Montag, 5. August 2013

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: An Alpen Schatz European Adventure: Spring 2013


HOLIDAY TIPS AND PICKS:
England / Ireland / Switzerland / Austria / Munich

See all PIX HERE

A Special Castle Hotel
Following my recent trip to Europe, I am posting my memoirs which include great places to visit, restaurants to relish, and amazing accommodations at which I highly recommend staying. My notes are meant to serve both as a guide to those planning a trip and for those who might not have the time or means to travel abroad, but who enjoy living through other's adventures.

Breakfast in Austria
My full Itinerary, was posted before I embarked upon the month long trip to my favourite European countries, including:



England, The Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria, Germany.



For pet lovers, I have been sure to note pet friendly establishments from pubs to castles, in case you choose to travel with your faithful companion. Pet friendly establishments are denoted by a red heart paw print.

Pictures! Be sure to visit my FLICKR account to see a pictorial description of my exciting month long journey across Europe.

To make my Tips and Picks more easy to read, I am dividing my narrative into 4 parts, focusing on specific regions which may be of interest to the reader.

(Click on the links below to visit the posting on this area)



Chester Cathedral

 
PART I ENGLAND:
From Jack the Ripper to Roman Amphitheaters
 LondonOxford / Chester



Ireland's favourite beverage




Part II: IRELAND - GalwayDingle
    


Part III SWITZERLAND - GenevaLake Geneva & Countryside / Gruyères / Appenzell
 
Part IV:  AUSTRIA - Matzen / Rattenberg / Alpbachtal  and  BAVARIA - Munich



Reflection of Schloss Matzen, Austria
 
ALPEN SCHATZ EURO ADVENTURES
Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."

Note that I am always available to assist with your own European Itinerary, from making suggestions to booking your whole trip and/or acting as a personal guide. Countries I namely work with: England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, although I have traveled extensively in Italy, Spain and France as well. EMAIL me should you like more information on what services I can provide or read more about my personalized travel service HERE.

Viel Vergnügen!
Mary Dawn DeBriae
Alpen Schatz & European Travel Adventures

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: SWITZERLAND - GENEVA

 
SPRINGTIME IN SWITZERLAND -
Part I Geneva
  
This post is  part of the SWISS segment of my Travel Picks and Tips from my recent visit to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria in the spring of 2013. 
 
I wish to enlighten and share my recommendations with those who wish to travel to these parts of the world. You won't be disappointed when booking any of my chosen favourites. Guaranteed!

Enjoy the adventure!

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

 
One of the lovely things about Europe is that within an hour or so, one can be in another country, another culture and completely different geographical environment. For example, I flew from the rolling green hills of Ireland to the breathtaking, dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps. The purpose: to meet with the craftsmen who handcraft the products I import for Alpen Schatz and to loose myself in the stunning scenery and their captivating culture.

For this segment of my trip, I flew from Shannon, Ireland into Geneva, located in the French speaking part of Switzerland. I was to meet an old friend of mine who flew out from England to join me for a long weekend exploring Geneva and the magical countryside around Lake Geneva.
 GENEVA
Geneva overlooking the impressive fountain, Jet d'Eau
Geneva is a global city known as a major financial hub and worldwide centre for diplomacy - namely due to being the headquarters for both the United Nations and Red Cross amongst many other organizations. It is actually quite ancient as it was originally founded by Celtic tribes, before being taken over by the Romans and subsequently the Christians after the fall of the Roman Empire. 
 
A city with a rich and colourful past, Geneva is situated at one end of the great Lake Geneva - one of Western Europe's largest lakes, nestled scenically between the French and Swiss Alps.

TRANSPORTATION TIP Geneva Airport :  When planning a visit to Geneva, I highly recommend taking the train from the airport.

A little known fact: One can can pick up a FREE ticket for public transport from the machine in the baggage collection area at the Arrival level. This Unireso ticket, offered by Genève Aéroport, allows you to use public transport in the canton of Geneva free for a period of 80 minutes.

 



ACCOMMODATION TIP Geneva : 
Tor Hôtel 
 

Tor Hotel, downtown Geneva
 For our one night and day of exploring Geneva, I chose a small, family run hotel in the city centre:

Just steps away from the lake, restaurants and shops, one can access just about everything by foot, although the hotel gives its guests a free travel pass to use if needed.
 
