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Japan, UK & Europe 2026
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  • The Shifting Spanners

Japan, UK & Europe 2026

A 90-day adventure by The Shifting Spanners. Read more
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  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
    11

    Rhine Valley - Amsterdam

    September 17 in the Netherlands 🌧 16 °C

    First up today was a cruise on the Rhine River at Boppard. We had actually cruised past here in 2019 on our Riverboat cruise so very familiar.

    Did some beautiful wine tastings before grabbing lunch and some shopping and headed off to Amsterdam for 2 nights.

    The inluded canal cruise was great to start off our Amsterdam stay. Having previously visited Amsterdam, we skipped the usual attractions we've seen before and headed to the Jordaan and Nine Streets districts...full of canals, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

    We then headed by train out of town to Haarlem and explored the beautiful canals, windmills etc.

    We said our goodbyes at our last group dinner before hopping on the bus for the last trip back to our hotel. Our flight back to Venice is not until 3 pm tomorrow, so very glad to have a sleep in before we go.

    It's been a great 18 day tour. We ticked off a large part of Europe that we haven't seen before and made some great friends. We're very much looking forward to Venice for 4 days, followed by our 10 day Mediterranean cruise    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
    Our AirBnB entranceNarrowest streetOur AirBnB directly above the Gondola1

    Venice

    September 19 in Italy ☀️ 26 °C

    We've had a great few days back in Venice. Stayed four nights in an AirBnB just a few minutes from San Marco Square. The host met us at the nearest dock which was only a short walk to the apartment. As per usual, we'd booked an apartment with laundry facilities so we were able to wash and dry all our dirty clothes from our Europe tour.

    We enjoyed a trip to Murano and Burano which we missed on our tour visit. Particularly liked Burano with all the brightly coloured houses and market stalls...very picturesque.

    We ate at the same restaurant all four nights as we loved the pasta and they didn't charge table service like most.

    Visiting Venice requires a LOT of walking, and we clocked up 15000 - 20000 steps most days. It's great just to wander the back alleys of Venice...its amazing some of the architecture, restaurants, wine bars, and shops you find.

    Venice is just a feast for the eyes. We commented several times that our brains couldn't quite comprehend what our eyes were seeing...just beautiful.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners

    Trieste

    September 23 in Italy ⛅ 19 °C

    We were a tad nervous about travelling from our AirBnB apartment in Venice to our cruise port in Trieste. We'd done all the planning, but the consequences of something going wrong were pretty dire considering we had a cruise to catch. Thankfully it all went according to plan...Vaporetto (Water bus) from our nearest dock to San Lucia train Station (Venice) via tap on Wise card, then a two hour direct train to Trieste Centrale (tickets purchased online), followed by a 1km walk with suitcases to the port where our beautiful Holland America Oosterdam was waiting for us.

    Embarkation was very easy...they had luggage tags for us and we were onboard in half an hour or so.

    Very much looking forward to our 10 day Adriatic cruise...    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners

    Rijeka

    September 24 in Croatia ⛅ 14 °C

    Our first night onboard was fantastic. We have the drinks package for this cruise, which allows up to 15 drinks, specialty coffees and cocktails per person per day....should be plenty for us lol.

    We found a few very nice bars and sampled quite a few cocktails before viewing the sail away from the Captains deck...very nice.

    We had pre booked dinner at 7.30 pm each night at the same table for 2 and the same waiters throughout the cruise. This restaurant is swish! Beautiful food and wines, pianist and violinist playing most nights...we could get very used to this.

    Our first port of call was the beautiful town of Rijeka, Croatia. The breakwater jetty here (Molo Longo) is nearly 2km long so was a good walk into town. We wandered around the Old Town of Rijeka exploring the Cathedral of St. Vitus, Kobler Square, City Market and TunelRi...the 330m tunnel built by the Italian military at the beginning of WW2.

    Back on board for a late lunch and a nap before sail away at 3.30 pm.

    Another beautiful dinner at our table, before we enjoyed a Broadway show at the ship's theatre...very talented singers and dancers.

    Found a great nightclub where we enjoyed a live band till late.

    Luckily, the weather is great and the oceans are very calm...we can barely feel any movement.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Split

    September 25 in Croatia ☀️ 14 °C

    Had a bit of a sleep in this morning, due in part to a late night at the Rolling Stone Lounge last night.

    We've arrived at our first two ports at 7 am each morning, and we haven't felt a thing...no movement at all.

