and a cruise up the Rhine. Passing Bornhofen, Bad Salzig, Kestert, Hirzenach before finishing in St Goar.Read more

  • Colmar

    May 14 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Very pleasant drive through the French Alsace wine region. Due to major traffick disruption on the main motor ways the coach diverted through several very small, but pretty towns. Before arriving in Colmar. Where we took a break for lunch and a look around. Then travelled on through Basel and on into LucerneRead more

  • Lucerne

    May 15 in Switzerland ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Lucerne is a wonderful city. With its medieval old town , Lake Lucerne and snow capped mountains. Took the cable car up to the top of Mt Pilatus, Unfortunately the cog train was not running because of snow. It was snowing when we got up there and visibility low due to cloud but was still great. After the mountain a cruise around Lake Lucerne. Some free time to shop and do as we pleased. It very expensive though.Read more

  • Innsbruck

    May 16 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Travelled from Lucerne across the Swiss Alps through the Arlberg Tunnel into Austria. The Arlberg Tunnel is 14klm long. Had a farm house lunch before going down to the city. Walk around town before a traditional Tyrol dinner, with folk dancing and singing.Read more

  • Venice

    May 17–19 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    A couple of busy days in Venice. Water taxis through the Grand Canal & travelled by gondola around other canals.Stayed in a quaint little hotel on the Island of Lido, Visited the Murano Glass factory ( no photos allowed) Very beautiful glassware but very very expensive. (did not buy any).
    Walked around the lane ways & alley ways. Railton Bridge, San Marco square. Venice is an extremely busy place, with thousands upon thousands of tourists. (including us 😁) Lovely dinner on Banaro Island with its very colourful houses.
    Read more

  • Rome

    May 19–21 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Rome is an amazing city to visit. The history and the buildings are spectacular. St Peter's Basilica, St Peter's Square where the Pope gave an audience. The Pantheon , Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps and Castel Sant Angelo. The Colosseum is a highlightRead more

  • Capri

    May 21 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Ferry boat ride to the Island of Capri. Very picturesque coast line. Trip on the Finicular railway which is a type counter balance train. Takes you from the marina upto Umberto Square.
    Had a nice lunch , had to finish of course with Limoncello SpritzRead more

  • Sorrento & Positano

    May 21 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    After half hour ferry trip from the Isle of Capri across to Sorrento. A Mini bus ride from the Port of Sorrento to Positano and back. Lovely sunset over the Bay of Naples. Must say the Italian motorists are absolutely crazy and the motorcyclists even crazierRead more

  • Pompeii

    May 22 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Interesting walk through the ruins of Pompeii. Hard to believe it was buried under 60 feet of ash. Then 2000 years later walking the streets the Romans walked going about their daily life

  • Florence

    May 22–24 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Two night stay in Florence. Situated on the river Arno in Tuscany. Took a walk to Piazza di Santa Croce. On the piazza is the Basilica Santa Croce, Galileo Galilei & Michaelangelo are interred within the Basilica. Statue of Galileo Galilei by Dante stands outside. In the evening travelled into the Tuscan hills for a lovely dinner.Read more

  • Pisa

    May 24 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Early morning drive to Pisa, took photos of tower etc then left. Did not buy the T shirt 🤣

  • Nice

    May 24 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    From Pisa travelled through 162 tunnels to reach France. Unfortunately trapped in one tunnel, behind a livestock transport truck for over two hours due an accident up ahead. Quick diversion to Monaco to see how the rich & famous live. Difficult to get around as preparations for the Grand Prix in progress. A couple days on Cote d'Azur were nice.Read more