The Tor Hotel is in a classical old building, with high ceilings and wooden floors. Our room was relatively quiet, clean and of reasonable size.
Continental Breakfast delivered to room
 They include a lovely continental breakfast delivered to one's room each morning, complete with croissants, fruit, juice and delicious freshly brewed coffee or tea.

With its central location, clean, quaint and quiet rooms, not to mention exceptional rates, the Tor Hotel , had everything to offer for our first night in Switzerland.

TOR HOTEL  Rue Ami-Lévrier 3, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
+41 22 909 88 20 
***
 
DINING TIP Geneva :
IL LAGO Four Seasons "Hotel des Bergues"


Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues
When travelling, I love to combine simplicity with luxury - just to spice-up things up a bit. From what we had saved by staying at the  lovely family run Tor Hotel, we decided to treat ourselves in booking a lavish dinner at one of Geneva's oldest and most prestigious landmarks, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.




With enchanting views of the snow-capped Alps and the blue waters of Lake Geneve, the Hotel des Bergues is indeed one of the most sophisticated and classy hotels Geneva has to offer.
Arrival


We arrived dressed in our finest and were breath taken by the hotel's palatial lobby. It was like being transported into a royal fairytale spanning centuries. Complete with chandeliers, magnificent floral arrangements, and period décor,  the Hotel Des Bergues lives up to its reputation grandly.



Petal infused bath

Before dinner, we were given a brief glimpse of the elegant rooms the hotel offers, in addition to its brand new SPA they were about to launch - indeed it is the very first hotel in Geneva to actually have an on-site SPA!

I was already dreaming of my next visit and this time pampering myself by staying in one of their luxurious guest rooms and relaxing in the Zen of their fabulous looking spa. Next trip, perhaps? Stay tuned...

“I am convinced that what clients are looking for in a dish is the true taste of the product. My job is to enhance it to ensure it is at its best.” Il Lago Chef, Saverio Sbaragli of Florence, Italy



And enhance, Chef Sbaragli, certainly did! We dined that night in the lap of luxury on a 6 course Tasting Menu perfectly paired with boutique wines from France, Switzerland and Italy. There were at least 4 waiters swarming around us throughout the meal, describing in perfect detail the gourmet dishes and wines that kept coming out.

Course after course, from the amusée  of Scallops with glazed Jerusalem artichoke to their signature Lobster Risotto to our main course with a choice of Wild Sea Bass or Glazed Goat Kid (I did not even know a dish out of a baby goat could exist!), we were amazed by the savory creations Chef Sbaragli artistically prepared.

Revisited Black Forest Cake
Indeed, each course was like an exceptional work of art - and tasted just as good as it looked. 

Towards the end of the meal, we were presented with a vast selection of cheeses and chocolates AFTER the scrumptious dessert we were served consisting of Revisited Black Forest cake w cherry sorbet.

In addition, we were greatly impressed by the professional, courteous and knowledgeable waiters who attended to us without flaw.
Santé to a lovely dining experience at IL LAGO
Planning at least one dinner out at Il Lago should be a must for any visit to Geneva. A little on the pricey side, but it is worth every penny and you will not be disappointed.


IL LAGO - Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Quai des Bergues 33, 1201 Genève, Switzerland 
+41 22 908 70 00

***
 CULTURAL TIP:  
MAISON TAVAL

Having only a morning to discover Geneva before continuing on our travels, we decided to soak in the Geneva of yesteryear by paying a visit to Maison Taval, the oldest private residence, built in the late 13th century and named to this day after the Taval family, its original owners.

Maison Taval



Since 1986 this fine historical example of 13th century Swiss civil architecture has become home to Musée d'histoire urbaine et de la vie quotidienne (Museum of Urban History and Daily Life).

The Maison Taval houses a fine collection of engravings, paintings, furniture, maps, models and antiquities and evokes Geneva's past and its inhabitants from the Middle Ages through to the 19th Century.




The tour begins in the top floor attic under 14th century beams, with a rather impressive relief map (the largest in Switzerland) of Geneva in 1850. This map gave us an idea of the core layout of Geneva spanning centuries and a perspective of how Geneva has since expanded.

Relief of Geneva in 1850
It was fascinating learning about how the bourgeois lived in the middle-ages, from their baby cradles imported from Italy through to their elaborately carved water closets - now I know why loo's are sometimes referred to as "thrones"!