    A beautiful vista awaited us as we walked into Split, Croatia. We went straight to the Diocletian Palace built in the third century AD as the Emperor's retirement residence. Wandered through the huge fortress complex full of ruins, alleys, restaurants, and shops.

    Found the underground cellars from the Peristyle where Game of Thrones filmed their dragons being kept...apparently.

    The Riva (esplanade) is beautiful here in Split...we lingered along the Riva and people watched for a while before venturing onboard for lunch and another afternoon nap.

    Sail away was 3.30 pm again (although we didn't feel it) and we chose the Ocean Bar for a few Daiquiris before dinner at our usual table...again, beautiful.

    We have our first sea day tomorrow as we sail to Santorini...very much looking forward to our tour we've booked here.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Santorini

    September 27 in Greece 🌧 20 °C

    Wowee!

    We awoke already moored off Santorini, and what a beautiful sight it was. We had booked a HAL tour of Santorini so after gathering onboard, were ushered onto tenders which took us to shore and straight onto our bus. A quick windy climb to the top of the cliffs and we were off to Akrotiri to check out the ancient Aegean ruins. Often called the "Greek Pompeii" these ruins represent about 5% of the city buried beneath the volcanic ash of nearby Thera volcano approx 1620 BC.

    After Akrotiri, we drove to Oia the most famous and beautiful city in Santorini. We had a couple of hours free time here...very, very beautiful.

    Off to Fira the bustling capital of Santorini where, after a bit of free time, we decided to catch the cable car back down the cliffs to the waiting tenders which took us back to our ship.

    After a quick shower, we enjoyed a couple of cocktails as we watched Santorini slowly disappear as we cruised off...a perfect ending to a great day!    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners

    Bodrum

    September 28 in Turkey ☀️ 19 °C

    Again we awoke in a new port and a new country, this time Bodrum, Turkey.

    After a quick brekky, we walked into town and were presented with a beautiful promenade which stretches 2 km along the harbour to the Castle of St. Peter. Beautiful beach settings with umbrellas and tables made way for waterside restaurants, bistros and a large bazaar full of clothes, jewellery, and other shops.

    A lot of very expensive boats and yachts in the harbour with plenty offering day trips.

    Made our way back to our ship for a late lunch and nap before enjoying some cocktails for sailaway.

    We'll have to have an early night tonight as we have a 7.30 am tour of Ephesus booked in the morning...    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Ephesus

    September 29 in Turkey 🌙 13 °C

    Marg woke up a bit under the weather today, so decided to stay onboard whilst I went on the Ephesus tour.

    Ephesus ancient city is a 30 minute bus ride from the Port town of Kusadasi. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable as he walked us through the ruins, from the Terrace Houses, the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Great ruins and interesting that we are still permitted to walk through them and in most cases, touch them.

    Finished the tour with a Turkish rug weaving demonstration and the opportunity to purchase of course. Some of these ornate silk rugs take 4 years to make, so the 6 figure price tag is quite understandable. Needless to say, there will be no Turkish rugs being delivered home anytime soon...    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
    Cihat, our private driver
    Cihat, our private driver1Nusretiye MosqueOrtakoy MosqueGalata TowerGalata TowerBalat Antik CafeChora ChurchChora ChurchImperial Gate, entrance to Topkapi PalaceHagia Irene ChurchGate of Salutation, Topkapi PalaceBlue MosqueBlue MosqueBlue MosqueBlue Mosque2Blue Mosque

    Istanbul

    September 30 in Turkey 🌬 20 °C

    We spent 2 days in the very large city of Istanbul. Did a 2 hour HAL tour on the first afternoon which amounted to a bus ride offering very little value.

    We had booked a private all day tour the next day with a local driver who was highly recommend by someone on our Europe tour, and turned out to be fantastic. He picked us up in a nice Mercedes van from the cruise port and we hit up all the spots we could until he dropped us back to port at 5 pm.

    We visited Nusretiye Mosque, Ortakoy Mosque, Galata Tower and square, Balat historic quarter, Chora Church, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Harasta Carsisi Bazaar. We only entered the free of charge Blue Mosque as the others were very expensive, or closed due to prayer time. Nevertheless, we had a great day and the private tour was the best $150 we ever spent!

    This cruise has been fantastic...probably on par with the Viking Europe river cruise in 2019. The itinerary has been great, and the food, service, quality overall top notch. We will definately be booking Holland America cruises in the future.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
    Parthenon
    ParthenonChanging of the guardChurch of Panagia KapnikareaHadrian's LibraryStoa of Attalos1AcropolisAcropolisOdeon of Herodes AtticusOdeon of Herodes AtticusParthenonErechtheumParthenonErechtheumErechtheumParthenonParthenonParthenonView from AcropolisPanathenaic StadiumPanathenaic StadiumPanathenaic StadiumPanathenaic StadiumThrones at Panathenaic StadiumPanathenaic StadiumPanathenaic Stadium tunnel to museumTemple of Olympian ZeusAcropolisMetropolitan Cathedral of AthensPlaka

    Athens

    October 3 in Greece 🌙 17 °C

    Well, despite our best efforts, we both picked up colds from the cruise. Had a rest day in Athens before we ventured too far...our AirBnB was very well positioned in an upmarket area full of designer shops etc, and only 5 minute walk to Syntagma Square.

    Very busy city is Athens...lots of police and army around our area due to its proximity to the Hellenic Parliament where we were lucky enough to observe the changing of the guard ceremony.

    Loved the Acropolis, & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Panathenaic Stadium, and strolling around Monastiraki, Plaka and Athens National Gardens. All these were within a 20 minute walk from our apartment so there was no need to catch trains or buses which was great.

    Onwards to Chania, Crete for 12 days now...hopefully this beautiful weather holds.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Chania

    October 7 in Greece ☀️ 22 °C

    We've had a very relaxing 11 days in Chania, Crete. We decided not to rent a car here...after speaking with some fellow travellers, we decided to just hang around Chania and relax before heading home.

    We stayed in an AirBnB apartment right on the edge of the Old Town and boy was it great. Air conditioned, washer/drier, balcony overlooking the alleys below...just beautiful. We spent many an evening enjoying a wine and nibbles on that balcony.

    The old port is beautiful with the surrounding promenade full of bars and restaurants. We quickly found our favourite bar which we frequented for arvo drinks most days before heading to dinner at one of the many restaurants.

    Had several walks to the lighthouse, Nea Chora Beach and up to the new town where we sampled the beautiful spinach pies (spanakopita)...yummo.

    We had a decent storm whilst we were here, and enjoyed watching the waves broach the harbour and flood the promenade dining areas.

    It's getting close to the end of the tourist season in Chania...the locals told us that the crowds were down although there seemed plenty of people around to us.

    Chania has been one of our favourite places on our trip...just beautiful, and very friendly, kind people. We'd love to return one day...    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners

    Helsinki

    October 18 in Finland ☁️ 8 °C

    An easy 4 hour flight from Chania to Helsinki today. Just staying overnight before we embark on our return flight to Osaka tomorrow. Again, we're looking forward to the Business class seats and lounge.

    After landing in Osaka, we then fly to Tokyo where we'll spend 5 nights....a very big travel day!    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Tokyo

    October 20 in Japan ☁️ 23 °C

    After a big couple of travel days, we finally arrived in our Tokyo apartment at about 8 pm. Jet-lag has hit us for the first time...we've both found it difficult to sleep at night.

    After a couple of big sleep-ins, we walked across the Sumida River to Asakusa where we checked out Nakamise Shopping Street and Senso-ji Temple.

    The following day saw us negotiating the Tokyo Metro to explore the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower (inspired by the Eiffel Tower).

    We had planned on a full day tour to Mt. Fuji but the weather turned bad so we decided against it.

    We spent Marg's birthday at the top of Tokyo Skytree...amazing views from level 450! Had a great birthday dinner at the restaurant at the Asahi Headquarters...quite a few Asahi Super Dry Extra Cold beers were enjoyed too.

    Well that brings a close to our 3 month sojourn...hard to believe that after all that planning over several years, it's come to an end. It has been the trip of a lifetime!

    We fly out of Tokyo to Cairns on Jetstar Business class...hopefully we get a couple of hours sleep on the way...    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersJapan, UK & Europe 2026The Shifting Spanners
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    Home

    October 26 in Australia ☁️ 18 °C

    We made it! A nice 7 hour flight from Tokyo (Narita) to Cairns. We splurged on Jetstar Business class for this one, and we were quite impressed. The seats are a lot bigger and recline further than economy, and the food and service was actually great....definately worth the price.

    Great to be home.    Read more

    Trip end
    October 26, 2026