Medieval Toilet 
Venetian cradle
One painting that our host took pleasure in showing us, was that of a 18th century mustached lady. He said there was no shame in it to the extent that her portrait was painted by an established painter of the time.
Portrait of a Mustached Lady
MAISON TAVAL Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre 6, 1204 Genève, Switzerland   +41 22 418 37 00

BRASSERIE PICK:  Brasserie de l'Hotel de Ville
 

Situated in the "oldest quarter" of Geneva and just steps away from Maison Taval, the Armory and Geneva's Cathedral, is a cozy café: Brasserie de l'Hotel de Ville.

We popped in for a quick coffee and to soak in the ambiance before our departure from Geneva and our drive to Monteux. The café was full of fine Swiss gentry and businessmen having their lunch.


A simple coffee is presented like a work of art
Even at lunchtime, it had an air of "To see and be seen". The restaurant is known for its fine Swiss cuisine, to include traditional favourites such as Swiss Fondue and Raclette.


Brasserie de l'Hotel de Ville is cratively decorated with period furnishings and  Swiss military memorabilia, from heroic flags to period helmets and caps.

Antique Military Hat collection
Although we did not have time to  indulge in the aromatic dishes that kept coming out of the kitchen, I vowed the next time in Geneva to pop in for lunch in this atmospheric Swiss restaurant.


Brasserie de l'Hotel de Ville  39, Grand rue, Geneva CH-1204


Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:
 

Also see ENGLAND:  London, OxfordChester / IRELAND GalwayDingle
AUSTRIA: Tyrolean Alpbachtal 
& BAVARIA 
 
Check out all pictures of my trip on

 


 
ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut
 
  ABOUT
EUROPEAN TIPS AND PICKS 
 
Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."
 
Enjoy your visit to Switzerland and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help and recommend as and when I can!

Read a little bit more about me and my travel style HERE

Enjoy the adventure!
 
Mary Dawn DeBriae
 
European Tips and Picks
Alpen Schatz Style
 
 
 

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: SWITZERLAND - LAKE GENEVA & COUNTRYSIDE

 
SPRINGTIME IN SWITZERLAND: Part II Lake Geneva

  
This post is part of the SWISS segment of my Travel Picks and Tips from my recent visit to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria in the spring of 2013.  

Enjoy the adventure!

Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:

OUT AND ABOUT AROUND LAKE GENEVA  
Montreux

That afternoon, we drove  from the City of Geneva down the north side of Lake Geneva to discover Montreux.
Heart of the Swiss Riviera
Nestled picturesquely onto a peninsula reaching out into Lake Geneva, Montreux is considered the "heart" of the Swiss Riviera.
Because of the exceptionally mild climate, plants associated with the Mediterranean, such as pines, cypresses and palm trees flourish here.
 
Homage to the late Freddy Mercury
At the foothills of the Swiss Alps with vineyards rising all around,  Montreux exudes sophisticated relaxation that has attracted celebrities such as Freddie Mercury, Charlie Chaplin, Victor Hugo, Gandhi and other famous people of world-renown who have and continue to live here in this secluded serene sanctuary.

We walked a short way along the vibrant flower-bordered lake promenade which links Vevey and Montreux going all the way to the Castle of Chillon.

Cultural events, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, as well as countless excursion options to the surrounding vinyards and the mountainous hinterland as well as boating trips on the lake make Montreux a sought out  excursion and holiday destination.


Tulips abound in the spring
I admired the many colourful flowers and houses along the lakeside road, including the magnificent Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, which dates from the heyday of the Belle Epoque.  

Montreux can be reached easily by car or train from Geneva and is well worth a visit whether for a relaxing Sunday afternoon outing or a week of calming relaxation amongst beautiful scenery and the quality of life it offers.

MONTREUX Canton Vaud, CH
 
OUT AND ABOUT AROUND LAKE GENEVA  
Château de Chillon
A short drive or train ride from Montreux is probably one of the most picturesque, preserved Castles I have ever visited over my 25 years of exploring Europe: Château de Chillon.


Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop separated from the shore by a natural moat, Chillon lorded over the two major Western European trade routes passing between Lake Geneva and the steeply rising Alps since the 11th Century.

Prior to the Castle being built, the same strategic location goes back to being fortified settlements as far back as Bronze Age settlers through to the Romans.
 


Gustave Courbet - Le château de Chillon
The romantic, dreamy beauty of Chillon rising majestically over Lake Geneva with the Alps as its backdrop has inspired artists and writers for centuries, to include Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Lord Byron, Delacroix and Courbet.
 
Eugène Delacroix, The Prisoner of Chillon -
inspired after the poem by Lord Byron

Old wooden trunk

Each room of the castle houses
beautifully preserved works of art, furniture and architecture going back through the centuries and tell the tales from three major periods of Swiss culture and history: the Savoy period (12th century to 1536), the Bernese period (1536-1798) and the Vaudois period (1798 to present).

Some of the treasures which can be seen at Chillon:
 
Period wall art

The Armory



The kitchen - what an oven!
The castle "loo"

Once the Castle Prison is now a Wine Cellar -
for wines currently produced from
the surrounding Vineyards
Being a wine aficionado myself, I was delighted to find out that Chillon Castle produces its own Grand Cru wine called Clos de Chillon. It is a white Vaud wine "Lavaux AOC" made from Chasselas grapes that are grown by the castle walls. 

By pure chance, they were holding a regional Wine Festival that afternoon/evening at Chillon and I got to meet the Wine makers and be serenaded by traditional Swiss Alpenhorns. It was truly a magical moment that could not have been planned. Aaaah the beauty of travel!

 
Part of a Wine Festival being celebrated at the Castle -
serenaded by Alpenhorns and meeting the Master of Ceremonies
Château de Chillon - Avenue de Chillon 21,  Veytaux, Tel. +41 21 966 89 10  
 

SWISS COUNTRYSIDE NEAR LAKE GENEVA  
Château de Bovert
 
La Forclaz
Following an exciting day's exploration of Montreux and Chillon, we met up with one of my Swiss Craftsmen who had invited us to stay at his "holiday" Château near the tiny Alpine village of Forclaz -  off of the high mountain pass Col de la Forclaz.
 
 
It turns out that his "cottage" was built many centuries ago and was once a classic Swiss farmhouse/barn combination.
Château de Bovert
Herr Bovert and his wife have lovingly restored the ruin they had purchases and made it into a comfortable Alpine holiday home.
 
Warming fireplace - the center of the Chalet
Their  Château was completely off the grid, powered by solar energy with a septic tank and well water to boot. It was decorated in Swiss Alpine country antiques and felt truly like Heidi's grandfather's home from the famous Alpine fable.
 
Antique grape gathering basket from 
the vineyards -
worn on the back like a back pack
Antique Swiss
Milking Stool

Antique Swiss Treicheln next to
Herr Bovert's summiting
of the Matterhorn
That evening we dined by candlelight Swiss farmhouse style on mouthwatering Spargel (Asparagus) with hollandaise sauce, country cured hams, fresh baguettes and local wines.
Swiss Country-style Dinner


After dinner, Herr Bovert broke out his Apenhorn, which we all took turns playing on his patio overlooking the misty valley below. I must say, I quite enjoyed playing it, having been a classically trained trombonist in my youth - it was not much different! 
 
Playing the Alpenhorn
The Alpenhorn echoed over the misty Valley below the chalet - Alpenhorns were after all invented to communicate between remote Alpine valleys when there were no church bells to ring. The whole experience was magical.
View from the Château
All good things must come to an end...as was our fairytale stay in this beautiful remote Swiss Château.

Belle with her owner
When we were finally leaving Forclaz, we encountered a REAL working Bernese Mountain Dog with her Swiss farmer owner. Her name was Belle and she was such a love!

Katharine making friends with "Belle"



Other posts from the SWISS segment of my trip:
 
Also see ENGLAND:  London, OxfordChester / IRELAND GalwayDingle

AUSTRIA: Tyrolean Alpbachtal
 & BAVARIA 

 

Check out all pictures of my trip on

 
ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut
 
  EUROPEAN TIPS AND PICKS 
 
Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."
 
I wish to enlighten and share my recommendations with those who wish to travel to the parts of the world on which I write.

Enjoy your visit to Switzerland and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe!

After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help and recommend as and when I can!
 
You won't be disappointed when booking any of my chosen favourites. Guaranteed!

Read a little bit more about me and my travel style HERE

Enjoy the adventure!
 
Mary Dawn DeBriae
 
European Tips and Picks
Alpen Schatz Style
 
 
 
 
Also see ENGLAND / IRELAND / AUSTRIA
Spring Euro Trip 2013